Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-04-05
A CONVOY ANDUSHED
A Number Of Britishers with Guns
Walk ilto a Boer Trap.
MUCH EXPECTED OF Cen. BO7HA.
Many ~ the BOer Prisoners on the British
Transports Sick - stiering Up the
Burghers OiivleT's
Big Column

London, April 2.--ben. buffers anX-
ious inquiry whether British officers
will ever learn the value of scouting
comes back with enforced emphasis
to the British public to-day on re-
ceipt of tidings that convoy with
guns has walked deliberately into 0
Boer ambush within about 20 miles
of Bloemfontein. Lord Roberts own
report of the affair, if yet received
by the war Office, has not been pub.
lished and no account of the affair
is available to the public except the
dispatch from Bushman kop. Moth
ing can be said, therefore, regarding
the exact extent Of the British mis-
fortune. Evidently Col. Broadwood
thought it necessary to retreat in
haste from Thaba N'Chu, as he
marched all through Friday night,
apparently followed by a considerable
force of the enemy. The convoy and
guns had to pass through a deep
sprut which the Beers had occupied.
Six to IL guns, comprising two bat
teries, all the wagons and, it is feared,
many men fell into the hands of the
Beers, whose daring, displayed so
near Bl0emfontein, shows that they
are rapidly recovering heart after
their recent reverses.
Severe criticisms are heard regard
ing the renewal of the old mistake of
undertaking the Beers and the alb
sence of proper precauton. No doubt
the affair will revive Boer hopes and
inspire confidence among the enemy
at a critical moment.
Great things are expected by the
Beers okthe new commander-in-chief,
Gen. Botha. who has made his repu-
tation wholly during the present cam
paign. Foreign officers serving with
the Beers have expressed surprise
at his clever tactics.
The proof of continuing Boer ac-
tiyity in the Free State will compel
greater circumspection on the part
of the British and will probably de-
lay the march Of Lord Roberts north.
ward.
nlitailed accounts of the fight at
Karee siding estimate the Boer forces
varously from 1000 to 1900 men.
Brabant's horse occupied Wepeher
last Thursday unopposed.
Lord Methuen has issued the fol,
lowing notification at Kimberley II
have received instructions that II any
disturbance occurs west of the Vaal
river my force is to return and pun
ish the rebels immt dately."
Many Boer Prisopsra Sick,
Cape Town, April 2.-'rhe departure
of the British transports with the
Boer prisoners for St. Helena has
been delayed In consequence Of the
increased sickness among the pris-
oners. Many of Gen. tronje's men
when captured were completely worn
out with the hardships they had un.
dergone and little strength was left
them to fight disease. Moreover, the
confinement on shipboard is very INK
some to men who have been accus-
toned to outdoor life.
Stirring Up the Burgher~
Maseru, Basuto1and, April 2.-Presi.
dent Steyn is reported to have gone
to Ladybrami to stir up the burghers
there to renewed resistance. The
Beers have removed from the imme-
date vicinity of Plattberg and taken
up a commanding position adjacent.
The Dutch who surrendered their
arms at ladybrand are now suffering
seizures of their live stock.
Gen Olivier's Big Column.
London, April 1.-The Times has
the following from Mafeking, Basu.
toland, dated Friday, March 3O
seen. Olivier has just passed Jam.
inersburg drift with four guns and
800 wagons. The column, which ex.
tended 20 miles, was accompanied by
many women and children"