Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-02-27
FRIDAY At PAARDEBsRG.
Hot Fighting Along The Line-Boers Complain
OF Cronie's GeneraIship.

PaardvbcrE. Saturday. Feb. "a
There was 4 most interesting series of
fights along tho British front, yester-
day. one thousand Beers commanded
nv General DeWct who We're known to
hc operating in the immediate front, at
early dawn Yesterday, determined to
attempt to break through the British
lines ANA aid Gen. Cronjc. a body of
500 Beers moved toward the British left
and cantercd in the direction of a
kopie with the object Of occupying it.
Unfortunately for the Beers. however.
the kopjc was held by 4 company Of
Scottish Bordcrcrs, who opened a
heavy fire. The Beers gallopcd Off hut
moved again towards another British
position with exactly the same result.
They then made Il third attempt to oc-
cupy another position. but the Bor
dcrcrs were again ready to receive
them.
The third repulse thoroughly discon-
ccrted the Beers, who ealloped away in
Il panic. Later. percciving another
kopj". tho Beers moved quickly toward
ii. This llopjc was unoccupicd but the
Bordcrcrs. not % be beaten raced the
Beers for the position ana won, occu-
rying tn" korjc and driving off the
Doors. A portion Of the latter ulti-
matoly occupied Il kopic held by the
YorkShircs. a vigorous fUsladc en-
sued, III" British firing truly and ac-
curately ana sil,ucing the Bocr fire.
Meanwhile the Bluffs were ordered
to reinforce the Yorkshircs in ease the
Eocrs should be reinforced The
British attack worked around to
the right of the kopjc held
by tn" Yorkshres. where the
It'll Battery was stationed. the 62nd
Battery being placed at a farm near
the center of the BordererS' position.
\ vigorous Smelling, accompanied by
British fusilade, completely silenced
Beers. a company Of Yorkshircs were
sent to clear out the Beers, but the at
tempt failed. the Beers opening a
heavy fire ana the British having no
cover. The British then again opened
a heavy rifle fire which again silenced
the Beers. The Beers made several at
tempts to run. but the Maxims opened
upon them effectually and checked them.
The Bluffs now worked carefully ana
cautiously around and got within $50
yards Of the Beers. Eighty Beers sur
/ ~, Jul many II CipDtdiS coCdp-
cd. going singly.
Most of the prisoners had just arriv-
cd from I.adysmith. They complained
of the bad generalship of their leader.
Nearly every man carried explosive
bullets and five British were wounded
With these missiles. | have seen the
bullet one Boer carried 80.
There is no longer the slightest doubt
that the Beers are gradually discard
ing all rules of civilized warfare The
other day they poured the contents of
q Viclers- Maxim gun into an ambu-
happened. however. to be
about some 600 yards away from the
nearest troops.
The war balloon is doing excellent
service Early this morning. it arose
TO great height and discovered in the
bed If the river four wagons which
contained ammunition. These We're ex-
pIoded by the British shells an hour
a forwards The balloon observer also
discovered number Of horses con- ,,
cealed nearby and these also received !
attention from the British shrapnel. |
The GordOns are now incorporated !
IN the Highland Brigade. making four
liltcd regiments. The Highland Light |