Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1900-03-14
CLOSING IN ON THE BOERs
British Move ON the Federals From,
East to West.

London, March l2.-The only impor
tant change in the general situation il
South Africa indicated by the news, il
that General Butler is again on the move
The news comes in a dispatch from tn,
Boer camp at Biggarsberg, dated Thurs
day, saying: Twelve thousand Britist
are threatening the Boer positions from
the direction of Helpmaaker, while part,
of British scouts was encountered al
Waschbank March s."
This force was probably General Hunt
er's division, and it is considered quite
possible that an attempt may be made tr
traverse the neck of Zululand into tn,
Transvaal, thus effecting the double pur
pose of outfanking the Beers at Big
garsberg and threatening Vryheid and
Utrecht. The Beers are reported to be
at Biggarsberg in considerable numbers
but it is said they are already sending
their stores to the rear.
General Joubert appears to have left
active service to take charge of the wal
office at Pretoria. Lorenzo Marquez stories
attribute his action partly to the alleged
fact that he has lost both control over
and the confidence of the burghers, and
partly to his wish to push the preparations
for the siege which is supposed to be be,
ginning to be made at the capital.
Lord Roberts has not reported up to
this hour today, but the military author
tiles are of the opinion that General
French must be nearing Bloemfontein. In
some quarters General French is credited
with the design to corral both presidents,
hose exact whereabouts, howe, er, are diff
ficult to ascertain at this distance. The
war office is unable to confirm the rumors
of the relief Of Mafeking, but the trend
within few days.
Kruger mt Pretoria.
Pretoria, March l2.-The president has
returned from Bloemfontein. General
Joubert is expected here shortly. Fighting
commenced in the direction Of Helpmiak
this morning.
Rebellion in the Colony.
Carnarvon, Cape Colony, March r.
General Kitchener has arrived at Vic
toria West to organize various columns
for the purpose of suppressing the rebel
lion which is spreading in this district.
Minor fighting has occurred in several
directions.
FIanI<Ing Force Through ZuIuiand
Boer headquarters, Biggarsberg, Fri
day, March l2.-Shots were exchanged
this morning near Helpmaaker with
small body Of British, who retired hast
lily. Scouts report that the British main
advance is coming from Ladysmith to
wards Sunday river.
Beers Resist.
Driefontein, o. F. s.. March 12.-Broad-
woods brigade advancing on Bloemfon-
tein unexpectedly found the Beers in
strong position in the Driefontein kopjes
Saturday. General Kelly-Kenny dvi-
sion arriving severe fighting ensued. The
Beers resisted stubbornly. but were driv-
en- from their position. leaving . number
of dead and 40 prisoners. The British
force Is moving forward today. During
the fighting. In which five regiments took
part, with military. the Beers. though
forced from their center position. ciung
to the other kopjes. Smelling
the British freely with three guns and
two Vickers-Maxims. The British cav
airy begun to turn the Boer position. but
night fell before the movement was COM
pleted. The Beers retired during the
night.
A large number OF Australians we're en-
gagged Saturday. The First Australian
horse brigade. with the Scots Greys. ud-
vanced within 500 yards OF the Beers un-
der heavy fire.
The New South Wales mounted Infantry
Joined In pursuit OF the Beers northward.
For Intervention.
London, March 13-The Daily Mail has
received the following dispatch from from
Pretoria, and censored by the Boer gov
ernment:
president Kruger and President Steyn
have wired to Lord Salisbury peace pro-
posals on condition that the Independence
of the two republics be respected and the
rebel colonials amnestied. Yesterday the
foreign consuls were called into confer
ence and were requested to invite the In
tervention Of the powers they represented
in order to prevent further bloodshed.'