Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-14

over 0cheFai DeWef.
LONDON, June 13-Lord Roberts
has fought battle with Gen. Botha.
at the end of which, though the Brit
ish gained considerable ground, the
Beers were not beaten.
Lord Roberts's line Of communica-
lions has been practically restored by
victory gained by Gems. Meshuen
and Kitchener over Gea. DeWet yes
terday. The Boer camp was captured
and the burghers. it is added, were
scattered in all directions.
A report from Gen. Roberts. DELAYED
at Kroonstad. is dated Pretoria, June
II, and is as follows:
Pretoria and johannesburg are
quiet The inhabitants express graft
tude for the prevailing peace and or
der. After surrendering the city Gen.
Botha retired fifteen miles east on the
Mlddleburg road. He had a small
force al first, but in a few days the
numbers of his fore increased. His
ment in the country and prevented
the burghers from surrendering their
arms. 1t also interfered with the coll
lection of supplies. and, therefore, it
became necessary TO attack him,
which | did yesterday (Monday).
Botha held very strong position
and had a practically unassailable
front, which enabled him to place the
main portion of his troops on his flank.
which, he knew was vulnerable | sent
French with Porters and Dixon's brig
AIDES and Hunters mounted infantry
around by our left and Hamilton. with
Broadwood's and Gordons mounted In
fantry, and Bruce Hamilton's infantry
bridage by our right.
"Both Columns Met
great opposition, but about o'clock In
the afternoon | saw two of Bruce Ham,
ilton,s infantry Dattalions advancing
on what appeared to be the key OF the
enemys defense on their left flank.
This was almost gained before dark.
and | ordered the force 10 bivouae on
the ground they had won. Pole
Carew's division occupied our centre,
and, as | explained, could not attack,
but gradually advanced to the support
OF Ian Hamilton, and when / left the
field he was on the line held by the
enemy in the morning.
Il hurried back to get news OF Me-
thuen. On hearing that the Free Stat
ers had taken advantage OF our cross
ing of the Vail TO interrupt our COM
munications, | sent Kitchener with
such troops as could be spared. with or
ders to push south and communicate
with Methuen. who, knew, had a very
compact force in the vicinity OF He'll
bron. | also dispatched special mes
sengers to Methuen, instructing him TO
push on with all speed TO the main line
OF the railway.
These two officers met at Vrede-
port road station on the evening OF
June 10. They marched yesterday 10
the Rhenoster river. where Methuen
gained a complete victory over DeWet
he took his camp and shattered bic
troops in all directions. He and Kiteh-
ener marched to-day toward Kroon-
stad
Her majesty's government nes4
have no apprehension regarding the
security of the army in South Africa
The enemy gained slight succesA
which was unfortunate, but this win
be remedied very shortly IL will not
take long TO repair the damage TO the
railway, as the divisions are all In ex-
istance. | am now able TO hold the
line between here and Rhenoster Ia
strength and Methuen will arrange 70
guard EDWARDS, as he advances.
Hunter should be at Potchefstroon
to-day. He will then move on johann
nesburg.
1--WE Have Communicated
with Butler, who will, no doubt, soon
make the presence Of his force in the
field felt.
Our losses yesterday were not. I
trust. serious, but ! deplore the
death OF that gallant soldier, the Earl
Of AirIe The only other casualties
reported as yet are: Seventeenth Lane
ers-Maj. the Hon. Lionel Fortescue
and Lieut.. the Hon. c. Cavendlsh.
Gen. Knox writes that Kroonstad 10
safe.
The Earl OF Airlee was one OF the
wealthiest persons in Scotland. own
ing about SO. 900 acres. He was lieu
tenant colonel in the Ninth Royal
Laneers since 1897. He saw service
in the Nile expedition in 1885.
Lord Robertss dispatch Is regarded
as eminently satisfactory. Il ends q
period OF suspense caused by the cut
ting OF his line OF communications
and indicates what a strong grip he
has on the situation.
The result Of the battle between
Lord Roberts's forces and those 81
Gen. B0tha Is eagerly awaited here.
but It is believed the Boer commandet
will only complete his retirement,
which he seems TO have already com-
menced. though there Is some hope in
london that Lord Robers will be able
To surround him.
The decisive victory scored by Gems.
hethuen and Kitchener ID regarded al
likely TO have more far-reaching ef-
feet than any recent action OF thu
Orange river colony. Gen. Kitchen
er's progress south, II is believed.
must have almost equalled the rec
ords OF all forced marches. His de-
tachment from headquarters was q
merely routine procedure. as the chico