Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-05-16
HUNGRY MAFEKING
Says the Town Can Hold
Out Till June 10.
Story of War Is Now One Of British
Successes and Boer Reverses.
Thought There Will Be No Serious Fighting
This Side OF Pretoria.

London, May 16.-4.3O A. M.-"Food
will last until about June 10" is the
latest official word from Col. Baden
Powell, the British commander at
Mafeking. sent to Lord Roberts under
date Of May Z. Five days later the
Beers attempted to storm the town,
and it is possible that they succeeded,
although nothing is known of the at
tack or Of its results except through
Pretoria sources which have no coun-
tenance here The British relief col
umn is now due there. Ten days ago
Gen. Snyman was having difficulty in
keeping the burghers together owing
to the approach of the British, and
when the last Associated Press dis
patch left Mafeking. May Z. the Beers
had killed, on the previous day. one
Of the Horse Guards and had captured
several Of Col. Baden-P owells few re-
naming horses.
Major F. r. Baillie has sent to the
Morning Post from Mafeking, under
date of May I. this message: This
morning, the Beers attacked us. Re-
suit as usual. There is an aching void
here. Pass the loaf"
The Trarsvaal army has taken a po-
sition at Hlaauwaschdoort Pass near
Hebron road station, 50 miles north
of kroonstad. It's rear guard is still
holding the hills north of the Valsch
river, while the Boer scouts are in
touch with British accommodating par
ties 20 miles north of Kroonstad.
The Beers have held a council Of
war at Lindley, and the British spies
have learned that the Beers decided to
-s.r. I.
Lord Roberts infantry are still at
Kroonstad. The railway laborers are
hard at work, and the engineers hope
to have the line repaired within three
days. The prairie has put on russell
winter coat. The nights are bitterly
cold. but the days are hot.
The Free Staters are surrendering
in larger numbers than after the oc-
cupation of BlOemfontein. one officer
of the Transvaal artillery says: There
will be no serious fighting this side of
Pretoria a. BercenigiIg, on the Vaial,
is indefensible. Heavy guns are being
mounted at Pretoria. but Gen. Botha
ana Iimmer are agreed that ultimate
success is impossible. President Kru-
ger is obstinate and majority of the
Trlnsvaalers hold firmly with him"
Ii is estimated that the Transvaalers
can still muster 10000 men on the
fighting line
Gen. Buffers advance. az his kilograms
indicate was hv the instruction Of Lord
Roberts: ana It will cease or 90 forward
as Lord Roberts may direct. Certain
commentators at.iliI-cd 20 the war office.
say that Gen. Buffers orders to keep the
Beers employed have been supplemented
If Natal ana Then 10 move To Harrismth
Con. Rumble ana Gen. Brabant are TAX
ing possession of the wide regions around
Ludybrand almost without opposition.
They find the country beautifully supplied
with cattle. horse feed and flour. Gen.
Rumble is reducing his transport and
feeding his men ana animals largely off
tho country. The Beers in that quarter
surrender daily; ana it j. the expectation
NJ the correspondents IN the spot that
the eastern section Of the Free State will
soon be as tranquil as the western. Gen.
Rundle's front is 80 miles long but his
forces are disposed so if any point should
h. attacked troops there could be quick
~ reinforced.
Lord Roberts contributes a line to the
discussion going on in the press as to
NIltn the war Will tlu Dy lue lOllbWlIlS
telegram, dated Monday, and sent
through correspondent who had made
the direct inquiry: Il regret that l can
not give any reply to your question, as it
is impossible at present to predict when
the campaign may end
The view Of the other side Is reported
by correspondent to whom President
Steyn said Sooner than leave this coun-
try to fan into the hands of the British,
| would destroy all our houses and leave
it desert.
The relations between the Transvaal
ana the Portuguese appear to be strained.
The Portuguese consul AZ Pretoria. ar
cordinE To reports from Lisbon. has been
ordered by President Kruger TO leave the
country. The Portuguese declaration
making food and clothing contraband has
nearly destroyed the usefulness OF Della
goa bay to the Transvaal. Senior Joa-
quin Machado. governor general of Portu-
gucsc East Africa, is being entertained at
Bcira ana the British officers who are
Continued on page 80