The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-16
Latfer's Book 'FrOm Boer to Boer,,
Used as Peace Argument by the
Bursher Commission.
SITUATION STILL SERIOUS
SWORD OF HONOR DECLINED nv
COMMANDER IN CHIEF ROBERTS,
Who Says 1t Is DistastefuI to Him IN
BE Feted While So Many Brftons
Are Sorrowing.

LONDON, Jan. 1s.-There has been no
remarkable change in the situation in South
Africa in the past twenty-four hours. Con-
ditions are not improving, as hoped by the
War Office. General De Wet is i'm an uglv
frame of mind, according to a dispatch
from Kronstad, which says: ',The success
of the Burgher Peace Commission in dis
tributing among the Republicans Paul
Botha's book, From Boer to Boer.' has
infuriated General De Wet, who, il is re-
ported, swears he will shoot the author at
the first opportunity. The refugee camp
Is now occupied by 1000 persons. Another
is being formed at Rhenoster Supplies of
all kinds In the towns are shortening
daily. The Beers are active northward
and also in the direction of Lindley. vari-
Gus commanders appear to be joining De
Wet TO the southwark"
Reporting to the War Office under date of
Pretoria, Jan. 14,Lord Kitchener says: "Bey-
ers whole force crossed the railway near
Kaalfontein Jan. II, making to the east.
There are no important changes in the posi-
tions in the colonies. Several small parties
appear to be returning to the Orange River
Colony. Some Cape rebels, who accom-
panied a commando into the colony. have
surrendered"
Lord Roberts yesterday further empha-
sized the unsatisfactory condition of South
Africa in a letter to the mayor of Ports
mouth, postponing the presentation Of a
sword OF honor from that city. He saws:
at is most distasteful to me to be hon
ored and feted and called upon to rejoice
while so many are in bitter grief, and be-
fore we can properly return thanks that
the cloud is being rolled away which has
for more than a year darkened the homes
and crushed the hearts of so many I'm our
country"
The government has decided to send large
reinforcements to Lord Kitchener; and the
War Office. in carrying out this decision,
has determined TO enlist 5000 yeomanrv
volunteers. At meeting held at the War
Office yesterday morning. this plan and
others for securing more men were dis
cussed and approved. and II is understood
the government will. in the course of day
or two issue communique on the subject.
Sir Alfred Miners consultative commits
sion of uitlanders is telegraphing to the
various committees of the uitlanders
throughout the country the terms Of the
| formation of guards for mines. Each min
| ing company is TO pay and feed its own
men.
The casualty list shows there has been a
severe engagement. with loss of six killed
seventeen wounded and five missing. at
| Murraysburg. where the Dutch are said
| to have been Joining the invaders Indica-
| tions are not wanting that the decision of
| the government 10 send reinforcements has
not been taken a moment too soon Colonel
ColviIles mobile column. which has been
pursuing the Beers. has been Obliged IN
| rest at Greylingstadt, TO erect biockhouse
and TO cease operations until reinforced by
mounted troops.
| General Paget has taken his force TO Pre-
/ torIa to rehf. Many of the men are suf-
| fering from enteric fever
| Three hundred Beers captured a small
/ British convoy at Bronkhurstspruif. near
Pretoria, but made of after liDeratins ythe
prisoners