NEWS FROM THE CAPE PAPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11372, 15 May 1900, Page 6

NEWS FROM THE CAPE PAPERS.

HOW BETHULIE- BRIDGE WAS SAVED.

A telegram in ' the.' Capo Times tells how the bridge at Bothulio was saved. When the enemy and rebels retreated from north of Stormberg after the capture of Bloemfontein "General Gatacrc's mounted men flew as fast as the retreating enemy did, and wo came up with them on the banks of the great Orango River, unfortunately, however, just in time to see the massivo railway bridge shoot skywards and descend to tho bed of tho river it had so nobly bridged—a total and ignoble wreck. But tho road bridge, which had cost tho colony £100,000, was still intact. Would it remain intact until the Capo Polico and tho Scouts, galloping madly towards it on straining horses, reached it ? That was the question asked as the gallant fellows rushed along on their errand of salvation. Coming cloao up and dismounting, (hoy sent a volley towards tho bridee. on which several of tho enemy were actually walking about laying tho mines by which the structure was to have shared tho saino fato as the other. Startled in their destructive work, tho Boor engineers fled. That saved tho bridge, for although mined, not ono of the enemy again showed himself without being covered by ono of the Police or Scouts, who had taken up a position in the kraal of a farm close by, commanding the northern approach to the bridge, whoro the wire connecting tho mines was laid. All day long tho plucky little body of troopers held tho bridge, meantime sending back for reinforcements. Despite the fact that tho Boers, overwhelming in numbers, literally made the air ring with bullets, besides bringing two big guns into action, the devoted band of heroes in tho kraal held tenaciously to their task, hoping that other comrades would soon arrive to aid them in completing the work they had so gamely undertaken. But to the handful of men the day was ono of the most grim anxiety. Cooped up in a small kraal, or sneaking shelter behind bush or stone closo by, with triggers cocked and eyes straining towards the further approach of tho bridge, whoso safety or doom was then resting in the balance of uncertainty with a desperate and overwhelming foe over the river, fighting frantically to prevent the invasion of their country, with bullets—Mauser, Mar-tini-Henry, or soft-nosed—spitting violently around with their varied angry snarls; with tho fear that the enemy might ford the river higher up, and get around behind: with tho haunting thought that by some chance tho dynamite mines might be set agoing, and tho bridge and the defenders hurled to destruction; and with the knowledge that the main column with tho much-needed artillery was yet far behind—with all this death, destruction, or what is worse, surrender, as their only comrades, the brave men hold out and saved the bridge until the reinforcements came up, and in doing so they are satisfied that their award is the greatest they have achieved. At least one hero of the band will wear tho cross of heroism on his breast, ho having gone out in the open, amid a terrific fire, carrying back with him to comparative safety a wounded comrade. Little more requires to bo said. The reinforcements came, and after two days' shpllin? from tho 74th, 77th, and 79th Field Batteries, the Boers retired, and Gatacre and his troops triumphantly crossed the river, entered the town of Bothulio, and ran up the Union Jack, proclaiming - to all and sundry that a British force had entered the Free State from the south, while Roberts was at the north and the country was now in British hands. And here, perhaps, it would bo appropriate to remark that the reward of the Capo Police, who thus so gallantly fitted the climax to a series of unequalled and invaluable successes, is to them a most distressing one. for by order of the Colonial Government they are now returning to the colony to perform their ordinary duties, just as they were on the eve of witnessing the triumphant finish of the campaign _ in which they have at Kimbcrley. at Mafeking, with Methncn, with French, and with Gatacro so conspicuously bomo the brunt and have performed some of the most valuable scouting work in the dark and weary days of the war, when we little knew what victoiy meant. Tims this fine corps, which was scattered everywhere with the troops during the black weeks of adversity is now in the hour of success and triumph sent back, and is denied the right to share in the glories of the victories they have so nobly worked to win.

THE ENGAGEMENT AT BOSHOF.

WHITE FLAG TREACHERY.

