Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-06-14
HOEns, DESPERATE STAND.
Roberts, Battle With Bothn contin-
ued-E1rl of Airlte Killed.

London, June 14.-Wnat IL sunOOuDteu-
~ destined to prove one of the decisive
battles Of the Transvaal war. according
to latest advices from Lord Roberts, Is
raging east Of Pretoria. In graphic
dispatch dated Tuesday morning the
field marshal narrates how he. opened
the attack on Botha's forces masssd on
the Mldd,eburg road fifteen miles east OF
the Transvaal.
Monday, when Lord Roberts was
compelled to leave the scene of opera
lions in order to direct Lord Methuen's
movements for the relief of the situation
in Orange Free State, the British troops.
had about succeeded in capturing what
the field marshal describes as the key to
the enemy's defense.
After series of characteristic move
ments. Gen. Botha faced the British
with O battle-line formation. Lord Rob
erts himself might have planned the
fikt,t, which resolved itself into the most
picturesque tactical duel OF the cam
paign. The Boer general. holding po-.
eition with an invulnerable front. con-
centrated his strength on his tanks,
compelling the British to assault two
separate columns. Gen. French with his
cavalry and mounted infantry attacked
the Boer right, and Gen. Ian Hamilton
with similar force. augmented by his
brothers. infantry brigade. assailed the
left. The advance on both wings was
stubbornly contested, but dusk round
Gen. Hamiltons infantry. supported by
Gen Pole Carew's division. occupying
the British center. in position COM
manding Botha's left.
At this stage OF the battle Lord Rob-
Z erts ordered the force to bivouac for the
night on the ground 1t had won, 80 that
London so far as concerns the final re-
suits Of the battle is still In the dark. A
trio OF British officers Of title were killed
In the afternoons fighting.
Lord Roberts lost no time in taking
heroic measures for the relief, of the
Free State situation. Lord Kitchener
was dispatched from Pretoria with all
available troops. under orders to push
south and join Lord Methuen. with
whom connection was effected al
yreedefort station Sunday night. The
combined forces marched to Rhenoster
where Lord Methuen crushed Com.
mandant DeWet, captured the burgh-
ers' camp and sent the commandos fly.
ing in all directions. A later dispatch
from Lord Roberts at Katboch reports
that Lord Methuen's casualties, We're
q nineteen and that 140 Of the captured
!. Derbyshires, including 104 wounded
were retaken.
Lord Roberts report to the war office
detailing these, stirring events reassure'
the home authorities as to the militar!
situation in South Africa. He says h,
now commands the southern line o
communication and is safe from dan
Oer OF further molestation. The repair
Of telegraphs and railway will not in
volve serious delay.
The war Office yesterday received tn
following from Maj. Gen. Knox
.'Kroonstad. June 12.-We have been re
quested to forward you from Lord Rob
erts the following dispatcn from tn
Pretoria resldency at sos a. M. today
Pretoria, June 12.-Pretoria and Johan
nesburE are perfectly quiet, and sev
eral OF the Inhabitants have expresse,
ISL gratitude for the peace and order whicl
prevail. After gurrendering the cit
Botha retired to a place about fiftee
miles east on the Middleburg road. H
had small force at first, but during tn
last few days his numbers Increased
and his being % near the town kept u
~ the excitement In the country. prevent
O. the burEhers from laying down thei
II Arlns and intsrfered with the cOllectio
sslSs sN ~ l9upplies. Il therefore became neces
49, - sstack him. This ! did yestsl