The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1900-04-21
SITUATION Of BOER WAR
ENGLISH HOLDING THEIR OWN.
Beers in Strong Positions-Lord
Roberts Protest-Mrs. Kruger
Patriot-Gen. Cronje Landed on
Island of st. Helena.


in driving them back. The British casu-
allies were light.
Elandslaagte reported that there had
been no traces of the Beers in that neigh
borhood for the past two days. Their
progress southwark has been effectively |
barred by the British occupation OF Jone-
nos Kop ON the left and Umbulwana on
the right The belief that the Boer action
recently was due to restlessness and dis
satisfaction in the ranks is confirmed by
natives, who say that the Beers have been
ready for some time and wanted the BTU
ish to attack them. In order to force TINS !
the Beers commenced Smelling, at the same
time sending force TO make a thanking
movement on the left. The natives also
confirm the statement that one of the Boer
heavy guns was put out OF action ana
the gunners driven Off
The scouts have located the Beers in
a strong position ii miles northeast OF
the British advanced position at Bloem-
fOntein.
Lord Roberts has strongly protested to
President Kruger against the treatment
of prisoners, sick and wounded, In the
hands of the Beers, and has formally de-
manded the observance of the Geneva
convention.
1t appears from every indication that
the Beers are preparing, in the event OF
Pretoria being captured, to make last
stand along the line reaching from Ley
denburg along the mountains into Swat
land. A traveller recently arrived at
Bloemfontein says that the Beers are en-
ergetically working to persuade the
Swazis that the British cause is lost and
are seeking to ingratiate themselves, hop
ing TO secure footing in Swaziland
peacefully or to seize hold of the country
if necessary.
Mrs. Kruger, on being interviewed, said
that she trusted God would soon stop the
merciless bloodshed, but that the republic
would be VIGOROUSLY defended even II
Pretoria were finally taken. She added
that she had had in the field % grand
sons. two of whom were killed, four sons,
six sons-in-law and numerous other rela-
tiYes.
Reports From BOer Sources.
Leemokop, Southeast of Bloemfontein,
April l5.-The Boer commando, which 1t
was feared had been cut off, has rendered
a good account of itself with the Basuto-
land police who had invaded the Orange
Free State. Four British scouts who were
captured say that Bloemfontein is hard
pressed for water.
Commandant Dewet has received a re-
port that the British who fled from
Smithfield southwark were severely pun
ished by the burghers of Rockville.
News received here from Johannesburg
Drift says British force of about 1000
men, composed of Brabants Horse, with
General Brabant commanding, is surround
ed at Robertson's mills, with a remote
chance of relief or effective resistance.
THE British force reported in the dis
patch above TO be surrounded at Robert
sons mills is probably the force OF colonial
troops previously referred to as surround
ed by the Beers near Wepener. These
British troops are not commanded by Gen
eral Brabant in person. Brabant was last
reported at AliwalnOrth with Kitchener J
Gone to the Hague.
Milan, April l6.-The Boer peace COM
missioners have started for The Hague
Dr. Leyds, diplomatic agent of the Trans
vaal, accompanied them as far as Brussels
British Troops Are at Deaar.
Deaar, April l6.-The main body of the
Carnovoran field force, in command OF
Colonel Parsons, including the Canadian
artillery and the mounted rifles, have ar
rived here after five weeks march from
Victoria road by way of Kenhardt, dis
lance of more than 90 miles. They en-
countered no active opposition. COlone
Parsons pacified the country, which wa!
previously in rebellion.
Prisoners Are at Sc. Helena.
st. Helena, April l5.-General Cronje
his wife and three of his staff, who will
other Boer prisoners, arrived here April 10
were Landed. They were met by the gov
ernor and commandment of st. Hell
ena- General Cronje looks we'll and ap
pears cheerful The other Boer prisoner
will disembark Monday.
Beers Retiring.
London, April ia Ladysmith spe
cial says the natives report that the Boer
in the Elandslaagte district have retire
beyond Biggarsberg.
This information tends to confirm tn
report that the Beers blew up three i'm
portant collieries near Wassels mex, con-
pletely destroying the same.
Fighting at Bammerberg.
Brandfort, April l7.-Fighting wit
General Brabant's horse at Bammerber
drift continues. Commandant Petru
Dewet is reported to have engaged tn