The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-26
BobRs' STUBBORN DEFENSE.
Cronje Making Fine Resistance, hut
british Think His Further He
sistsnce Grim inal.


pAARDEBERG, o, +. s.. Feb. H--The
fourth day of Gen. Cronjes fine defense
opened in startling fashion soon AFTER
dawn a most terrific rattle OF rlile nIe
broke out awakening the sleeping camp.
Ii was tho heaviest fire during the war,
and ali awaited with foreboding the news
OF its effect. 1,,..
II soon developed that the Gloucesters
and Essex's had lost their way and had
bivouacked, in error close TO the Boer
lager on the north side OF the river. AS
soon as they were perceived by the enc
my, the latter fusiliaded. Wonderful TO
tell. tho British casualties were pfac-
There was desuitory firing all day long
on both the north and south banks. Gen.
Knoxs brigade holding and pushing Tor
ward the line south Of the river, while
Gen. Smith-Dorrien. on the north SIDE,
worked toward the lager. Meanwhile,
Cen French advanced, in far easterly
direction, near kopJe held by strong
force OF Cronje's men, reinforced by
Ladysmith contingent AZ the same Tune.
OF horse artillery, took up positions to the
left and rear of the same kopje.
The front OF the hill was thoroughly
Beers bolted from every side toward Gen.
French who headed toward the DRIFT,
Smelling vigorously A number escaped,
about forty were captured.
As soon as the kopje was evacuated,
this correspondent visited Il. The position
was found TO be wonderfully strong natur-
ally and TO form the real Key TO the po-
sltion in the case OF defense against Boer
renforcements advancing from the east.
Our first engagement with the Lady
smith Beers was singularly unfortunate
for them. A great deal Of forage, provis-
ions and equipment was captured. and
the kopie was frequently dotted with
blood, showing that many wounded had
been removed.
The Boer method OF removing their dead
is 20 tie couple OF reins 10 the body,
which Is thus dragged off by two horse
men at fun gallop. There were several
pourparlers today on tho subject OF a
short armistice. II seems that Gen. Cron-
je is willing to surrender. but that the
young Transvaalers refuse. The other
beleaguered Beers are anxious TO give up.
A British doctor who visited the Boer
lines to see tho wounded found the
trenches along the river fun of wounded
and saw many dead
A deserter who came into camp tonight
says that yesterdays bombardment was
appalling IN its effects, especially In case
Of the howitzer batteries enfiiading tho
river.
The position today Is practically tho
same. The Beers are strengthening their
intrenchments around the lager, but tho
case Is hopeless. The capture of the
kopic today has given the British splen-
aid position. and win prevent a Boer re-
lieting force reaching Cronje,
Everybody admlres the splendid stand
OF the burghers. but from humanitarian
point OF view II Is considered that further
resistance on tho part OF Gen. Cronje Will
be criminal.
Every shrapnel shell finds victim. and
unless a miracle occurs his force must
Ice wiped out or captured The former re-
suit Is terrible 10 contemplate. but, al
though it would require a few days, II
would be easily accomplished.
To-day Lord Roberts sent Cronie an Of
fer OF Sfa conduct for the women and
children together with a free pass to any
noint for them. and also an offer of doc
tors and medicine. Crunic's reply was a
curt refusal. and desultory Smelling was
resumed