The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-03-09

Cost of Relief of LadysmIth-Boer
Prisoners TO be Sent TO st. Helena.
London, March s, 4 a. m.-Lord Rob-
erts wired yesterday morning from,
Osfontein and in the evening from Pop
lar Grove, fourteen miles eastward. By
an application of the elementary prin-
cipIe of strategy, the Boer positions, fif-
teen miles long across his path, have
been emptied and their holders have
been obliged to retire in confusion con-
sequent upon hasty withdrawal.
Nothing was done by Lord Roberts
tC disturb the symmetry, the deadly
ingenuity, Of the BOer trenches in
front of him. He marched out infan-
try, estimated, from the commands
named at 10000 men, and sent 10000
horsemen and horse artillery in a bold
sweep around the Boer left, whereupon
the Boer center and right became un-
tenabIe. Fifty British fell when the
cavalry came into contact with the
Beers.
The correspondents differ as to the
enemy'S strength. The Daily Nails
ber something more than 1000. The
Daily News man estimates them at
10000 AS these figures come from OBJ
servers at headquarters, il is clear that
Lord Roberts force was overwhelm-
ingly superior. He can scarcely have
fewer than As, 200 Immediately avail
able.
TO BE SENT TO ST. HELENA.
The military authorities have de-
baf 10 no nth h
er Beer prisoners shall be sent i'm
mediately to the island of st. Helena,
there to remain until the end of the
war.
THE BOERS' NEW POSITION.
A dispatch to The Times from Mod
der river, dated yesterday, says: THE
Beers occupy an extensive position be-
tween ourselves and both Bloemfontein
and Winburg. They include the bulk
Of the Natal forces and are under Cen
eral Joubert himself. Only sufficient
men have been left behind to hold
Van Reenen's pass and Laings mex.
An engagement is imminent which will
probably be decisive as to the whole
war.
TRANSVAAL NO Q RUfy
ROBERTS FLANKS THE BOERS.
London. March Field Marshal
Lord Roberts has telegraphed as fol-
lows:
"Osfontein, March 4, 4:3O p. m.-Our
operations today promise to be a great
success. The enemy occupied a posi-
ton four miles north and eleven miles
south of the MOdder river. l placed
General COlVille'S division on the north
bank and General Kelly kenny's and
fuckers divisions, with cavalry, on the
south bank. The cavalry division sue
cetded III turning the enemyS eft
flank, opening a road for the Sixth
division which is advancing, without
having bee. Obliged to fire a shot up
to the present time. The enemy are in
full retreat towards the north and
east. They are being closely followed
by cavalry, horse artillery and mount
ed in1antry, while fuckers Seventh
division, Colville's Ninth division and
the Guards Brigade under Pole-Carew,
are making their way across the river
at Poplar's drift, where | propose to
place my headquarters this evening.
Our casualties will, I trust, be few,
as the enemy were quite unprepared
for being attacked by the flank and
having their communications with
Bloemfontein threatened
ROBERTS MOVEMENT SUCCESS
Full.
London, March 7.-Midnight. The
war Office has 'ust posted the following
advices from Lord Roberts:
Popular Grove, Wednesday Z, even
ing-We had a very successful day and
have completely routed the enemy who
are in full retreat. The position which
they occupied is extremely strong and
cunningly arranged, with a second
line Of intrenchments, which would
have caused us heavy loss had a direct
attack been made.
The turning movement was neceS-
sarily wide, owing to the nature of the
ground and the cavalry and horse ar
tillery horses are much done up. The
fighting was practically confined to
the cavalry division, which as usual
did exceedingly well, and General
French reports that the horse artillery
batteries did great execution among
the enemy.
Our casualties were about fifty. !
regret to say that Lieutenant kes-
wick was killed and Lieutenant Bailey
was severely wounded, both of the
Twelfth Lancers. Lieutenant De
Crespigny. of the Second Life Guards
was severely wounded Remaining
casualties will be telegraphed tomor-
row."
A PEACE MOVEMENT.
Cape Town. March IA great move
ment is in progress among the Cape
Dutch to obtain a settlement Of the
South African questions consistent
with the maintenance of the independ-
ence of the republics 1t is, doubtless
argued that the Dutch, having remain
ed loyal, are entitled to hearing al
the settlement. The argument would
have more force if the Dutch had not
risen IN every district where there was
a reasonable chance OF success and ii
is certain that the whole British COM
munity and the actively loyal Dutch
are opposed to any settlement snort OF
annexation.
proposal has been made by dep
utation of the Dutch party to V's,
England shortly in the interest ol
peace.
The remainder of the Canadian ar.