THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. FRIDAY. 16th NOVEMBER, 1900.

Southland Times, Issue 14799, 16 November 1900, Page 2

THE Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. FRIDAY. 16th NOVEMBER, 1900.

. Africa — Apparently on a pre-con-certed plan a series of almost simultaneous eruptions have taken place, with fighting of the most determined and stubborn character. They ran in a line east and west through the Transvaal. Lord Methuen at Lichtenburg at the western extremity defeating Snyman (besieger of Mafeking), General Smith Dorrien gaining a victory on the Komati River, near the Portuguese boundary, on the extreme east, and killing one Boer general and wounding another; while Kitchener defeated a body of Boers at Middleburg, about half way between the two extremes. Along another line, running north and South through both Transvaal and Orange, the fighting has been equally severe, from Rustenburg, west of Pretoria, to Philippolis at the south-west corner ofO range State, near Cape Colony, as well as close by Kitnberley, in the same direction, while intermediate, at Bothaville and Ventersdorp, the encounters were severe, particularly at the former place, where De Wet lost all his ammunition and baggage with eight guns and 155 of his men, in killed, wounded and prisoners, the latter including 28 of his artillerymen, the slippery De Wet himself, with his usual luck, or adroitness, escaping. Ventersdorp has been their basis of supply on that side. The Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders have all been rendering distinguished service. The British have beaten the enemy on every hand, yet not without losses, among which is to be lamented that of the brave Colonel Legallais. Whether this has been a universal last effort cannot yet be seen. One would think the Boer dourness would now cave in under the hopelessness of the struggle, especially as their powder is running short. The desire to be avenged does not easily yield. General Baden-Powell is down with fever, as also Lord Roberts' daughter who, according to the latest news, is, however, improving. Everyone will be glad to hear of the complete recovery of both. China. — The trouble in China is still in the same doubtful condition. The executions of criminals at Pekin, and that of six high officials and thirteen of lower order at Paotingfu, and the exposure of their heads, have produced something like an impression on the stolid soul of the Chinese. The Court is still holding aloof however, and is said to be shifting its quarters, but not towards Pekin. The Emperor appears to be helpless, and more like a prisoner. He is. said to be in favour of returning to the capital and discussing the situation, but is powerless. The Times correspondent says the Allies have agreed on a basis of a treaty of peace, and gives an outline of it, the principal points being the execution of eleven of the high-caste instigators in the late barbarities, the razing of all coast forts, the settlement of strong European garrisons, and compensation being made for all losses and injuries. There is no special allusion to the survivors of missionary families, nor is there any mention of a general indemnity to cover expenditure and serve as punishment. The sketch appears to be incomplete, still it is something to know that the Allies are agreed. The next difficulty will be to obtain the surrender of the eleven criminals of high estate, and to establish direct intercourse with the Government. These two difficulties are likely enough to cause some further trouble and delay.