The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-04-27

LOnQOn, April IA uGluSe OIL iAlus
lasting ten days, has brought the opera
tons in the southeastern part Of the
Free State almost to a standstill. The
creeks have become :oaring rivers and
the roads are streams of mud.
A singular message, dated Bloemfon-
tein, April 10, 1:55 a. M, and beginning
wis press> censor, Bloemfontein," re-
ports an exchange Of shots in the direc-
ton of Dewctsdorp, Where the Beers
are said to be concentrating "after
their withdrawal from Wepcner."
There is nothing else to indicate that
the investment of Wepener has been
abandoned by the Beers. Notwith'
standing the rain, however, the British
have made some progress, as Dewets-
dorp has beel; occupied by them, prob
ably by the advance of Gen. Arundels
division. Dewetsdorp is thirteen miles
from Wepener.
A dispatch from Aliwalncrth, dated
April 1S, says that Gen. Brabant has
arrived there, but whether he returned
alone or with his troops, is not clear.
Boer reports from Aliwalnorth aver
that from 5000 to 10000 Beers are at
Wepener.
Extended reports of the Bloemfon-
tein concert for the benefit of the wild
ows and orphans have been cabled. No
less than seven separate accounts have
been published in London to-day. The
concert, the weather and the bare
statement that Lord Roberts is ready
to move. are about the only things that
the censor has allowed to pass, and the
correspondent who announces that
Lord Roberts is ready to move, does
not specify the direction in which he Is
going.
Gen. Hunter. from Natal. command
ing the newly formed division. arrived
OF Bloemfontein yesterday, and left Inn
meGiately after comforting with Lord
Roberts. To what point he proceeded
is not mentioned. but it is understood
lie will operate west of Bloemfontein.
Question of Water Solved.
Bloemfontein, April 21.-During the
last ten days there has been an almost
constant rain and an enormous quanti-
ty of water has fallen. These condi-
tons, although extremely uncomforta-
BILE. 81, far as the soldiers are con-
cerned, have had their advantage. for
every dam in the country roundabout
IS W. ttAU Tic QuESlAOu VI W0IGAs
which hitherto. during the presence of
the army has been difficult, is now
practically solved. The troops will be
able to move in any direction with q
certainty of finding q suficiency Of
water. The whole regular and volun-
teer drafts have arrived and the High
land brigade is now at it's full strength.
Lady Roberts; aud her daughters have
arrived here.
Preparing for the Struggle.
London. April 21.-The Bloemfontein
correspondent of the Daily Chronicle,
telegraphing Thursday, says: The
requisite remounts ard equipments
have arrived and all the infantry d.
visions are now supplied with tents.
The Beers in the immediate neighbor-
hood are quiet, but both sides are
steadily preparing for the coming
struggle. Lord Roberts is now ready.
Several lots of orcealed arms aud
ammunition have been discovered here
this week. The epidemic Of enteric
fever is abating.
Impossible Peace ,Rum0rs.
London. April 21.-The Bloemfontein
correspondent of the Morning Post, tel
egraphing Wednesday, says: ''This
city Of canards has been breeding i'm
possible peace rumors during the last
few days. Every one now awaits
eagerly the announcement of a re.
nawed advance The latest arrivals Of