The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-04-25
TRY TO REACH WEPENER.
Slow Progress ofthe Relief Column
Owing to Frequent Rains.
GEN. BULLER'S ESCAPE.
Retreats to Boshop just in Time to
Avoid an Encounter with
5000 Federals.

London, April 21.-6:1S p. m.-The
war office has received the following dis
patch from Lord Roberts, dated Bloom
fontein, April 81:
'Rundle's force came in contact with
the enemy yesterday four miles south
west of Dewetsdorf. They occupied
strong positions around the town. The
yeomanry and mounted infantry seized
another position which enabled Rumble
to drive the enemy off and occupy the
high ground the enemy had been hold
ing. Rumble advanced this morning
early and is now again engaging with
the enemy. Our casualties yesterday
were two men severely wounded and
Lieut.. OConnor and seven men slightly
" ounded.'
Bloemfontein, Friday, April 20.-Con-
tinuing their march on Friday. Gems.
Chermsides and Rumble came into con-
tact with the Beers near Dewetsdorp at
noon. The fighting continued until dark
and was practically carried on by the
artillery, which temporarily silenced two
OF TIE RoeFs, guns. The British c9p-
mand the hills fof miles around the
Beers, who are reported to hold strong
positions, but are probably retiring.
The casualties on the British side were
slight and most of them occurred among
the yeomanry and mounted infantry.
The hiring was at long range. None of
the British troops were killed.
Boshof, Orange Free State, April d.
At midday yesterday Gen. Methuen's
held force at Swartzkopjesfontein was
ordered to return to Boshof. It's convoy
extended over six miles. The escort took
up position on a hill commanding the
road, just in the nick of time. as a force
of 1000 Beers with two guns and a POM
pom suddenly appeared in the vicinity and
opened very heavy fire. The British.
however, held them in check until the
column reached a point of safety, when
they retired. The British had several
casualties. The Beers fought deter
minedly and must have suffered consid-
3OO yards of the hill, whence concealed
detachment of the British opened a
heavy fusillade on them.
Twenty Miles Away.
London, April 21.-Gen. Cher1nside's
and Cen Rundle's divisions were only
twenty miles from Wepener yesterday,
so, unless unforeseen difficulties arise
they should today be getting into touch
with the little colonial force which is be-
sieged and by tomorrow have accom-
plished its relief the two divisions being
oN0i "AeiHihSiy superior 10 tue bOef
forces.
AS governor Of the Free State. Maj
Gen. Prettyman is organizing a corps
of mounted police and dividing the coun-
try into sections, to be administered by
commissions, probably army officers.
Railroad Corps Formed.
Loeut.-Col. Girarouard, director Of
railroads, is forming railroad corps
with prospects of permanent employ
ment. Many of the colonials have
joined.
The transport Portugal, with 500
troops from Lisbon, has arrived at Lou
renco Marques. The presence OF these
reinforcements will make Portugal feel
easier regarding the Beers protest
against the British use of Beira
From Ladysmith, under date of April
Il, comes the news that firing was heard
during this morning in the direction of
Sundays river. 1t was maintained for
about an hour. Shipping and Boer activ-
ity are reported at Klipdam.