The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-11-19

Copyrighted 1899 by the Associated Press.
LONDON. Nov. lS.--The passing OF an
other week without any material change
In the status Of the beleaguered British
force at Ladysmith is responsible for a
much more hopeful feeling In Great Brit
ain regarding the fate of Gen. Whites
men. On all sides the opinion II now ex-
pressed that they viii be able to with
stand attack until relief arrives. II In
hard to see tho Justification for such
definite optimism. for, so far as can be
gained from the meager reports from the
scene OF action. the Beers have not yet
attempted . determined attack. which. 1t
seems certain. they all along intended
to be the climax OF their deliberate
strategy. That they have put or such
an attack until the last moment seems
only probable. for. II when driven to as
sault Ladysmith. they would doubtless
desire to attempt It while the British
ammunition IL at the lowest ebb.
The diversion OF Boer units from Lady
smith toward Estcourt cannot. 1t Is
claimed. be taken as any Indication that
tha Beers have given up hope Of captur-
ing Ladysmtth. for their plans OF CAM
pagn appear to be far too skiiifully
mapped out and tenaciously adhered to
to admit the superstition that they have
suddenly and without sufficient cause
renounced their main object. The main
lack Of developments around Ladysmith
can we'll be believed to be the lull which
preccdes the storm.
Many signs point to tho quick relief OF
Kimberley. or the determination OF the
British attempt to achieve II. and 1t has
apparently been decided that Mafeking
must take It's chances. and Col. Baden
Powell will probably be given several
more chances to write facetious dis
patches.
Navy Youngsters at Ladysmith.
II is interesting TO note that among the
British naval hr.gadcs at Ladysmith are no
less than seven miishipmen. none probably
over II. among them being Sir Edward
Chichester's son. There are also two naval
engineers This is the first occasion In
which naval engineers have been actively
engaged a, the front IN a purely land CAM
paign.
Getting Naval Reserves Ready.
The admiralty has quietly bought 1900
suits and equipments for the men OF the
naval reserve. Though these are scarcely
likely TO be used In the immediate future.
the purchase is one more indication OF the
thorough preparations Great Britain IL
making for any eyentualitics.
A correspondent with the British channel
squadron says: Though lying quietly
moorea at Gibraltar. every precaution II
taken To prevent surprise. the crews being
practically under war discipline
what Naval Critics Thtnk.
The naval critics declare that the belafod
ehartering ~ the White Star tire steamer
Majestic shows that the subsidtzed lines
should not only be available as government
armed cruisers. but as transports.
Arnold White. the lecturer at Eton college
on naval matters declared during the week
tha, the present greatness Of thu British
navy Ia directly attributable 20 Admiral
Lord Charles Beresfori and Capt Mahan.
Heresford's New Command.
II is now certain that Admiral Beresford
will become second in command OF tho
British Mediterranean tieet probably In Jan-
uary He has selected his staff. The bat
,leship Revenge viii he his flagship. Both
Admiral Fisher. who Is In chief command
of the Mediterranean feet. and Admiral
Beresford are supporters OF the plan of
CANNING mp the suex canal. instead Of
hofIIng 4. In case 81 var