Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-11

terry, of which there are only three in the
British army. These five-inch breechload-
ers are claimed to be of a superior charac-
ter and are expected to be particularly
serviceable in removing the Beers from the
hills.
The entire absence of news of any i'm
portance is having it's effect on the nerves
of the country and the references in the
censored dispatches to heavy losses height
ems the anxiety. 1t is pointed out that the
absence Of serious news in such dispatches
as have been received from Gen. White
proves nothing, as the general is not likely
to send by pigeon anything unpleasant or
indicative of anxiety carriers being liable
TO fall into the hands of the Beers. There
are signs that the greater part of The
Beers are concentrating between Ladysmith
and Colenso. but the stories are SO contra
dictory that 1T Is impossible to assert this
absolutely.
Risky Move for the Beers.
If this is true it is pointed out that while
Ii cuts off Ladysmith the risk to the Beers
is also great. for it will give General White
a great chance to intercept their retreat
when Lord Methuen's division advances
from the southwark, unless in the mean
while, General Joubert succeeds in crush
ing the beleaguered garrison. That the lat
ter is completing preparations for q series
of desperate attacks on General Whites
position is not doubted, and heavy lighting
may be heard of at any moment. General
Whites forces. it is asserted, must be en-
during a daily ordeal which will hardly
improve their fighting efficiency, and the
danger of the shortness of ammunition
looms up largely. On the development of
the situation at Ladysmith in the imme-
diate future depends, probably, the dura-
ton of the war. 1t is pointed out that II
General White can maintain his position
until November 26 or November 2S, the
British authorities will be fully satisfied
that all danger in Natal will be over.
Should he fail to do so and be compelled
to abandon his guns and stores and retire
with heavy loss southwark, where he will
meet the Beers in position on the Tugela
river, it is impossible to predict what may
happen.
Other View of the Case.
On the other hand, the critics say, should
the situation at Ladysmith not be ma
terially changed before November %, 1t is
confidently predicted that the majority of
the Boer forces will be caught between
two British forces and compelled to re-
treat over the difficult Tintwa pass or
Livershook, after abandoning its guns.
However, the Beers have expressed the
intention of capturing Ladysmith, and then
marching on the capital of Natal, and the
fact of their retaining Tusela bridge intact
argues confidence in their ability to carry
out their plans.
Gen. Schalkburger's fanking movement
via Zululand, must shortly develop, If 1t Is
10 De ef1ectlVe Dut the experts mere scout
the suggestion that, with the reinforce
ments already there and the big naval guns
continually arriving at PietermaritZburg
there can be any serious danger.
There is nothing corroborative of the
rurnor from Brest to the effect of the loss
of British troopship. The admiralty has
no knowledge of any such occurrence.
Sunshine so brilliant that 1t compelled
Queen Victoria to resort to a sunshade for
protection greeted her majesty's return TO
Windsor this morning, when she inspected
three detachments of the Household Cav
airy, bound for South Africa. The Royal
Horse Guards and the ID Life Guards had
journeyed up from London, Joining the 1st
Life Guards. Amid scenes of great enthu-
siasm, the troops formed in two lines, un-
mounted, in Khaki uniform. An immense
crowd Of people witnessed the assembly
Brig, Gen. Trotter, the district commander
with his full staff. conducted the inspec-
ton.
Queens Farewell Address.
The queens farewell 10 the soldiers was
as follows.
Il have called you here today, my SOL
diers, who are always near me, to say
farewell before you cross the seas to dis
tant part Of my empire to assist your COM
rades who are fighting so bravely for your
sovereign and country. / know you will
always do your duty, as heretofore, and I
pray God to bless you and give you a safe
return"