Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-01-25

London, Jan. 21.-The war office
shortly after midnight posted the fol-
lowing dispatch from Gen. Butler,
dated Spearman's camp, Jan. 90
Gen. Clery, with a part Of Gen.
Warrens force, has been in action
from 6 a. N. to p. N. today. By jul
dcious use OF artillery he has fought
his way up, capturing ridge after
ridge, for about three miles. Troops
are now bivoucacking on ground
gained, but the main position is still
IN front Of them. The casualties are
not heavy. About one band with
wounded has been brought in by $50
p. N. The number killed has not yet
been ascertained.'
Battle Not Decided.
London, Jan. 21.-It is evident from
Gen. Buffers dispatch to the war office
and advices to the Associated Press
from Spearman's camp, that a big bat
tie is now being fought. So far as can
be gathered from these dispatches, the
result remains undecided, unless the
beers withdraw during the night. The
engagement, on which hangs the fate
Of Ladysmith, and which may prove to
be the turning point of the whole war,
may be resumed this morning.
Much Desultory Firing.
Spearman's camp, Jan. 21.-(Even
ing)-The boer trenches were shelled
continuously yesterday. General Lyt-
tleton's brigade advanced and occu-
pied kopje 1000 yards from the
boer position at Brakfontein. A COM
pany of rifles advanced with a balloon
into action and were received with a
heavy fire. Artillery and musketry
fire continues from General Warren's
position. Lord Dundonald's force
Thursday surprised $50 beers. The
British, who were posted on the kopje,
allowed the beers to advance leisurely
before opening fire. The beers did
not reply and the majority of them
galloped off. 1t is reported the re-
mainder surrendered.
Buffers Guns Plainly Heard.
Ladysmith, Jan. 21.-Via Spearman's
camp.-The enemy have placed in posi-
ton new guns throwing S-inch shells
and have been bombard1ng more vigor-
ously for the last few days, though lit
tie damage has been done. Three of
the British force have been wounded.
The troops are jubilant over Gen. Bull
ler's successful advance. His guns can
be heard distinctly and the bursting of
shells can be plainly seen.
Macrum Reaches Rome.
London, Jan. 21-A special dispatch
from Rome says Mr.. Macrum, former
United States minister to Pretoria,
who arrived here Saturday, denies
that he left owing to a disagreement
with President Kruger and State Sec
rotary Reitz. He says he has letter
from President Kruger to President
Mckinley and also a message to Pres
ident Loubet but no mission beyond
delivering them. Regarding the war,
Nacrum said that while he believed
the British would ultimately be sue
cessful it would take a long time to
convince the republics they must sub
nit He said they had ample stores
anu MUNITIONS duu IudC LuSl6 Wdo Luc
greatest enthusiasm in Pretoria for
the war. The plans have been laid for
a long struggle.
Distinguished Party Off.
Southampton, Jan. 21.-The trans
port Kinfauns Castle, with the duke of
Marlborough, Rudyard Kipling, Baron
ess Burdett-Coutts, Admiral Frederick
A. Maxse and many army officers on
board, bound for south Africa, sailed
Saturday.
Second Canadian Contingent Off.
Halifax, jan 21.-A wildly enthusi-
astic crowd, estimated to number
SO, 900 people, babe goodbye to the Sec
ond Canadian contingent which en-
barked Saturday for south Africa on
the Allan liner Laurentian. The Sec
ton comprised 20 officers, 321 men, 4
nurses, II guns and 348 horses.
CROP ACREAGE AND VALUES.