The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-04
FALLS BACK.
Pitcher Couldn't Hold Douglass
After He Got 1t.
Compelled to Abandon 1t and
Retreat to Belmont.
HE WAS ONLY RAIDING
He Did Not Want the Old Town
Anyway.
Beers Fired Christmas Candy
into Ladysmith.

Belmont, Cape Colony, Wednesday,
Jan. 3.-Colonel Pitcher, it is officially
announced, being only on a raiding ex-
pedition and for military reasons being
unable to occupy Douglass permanently
has evacuated the town, bringing off all
the loyansts. He has now returned
safely to close proximity to Belmont.
When he announced the necessity of
evacuating the place the inhabitants
declared their lives were not worth five
minutes purchase after the troops left
Colonel Pitcher, therefore, invited them
to accompany him to Belmont. The
preparations were speedily completed,
but the vehicles of the town were to-
tally inadequate to convey the refugees,
so the troops gave up the transport
wagons to the women and children. The
Canadians acted as an escort of the
refugees, carried babies for the women
and kept everybody lively by singing as
they marched pIuckily along in spite Of
sore feet. occasioned by the heavy sand
which made marching extremely tiring.
The force received General Buffers
congratulation on the success of the
expedition with great satisfaction.
NO OBJECTION TO LYDDTTE.
Boer Camp, Colenso, Jan. 3-The
British naval guns at Chievely camp
continue their ineffective. long range
fire night and day in order to divert
Boer attention from the movements of
the troops.
Federal scouts yesterday penetrated
into the British camp. When returning
the British pickets discovered them and
wounded one Boer.
General Lucas Meyer resumes COM
mand of the division here.
General Joubert denies that he has
ever protested against the use of lyd-
d1te- He AYERS that up to the present
he has not lost a single man from lyd-
dite
ANOTHER STEAMER SEIZED
Berlin, Jan. 4.-The Imperial mail
steamer General has been detained at
Alden and occupied by British troops,
with the object of searching her cargo.
which is to be discharged. The General
is owned by the German East African
line the owners of the Bundesrath,
previously captured by the British
cruiser Magicienne, off Delagoa Bay.
Hamburg, Jan. 4-Although the man
ifests of the German steamer General,
seized at Alden, show there was no war
material on board, she was compelled
to discharge her cargo.
THE QUEENS THANKS.
London. Jan. At the enrolling of
the London volunteers at the Guild hall
this morning Lord Mayor Newton read
an extract from a letter written by the
queens private secretary, Sir Arthur
Bigge, saying:
4 have to assure you how much the
queen values the corps which has been
so patrioticaily raised by the city of
London for service in South Africa
A BOER CHRISTMAS GIFT.
Hoofd Lager Ladysmith Monday,
Jan. 1.-The garrison of Ladysmith,
during the night threw out feelers on
all sides, exchanging shots with the
Boer pickets. At midnight a couple of
shells fell into the Boer camp killing a
burgher.
General Joubert preached in camp
Sunday.
The Rev. Mr.. Moiring. who has just
arrived here from America, addressed
the burghers this afternoon, dwelling
on the expiring century, witnessing the
life struggle of a people. This morning
shells filed with confectionery and
containing the seasons greetings were
sent into LadySmith.
Federal shells are selling in Lady
smith at from 80 shillings to five pounds
sterling.
CHECK FOR BULLER
Paris. Jan A report was current
on the Bourse today that General Butler
had met with another check in his ef-
forts to relieve Ladysmith.
DIR JAMESON ESCAPES.
Hoofd Lager, Ladysmith, Tuesday.
y n
Ladysmith a few nights ago and though
pursued they escaped. 1t is believed
the party included Col Rhodes, brother
Of Cecil Rhodes and DR.. jameson.
HELP FOR FRENCH.
Orange River, Cape Colony, Wednes-
day, Jan. 3.-There was a small skir-
snish near Belmont this morning. The
British fired few shells but the Beers
did not respond.
A detachment of about 40 Beers at
tempted to rush Klokfontein this MORN
ing, but We're beaten back by the
mounted infantry. Possibly this force
consisted of fugitives from Sunnyside.
Reinforcements of infantry and ar
fillery have been dispatched to General
French from De Aar-
TAKING THE QUEENS SHILLING
London, Jan. 4.-The enrolment of
the second contingent of London i'm
perial volunteers today was the occa-
sion for q scene of popular interest and
enthusiasm. Approaches to the Guild
Hall were thrOnged with representatives
Of all classes, everybody cheering and
the bands playing lively music. The
Ecene at the Guild Hall was highly
picturesque and impressive It opened
with a civic procession with the Lord
Mayor, sheriffs and aldermen in their
robes of office, headed by the sword and
mace bearers. The scarlet, grey and
green uniforms of the various battalions
filled the chamber with variegated col
ors The contingent comprised the hon
orable artillery company and detach-
nents from the other volunteer regi-
ments.
After a speech from the lord mayor
at the conclusion of which he read the
message from the queens secretary,
each detachment was sworn in sepa-
rately, every man kissing the book
and receiving the queens shilling from
the hands of the Lord Mayor.
There is great satisfaction here at the
news that De Aar has been able to
send General French reinforcements of