Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-04-05
PLAN. ABANDONED.
Gems. CoIviIIe and French Re-
turn to Main Army.
Give Up Attack on Boer Forces East
Of Bloemfonten.
Total OF 80 Officers Lost in Recent kooru
Sprut Disaster.

London, April 4.-Gen. Colville and
Gen. French have given up the move
ment against the Beers east of Bloem-
fnntein and have rejoined the main
army. 1t doubtless seemed to Lord
Roberts q vain thing to send from
10 900 to 1900 Of his best troops into
the wilderness, with a field transport,
| in the direction Of right angle with
his chosen line of advance. The Beers
have probably moved elsewhere and if
| to the southwest, Gen. Colville could
as easily strike them from Bloemfon-
tein as by following them up across
the plains.
| These differences still leave the situa-
! ton beWldering for the time being.
| The enormously superior British forces
appear inactive in every part of the
war field. waiting yet. probably for the
| accumulation Of material on the
| Transvaal frontier.
| The London military commentators
ana the public, too, to some extent are
| irritated and confused by the situa-
ton.
Details received of the scenes on
| Green Market square, Cape Town,
Tuesday, when Premier Schreiner en-
cOuntcrcd an English demonstration
ana the premier, fearing personal VIC
lence. sought refuge in a restaurant.
He was hooted and tried to reach
Parliament House protected by police
The people shouted traitor" but he
succeeded in reaching the house.
Finally, on the people again singing
God Save the Queen" he raised his
hat amid cheers and was heard to say
| reserve your Judgment
Lord Roberts did not meet his wife
at Cape Town. She will proceed to
Bloemfontein.
The permanent bridge at the Modder
river station has been finished. The
first train passed over it. Tuesday.
The British garrison at Springfontein
was reused. at midnight. Monday, by
the information that the Beers. in
force, We're about to make an attack.
But not a burgher appeared.
London, April A further list of
the casualties sustained by the British
officers Of kooru (Karee) spruit. March
81 adds II missing and one wounded.
making the total thus far 80.
London. April So A. M.-It looks.
today as though the Beers had con-
ceived the audacious plan of attempt
ing % invest Lord Roberts at Bloem-
fontein. or. at least, to endeavor to de-
lay his northward advance by har-
RAISING the British lines of communi
cation. ON his side Lord Roberts is
concentrating his forces and preparing
to take every advantage of the bold
but risky tactics 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 of any
official dispatches from Lord Roberts
is both mystifying and interesting.
There is little doubt that Lord Roberts
IS hampered by the necessity for re-
mounts and transportation at the loss
Of the convoy guns and all of Col.
Broadwood's baggage was a serious
matter. The Beers are now trusting
to what they believe to be their SUI
periOr mobility.
Special correspondents at the front
are now denouncing Lord Roberts
policy in leniency toward the Free
Skaters ana are calling for an aban-
donment Of that policy.
n special dispatch announces that
Mafeking was still besieged but safe
March -.
London. April 5.-The Daily Mail has
the following from BIoemfontein
dated Tuesday. April 3: "CoI. Porter
with 20 carbinecrs and Scots Greys and
two guns. performed a brilliant deed.
Sunday. He charged a large body of
Beers and rescued 81 British prisoners.
including II officers who were cap
turcd the previous day. There were
no casualties on the British side
Boston. April i.-Faneuil halI held
very enthusiastic gathering Of Boston
school boys ana friends. this afternoon.
under the auspices of the Boston School
Boys Pro-Bocr Society, and speeches
We're made and resolutions passed in sym
rlthy with the citizens Of the South At
rican republics in their struggle with
England. Gen. +. A. Collins made the
address ana the remainder of
the oratory was supplied by the boys
themselves. During the meeting an
anonymous letter to the secretary was
Continued on page 81