The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-08
BULLER'S STRANGE VISIONS.
The English General Said to Have the
Gift of Second sight.
washington Post.

Washington Post.
a curious story is current in London,
which would seem TO indicate that Sir Red
vers Butler. now commander-in-chief in
South Africa, is possessed of the strange
gift of second slght-a sinsularly valuable
gift, ii must be confessed, for a general.
Ii seems that he was at Cape Town at
the time Of Sir George Colley's disastrous
rout at the battle OF Majuba hill. On the
day of the battle. although he was many
hundreds OF miles away. he saw vividiy
before him the scene of Colley's defeat
and death. So strong was the impression
which this species of vision created upon
his mind that he immediately rode out
as fast as he could 10 The suburban resi-
denco of the Cape premier, Sir James
and entreating him 10 set al once In tele-
graphic communication with the British
base at Mount Presnect.
Sir James complied with his wishes.
and while Butler and the premier were
sitting together, reassuring replies were
received and the major tas Butler was
subject of his app-ehensions. Yet before
evening had arrived the news of Gen.
Colley's defeat and death on Majuba hill
was flashed across the wires and it was
then seen that the disaster TO British
arms had already taken place at the time
when Butler called upon the Cape premier.
although nothing was known about IL
then at Mount Prospect, the British base
OF operations against the Beers.
1t is likewise recalled in military circles
in London that Sir Redvers seemed to
be aware of the death of the French
prince imperial and of the fall of Khar-
tum. as also of the death OF Gordon at
the very moment when these things oc-
Cured and long before news OF the
events arrived. Butler is such strangs,
silent, saturnine-looking man. so repel-
lent in his manner and so uninvlting as
far as familiar conversation and discus
sion are concerned that no one mas ever
been known to question him about these
matters, get the fact is on record that
he has on at least three occasions given
marvellous demonstration OF the possession
of second sight which enables MN 70
are in progress hundreds and even thou
sands of miles away from home .
Never before has a commander OF pig
army embarked upon q campaign thus
mentally equipped. and much curiosity pre-.
walls as to the services which his second
sight is likely to render to sur KeHee adde ~
that Immediately on learning the official
news of Colley's defeat and death. Butler
Leicester Smith, the general officer then in
command. and entreated him 10 proceed a,
once to- Natal by boat TO assume command
disaster at Majuba hill before the Beers had
time to follow up their advantage. Had Sill
Leicester done So ii is generally believed
that the Beers would have been defeated
the unfortunate convention agreed TO by
Gladstone avoided and the present wal
averted.
Sir Leicester first refused to comply with
Buffers suggestion. then agreed to 1t. and
even left Cape Town for the purpose of pro-
ceeding to Natal. but changed his mind be
fore reaching his destination and returned
to the Cape, thus leaving open the way for
Mr. Gladstone to give the Beers their in
dependence on the strength Of their victory
over the British at Majuba hill. After the
4! lapse of nearly twenty years, Butler. now
a general privy councillor of the Queen
and knight Grand Cross Of the Bath. Il
| sent out at the head of the biggest army
! that has left English shores since the day:
! of the great Duke of Wellington, to ac
| complish the very job which after Majubs
| he valnly urged when major Gen. Sill
| Leicester Smith to perform.