The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-02-28

Voo VINO are left may purpose to
maintain the siege and to resist Gen
Butler within contracted linee, al
though the impression at Gen Buller's
headquarters is that the Beers are
merely covering q retreat
The editorials in the morning pa.
pers complain. more or less vigorous
~, of the ipsufficiency of the govern.
ment's naval proposals, especially in
view of the immense naval efforts of
Germany and other powers
London, Feb %, 210 D NV
cry hour is expected 10 bring news
OF Gen Cronje's surrender On all
sides wonder is expressed that the
gallant yet ghastly battle at Paarde.
berg drift has not yet ended in what
IS considered to be the inevitable
With so guns bearing upon the de.
voted band within the terribly short
range of 1900 yards. surrender or
utter annihilation can be the only
result, unless all reports of the
strength Of the Boer reinforcements
are wrong. The critics canvass every
untoward contingency that can affect
Field Marshal Roberts and can see
nothing that can save Gen Cronie
from the terrible vice in which he has
been caught Even an Unexpectedly
strong attack on Lord Roberts com
munication could scarcely materially
affect the result according to these
experts
The severe losses incurred by Gen
Kelly Kenny Sunday have produced
some adverse criticism. but it is point
ed out that had he fought less furi
ously be would have given the Beers
the opportunity to entrench them.
selves aud perhaps further fight to a
more advantageous position
"Gen Buller's progress towards
Ladysmith is 80 slow that it scarcely
appeals to public interest Gen
White appears to be still full of fight
and to be endeavoring to assist Gen
Butler by q vigorous bombardment.
Advices received at Cape Town
yesterday said it was reported the
British were gradually driving the
Beers out OF, northern Cape Colony
and that many of the burghers had
recrossed the Orange river.
REPORTS FROM TIE BOERS.
Pretoria, Wednesday. Feb 2l.-
The following official wsr bulletin has
been issued here:
"A report was received this morn.
ind Of cannon firing weot of Coles
berg
"At Petersburg cannon firing
commenced at 6 10 the morning. A
big fight was expected today
"Dewet telegraphed yesterday
from Petersburg that all was quiet.
except several cannon shots and small
skirmishes Yesterday evening the
British stormed the federal positions
as far as Scauser, but were driven
back.
"A message for Cronje is to the
effect that bis loss yesterday was IA
dead aud wounded
Dewet's loss was nil. Command
ant Fronoman reports that from Feb
Is to Feb &c he was almost sur.
rounded by the British at the M odder
river.
"On Sunday there was q heavy
fight The British prepared to lay
seige to the Boer lssger. with fight
ing general We were surrounded
by $500 British five miles from the
chief lager. At night we cut our
way through with the loss of seven
dead and Is wounded The loss of
the British was heavy. Yesterday
we cut our way through to reach
Dewet, who was in the neighbor
hood. Fifty three prisoners formerly
taken have been forwarded
"lt is reported that the British
we're continually attacking Koodoors.
rand yesterday with infantry and
Lsncers, but that they were driven
back