The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-04-21
Made His Escape just in the
Nick of Time.
The Beers We're Getting Ready
to Smash Him.
SOME HARD FIGHTING.
British Reach Point of TEN.
pOrary Safety.
Roora Ann-oooh VV;4H O0O
Beers Approach Within 800
Yards of British Lines.

Boshof. Orange Free State. April u
AT midday yesterday General Me-
thuen's field force at Ssvartz- -Kopjes-
fontein was ordered to return to Boshof-
Its convoy. extended over six-Iuiles.
The escort took up a position on hill
commanding the road just in the nick of
time, as a force of 1000 Beers with two
guns and Pompom suddenly appeared
in the vicinity and opened a very heavy
fire. The British, however. held them
in check until the column reached a
point of safety, when they retired. The
British had several casualties The
Beers fought determinedly and must
have suffered considerably, as they once
advanced to within 300 yards of the
hill when a concealed detachment of
the British opened heavy fusillade, on
them.
AN ARTILLERY FIGHT.
Bloemfontein, Friday, April 20.-Con-
tinuing their march on Friday Cen
erals Chermside and Rumble came into
contact with the Beers near De Vets
Dorp at noon. The fighting continued
until dark and was principally carried
on by the artillery, which temporarily
silenced two of the Boer guns.
The British command the hills for
miles around the Beers. who are re-
ported to hold strong positions, but are
probably retiring.
The casualties on the British side
were slight and most of them occurred
among the yeomanry and mounted in
fantry. The firing was at long ra rge.
None of the British troops were killed.
CHERMSIDE 20 MILES AWAY.
London, April 21-GeneraI Cherm-
sides and General Rundle's divisions
were only 20 miles from Wepener yes
terday, so unless unforeseen difficulties
arise, they should today be getting into
colonial
which is besieged and by tomorrow
have accomplished its relief. the two
divisions being Overwhelmingly supe-
rior to the Boer forces.
As governor of the Free State, Major
General Pretyman is organizing a
corps of mounted police and dividing
the country into sections, to be ad-
minstered by commissions, probably
army officers. A dispatch from Bioenl-
fontein. dated Friday, April 20, COM
menting the improvement of indus
| trial prospects which the system IS
likely to bring about, says:
IAN instance of the business activity
| of the colonists is the case of a Cana
| dian private, who had large Interest
! in soap business. During the present
| halt he has been pushing his business
with the same energy he and his COM
rades rushed the trenches at I'aarde-
| berg
Lieut. Col. Girrouad. director of rail-
ways, is forming a railroad corps with
/ Many of the colonials have joined
The transport Portugal with troops
from Lisbon has arrived at Lorenzo
Marques. The presence Of these rein
/ forcements will make Portugal feel
/ easier regarding the Beers protest
| against the British use of Beira-
! From Ladysmith. under date of April
| 21, comes the news that firing was
| heard during this morning in the cirec-
! tion of Sundays river 1t was main
| tanned for about an hour. Shipping and
| Boer activity are reported at Kip DAM
| RUMBLE FOUND THE BOERS.
London, April 21, $40 p m--Tne war
| office has received the following dis
| patch from Lord Roberts:
| ''Bloemfontein, April 21--Rundles 5
force came in contact with the enemy
Yesterday, four miles southwest OF
Dewetsdorp. They occupied strong po-
sitions covering the town. The Seo-
| manry and mounted infantry seized an
other position which enabled Rundle 10
drive the enemy off and occupy the
high ground the enemy had been hold
ing Rumble advanced this morning
early, and is now again engaging with
| the enemy. Our casualties yesterday
were two men severely wounded and
| Lieutenant O'Connor and seven men
! slightly wounded