The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-05-02
Beers KEEP
UP FIGHTING.
Persistent and Daring At
tacks on British Troops.
Tried to Cut Off
Convoy.


ert's dispatches in respect to re-
cent operations near Thaba N'Chu
show that the Beers are by no
means dispirited by the turn events
have taken. On Saturday and
Sunday their attacks are described
by the Commander-n- chicf as hav-
ing been very persistent and dar-
ing. The attemptmade on Sunday
night to cut off a convoy moving
up from Dewetsdrop nearly sue
ceeded. The escort. composed of
Yeomanry and Scots Guards, was
fired upon on some very broken
ground, and only the opportune ar
rival on the scene of General Bra
bacon and strong force of Yeo-
many, returning from a visit to
Wepener, eXtricated them from
perilous position. Evidently the
convoy belonged to Rundle's divi.
sion, which had hurriedly marched
from Dewetsdorp.
A few days earlier the district
was thought to be clear of Beers.
This is another sharp reminder Of
the ceaseless vigilance and extra
ordinary mobility OF the Beers.
Meanwhile it is to be observed
that some important movements are
in progress. Colonel Ian Hamlltons
body of mounted infantry and Smith
Dorrien's brigade marched out to
Thaba N'Chu on Monday in
northerly direction and found them
selves opposed at Houtnek by a
strong force of Beers commanded
by General Botha in person. 1t
may be gathered from this and
from telegram from the Daily
Telegraph 5 correspondent that the
Beers have quilted. at least parti-
ally, their almost impregnable po-
sitions on the road from Thaba
NChu to Lady brand. and are NOV
ing away northeast towards Win
burg.
An explanation Of this step may be
found in their desire to protect their
right flank, threatened by Colonel
Hamilton S movement, and the adj
vance from Wepeher of Brabant $
cavalry and Hart Irish Bri gade
Their guns were heard to the south
east of Thaba N'Chu on Sunday
evening, and to avoid being taken
in the flank the Beers discreetly
moved away.
Colonel Hamilton has been con.
siderably strengthened from Thaba
N'Chu and elsewhere by cavalry,
infantry and artillery. Rumble
continues to hold a strong position
near the town. Maxwell brigade
has occupied an important row Of
kopjes. Nlakfontein, Schamskraal,
on the road from Bloemfontcin to
Winburg. 1t looks, therefore, as if
Roberts and his divisional COM
manders have anticipated some
stiff fighting in this neighborhood,
and that the Beers have determin-
ed not to be ousted from the re-
gions which favor their tactics and
methods of lighting without stub
born resistance.
London, May l, 4.25 p. ma
despatch from Mafclking, dated
April %, says: ''The Beers have
been busy for >eyeral days, blow
ing up the railway southwards.
There was little firing during
the past week.
"The town will respond cheer
fully to Lord Roberts request to
hold out for another month.
Fever is rife, but otherwise the
health of the garrison is good and
all are well.
Lady Sarah Wilson, telegraph
ing from Malcking, April ~, saws:
The Investment is so close that no
runners have entered or issued
forth for ten days. There was a
terrific bonbardment on April II,
but, with the exception of destroy
ing some houses, it was harmless.
The Beers then made a determined
attack on the southwestern forts,
which was successfully repuised.
The Beers have formed new
lager On the south. Many horses
are dying Of horse sickness. Trees
are being cut down for fuel. The
garrison is now eating the ambul.
ancc oxen, rcscrving the mules ull.
til the last. The daily ration is
now six ounces of gritty oat bread,
pound of bully beef and quart
OF skilly.'
London. Nav ,. a. m.--Fight.
ing. heavier than any since Lady
smith, seems to be imminent neal
Hhaba N'Chu. The dispatches of
Lord Roberts, dated Monday and
| Tuesday, show that the Bocr rear
guard, stubbornly resisting his ad
vance. forced the British on Satur,
day and Sunday to act chiefly OF
the defensive.
General French, who is directing
the operations. has at least 5000
men. Some estimates give him
10000. The Beers are estimated
10 be at least 5000 strong, and pos
sibly 10000.
| JHDIIsANn TnNfIIEC