The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-11-07

no Hght-whether the naval guns, about
which nothing has been heard since their
arrival, have with them sufficient am
munitton to last them two or three
weeks If not 1t is hardly likely works
exist In small town like Ladysmith
capable Of casting a special shelf for a
4.f-inch gun, and there is no mention Of
any stores of lyddite for charging these
shells.
Meanwhile vague remarks III the dis
patches point to the arrival of further
big Boer guns from Johannesburg, to be
mounted on the hills within range Of
Ladysmith. Such conditions explain the
anxiety felt regarding Gen. Whites move
ments and positions, not only by the pub
lie but III official circles.
The British retirement to Estcourt has
given the impression that 1t is intended
to make stand there. Estcourt is the
last important town between the Beers
and the capital Of Natal, and If the Beers
sweep past Estcourt nothing can stop
them laying siege to Pletermaritzburg
Whlch cannot be expected to make d pro-
tracted defense, while It's fall would be
tremendous blow to British prestige
throughout South Africa. Already the
British retirement south of Colenso has
given the Beers an opportunity to make
bid for the active support of the dis
affected Dutch in Natal. ny proclaiming
ton.
Thus far the Dutch colonists seem to
have confined their sympathy with the
invading Beers to a platon1c emotion.
Except for surreptitious assistance there
is no evidence that they have yet joined
the Beers openly In any appreciate num-
bers.
The reported British retirement from
Stormberg Junction, however, will be fol-
nv fn0ila t{OT
annexlng that portion of the Cape Col
Cny lying directly south of the Orange
Free State. The proclamations, as In
the case Of Bechuanaland, have been and
Will be Immediately followed by counter
British proclamations. To the eyes Of
Dutch farmers the presence of one Boer
commando is probably more impressive
than the expectation Of the arrival Of the
whole British army in the mere or less
distant future.
The British newspapers publish a list Of
the transports due to arrive at Cape
Town from today. According to this some
10000 men should reach the Cape by the
end Of next week, but the admiralty is
sued a chilling warning last evening to
the effect that no disappointment must
be felt by the public If the transports
should not arrive at the dates meat oned
dates which the war office says are
biased in many cases upon too sanguine
expectations"
The French press has been cheerfully
announcing the issuing Of letters Of
marque by the Transvaal government, and
predicting the havoc which they may
work among British merchantmen and
even transports. In Paris journals this IS
given as the explanation for the organ
izing Of special squadrons.
The comments of the German press ere
interesting. Berlin papers regard the
truth Of privateering rumors with skep-
ticism. The Vossische Zeitung says:
"Privateering is no longer recognized
by international law, and the Transvaal
is in no position to issue letters of marque
as 1t possesses no ports or harbors.
Attempts at privateering must be regard
ed not only by Great Britain but by
! neutral powers, as unlawful warfare. and
to be treated as common piracy