Bosiior, April 5. The column in process of formation under Lord Mcthuen had its first brush with the enemy hero to-day, when three squadrons of the Kimberloy Mounted Corps, under Major Peakman, and three companies of the Imperial Yeomanry, commanded by Lord Cliosham, when out on tho Jacobsdal Road, mot tho enemy ensconced on a kopjo 10 miles from Boshof. The position was a splendid one, commanding all the approaches. Our men quickly got to work, and by smart skirmishing completely enfiladed the Boers, and, creeping closer and closer, carried the position with a ringing cheer at the point of the bayonet. This was the Yeomanry's first taste of blood, and they deserve much praise for the plucky manner in which they scaled the kopjes. When our men reached tho top a white flag was hoisted, but tho Boers, as usual, fired several shots afterwards, a British officer being shot while in tho act of cheering. Everything fell into our hands, horses, sadlery, guns, ammunition, and 52 prisoners, mostly Frenchmen and foreigners, amongst thorn being Coleman, a nephew of a lumberley councillor of that name. Colonel Do Villebois Mareuil, tho wellknown Frenchman, serving with tho Boers, was killed, and about nine others. Our casualties were few, considering tho extent of ground skirmished over without cover.

Lord Methuen was extremely pleased with the result of the day's work. April 6. At a general parade of tho mounted troops who took part in yesterday's engagement, Lord Methuen complimented the men on their behaviour in the field, and pointed out the lesson to bo learnt from the precision of modern rifle, fire. Had not the men taken adventago of the little cover afforded, tho casualties would have been much heavier.

The prisoners were brought into Boshof this morning. Many of them are Frenchmen, and your correspondent found a diary in French kept by an officer, which states, inter alia, that the Boors had Coleman, fieldcornet of Bloomfontein, as guide. Ho lost hid way, which delayed the advance for two days. Tho diarist adds that constant disagreement were taking place between tho Frenchmen and Dutchmen.

When storming a kopje a Boer fired at one D.F.H. men and missed him. The D.F.H. man fired at tho Boer, and also missed, but pinned his man to the earth through the jaw with a bayonet. He is now most unwilling to have the bloodstains removed from his bayonet.

BRITISH LENIENCY ABUSED.

STERNER METHODS DEMANDED.

Bloemfontein, Anril 9. The outrages committed on the farmers who have delivered up their arms brings into prominence the question which is already agitating the minds of people hern as to whother wo are treating tho Freo State with too much leniency. Many urge as an example that the Germans in Franco during the war, although in the enemy s country, wore üblo to secure full respect for themselves by tho adoption of stern military justice. Already signs are not wanting to show that many of Lord Roberts' force are beginning to feol deop resentment, against the Boers, over and abovo the more feeling of a combatant force, for (lie base use of the white flag. The abuse of our leniency has aroused bitter sentiments. No enemy could bo fairer than tho British, but if reprisals are made for acts unworthy of a civilised nation, the Boors will lmvo themselves to blamo. It appears only right to put on record the growth of this feeling. Remounts are now arriving daily; some are still wanting in condition. I was in conversation to-day with ono qualified to know, who stated as his opinion that the wastoffo of horses monthly of tho British forces in South Africa must bo calculated at not less than 5000.

Bktiiome, April 9. Lord Roberts' magnanimity in letting Froo Staters off upon simply handing back their arms is apparently misplaced, as some gave up obsolete arms, retaining their Mausers, and are now fighting again. If we intend to break the enemy, who are now harassing and threatening communications, stern and strict measures will bo necessary.

