The Siege Of Mafeking. (FRO31 OUR CORRESPONDYNT.) T yIAFEKING, JAN. 3.* T'he enemy havo, received a New Year's gift from Pretoria in the shape of a nev gun and three wagon loads of ammunition. The bombard- ment consequently has continued moro vigorously since. The new gun fres shells charged with a chemical liquid, which ignites upon contact with the air. This weapon has effccted no d8amage hitherto, with the exception of a few minor fires in the gardens of Mafeking. The resis'tance of tbe garrison is goading the Boers to commit various atrocities. Despite in- numerablo warnings they have concentrated their fire during the last two days upon the women's lager and hospital. Children havo been killed and women mutilated by the bursting of shells. These occurrences are fanning a spirit of revenge in the breasts of the townspeople. It is no longer possible to guarantee the safety of the women and children of Mafeking, despite every precaution. Colonel Baden-Powell has stated that it is impossible to rely upon Boer honour. The scenes of terror and consternation among the women folk are pitiable in the extreme. Colonel Baden-Powell and Major Goold Adams have deposed 'Wessels, chief of the tribe of the Baralongs, who had quarters at Alafeking. Wessels has lately been intractable. Ile spread false reports among the tribes that the military authorities were endeavouring to make the natives slaves. The government of the tribe has been given over to two chief councillors, and a better feeling is already being established. Adverting to my telegram describing the Game Tree fight, there is no longer any doubt that the Bloers used explosive bullets. The strictest and most impartial inquiry has been held among troopers and officers, the results of which have been embodied in a report. I have interviewed Surgeon-Miajor Anderson, an Imperial Service officer sent out by the Director of Hospitals to Colonel Baden-Powell's force, who authorizes me to say that the wounds inflicted were altogether different to previous ex- perience in Egypt and in India, and that it was impossible they could have been produced by Martini or Mauser bullets, though perhaps they might have been caused by Snider ones, but from a scrutiny of the wounds made while dress- ing them in hospital here he has no doubt in his own mind that bullets of an explosive character were used by the Boers. *By Runner ria Mochudi, Jan. 18. THBIE SIEGE OF MAFEEING.