The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-11-08
BRITISH FEEL BETTER.
Situation In the TransVaaI Con-
sidered More Encouraging.

London. Nov. San air of relief was
observable among the British war Of
ficiaIs today as a result OF reassur1nS
news from Ladysmitb and the tone OF
comment on the war news has assumed
optimism which lately has been alb
sent, leading to the belief that in ad-
dit,on TO the brighter prospects of the
beleaguered garrison. the war office IS
cheered by the news of the arrival at
their destination of the first transports
with General Buffers army corps Now
the officials are inclined to predict that
low water mark has been touched and
that slowly but steadily the rising tide
of victory may be expected
The proposal to send out an add
4fonaI 10. 600 trOps is highly approved,
and it is considered probable that IuIly
that number Will be required as All III
dependent reports concur IN saying the
resistance of the Beers Will be STUBBORN
to the last and that not until the re-
sources of the two republics are eX-
hausted Will they acknowledge defeat
The news of great victory Whlch
was circulating here last evening IS not
confirmed and the Boer losses reported
bv what may be designated "kafIlr-
grams ought to be greatly discounted,
as the Kaffirs, knowing the Brit
ish wish to hear OF BOer losses, are
likely to supply them with reports TO
their taste. However, allowing Tor all
exaggeratfon. General White appears
10 have given General JOuberTS forces
several home thrusts and the war OF
fee is justified in its contention, TO-DAY,
that the news demonstrates clearly JudI
General White is able to more than
merely hold his own and can strike
blows of such force as not only 10 en-
sure the safety Of Ladysmith, but prob
ably also to have a telling ERECT on the
duration and results of TIE pending
operation of General Buffers army
CORPS In short the war Office officials
fol F0Ea
entire situation and believe that even
the advance section of the British
forces at Ladysmith have seen the
worst days.
of BOer violations of the Sanctity Of the
white flag originated in the lively i'm
aginatiOn of the kaffirs. Though SINH
lar charges have several times been
made during the present campaign and
though official accounts report similar
practices in the former TranSvaaI war,
there has not been any mention OF Such
ports received from General White and
Inally demonstrated against such conduct
on the part of the Beers
One OF the most important items today
is that General French is going to Cape
Town This Is taken as confirmation
Associated Press that the main advance
of the British forces will be through the
State and the southwestern part Of the
Transvaal. Otherwise, so sl1illful
have been Withdrawn from I1adysmith at
the present time of stress. There is much
speculation regarding the next Boer
move. 1t seems clear that it VIII be i'm
possible for them to closely invest Lady
smith. owing TO the fortunate arrival Of
the long range naval guns, which keep
the Beers at least four miles off, making
the circle of investment about twenty
five miles in circumference, which It IS
claimed it viii be impossible for the BOer
force TO fully occupy.
1t is beyond belief, however. that Gen.
JOubert viii remain long inactive and it
Is COD1ectured here that his present QuleS-
Cence is due TO the fact that he is await
ing the arrival of heavy guns from Pre-
tOria and Johannesburg. to effectualy
lombard and render untenable the British