THE RIGHT TONE AT LAST. Colesdeuo, April 11, In view of tho unrest across the border, Lord Rolwrts has issued a proclamation to the inhabitants of the northern districts of

the colony, warning them against any furtl . acts ': of-; hostility against: Her, Majesty. No leniency will bo shown, and perpetrators will bo dealt with both personally; and as regards their property, with; tho utmost rigour of martial law. - ~ '-■ ':' NAAUWPOORT HOSPITAL. , , ■.: >\ ■' ''■, ■ ■ NAATJwroonT, April 9. Tho largest : military hospital in South Africa is that of Naauwpoort, where there arc : : 800 patients, and an enormous medical and nursing staff. Tho arrangements arc all that can bo desired for tho comfort and attention to patients. Two to six deaths occur daily, enteric fever being the principal ailment, the Modder River water being answerable in many cases. . ; THE END OP THE WAR. ' BtOEMFONTRIN, April 11. I had a conversation to-day with an undoubted Boer"sympathiser, who was convinced that two months after tho movo forward of Lord Roberts with his immense army, tho war would bo finished. MR. FISCHER'S DEPUTATION. Lohenzo Marqdez, April 7. President Stcyn stated in the Rand that Mr. Fischer's deputation had started. It had power to conclude an agreement necessary for tho purnoso of restoring pcaco subject to tho Raad's sanction.

KITCHENER'S HORSE.

THE FATE OF E SQUADRON.

As so many rumours aro current of tho manner by which tho above squadron was captured and taken prisoners to Pretoria on or about February 20, the following narrative, received from one of the oflicers, will bo of interest: The squadron was attached to General French's column, and took part in tho engagements at Rcit River. On its way to the relief of Kimberley, a halt was mado at a farm a short distance from Modder River, and part of E Squadron was detached to hold a well of water until the arrival of another column, expected in four hours, and then to advance along with them. The relieving column never arrived. Squadron B held the position for four days without food, against a largo force of Boors. They (E Squadron) occupied an old farmhouse. They loopholcd tho walls, and although continuously harassed by the Boer fire, they managed to maintain their position and tho post they wero placed in cliargo of. During that time they had to subsist on water only, and that brackish. Their horses wero dying daily, as there was not a blade of grass on the veldt, and the stench was abominable On the third day of tho siego a poor goat that had wandered near tho besieged was immediately captured and devoured. On tho fourth day they commandeered ono of the enemy's horses, which they intended to slaughter, their own being too emaciated for that purpose. The Boer force consisted of 500 men and two 12-noundcrs. Tho officers consulted together, and decided, in view of the hopeless condition of their little garrison of 50 all told, worn out and starving, and their horses dead, to accent the inevitable.

COLONEL PILOHER'S FIGHT. A BRILLIANT LITTLE ACTION. Bloemfontein, April 3. Further details are to hand regarding Colonel Pilchor's affair at Ladybnmd, and where the Boer loss is known to bo 25 killed and ours one wounded and fivo taken prisoners. Colonel Pilcher's object was to tako the lauddrost and field-cornet. Arriving near the town, which is commanded by a high flattopped lull called Platberg, Colonel Pileher disposed of his little force of 200 men, while he himself and a few men descended the steep road into the town. Hero they found the landdrost and field-cornet, whom they took. While this was proceeding word was suddenly brought that 1500 Boers were close to the town. A solitary Hussar approached a Boer, who demanded his surrender. The Hussar, however, promptly shot him dead and galloped back. Colonel Bilcher ordered a retirement on to Platberg, not relinquishing their captives in spite of a heavy fire. Major Booth, of the sth Fusiliers, from the top of the hill, covered their retirement by accurately placing a, heavy Maxim fire on tho approaching Boers, who lost heavily. By means of skilful handling of the men Colonel Pileher effected the retirement of tho rest of the force, carrying the prisoners who aro now lodged in Bloemfontein. Major Booth, assisted by two officers and two men, held at bay 500 Boers until the whole forco were enabled to get a good position.

DAMAGE DURING THE SIEGE OF

MAFEKING.

Mafeking, April 1. Yesterday a joint meeting of the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce was hold, under the chairmanship of tho Mayor, to consider the question of compensation for damago and losses sustained during tho siege, A joint committee was formed to formulate a request for relief to the Imperial Government. It is estimated that the damage sustained to houses amounts to £100,000; other losses to inhabitants, £100,000; losses to the municipality, £50,000; total, £250,000.

THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

East London, April 8. The Third Contingent of Now Zealanders leave for Beira to-morrow in the troopship Ujina. They are delighted at the prospect of active service, and both horses and men are as fit as fiddles.

SIR ALFRED MttNER ON THE 1- SETTLEMENT. '" On April 12, at noon, a largo and influential ' body of Nonconformist clorgy waited upon '" Sir Alfred Milncr at Government House to present to His.Excellency an address, con- '" veying tho support of all tho religious bodies ''• in Capetown and district in the Imperial policy towards the two Republics, and of con--0 fiden'co in His Excellency as tho exponent of ' that policy. His Excellency, after accepting tho address, 11 said: I thank you for coming here to-ctay to present me with this address. Emanating as it does from a body of men so represent as tivo, and whose deliberate opinion on a i question of the highest public importance is l ' entitled to so much weight, I cannot but feel 3 that it is an event of unusual importance. ' You represent, I think, all tho great Non- " conformist religious bodies of this town and 3 neighbourhood. Your attitude is typical of the unequalled unanimity and strength of con- ' viction which exists among the Nonconform- " ists of South Africa with regard to the great ' struggle at present convulsing this count.-y. [ A SETTLEMENT OP " NEVER AGAIN." t In tho concluding paragraph of your address ) you refer in weighty and well-considered - language to tho conditions which you deem ) necessary for tho future peace and prosperity of South Africa, and for tho ultimate hcri mony and fusion of its whito races. I can . only say that I entirely agren with the views i expressed in that paragraph. Tho longer - the struggle lasts, tho greater the sacrifices ; which it involves, tho stronger must surely bo i tho determination of all of us to achieve a settlement which will render the repetition of this terrible scourgo impossible (Applause.) "Nevor again' must bo tho motto of all thinking, of all humane men. It is for that reason, not from any lust of conquest, not from any desire tb trample on a gallant, if misguided, enemy, that wo desire that the settlement shall bo NO PATCHWORK AND NO COMPROMISE; that it shall loavo no room for misunderstanding, no opportunity for intrigue, for the revival of impossiblo ambitions, or tho accumulation of enormous armaments. (An--1 plause.) President Kruger had said that ho wants no moro Conventions, and I entirely ; agreo with him. (Laughter.) A compromise of that sort is unfair to everybody. If there is one thing of which, after recent experiences. I am absolutely convinced, it is that tho vital interests of all those who livo in South Africa, of our present onomics, as much as of those who aro on our side, demand that here should not be two dissimilar and anagonistic political systems in that which nature and history have irrevocably decided must bo one country. (Applause.) To agree o acompromiM which would leavo any am- j | biguity on that point would not bo magna, niinily ; it would be weakness, ingratitude. I and cruelty; ingratitude to the heroic dead, I and cruelty to the unborn generations.

THE TRUE MAGNANIMITY. But when I say that, do not think that 1 visii to join in tho outcry, at present to nan mity. I, boIIDVO in it as much as ever in i?' 1 ?,. 15 Plenty of room for it loiif South r Afroa of to-day. Wo can mTt U )y , a W reco « nitio » ° what is great and admirable in tho character of our w"! 10S; ft. not .»"ltoun« '''cm as a body bee use of the sins of the few, or perhaps Men of many .individual* We can show t by not crowing excessively over our victories and by not thinking evil of everyone Who, for one reason or another, is unable to 1,1 in our legitimate rejoicings. We can show it by striving to take M re that our treatment of those who have been guilty of rebellion, while characterised by a jus; severity towards the really guilty parties should £ devoid of any spirit of vindictivonoss, or ef.

raoe-projudice., (Hear, hear.) Wn *W? j it, above all, when this dito «t ** 4* by proving by , our 'acts'Sfe 5 us ; who said that we fouel £ hey < ml ; material:advantage, andSAi S privileges which we have re O W„i ' gh ! s for ourselves wo are prena » ?1 * -*i«3' tend to others, .ev^S»,%M against us, whenever they are htlVo fought to accept them. (AppiagfP^dlo^