Date of Publication: March 1, 1900
The greatest satisfaction was felt in the village on learning of the capture of Cronje's army and stores. It is seldom that a community is of one mind; in this case the people were unanimous in their expression of approval of the tide of events in South Africa. Flags were displayed in a number of instances and mutual congratulations were freely expressed. Yesterday in the High school studies were for a time discarded and the war formed the subject of discussion. The teachers gave addresses and the students united in cheers for the Queen, Canada and the Empire. Anvils were fired yesterday in honor of "Bobs" victory in South Africa.
J.D. Hayhurst, manager Leeroyd Bros' store, Dutton, received his Fenian Raid medal at his home, 195 Pine street, Detroit, for services as corporal in the Fourth infantry at Brockville and Prescott in 1856.
A boys's brigade has been formed in connection with the public school. The boys have been provided with wooden guns and drill in the opera house. The principal, W. Beer, is instructing them in the drill.
The relief of Ladysmith will be celebrated in the village. A procession will be formed, headed by the band, and parade the main street, and the citizens will give vent to their enthusiasm by fireworks and bonfires.
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The Canadians fighting for freedom's cause in South Africa have had their first experience of a considerable engagement, and have suffered severely. No details of Sunday's battle have yet been received save the ghastly record of dead and wounded. But this record tells its own tale of hard and stubborn fighting - eight percent loss means that. There could have been no flinching on the part of our boys and when the details of the engagement have been received it will be found that the Canadians conducted themselves in such a manner as to be a credit to Canada and the Empire. The loss of life is deplorable; but that was to be expected. The Canadians enlisted for the purpose of fighting a brave and stubborn enemy and were prepared for the necessary casualties of war. Making railways and guarding stores were not employment to the taste of Canadian boys, and they longed to be at the front, in the fighting line. They have had their wish, and eighteen lie dead, while sixty more suffer in the hospitals. All Canada will regret the loss of life and will sympathize with the bereaved relatives of the boys who fell on the field of battle in a soldier's glorious death.