New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-15
.STORMBERG OVER AGAIN.
METHUEN'S MEN WERE LED INTO AN
AMBUSCADE AND SLAUGHTERED.
Try CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

ley THE TRiBUNKI
London, Dec 10 | a. m.-Croakers and pessi-
,nIsts have held the field since it was
known that General Methuen had retired from
his advanced position after waiting over night
IN the hope that the Beers would evacuate
their rifle trenches and allow him to convert
a drawn battle into victory. There was
feeble rally Of credulous optimists for few
hours while a Stock Exchange rumor was cur
rent that I.adysmith had been relieved and
ten thousand prisoners been taken by Butler,
but the depression and gloom steadily deep
ened as the full extent of General Methuen's
losses was revealed and the cold. hard truth
was discerned that the Highland Brigade had
basn -entrappcd like Gatacre's force. while seek
ing to surprise the enemy, and slaughtered
without having a soldiers chance Of winning a
victory.
From every London and provincial journal
came a loud outcry for more troops, another
division at once. and fresh army corps behind
It, and II necessary. every man to the front
IN order to retrieve national disaster and re-
store the British prestige throughout the en-
pire. One panic stricken Tory journal warned
the Ministers that they were likely to be con-
fronted with a widespread agitation like that
which arose during the Crimean War. Military
writer's lost their self-possession and advised
the abandonment of Kimberley to its fate, the
withdrawal OF Methuen's force to the orange
River. where 1t could go to the rescue of Cat
acre and defensive tactics in general until
second and even third army corps could be sent
10 South Africa. They failed 10 point the true
moral OF this weeks disasters, which is that
fresh troops are not wanted so much as gem
erals capable of directing them cautiously and
effectively against a wary and ingenious foe
KIMBERLEY THE POINT OF DANGER,
The situation is not in reality so desperate as
either the leader writer's or the amateur strate-
gists imagine Lord Methuen's army has not
been crushed nor ought there to be serious diff
Guilty in protecting its line Of communications
which is guarded by not less than ten thousand
troops The chief danger is that Kimberley may
be overwhelmed by the victorious Dutch force
and Methuen's army left in the air without an
objective or motive. But the Boer command
ers have been slow 10 follow up their opportuni-
ties hitherto and seem incapable or conducting
an offensive warfare. General Methuens re-
pulse, coming after General Gatacre's reverse
may increase the disoyaity and foment civil war
in Cape Colony, but so long as Mr.. Hofmeyer
and Premier Schreiner remain In once these
effects will be minim,zed. General Butler more
over will receive the belated howitZer batteries
to-day and be ready for operations on large
scale which may transform the fortunes OF the
camuaign. He has a strong and we'll equipped
army and General White is at hand TO CO.
operate with him. The situation IN Natai' II
properly dealt with by a man or real miitary
genius as Butler is Known to be, Will undergo
rapid changes during the next few days.
There was little news from Natal at midnight
excep, a report that there had been another
brilliant sortie from Ladysmith and that the
Modderspruit bridge had been destroyed
From Modder River and Queenstown there
was nothing. but there was no adequate reason
Tor despair or panic In any quarter
The Magersfontein casualty list was read
aloud during the morning by war o'i'ce ''e'N
70 great crowd OF men and women IL was
scene OF dramatic interest and touchihs pa'hoS'
cries OF anguish following the reaoihs Vi '"e
many names, and several women belng caiiio
out In fainting condition. The tota kiieu'
"ounoed and missing OF all arms was 600, III
ciuoins 6S officers The most prominent oi'ioei
Killed after General Wauchope was the Ma.
guess OF Winchester, major OF the "a Co''-
streams. Apart from being the Premier Mar
guess, with title dating from 1851. and having
the unique hereditary honor OF bearing the zap
or Dignity before the sovereign at a coronation
ne was gallant soldier, who had rendered use
ful service in the Soudan. Lieutenant Colonels
Coode and Gof and Major Milton. all well
known In the service, also among the
killed with Captain Clark Of the seafor'h
Hnghianders who had won medals ana decora-
tions In three campaigns Lieutenant Wau-
CONVENIENT AND NEAR. PENNSYLVANIA
RAILROAD.
West 23d ST station by street or Penna.