Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-04
BOERS FORCED BACK
Attack on Molteno Said to Have Been
Unsuccessful.
RElNFORCEMBNTS FOR FRENCH
Another German Imperial Mail
Steamer Detained at Alden.
ARTILLERY DUELS CONTIN UE
DUELS CONTINUE

LONDON. January 4.-The war office has
received report from Cape Town dated
Wednesday, January 3. reporting the situa-
ton In Gen Gatacre's district 1t says:
Dordrecht is now evacuated by Mont
morency, who occupies Birds Siding on
the Indwe line.
"Molteno is being attacked today by the
enemy, who more or less surround the po-
lice station. but who, according to reports,
are being forced back. Reinforcements of
mounted infantry and field artillery have
been sent by Gen. Gatacre. The result is
not known.
"a company of mounted infantry, under
Anderson, has reconnoite cred to Prieska and
exchanged shots with the rebel force on
the North bank.
mo movement of Gems. Methuen or
French is reported"
The enrolment of the second contingent
of London Imperial Volunteers today was
the occasion for a scene of popular interest
and enthusiasm. The approaches to the
guild hall were thronged with representa-
tlves Of all classes, everybody cheering and
the bands playing lively music. The scene
at the guild hall was highly picturesque
and impressive.
Little News From Butler.
Although dispatches under yesterday
evenings date are arriving from both Gen.
Buffers and Gen. Methuen's headquarters,
they contain little of importance Shells
continue to be exchanged and the patrols
are busy. Otherwise there is little to en-
tighten the general situation
Gen: Cronje was reported to have been
considerably disturbed at the first reports
of the success of Col. Pitchers expedition
and sent 400 burghers to help Douglas. The
British at Modder river hope to capture
this force.
A interesting ct iS hat
wife is Il sister of Maud Come, the So
called Irish Joan of Are
The famous tennis player, w. V. Eaves,
and the old Oxford athlete, C. B. Fry, are
joining the British forces in South Africa
The departure of the seventh division of
the British army for South Africa COM
menced this morning.
Reinforcements for French.
There is great satisfaction here at the
news that De Aaar has been able to send
Gen. French reinforcements of guns and
infantry, of which he appears to be so
much In need.
The fighting in the hills is incessant. The
latest kilograms say Gen. French has al
most surrounded Colesberg but that the
Beers stif1y defending all their posi-
uonS close to the town, preventing the
British from capturing it.
A dispatch from Rensburg. this morning,
says the heavy artillery duel recommended
at daybreak.
Further details of the fighting between
Gen. Gatacre and the Beers at Cyphergat
today show that 5000 Beers with artillery,
attacked British outpost between Cypher-
Sat and Molteno Gen. Gatacre with
mounted troops and field artillery moved
out in front of Sterkstroom and found the
Beers strongly posted at Colesberg, whence
they were quickly dislodged, the Beers flee
ing in the direction of Stormberg. The
Beers used the British guns captured De-
cember 10, and shot well, but the British
Kept under cover and there were no casu-
alties on their side.
Queen Praises London Troops.
At the enrolling Of the London volunteers
at the Guild Hall this morning, Lord New
ton read an extract from a letter written
b. the queens private secretary Sir Ar
thur Bigge, saying:
Il have 20 assure you how much the
queen values the corps which has been so
patriotically raised by the city of London
for service in South Africa"
The traction engines have arrived at
Irere and nave been successfully tested.
1hey pulled trucks over the toughest and
most sandy ground without difficulty