The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1900-04-13
THE WAR IN
SOUTH AFRICA
Beers Vigorously Attack British
at Wepener--Losses Heavy.

on General Brabant'S force ct Wepener
was resumed again ut dawn today. The
enemy's attack on two or three sides on
Monday lasted until 2:3O o'clock in tho
afternoon, when the firing ceased, and
it was believed that the enemy had been
beaten off, but it was announced this
morning from Aliwalnorth that the
fighting had again begun.
General Brabant's force, numbering
from 2,OG0 to 5000, hold positions i'll Il
rough country. 1t is not known what
the numerical strength of the Beers is,
but whatever it1nay be, it is being rap
idly augmented. y body OF 1000 Beers
is marching toward Springfuntcn from
Smithfield, between Wepcncr and
Springfontein. The dctOnation OF heavy
guns was heard at N1ascru on Monday.
Sir Godfrey Lagtlen, the British resident
commissioner Of BaSutOland, has left
Maseru for the border.
The events i'll the southeast portion of
the Free State have caused the Eighth
division, which had been ordered to
Fourteen Streams, to be dispatched to
Springfontein.
Mysterious movements of troops at
Bloemfontein are proceeding. The news
paper correspondents are not allowed to
telegraph their destinations and the pro
sumption is that Lord Roberts is making
disposition to cut of tho raids of the
Boer forces when they try to withdraw
northward from the pursuing British
columns.
The reappcaranCC of the Beers i'll the
occupied country has caused n revival of
the warlike feeling among the Free
Staters of the Faurcsmith and Philip
polls districts. The federal agents are
busy getting details of the surrendered
Beers, and owing to the British garri-
sons bciug withdrawn from these dis
tricts the British residents arc uneasy
and have sent delegates to Springfon-
tein to ask for help. They were told
that steps for their defense would be i'm
mediatcly taken.
The Beers are reported to have vcn-
turcd to the BilyGarSbcrg and 10 be post
ing heavy guns miles north OF Glands
laagte. They arc also said to have forti-
fled the vicinity of Vessels Mex.
The war Office proposes to land at
Cape Town before the end Of May 20, 00C
horses, which will be conveyed there in
% steamers sailing from New Orleans,
Buenos AyrcS and Australian ports.
A dispatch from Aliwalnorth says an
engagement took place yesterday mt
Wepencr. The Beers NickcrS- Maxim
did considerable cAccution at first, but
the British guns soon got the range and
did great havoc. The RouXville COM
mando has gone to WcpGncr.
The fighting was severe and lasted all
day long. The Beers received q check.
The casualties were rather heavy OF
both sides. Another commando is adj
vancing toward Wepener from Dcwett's
dorp.
Heavy fighting was continued at We
pener this (Tucsday) morning. The re-
mandos are attacking the town.
News has been received of the ad
vance of the southern relief column to-
ward Mafcking. Tho Beers opened fire
at sunrise with seven guns, Including
one 1O0-pOundCr. This has been the
most vigorous EombarGlncnt of the
siege. The Boer siege gun alone has al
ready fired over 60 rounds.
Under cover of the fire the Beers adj
vanced to the northern face of the works,
but retired recipitatcly Oh coming within
rifle range.
They also advanced to the southwest
ern posts, but We're rcpnlSed.
The Beers under COmmandant Jan
Cronje are evidently falling back before
the advance OF the southern relief col
umn and are concentrating with two
commandos, who are retiring before
Colonel Pluner i'll order to n'nka 50 final
affnrt - - t,.EG inc town.
All the forts and outlying positions
are manned. the troops are standing 60
arms and everybody is under cover.
All are convinced that this is the
Beers last attempt.
A dispatch from Pictcrmaritzburg saws
heavy calnonading commenced this
morning Ill the vicinity Of Elaands-
laagte.
y dispatch from Ladya,ith saws the
B0ers have posted big; gun on Knights
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