Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-02-10

10 hold the drift and construct fort,
The position. however. was extremely
difficult, a long range Of high hills run
ming northwest and terminating close
TO the drift on the north bank OF the
river. As Il was impossible to hold the
whole summit Gen. Macdonald con-
strueted strong works across the CEN
ter. which were held by the Seaforth
Hlghlanders and three companies OF the
Black Watch. While the Highland
light infantry held a small kopje on the
right the ninth lancers patrolled to-
ward the river, Gen. MacDonalds plan
being to repe attacks. Things went
quietly until Wednesday, when the
Beers advanced along the ridge within
900 yards, mounting two mountain
seven Founders, which were invisible
In the plain. They also held smaller
drift three miles TO the west. on re-
ceipt Of this news Gen. Methuen dis
patched a large force Of cavalry and
two horse batteries under Gen. Bah
ington with the purpose OF surround
ing the Beers In order TO further this
plan Gen Macdonald adopted merely
defensive tactics. II was not attempt
ed tc force back the Beers right,
which move might have resulted In
their general retirement soon.
Gen. Darlington left MOdder river at
1880 In the morning and arrived with
in two miles OF Koodoosberg al 1880 p.
m, too late to attempt the turning
movement The next morning II was
found that the Beers had fled from
the lower drift but still remained on
the hill which they left when they per-
ceived Bablngton's movements, Early
IN the morning Babington vigorously
shelled the retiring Beers.
The whole British force Is now re-
turning to camp.
This little affair reflects great credit
upon Gen. MacDonald's tactics and
proves that the Hlghlanders have thor
oughly recovered their old go and cour-
age.
MAY STRIKE FOR KIMBERLEY.
London, Feb. l0.-The latest news
from the Modder river shows that Mac
Donald's retirement from Koodoosberg
was effected in complete order. The
most reasonable explanation OF his
movement is that Il was undertaken
more 10 restore confidence OF the High.
land brigade, still nervous from their
terrible experience at Magersfontein,
IMAM W bdlll any lillPOl NanN ObJNNNif'F
With this important unit, Gen. Meth
uen's force is .rehabilitated for vlgor-
GUS attack on Gen. Cronje, and an at
tempt TO relieve Kimberley may be
looked for. more than likely superin-
tended by Lord Roberts. while the
seventh division and part OF Gen,
French's cavalry are occupied In a
turning movement east OF Jacobsdal
BoERs NOT SURROUNDED.
A dispatch from Rensberg, dated Fri
day, February 2, reports aggressive
activity against all the British recon-
noitering and says the Beers are In no
sense surrounded at Colesberg but are
simply held In check by a series OF
camps forming a semi-circle from east
10 west
The Beers II is added, are still In full
possession OF their lines OF communica-
ton with the Free State, and hold
strong positions around Colesberg.
During the morning OF February g.
bombardment with lyddite occurred at
Rensberg, and the Beers Maxim-Vick-
ers guns are believed 10 have been sill
enced. a dozen dead Beers were found
on the kopjes.
Lord Roberts has addressed another
letter 10 Presidents Kruger and Steyn,
complaining Of the wanton destruction
Of property In Natal.
The fact that the news OF Lord Rob.
erts' message 10 Presidents Kruger and
Steyn came from the Modder river Is
taken as additional indication that the
commander-in-chief has gone there.
BULLER WILL TRY AGAIN.
The queens keen interest in Gen.
Macdonald and the Highland brigade
was evidenced by the concern she
showed at the news OF MacDonald's
retirement from Koodoosberg. Her
majesty sent special inquiries 10 the war
office, but as the officials had no knowl-
edgement Of the movement UP to mid
night, the queen made her secretary
telegraph twice TO Reuters news agen-
cy. asking for the most minute details
whence the news came and who sent
It, and requesting the earliest notifica-
ton OF any explanation received
A special dispatch. dated Spearman's
camp, Friday, February 2, says that
Gen. Buffers retirement was merely
temporary. owing to a determination TO
change tactics The force, the dis,
patch adds, will soon resume opera
tons.
The casualties were mostly slight
wounds.
MORE FIGHTING.
Boer Head Lager, Ladysmith FRI
day. Feb 9.-lt is reported from the
Upper Tugela that In yesterdays fight
while driving the British across the
river with heavy loss to them, the Beers
had four men killed and eight wound
ed. on re-taking the kopje, twenty
two Beers were found killed.
GEN. WHITE TRYING TO CUT OUT.
The alarm was given at midnight that
the Ladysmith troops were trying 10
force a passage In the direction OF the
Free State lager, Heavy firing was
heard. but no particulars have been re-