The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-29
The Duration of the Boer War.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUS-Sr IL may be
that the high hopes built in England on the
mission OF Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener To
South Africa will he justified. That two little
republics should ultimately win in their strug-
gle with the British Empire seems impossible
TO the first view. The odds are so heavy
against them. in spite OF all their galluntry an
the great ability shown by their Generals in
strategy and tactics. that England assumes A.
natter OF course thar the new British forces
10 be sent out to South Africa will soon make
an end OF them. and II to Lord Roberts
has been given an absolutely free
hand. 50 that he will not be encum-
bered by the incubus OF the Kimb riley
diamond mines and tho Royal South African
Chartered Company. unquestionabiy there il
reason for the assumption.
The duration OF the conflict far beyond the
time now set by English confidence for tina
entry OF Lord Roberts into Pretoria Ia sug-
gested. however by various considerations
DIR. leyds. until recently tho Transyaal Secr.-
tary Of State. at present the Tranavaal Envoy
In Europe. and presumably well acquainted
with tho Intentions and resources ~ the south
African republics. Ia OF the opinion that the
war can be prolonged by them for another year
and even more. A large reserve OF Mauser
and Martini arms and ammunition IL stored
away. and there Is artillery ammunition suf
ncient for prolonged campaign. Nor does
the stoppaRs OF the importation Of food iato
tho Transvaal seem to occasion any anxiety
there. now that the large city popu'ati de-
pendent on outside su pplies has departed.
The losses Of the Beers in the field h,ys
heen 40 small COMPARED with those OF tho
British. thnt their numbers are not materially
lessened. and there appears to be no diminu.
ton OF their nghting spirit. though rumors to
inc contrary appear from timo to time
surely they have had no reason to lose conf
dence' Tor they have now met in fair fight the
hest troops OF the British army md beat.n
them consecutively. Their mobility In the
field Is perpetual puzzle to their orponents
Their artillery. which at first was thought
likely to embarrass their movements has
rendered capital service wherever Il has
been employed. and In many cases has
beeh superior to that OF the British Their de-
hciency In cavalry. equipped strictly as such.
may prove serious disadvantage when tho
British mounted corps. now organ lzlng. arrive
In tho Held. but the reported appearance OF
horse disease among tho British
cavalry counts on the other side
Besides Pretoria. the Beers, II il said. bnvs
Two other strategic points where they have COL
lected supplies and intend to constitute bases
for future operations. One OF these Ia reported
WhaFA
thew believe the war can be carried on linden.
nitely or until circumstances may render II
expedient for the British Government to agree
tn make peace. The locality OF the third. al
though 1t was referred to on recent occasion
BY Gen. Joubert. Is not yet known nor has any
OF II appeared In any OF the repo.ts
rom either the Free State or the TransyaaI.
nut the TACT that definite plan Of de-
fence, resting on a triangle NJ fortrosses
with range OF almost impreGnahle mountains
'or its base. has been decided on jus,inas the
exneetation that war which has already
lhoraen 20 many SURPRISES has others YET IN
.t9fe. should the British Government. ma /, ia
neIrEeu u Toes make the occupation Of Pro.
.",ia ~ lnuispensabl" condition Of renee with
whIcn tney would trust, anil should no foreign
,nosn, e which either belilGerpnt would
3 fne and ,tIp" nnn. th1t even heno" the
he supremacy OF South Africa. "~H'"s '"r
w" i"hN' '""' SorTH AFRICAN.