New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-27
THE ACTION ON FRIDAY.
BoER ATTEMPT TO SEIZE THE HILLS RE-
PULSED.

PULSED.
Paardeberg, Feb. 24.-Yesterday there was a
most interesting series of fights along the Brit
ISL front One thousand Beers. commanded by
General De Wet, who We're known to be oper-
ating in the immediate front at early dawn yes
:erdRy determined to attempt to break through
the British lines and aid General Cronje A
body OF five hundred Beers moved toward the
British left and cantered in the direction OF a
kopje with the object of occupying it. Unfortu-
nately for the Beers. however, the kopje was
held by a company of Scottish borderers, who
opened a heavy fire. The Beers galloped off, but
moved again toward another British position,
with exactly the result. They then made
g third attempt to occupy another position but
the borderers We're again ready to receive them.
The third repulse thoroughly disconnected the
Beers. who galloped away in a panic. Later,
perceiving another kopje, the Beers moved
quickly toward It. The kopje unoccupied,
but the borderers. not to be beaten, raced the
Beers for the position and won occupying the
kopje and driving off the Beers. A portion Of
the latter ultimately occupied a kopje ianked
partially by the borderers and facing another
kopje held by the Yorkshires. A vigorous fusil-
lade ensued. the British firing accurately apd
Succeeding IN silencing the Boer fire. Meanwhile
the Bluffs were oriered to reinforce the York
shires In case the Beers should be reinforced
The British attack worked around TO the right
OF the kopje held by the Yorkshires. where the
9TH Battery was stationed the 62d Battery be-
ing placed at q farm near the centre of the Dor
derers' position. A vigorous Smelling. accom-
panied by a British fusillade completely ST.
fenced tho Beers. A company Of Yorkshires
sent to clear out the Beers. hut the at
tempt failed. the Beers opening a heavy fire
and the British having cover.
The British then opened a heavy rife fire,
which again siierced the Beers. The Beers
made several attempts to run, but the Maxims
opened upon them effectuaIly and checked them.
The Bluffs now worked carefully and cautiously
around, and got within 80 yards Of the Beers.
Eighty Beers surrendered. but many, it appears,
escaped, going singly.
Most of the prisoners had just arrived from
LadysInith. They complained of the bad gen
eralship OF their leader. Nearly every man car
ried explosive bullets, and five British were
wounded with these missiles. l have seen the
bullet, OF which one Boer carried fifty.
There is no longer the slightest doubt that the
Beers are gradually dtscarding all rules Of civil
tied warfare. The other day they poured the
contents Of a Vickers-Maxim gun into an am
bulance. which happened, however, to be empty,
some three hundred yards away from the near
est troops.
The war balloon is doing excellent service.
Early this morning it arose to a great height
and discovered in the bed OF the river four wag-
ons which contained ammunition. These were
exploded by the British shells hour after
ward. The balloon observer also discovered a
number Of horses concealed near ,by, and these
also received attention from the British shrap-
mel.
The Gordons incorporated in the
Highland Brigade making four killed regiments,
The Highland Light Infantry who not kilt
&c and are fine body Of men, are going to join
General Snith-Dorrien's regiment.