The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1900-12-28
Beers ARE MORE AGGRESSIVE
COMMUNICATION IS CUT OFF
British in 81 Had Plight in Cape Col
ony-sharp Encounters between
the Scouting Parties of Both
Armies-Admiratio Tor Dewet.

a.ondon Dec. 24.-Since Lord Kitche-
ing of the Orange river into Cape Colony
of two bands of Beers, official news con
corning events in South Africa have been
suppressed. Reports were received from
Cape Town that the railroad had been torn
up in three places north or De Aar A
column of 500 of all arms, under com
mand of Major Shute, left Colesburg De
cember Is by the Philipstown road to re-
lieve a post of 20 yoemen who were in
vested on farm at Hamlefontein. The
Beers had been beaten off by the yeomen
before the relieving column arrived. Two
wounded Beers were captured. They stated
that their party had lost two killed and
~ wounded.
A Standerton dispatch dated December
l8, says that a sharp encounter took place
with two parties of Beers near Kalspruit,
10 miles south of the railway One of the
Boer parties numbered 300. Both were
routed after obstinate resistance. One re-
tired in the direction of Gobelsaar's Drift
and the other toward Villersdorp 1t is
supposed that they lost severely. The
British force lost two wounded and cap
tured a quantity of live stock and forage.
Many people of all classes gathered
about the war Office last evening, anxious
for the welfare of friends engaged in the
war, and especially for that of those con
nected with the regiments which were en-
gagged in the Nooitgedacht battle.
AT a late hour list of the casualties to
noncommissoned officers and men was
posted, showing that GO had been killed
and 1872 wounded
Dewet COIupeis Admiration.
London, Dec. 24-General Dewet would
be by far the most acceptable Christmas
box to the average Englishman, though
there seems little likelihood of the wish be-
ing granted. The desire for the suppress
sion of this wonderful Boer leader, how
ever, is accompanied by great admiration
of his latest feat.
at would he unworthy of the British
nane,' says the Times, "to refuse the
credit that is due TO feat of arms so bril-
liant as the unexpected dash backward of
Dewet ad his men through the British
lines"
Other papers take the same view, com
pairing the ride to Springhaas Mex with
The charge at Balaklava. In fact, admra-
tion for the extraordinary daring dis
played by the Beers on this occasion al
most predonnaies over the chagrin over
the failure of The British officers to cope
with their enemies. There is springing up
a philosophy of indifference 10 the incapa-
bility of generals in South Africa. Re-
verses have become no longer unexpected
Last Christmas the public almost went
crazy over plum buildings and chocolate
hampers sent to the soldiers on the veldt
This year they are not mentioned. In fact
the public is unutterably weary of the
long drawn out struggle, whose only inter
esting features are the sensational sue
eesses of Dewet. This in no way affects the
government, whose determination to fight
it out to the bitter end is evident from its
intention to reinforce the already huge
army in South Africa. Several members
of the cabinet, however, would be heartily
grateful were the B0er leaders to sue for
peace
Beers Well Commanded.
Cape Town, Dec 24.-The Beers who
lave invaded Cape Colony are commanded
by Generals Herrgoz, Philip Botha and
Haasbroek. BESIDES the commands already
reported, another force has crossed at
Zoutzpan TO reinforce all the Beers occupy
ing Philipstown.
RumOr as to Kimberley.
London, Dec 24-The Evening Stand
ard says it hears a report has reached
London that Kimberley is seriously
threatened by Beers.
Prices Paid Producers