The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-01
.'cLibrar,.

hopeful view can be taken the Boer ac-
count of the Mafeking sortie seems de-
signed To convey. No word regarding any
such movement has yet arrived from
British sources, and the feeling of sus-
pense is deepening, as it is feared Colonel
Baden-Powell's silence indicates that his
position is becoming desperate.
The dispatches from the front breathe
confident spirit. which is by no means
echoed here The Ladysrnith advices show
that the Boer shclling is becoming deadly,
while sickness and ennuiment are also tell
Ing strongly upon the garrison. The news
of the spread Of rebellion among the
Dutch colonists. and Of the attempts of
Beers to cut the railway at widely different
points is very disquieting as bearing upon
the safety of the extended lines of commu-
nication.
All the correspondents are beginning to
hint of a forward movement on the part
OF General Butler, the danger of which is
indicated in dispatch to the Daily Tele-
graph from Frere, recording the unfortu-
nate failure Of two reconnoissances. In
one case the Boer lines at Colenso were to
have been bombarded by night. Mounted
men drew the Boer fire, and it was intend
ed that the naval guns should lombard.
This, however, the latter failed to do, ow-
ing to some misunderstanding, and the
reconpoitering party was compelled to
founder back to camp through the wet and
stormy night. marching in mud and water
and with the greatest discomfort. Accord
ing to the same correspondent, similar
fate awaited another reconnaissance in the
III 1eto Oh, ,&ctt
says the dispatch. lest their way in the
darkness. They were unable to effect a
junction for attack; they stumbled into
water holes and were out all night, only to
return drenched and disappointed in the
morning
1t is roughly estimated thas there are
25. 900 Beers between Ladysmith and Colen-
so. some 400 being on the south side of
Tugela river. At all points the enemy
shows ceaseless activity.
A large number of Americans are said to
be finding their way into the various volun-
teer regiments, being raised in Cape
Colony. 1t is also reported that many
Africans are arriving at Delagoa bay hav-
ing been expelled from the Rand because
they had refused to work the johannesburg
mines for the government
The proofs of contraband traffic increase
daily. 1t is alleged that European officers
arrive at Delagoa bay every week and
proceed to the Boer lines. The Cape Argus
asserts that the latest importations by
way of Lourenzo Marques are six large
Armstrong guns and sixteen cases Of ANU
milton, all of which have arrived at Pre-
toria The imperial authorities at the Cape
signnent OF arms and ammunition, marked
Biscuits" sent by Beers to Dutch farmers
in that neighborhood.
1t is feared that the British reconnois-
sance north of Dordrecht described in n
dispatch to the War Office, may turn out
to have been rather serious affair. A
correspondent of the Associated Press at
Sterkstroom. telegraphing Dec. 81 says:
Captain Montmorency.- of the Twenty
first Lancers, with a patrol OF l2O was re-
connoiserins eight miles north of Dor
drecht lie met the Beers at Labuschag-
,e's Mex. They opened fire and the British
replied. The lighting continued for six
l.odrs, When the Beers received strong re-
inforce nents, Including artillery, Captain
No atmorency retired and took Z defensive
position at Dordrecht The Beers did not
pursue him. 1t is believed that they re-
tired on their main body. Their losses are
not known
The Queens message to the British
| troops in South Africa was sent to every
general. 1t ran thus: Il wish you and all
my brave soldiers a happy Christmas. God
protect and bless you all"
The morning papers are inclined TO re-
frain from commenting upon the Bundles
rath incident pending further investigation.
The Daily Chronicle says: 1.-THE incident
was unfortunate; but the Germans may
await the result of the inquiry with con-
fidence in our fairness"
The Standard says: 1--WE feel sure that
Germany will recognize the unimpeachable
validity of our position. We shall enforce
such claims as we possess with every
desire to cause the least possible incon-
venience to trade among friendly states;
but, at the same time, We shall act with
a firm determination to assert our rights
as a belligerent power.