Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1900-02-17
Or the Beers are Preparing One
of the Biggest Traps the
British Ever Run Up
Against.
GEN. CRONIEI IN FULL RETREAT
cronje May Not be Able to Make
BIoemfonteIn Without Sc
rious Loss.
BOER SIDE YET TO HEAR FROM

JacODSual, tTlQay, req. lO-General
Cronje, with 10000 men, is in full re-
treat towards Bloemfontein. General
Kelly-Kenny is fighting his rear guard
and harrassing his retreat. The
Beers are reported to be leaving Spy
fontein, going in a northwesterly di-
fectich. The Beers captured the
large convoy of 200 wagons as re-
suit of yesterdays Thursday fight
ing at the Reit river. The British
casualties were comparatively slight
in view of the tremendous lombard
ment. Less than thirty men were
wounded and but one killed. General
French's division was enthusiastic
cally welcomed in Kimberley. The
news of the entry into Kimberley
greatly cheered the troops, who are
working splendidly.
London, Feb. ia dispatch to the
war Office from Lord Roberts says
that General Kelley Kenny's brigade
captured yesterday seventy-eight
wagons laden with stores.
New York, Feb. ia dispatch to
the Tribune, from London, says
The western border has been cleared
by General Roberts first stroke, since
the relief of Kimberley carries with
it Mafeking and secures British CON
troll of West Barlxley district and Bee
huanaland. Various suggestions are
put forth as to the movements of
Cronje, DR.. Leyd's expressed the
opinion that the "Boer commandant
deliberately allowed General French
to enter Kimberley so as to cut him
off from communication with his com.
mander-in-chief.'
London, Feb. ia special from
Sterkstroom dated today, says the
Beers with artillery commenced an
attack early this morning on Molteno
near that place, coupled by troops
commanded by General Gatacre.
London, Feb. 17-With General
Cronje in full retreat and General
Kelley-Kenny harassing his rear.
hopes run high that a decisive action
will soon occur, if it has not already
been fought Dispatches from Jacob
sdal confirm this belief, saying that
Cronje has been obliged to "outspan'
in other words, form laager OF. camp
in order to rest his oxen. This ex-
plains Kelley-Kenny's dispatch refer
ring to the shelling of the lager,
which also brought long expected
word of General Kithcheners where
abouts. If General Tucker, with the
seventh division, is able to effect the
projected junction with the forces
of General Kelley-Kenny, while the
ninth division under General Colville
is rapidly coming up from the rear
Kitchener should have sufficient
force to decisively engage Cronje and
prevent him from reaching Bloem
fontein with an effective force.
The Beers, though retreating from
Magersfontein, are active elsewhere
A special dispatch from the Orange
river, dated Feb. 10th, says they are
attempting to cut the British line oil
communications at Gras Pan, but il
is said they are not likely to effect
this serious result. On the other hand
comes news that General Macdonald
has again occupied Koodoosberg
London, Feb. 1.-THE queen has
promoted General French to be majol
general. French heretofore only
ranked as a colonel with the loca
rank of lieutenant general. Lieut.
Col. Kekewich has been promoted tt
colonel for services in the defense
of Kimberley.
London, Feb. 17-Gen Roberts re
ports British casualties at Jacobsda
one killed and fourteen wounded
three missing.
| New York, Feb. ia dispatch
which President Kruger is said tt
have sent to Hague, since the sue
cessful movement of General French
for the relief of Kimberley, has reach
ed former official of Holland in thii
city today. 1t reads; mo uneasiness
The general operations in the west arr
fully planned"
| Arundel, Feb. 16-All quiet today
no Beers about. British outpost
n,liardino the railrond Rninaoroc