The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-28
THE SITUATION IN SOUTH AFRICA.
TIL. kilograms OF the last twenty hours

The kilograms OF the lasttwenty-four hours
add but little to our knowledge OF the eitna-
ton at Ladysmlth. but the fact that Sir George
White has brought up all tho available troops
at Pietermartzburg and has all his artillery
with him. points to the expectation OF serious
work either OF an offensive or defensive
character. The reports coming from Cape Town
and Lorenzo Marquee throw much doubt on
the ability OF the Boer Army to undertake a
serious offensive operation against the en-
trenched camp at Ladysmith. but as they lack
authenticity. and are frequently confused
and contradictory through being merely
echoes OF events already accomplished.
full credence cannot be given to them.
The Boer commanders have. however.
no option but to endeavor to clenr the country
between tho Drakenberg Mountains and the
Tugela River before reGnforcements arrive
from England. II they are to make anything
like a successful resistance to the British adj
vance later on. The difficulty also. which tho
British now labor under in the matter
Of transport will be partially remeded
in short time. as large numbers
OF mules purchased in Italy and
other parts Of the Mediterranean are on their
way out to Durham. The Beers. therefore.
hava not much time to lose. and IL unsuccess-
! tul in an attack on Ladysmith or In the attempt
to turn Sir George Whites position must fall
back to their frst lines of defence in the
Drakenberg and in the triangle containing the
battehelds Of the last war
With regard to the reports OF fighting in
| the neighborhood OF Kimberley the details are
| rather sensational. but there seems to have
| been n combat OF some importance in which
| the garrison had the advantage. We shall
| probably have fuller and more reliable ac-
counts later. From the silence concerning
III
| were too closely beeaCuered for news
| from tho bssieged to get out. and as the BOer
| authorities apparently take no interest ip let
| ting the outside world know what they are
| doing. it is to be presume cd that We shall have
| little information until the garrison either
surrenders or is relieved. As surmised.
| the fighting at Rhodes Drift on the
Limpopo was skirmish between pa
| trolling parties. the main bodies on
neither side having taken any part in 1t.
Indeed. it would appear ms though the attitude
| of the natives both sides OF tho frontier
rendered it as unadvisabe for the opposing
| white forces to como to blows. for in the event
| OF a DISCRIMINATION OF the authority they both
| exercise over the still untamed Matabees and
| other tribes. that sparsely settled region might
! be delivered to all the horrors of savagery.
| II the reports are to be believed. the Basutos
J are threatening an Invasion OF the Orange
| Free State. but the statement OF what took
| place at the meeting OF their chiefs with the
| British Resident at Maseru. the capital OF
| Basutoland. shows that he especially discour-
aged any movement whatever on their
| part. 1t is more likely that the re-
| ports are put about for tho purpose of intim-
| idating the Orange Free State authorities and
| inducing them to detach a portion OF their
| levies to guard aganst a Basuto Eruption in
| to their territory In any case 1t is unlikely
the British Government would permit the en-
| ployment Of natives in tho conflict. for
| the Beers would only have to furnish
| arms to the Mashonas. Matabeles and
some OF the Bechuana tribes who
| have grievances against the Chartered Com
pany In Rhodesla and the British administra-
| tion in Bechuanaland to provoke a race con-
| fct of terrible proportions.
| 1t is . curious commentary on what 10 now
passing in South Africa. that in a letter written
! by a person in a position to know the prevail
ing sentiment at the moment. dated Sept 81.
it is said that there would be no war. for both
| sides were only blufflng.