The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1900-02-03
BRITISH FORCED TO GO BACK
LADYsMITHs FATE UNKNOWN
General Butler In Close Quarters-
Rumors From BerIin-BiR English
Loss-Reported Relief of Nafe-
king.

London, Jan. 29.-Spencer Wilkinson,
in articles on the war situation, has 1t
tracted much attention here and abroad
He wrote the following review of the sit
uation for the Associated Press after the
war office had given out a telegram from
General Roberts, dated at Cape Town, say
ing there was no change in the situation:
'The affair OF Spion Kop appears very
like a reverse at the decisive point OF the
decisive battle. According to General Bull
ler's telegram, General Warren was le-
teunined to take the hill because it COM
Tnanded the enemy's other positions. Hav
ing taken it Tuesday night he abandoned
it Wednesday night, presumably because
he was unable to hold it.
The published words of General Bull
ler's telegram have the tone in which
reverse is announced Whether the mis-
hap can be made good it is impossible
to say.
London, Jan. 29.-The only news issued
by the war office is dispatch from Loud
Roberts, stating that the situation is un-
changed and that General French reports
RECONNAISSANCE VI tliS tACAhy BSoibtpii
on Thursday when he found the Beers
strongly posted at Pietfontein.
A special dispatch from 9.olenso says
that Commandant Lucas Myers com
mando surprised and surrounded strong
body of General Methuen's infantry, kill
ing and wounding % and capturing 10.
Says Warren Was Lured In.
Berlin, Jan. 29.--Some of the papers
here claim TO have telegram from Pre-
toria saying that General Warren was
enticed into Spion Kop, where the Beers
fell upon him.
That IL of his cannon we're captured
and that Buffers hasty retreat over the
Tugela river alone can save him.
The alleged Pretoria telegram adds that
the British losses were 500 men killed and
1900 men wounded.
The dispatch comes through Brussels
and docs not receive much credence in this
city.
1t is said that the German foreign office
has confirmation OF the report that
General Warren's division has been
crushed.
London, Jan. 29-The war office has
no news of the catastrophe to Buffers
force, reported from Berlin, and discredits
the story
Canada's Brave Volunteers.
Halifax, n. s., Jan. 29.-The second de-
tachment of the second Canadian contiu-
gent TO South Africa have embarked on
the Pomeranian, marching through the
city on their way to the transport
After inspection they were addressed by
Lieutenant Governor Daily and Ma jor
Hamilton, who wished them godspeed
Beers Tell of the Rattle.
Boer Camp, Modder Spruit, Upper Tu-
gela, Jan. 29.-I'he British are now en-
deavoring to force with 10000 troops the
Spion kop route to Ladysmith. The fir
ing on General Bothas position yesterday
was terrific. The grass was fired, rocks
dislodged and trenches pierced, but the
battle was practically one-sided, the fed
erals only firing 80 shots. A ball from Il
shell Tended in General Botha's pocket
The only Boer casualties were some horses
wounded.
The firing ceased at dark, but was re-
sumed this morning in the vicinity of
Lsdysmith ana here, but up to noon it
lacked vigor
Lorenzo Marquee, Jan. 29--It is report
ed on good Transvaal authority that Mate
king was relieved on January %.
British Hetreated.
London, Jan. 29.-General Butler says:
General Warren's troops have retreated
south of the Tugela river. The Beers say
the British loss was 1900 killed last Wed
nesday. 1t is believed here this includes
the wounded. The Beers also claim that
LEO of the English troops surrendered at
Spion Kop.
General Buffers dispatch to the war Of
flee states that Spion kop was aban-
doned account of lack Of water, in
ability to bring artillery there and The
heavy Boer fire
General Butler gives no list Of casualties.
His whole force withdrew south Of the
Tugela river with the evident intention
of reaching Ladysmith by another route.
New York, Jan. 3O.--A special cable
gram from London TO the Evening World
says:
ut is learned from reliable source
that Lord Roberts has advised the aban-
Comment of Ladysmithv
AT the war office, the dispatch adds.
no confirmation could be obtained of the
advices said to have been given by Lord
Roberts.
Defeat rs Acknowledged
London, Jan 30.-The usual airy at