The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1900-02-20

laurence Marquee Feb. 19-AdviCes
from Pretoria state that heavy fighting is
reported to-day around Kimberley, where
Gen Cronje is said to be holding his own.
The arht!nC near Jacobsdal is thus de-
sc-ibed: "The British came through
Rlaunbank and attacked In two columns
While the Peers were buslly engaged with
Lord Roberts, Gen. French, with 2,O00 cav
airy and six guns. succeeded in breaking
through the Boer lines. The Beers did not
seriously oppose Gen. French's advance
but confined their efforts 10 preventing the
provisions getting through. II this they
succeeded capturing 1000 head of cattle,
lpo wagons of provisions, and 100 men"
Cape Town, Feb. l9-Dispatches from
Naseru say that large forces are being
sent from the Transvaal TO the Free State
Inder prominent generals. 1t is also said
The Free State is making desperate efforts
10 collect an army TO face the British ct
KoffyfOntein. An official proclamation or
ders cut all males between the ages of
sixteen and sixty. and enthusiasts declare
that every one up TO the age of one hun
dTed must go.
A. Kimberley a report is current that
Nafeking has been relieved, but that the
Beers are trying 10 conceal the lnforma-
ton
London Hears Quite Another story.
London. Feb. 2D-12:30 a. m.-The war Of
Zee al midnight announced that it hal
nothing for publication from South Africa.
In the lObbes OF the House of Com
mons last evening. however. it was ru-
mored that Gen. Cronje's army was sur
founded: that Gen. French had got be-
tween the Boer forces and BIoemfontein,
sul that he was only awaiting re-enforce-
neuys % close in on the enemy
No confirmation of this rumOr is OBJ
taInab.e although The general idea is that
l'e government has received important
dispatches
member Of the cabinet told II. w.
Lucy tonight that the war office had re-
'e'rd telegram announcing that Gen
CFonJe was hoDelessly surrounded.
Mr. Wyndham was beset by anxious
members of the House, but would only re-
Iy that the governments news was ex-
uemely satisfactory. The sole expiana-
uon OF the government Withholding good
'."S is that Confirmation and more de-
tails are awaited.
The situation. as disclosed by cor
respondents over the Free State border,
is lanializing 10 the public expectation.
HE elementary facts are that the Beers
are uekking eastward toward Bloemfon-
'ein, with slow-moving baggage trains,
an that they are pursued by Lord Kitch-
taer, with Gen. Kelly-Kenny's division.
supposed Movements of British.
Gen Macdonald. with the Highlanders,
made forced march to KOodoos Rand
F0rf and on Sunday pushed twenty miles
eastward. Gen. French left Kimberley
saturday, going east along the Modder
h'er. Lord Kitchener is trying to out
march and outtlank the Beers. thus check
AR their retreat, II possible, and driv-
ias them back into the hands Of Mac
c'Had and French.
-H" war office message communicated
h Nr Lucy seems TO indicate that Lord
N!..a-Err has either got ahead OF the
Beers. or is about TO realize his plan, and
'aat Tive war office waits TO announce a
decisive result.
Meanwhile COmmandant Delarey, with
.o E.0rs from Colesberg Is hanging on
10 'ae rghy flank OF the British pursuing
'oEma- seeking to delay their move
Hr.a and SD 10 assist the Boer wagon
lE-E- .o escape.
Students ot topography think the Beers
~" hardly risk "a fight until they get into
". rough country north of Bloemfontein
"'. -'yd-, At Brussels. says the Free
'.-.r troops Nho were besieging Lady
s.a-.E have withdrawn In order to defend
...F homes IN this way he accounts for
H.. fu-rrs success against the weak
''-l forces. lie will forego his projected
UP 2. Rome. be says, because OF "decis-
events now taking place in the theater
O. var"
.'.| Roberts gcneralship was conduct
with such secrecy, says a telegram
-.H Ag-scr River. that even the senior
-'E who took the Sixth Division
.'a-n the preliminaries OF the opera
w.. .ii not know what they would final
y have 90 do.
''H. Butler has achieved a real sue
seemingly, IN capturing the range Of
,'s south of the TuPela. II makes Iacre
a'.b.s another attempt 10 relieve Lady
aM.th
Queen ConEratnlate- II oberts.
'"' queer mas sent a direct message To
.!l Roberts, c0Hgrstulating him and his
,',bs pen. French and Col. Kekewien
a.'e been acquainted with their promo.
nIA' ape Town correspondent OF the
al! Aens tslegraphing Sunday, says: