The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-03-12
BRITISH DEFEAT IN AFRICA.

One of the Worst of the South
African War--Gen. Methuen is
Prisoner.
London, March 1O.-It was announc-
ed today that Gen. Lord Methuen and
four guns had been captured by the
Beers commanded by Gen. Delarey.
The news came like a thunderbolt to
London. The extra editions Of the even
ing papers with an account of the dlsas-
ter were eagerly bought up and their
readers hurried through the streets
with anxious faces and bitter remarks
we're passed on the subject Of the gov
ernment's declaration that the war in
South Africa was over. The news
came too late to affect business on the
stock exchange, butsexcited curb deal
ings quickly followed the closing in
which South Africans slumped heavily.
The news caused excitement in the
mine market. Throgmorton street
was thropged with South African
operators eagerly inquiring for details
of the British defeat and watching
the effect Of the announcement.
Shares were offered freely at first;
but byz6 o'clock the excitemnet had
abated and the curb one hardened.
The news was received in the house
Of commons amid great excitement
The reading Of Lord Kitchener's tele-
gram by the war secretary, Mr. Brod-
rick, was listened to in deep silence
which was broken by loud Irish
cheers. Instantly there we're cries of
shame! shame!'' from the govern
ment benches. Then the Irish mem
bers seemedd to think better of their
outbreak, and suddenly subside. TIE
subsequent eulogistic references to
Gen. Methuen were received with
cheers.
In brief, Lord Kitchener announced
that when Gen. Methuen was cap
stured, wounded, with four guns, three
British officers and 38 men were kill
led and five officers and u men wound
ed. In addition one officer and 200
men we're reported missing.
The text Of Lord Kitchener's dis
patch announcing the capture OF Gen.
Methuen is as follows:
Pretoria, Saturday, March 81
greatly regret to have to send you
bad news of Methuen. He was NOV
ing with 900 mounted men, under
Major PaFis, and 800 infantry, four
guns and pompom, from Wynburg
to Lichtenburg, and was to meet Gren-
fell, with l,30O mounted men at Row
rainesfontein today Yesterday morn
ing early he was attacked by Dela-
rey's force between Tive Bosch and
Palmieteknill. The Beers charged
on three sides.
Five hundred and fifty men have
come in at Maribogs and Kraaipan.
They were pursued by the Beers four
miles from the scene Of the action.
They report that Methuen and Paris,
with the guns, baggage, ETC., were
captured by the Beers. Methuen,
when last seen was prisoner. have
no details Of the casualties, and sug-
gest delaying publication till can
send definite news. I think this sud-
den revival of activity on the part OF
Delarey is to draw off the troops press
ing DeWet.
In second dispatch, dated Sunday,
March 9, Lord Kitchener says:
Paris has come in at kraaalpan,
with the remainder Of the men. He
reports that the column was moving
in two parties. One, with the OK.
wagons, left Twe-Bosch at 3 a. m.
The other, with the mule wagons,
started an hour later. Just before
dawn the Beers attacked. Before re-
enforcements could reach them the
rear guardd broke. In the meantime,
a large number Of Beers galloped upon.
both aanks. These at first were.
checked by the flank parties, but the
panic and stampede OF the mules had.
begun. and all the mule wagons, with
a terrible mixture Of mounted men,
rushed past the or wagons. All lzefforts
to check them were unayalhng. Ma
icr Paris collected 40 men and occn-
pied a position a mile in front Of the
or wagons, which were then halted.
After a gallant but useless defense,
the enemy rushed into the OK wagons
and Methuen was wounded IN the
thigh. Paris, being surrounded, sur
rendered alto a. m. Methuen is still;
in the Boer camp.
Then follows the number of the
casualties, as already cabled. The
killing includes Lieuts, 4. Ven
ming and T.. w. p. Nesham OF the
Royal artillery who were killed while
serving their guns with case shots.
A certain drug clerk had heard the