The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-27
rHs sr1uArIoN IN SOUTH AFRICA.

One OF the most interesting features OF the
latest news from South Africa 10 the contra
diotory character Of the dispatches dealing
with the attitude OF the Dutch Atrikanders
toward the British Government Whiie one
observer reports that after tour through the
colony he found no signs OF Increasing disanec-
tion except In tho Queenstown district. another
states that In that and the Cradook district
he found less than he expected. Another de-
spatch says that the Cane Government has
received reassurinR reports from all the coun-
try Magistrates az to the sentiments OF the
Colonial Dutch: while yet fourth report
states that disafection 10 spreadinR and that
at least four Members Of the Cape Parliament
are implicated. Other statements represent
the Beers rs having received large additions to
their forces since the three successive re-
verses to the British arms at Stormberg and on
the Modder and TuRela rivers In view OF the
numerous arrests that have been made by the
British commanders Of suspected rebels. and
the measures taken by Gen. Gatacre toward
the Dutch in hs district. It Is extremely
unlikely that any one would make his
sentiments known to casual travellers
or Government officials. and the fact
that such numbers Of young Afrlknnders
have joined the Beers 10 adequate proof OF dis
affection such as has already been reported
IL has also to be taken into account that the
Hon. W. p. Schreiner, the Cape Premier. hns
been exerting all his influence to induce the
Dutch Afrikanders to remain quiet. even risk
ing his popularity In doing 40 and being more
than once denounced as a traitor by the hot
ter heads Of the Bond The British Govern
ment has very great interest In at least
the neutrality OF the Afrikanders during the
struggle. more particularly since the recent
reverses. as even partial rising such as would
eDIaDRpr m mn N ipat iOn Of hp "A
advanced in the interior might compromise
the whole campaign. The neutrality OF the
Dutch Afrikanders IA Mr.. Schreiner described
IL In therefore consideration OF the highest
military importance and demands delicate
treatment ofthem BY tho various commanders.
At the Modder River. the British War Office re-
port says that Gen. Methuen II well intrenche sd
| and undisturbed by the Beers, and another
report says that several correspondents that
were with the Kimberley relieving force had
returned to Cane Town. This probably means
that Gen. Methuen was Kidding himself Of
superfuous non-com batants in anticipation OF
his having to take a sudden decision TO ad-
vance or retire. Tho latest despatch from his
camp Ia dated the 10Th. and says that the
FIRE OF the British artillery ellcits no response
| from the Beers and that no Beers have been
| deserted since the 18th. when some were seen
| near Jacobsdal In the angle between tho
Modder and Ret rivers. about ten miles away
| on his right flank.
Gen, Gatacre reports from Sterkstroom that
Dordrecht. about ten miles to the northeas
| from there. had been reoccupIed by $50 Natal
| police after the Beers had retreated. without
loss on either side. In Natal there has been
| bombardment OF Ladysmith with In
| significant results. and there was somo
| lighting on the 23d. In which Ave
| officers and ten men were wounded and
| nine mon killed. Tho road bridg" over the
| Tugela has been destroyed ny the British
naval artillery fire. 40 that now there IL no
| communication between the two banks any
| where down to the junction OF the Buffalo
! River with the upper Tugela.
But the most serious news Ia the appearance
| al CHAMBERS and horse sickness among the
| transport and cavalry and artillery animals
| both In Nata aud Cape Colony. Before
| this. should IL spread to any great ex-
tent. all the other difficulties OF the
| campaign ara OF trivial account. The pro-
| jected campaign across the veldt Of the
Orange Free State might have TO be abnr-
| doned and the advance confined to the line OF
| rnil from Cape Town. as Il Is now. II can well
| be understood that the matter Ia causing
| grave anxiety. both TO the Government and
| War once In London.
| The latest dispatches refer TO the surpr!se
by the Beers ~ a British Hussar ricket q,
| Chieveley: and the appearance OF q a5- pour der
| gun on the Boer positions near the Modde,
River. II ia also stated that there Ia a reserve
| OF 5000 European officers and soldiers In the
| Boer service at Pretoria. which apparently
forms the garrison OF TINT pace. and arc vel
| exercised In artillery drill.