New-York tribune., 1900-12-09
THE CHASE AFTER DE WET.
A STIRRING EPISODE OF THE SOUTH
AFRICAN WAR.
copyright: 1900: BY The New-York Tribune j
IBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l


London, Dec. g. a m.-The fox chase has
gone on in the worst possible weather. with
drenching rains and swollen rivers. De Wet,
having failed in a second attempt to force the
passage Of the Orange River, doubled back
northeast a third zigzag, with Knox's troops
in hot pursuit. He was not overtaken at RouX-
vile, and apparently heading for Wepener
over the road taken by Olivier in his retreat
from Alwal North last spring. But there was
a chance that he might turn about a fresh
zigzag and strike for Herschel on the way to
Barkly East The fox was still running when
General Kitchener's bulletin sent out yes
terday morning. but was hard pressed all
sides and well nigh caught. Military were
convinced last night that General Kitchener
had not neglected 10 send a strong column to
Wepener from Dewetsdorp, and If this had been
done they could not perceive how the great
raider could escape His abandonment of horses
and carts they considered a sign that he was
harried nearly TO death. and they confidently
predicted news Of his capture any hour. The
British mounted forces are riding never be-
fore during a campaign. one secret Of their re-
markable mobility is explained by military men
as the adoption of Boer tactics. The British
columns are moving light, and have horses to
spare for renounts. The accounts o' their
derful marching have revived interest in the
campaign.
story which has been in circulation in the
clubs for several weeks has finally got into
print II will probably be denied. The sub
stance of it is that General suiler, after the
battle OF CoIenso. photographed TO General
White that he could not relieve Ladysmith and
either advised ordered him 10 blow up the
military stores, abandon the post and fight his
way through 10 the Tugela. This story, which
is based upon statements made by Englshmen
in Ladysmith during the siege. is clearly de-
signed to injure Butler. The inherent proba-
bilities strongly against its accuracy. Bull
Ter and White and their confidential staff officers
employed in the heliograph service are the only
men who can give the text Of any message Of
this kind, and no confidence can be placed in
hearsay versions or camp rumors at Ladysmith.
The reception Of the Canadian contingent at
the Imperial Institute last eYening was notable
affair. over thousand invitations had been
issued. and the great hall and adjoining gal
leries were thronged with Canadian residents Of
London, who had longed for an opportunity TO
welcome and honor the heroes of Paardeberg
Lord and Lady Strathcona received their guests
at the head OF the great staircase. and the Cana
dian soldiers had a foretaste among their
people Of the welcome which awaits them across
the Atlantic. Among the visitors were Lady
circle was formed before the close of the recep-
ton and a series Of hearty speeches de-
livered. Lord Strathcona undertook To express
the satisfaction and pride felt by Canadians in
England over the gallantry of Colonel Otter's
men during the campaign and the wonderful
reception which had been rendered to them since
their arrival in London. Lord Aberdeen fol-
lowed him with sentences ringing with apprecia-
ton OF the good work done by the Queens loyal
and devoted Canadian soldiers and singled out
Lord Strathcona's conduct in equipping az his
own expense large body of mounted men as
one Of the notable events Of the war Colonel
Otter made a manly and soldierly reply be-
half Of the Canadian regiment. and Lord Strath-
ccna, after reading a dispatch of godspeed from
Mr.. Chamberlain, who had been detained by a
Cabinet meeting, proposed three cheers for the
regiment These were given heartily. but Colo
mel Otter at once proved what discipline could
DO by calling upon his men TO cheer for Lord
Strathcona and Canada. Cheers followed like
volleys Of musketry with tiger" like lyddite
shell at the end. !. ". +.