The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-11-12
OF WHITES CAPITULATION
Or of the Utter ROut of
JOubert'S Forces.
BOERS MUST MOVE QUICK
Chey.are at a Point Where They Can
No More Let 80 Than White
Can Get Away.

copyright, 1899, by the Associated Press.)
London Nov. Has each day and each
week of the war draws to a close with
out decisive action at Ladysmith, the
probability that the Beers will risk an
assault upon that garrison becomes, it is
said, more and more imminent. In fact,
it is claimed that the campaign seems
TO have reached a stage where it is alb
solutely necessary for the Beers TO de-
liver a telling stroke. Unless they de-
eide to do this their only alternative is
to retire within their own lines and
strengthen themselves against the i'm
pending onslaught by superior numbers.
That the latter course will be followed
without first making a determined at
tempt to Gust or capture General White,
seems beyond all reason, for the method
zeal isolation of General Whites force
indicate that the campaign has been
carefully planned and the main digestive
definitely planned and ETAOINNNNN
definitely fed. Even if the Beers have
not already discovered that they have
not moderated General Whites abilities
under resistance, it is thought surelry
likely that they will not give up their
epected prey without a desperate Ftrug-
SIC. Not only have they tasted of the
dangerous delights of victory, and revel-
led, in anticipation, in still further con-
quest over the main unit opposing them,
which alone would have great moral ef-
feet in ersuading them to risk much
against Ladysmith, but now it is too late
Tor them to change the main objectice.
Noble as are the Beers, they could
scarcely transfer the body Of their forces,
which are at present concentrated about
Ladysmith. to any other vulnerable Brit
ish point without running the risk of
encOuntering superior numbers, which are
already pouring northward. Moreover
an weakening of the Boer force at
Ladysmith would give General White a
splendid oportunity of attacking and,
even against overwhelming odds, he has
shown no hesitation in accepting every
opening for assuming the offensive.
The Beers must know, just as well as
the British military authorities, that
twenty-three transports viii arrive in
South Africa before November IS. They
must also realize that their time is short,
for in the present emergency, it is be-
Iieved. General Butler vii not wait to
organize an army corps, but will content
himself with rushing to the front every
regiment he can dispose of. Hence. news
telling either of General Joubert's COM
plet rout or General Whites capitulauon,
it is claimed. can be expected daily. 1t
Is thought more than likely that the en-
gagement understood to be imminent will
prove TO be the most serious encounter
of the war. If victory lies with General
Joubert, it Will he a month or so before
General Butler can dispute with him the
possession Of Natal. for. while it is still
perfectly feasible to send reinforce
ments to General White, it would, APP
parently. de absolutely imossibe to as
sumo the offensive were General White
no longer a military factor. The destruc-
zion of the railroad bridge over the River
Tugela would greatly retard the progress
even Of minor reinforcements, while it
would much more seriously affect the
onward march of British force of any
proportions.
However there is no reason TO believe
I.adysmah has not a good chance to
General Whites abality to hold his own
until now. and the reported success
which has crowned his sorties have done
much 10 restore confidence in him. II
General Butler continues to send trans
ports TO Durham and disembark troops
= there. General White will only have to
t.yait about a fortnight before he is rein
forced or, at any rate before the rein
forcenents create diversion Of the Boer
forces But It is impossible TO predict
with any degree of exactness when the
troops will disembark on account OF the
idiosyncrasies of transports, several OF
which have developed a remarkable PEN
chant for breaking down. or discovering,
after leaving port. that their coal. boilers
or other essentials were worthless.
Among the military critics. what is
most dreaded IS the possibility that Cen
eral White may succumb 10 the petit
ness of personal inclinauons. which. in
the history Of the world. has SO often in
f7uenced the actions of the greatest gen
erals. on this score. the Naval ana Nil
starry Record says: 1t looks as though
General White will not be content 10
await the arrival Of achievements and
the supremacy Of General Butler. But
the spirited soldier who held hisn COM
aand over the whole Indian army might
be pardoned FOR being slightly influenced
by private ambitions
Nearly an the authorities. while with
holding definite criticism until fuller in
formation is obtaina5le, 1ail 10 under
stand why General White did not fan
back south of Tusela, ,hus drawing the
Beers after him into the arms Of Cen
eraI Butler. II is -oharitabIy supposed
that the government ~ Natal eercised
influence over Genera. White and is in
no little degree RESPONSIBLE for his gal
liant Vt, from a strategic point Of view.
doubtful efforts TO hold The neck Of
Natal. But even Their. 1t is admitted
? that no general has been eSoncrated in
history merely because he allowed his
actions to be hampered by a civil govern
ment to which he was not directly re-
aDonsible. Naturally. there Is a great