New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-25
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA RE
ED-NEGOTIATIONS IN
ENGLAND
rBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUYE.l

London. Nov. %. a. m.-The censorship has
let in a fresh series Of Kaf1r rumors respecting
a great victory by the Ladysmith garrison on
Sunday. but it has kept out definite informa-
ton relating to the anomalous military situa-
tion in Lower Natal The runors or Vlctory
come from many sources. but are untrustwortny'
and are iiscreGited By an official report from
General White via Durham. showing the sltua-
,iorl ar Ladysn1ith unchanged on November ~
although based upon strong inherent proba-
bility that a trained Indian fighter like General
White discovering that the lines Of investment
have been weakened by the withdrawal Of
large force southwark would not remain idle.
but would attack the enemy's positions without
delay This is what soldiers Of the Indian
school say that Lord Roberts would do under
the same conditions, and they know that Gen
eral White is a of action, anxious to re-
trieve his record of having brought on dis
astrous reverse by tactical error.
All the news from Ladysmth must be discred-
tied, unless II comes by pigeon, when there are
three missing links in the broken chain Of COM
rnunication with the coast. fourth break has
not yet been reported between the capital Of
Natal and the seaboard. But at the worst Eng
lishmen will be able TO console themselves with
the reflection that the Beers cannot go outside
Of Durham without plunging into the sea. There
are vague reports OF heavy artillery fire here
and spirited skrmishing there, but the curtain
was not lifted at midnight high enough to en-
able any one in London 10 obtain clear
glimpse Of what is going on. The situation in
Natal is not so critical as the panicmongers
imagine The raiders have not entrapped any
detachment Of the relief column nor made an
effective attack at any point. Every important
river crossing below Estcourt has been securely
guarded and the column is receiving reinforce
rnents rapidly from the coast and is slowly pull
ing itself together. General Lyttleton has
taken command Of portion OF the brigade on
the Nottingham Road. Pietermartzburg is
safe and the Boer demonstration is hardly
more than a hazardous If ingenious and effective
method Of harassing and blocking the British
advance.
THE VICTORY AT BELMONT.
Lord Methuens victory at Belmont remains
es complete as when reported twenty four
hours earlier Later official reports show that
the enemy was taken by surprise and forced to
abandon ammunition and supplies while re-
treating in good order. The casualty list has
not been seriously increased. and the number OF
officers is not out OF proportion to the whole
force owing to Lord Methuens sensible meas
ures for compelling them 10 protect themselves.
The Daily MallS correspondent pays IL HHe
tribute to-day to the gallantry OF the Guards
in carrying position after position at the point
f the bayonet and there are other accounts Of
this brilliant charge. Among the killed were
Captain Eager. one Of the heroes of Omdur-
man. and Lieutenant Farmer. a popular OFF,
Ger OF the Crenadiers Among the wounded
the most conspicuous officers were Lieutenant
Colonel Crabbe. who received medals and
honors in Egypt and the Soudan; Major Ham
ilton one Of the best known men in the Scots
Guards and a veteran Of many campaigns;
Major Eastwood another hero OF Omdurman.
and Lieutenant Willoughby, Lord Ancaster's
son.
General Methuens column will have another
hard fight at Modder River
General Frcnchs movement toward Colesberg
is explained by military experts as nanGuVre
10 occupy the enemy and prevent raldng against
General Methuen's long line Of communications
But Sir Alfred Miners proclamation shows that
there is serious danger Of a Dutch uprising and
that General Gatacre needs 10 drive back the
hostile forces as soon as possible. Reinforce
ments were sent yesterday 20 Port elizabeth
for him, and another small detachment OF cav
airy was sent 10 Durham.
The unsanitary condition Of Mafeking Is caus-
Ing great uneasincss.
About twenty thousand troops are stu aloat'
GRUEBY
The Celebrated Pottery In soft and ricn greens a,
u lfaAf EfaIaT