Daily inter mountain., 1900-04-13
Operations in Free State
IndeClSivc.
WEPENER HOLDING OUT
Brabant Considered Equal to
Emergency---Rum0r OF Col.
Baden POWell'S Death
Confirmed.

New York. April ia dispatch to the
Tribune from London says: The motive
for the Boer reconnaissance in force on
Sunday river on two successive days is
not clear. One dispatch states that raid
ing parties are advancing toward Wee
nan through Helpmakaar to the south
and toward Dewdorp, to the west Of
Ladysmith. If these raids had been
planned, the attack upon Clery's camp
was an effective method of diverting at
tention from them. Probably the Beers
have become restless during the five
weeks Of inaction and it was necessary
for their new commander to find employ
ment for them and also to insDirit the
burghers at Pretoria by sending bulletins
of victory like those which are telegraph
ed from Lourenzo Marques.
No definite results have been accom-
plished by this spasm of Boer activity.
There was a continuous rifle fire, follow
ed by artillery practice, for several
hours on Wednesday, but the Boer at
tack was neither vigorous nor persistent.
There was change of tactics since the
Boer positions were disclosed, whereas
they have usually concealed their guns.
occupied temporary line of defence,
with a permanent one further back of
much greater strength.
The Boer operations in the southeast
ern corner of the Free State are equally
indecisive. The commando on the north
bank of the Orange river is content with
blocking the passage of a relief column
to Wepener and is not attacking Aliwal
North. Wepener still holds out against
an investment by a superior force. Gen.
eral Kitchener was evidently satisfied be-
fore leaving Aliwal North that the situa-
tion was not serious and that General
Brabant was equal to the emergency.
The cannonading was heavy at Wepener
on Wednesday, but the Boer did not gain
ground.
From Rhodesia, there is confirmation
Of the Boer rumor of the death of Colonel
Baden Powell and heavy list of casual
ties from Colonel Plumer's unsuccessful
fight six miles north of Mafeking on the
last doy of March. The situation of the
garrison of Mafeking is causing uneasi-
ness among London friends of the inf1u-
entail group of officers who are with
Baden-Powell. They cannot be convinc-
ed tnat the garrison, In It's present en-
! feebled condition, can hold out until Lord
! Roberts is prepared to invade the Trans
; vaal and they are hoping that the strong
force detached from Buffers command is
destined for Beira and Rhodesla. Cen
+! eral Hunter commands this force, but
his destination from Durham is not an
nounced definitely.
General Roberts own movements in
! the Free State are still clouded with un-
! certainties. Boer dispatches represent
that the strong army is entrenched on
the Ventersburg-Sen Hills to block
his progress northward. All estimates
of the Dutch forces are misleading and
| uncertain. General Roberts main diff
Guilty lies in arranging an adequate
transport for the army of invasion, which
can hardly be less than $4,000 men and
which cannot be tied up to a railway.
When this i'm mastered his march will
; be resumed. Military men expect for
ward movement next week but the fore
casts are based upon guess work.
co,a+o,yn April 19-The admiral in