The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-04-06

London. April 5. 5 a NIT looks to-
day as if the Beers had conceived the
audacious plan OF attempting to in
vest Lord Roberts at Bloemfontein. or
at least TO endeavor 10 delay his
northward advance by harassing the
British lines OF communication On
his side, Lord Roberts is concentrating
his forces and preparing TO take every
advantage OF the bold. but risky tao
tics of the enemy. He is not likely TO
strike at any OF their forces until he
is certain of delivering a crushing
blow. The situation. in the absence or
any official dispatch from Lord Rob
erts, is both mystifying and interest
ing. There is little doubt that Lord
Roberts ia hampered by the necessity
for re-mounts and transport and the
loss Of the convoy guns and all Of Col
onel Broadwood's baggage was . Sc
rious matter. The Beers are now
trusting to what they believe 10 be
their superior mobility.
The special correspondents at the
front are now denouncing Lord Rob-
erts' policy OF leniency toward the
Free Staters, and are calling for an
aDduUO0ment t0aI policy.
A special dispatch announces that
Mafeking was still besieged but safe
on March 9th.
London, April 4.-Generals Colville
and French have given up the move,
ment against the Beers east OF Bloem-
fontein and have rejoined the main
army. Lord Roberts, doubtless, deem
ed 1t vain to send from ten to twelve
thousand of his best troops into the
wilderness with a field transport In
the direction at right angle with his
chosen line OF advance. The Beers
have probably moved elsewhere. and
IL to the southwest General Colvflle
could as easily strike them from
Bloemfontein as by following them up
across the plains. These inferencee
still leave the situation bewildertng
for the time being. The enormously
superior British forces appear mac
tive in every part of the war-field,
lation of material for swift advance.
on the Transvaal frontier The mili-
tary commentators and the public .,
some extent are irritated and CON-
fused by the situation.
DEMONSTRATION AGAINST PRE-
MIER SCHREINER.
Details received Of the scenes on
Green Market square, Cape Town,
Tuesday, when Premier Schreiner en-
show that the premier, fearing per-
sonal violence, sought refuge I'm a res
taurant. He was hooted and tried to-
reach parliament house protected by
police. The people shouted Traitorp
but he succeeded in reaching the
singing God Save the Queen he
raised his hat amid cheers and was
| heard to say Reserve your judg-
ment."
| river station has been finished. The
| first train passed over IT Tuesday. The
| British garrison at Springfontein wae
reused at midnight Monday by the
| intimation that the Beers in force
were about to make an attack, but
not a burgher appeared.
| ROBERTS LINE OF COMMUNICA-
| TION THREATENED.
| Springfontein, o. F. s., Tuesday,
! April 3.-Owing to information that
the Beers are lowering I'm the neigh-
this place to Bloemfontein. General
Gatacre is preparing to take vigorous
| measures to cope with any attempt -
| cut OF Lord Roberto line OF COM
communication at that point.
A GALLANT RESCUH
London, April 5.-The Daily Mail has
the following from Bloemfonteiu.
dated Tuesday, April 3re: Colonel
| Porter, with ninety carboneers and
brilliant deed Sunday. He charged
| a large body of Beers and rescued
| ninety-odd British prisoners, incIudinG
eleven officers, who were captured the
previous day There were no casual
ties on the British side"
| Questions Answered.