The wars in South Africa, which have for several years given a great deal of trouble to the British Government, and repeatedly brought heavy disasters on single regiments, were closed this year by @ series of engagements with the Datch settlers of the Transvaal. Their territory was annexed under Lord Beaconsfield's Administration, although the step met with much opposition at home, and threatened insurrection on the part of the Boora, who uatarally objected to have their republic brought under the English crown, The Zulu war was partly the result of this annexation. The "War of Independence" opened in December, 1880, a British convey on the march feom Leydonburg to Pretoria being fired upon by the Boers, and over one hundred men killed, and sixty taken a8 prisoners; one of the prisoners, Captain Elliot, was murdered by the Boors, The British troops wore engaged ox-tricoting their baggage train from a marsh, and bad therefore lain down their arms when they were fired upon. The Boers' version of the affair was that after two days' deliberation, their leaders agreed to appoint a Government of their own, and had installed a Government of three, Joubert being the chief; and open hostilities against the English wore declared. They sum. moned the garrison st Potchefstroom to surrender; bat Colonel Bellaira refused, and repulsed an attack, The next day, 17th December, Commandant Joubert despatched a mon sage to me form Colonel Sir W, Lanyou that a Republic had been established, and warning him that any movement of troops by the British would be regarded as a declaration of war against their Government. Before avy reply bad been received, the Boers learnt that a British convoy was proceeding from Leydenberg to Pretoria Joubert sent out a force to meet them; officer refused to stop ab request until a reply had been received from Colonel Lanyon, and the Boors then opened fire; instend of it being a fair engagomout, it was simply a massacre of British troops. The news of this outbreak of hostilities reached England in January, and large reinforcements were sent out. Before these reinforcements arrived, however, there wore several sanguinary engage. ments, and the British suffered severe losses owing to the superior skill of the Boors as cure marksmen at long ranges. The British forces were repulsed by the Boors at Laing's Nek on the 28th January, and sustained heavy losses; and on the 27th February, Sir George Colles's force was an. nibilated at Majuba Hill, and the General himself was among the killed. General Sir Frederick Roberts was appointed to the chief command, and left Bugland with farther reinforcements, which would bring the total ap to 15,000; but he was soon recalled, as in the meantime the British bad been
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.