New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-25
RELIEF IN LONDON.
,STRA TEGIC REASONS FOR RE-
TREAT ON LADTS.NI7W.
BRITISH TACTICS PRAISED-JOUBERTS
ONLY CHANCE OF SUCCESS-POS-
SIBLE ATTACK ON ALIWAL
NORTH.
lBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNEl


London. oct. 25.-The tidngs that General
Yule was marching toward Sir George Stewart
Whites field force. and that there had been an
other successful action with the orange Free
state troops brought smiles back 10 English
faces yesterday afternoon. There had been deep
anxiety since the War ONCE was suspected Of
holding back bad news whereas 1t was either
indscreet to announce prematurey the meas
ures adopted for concentration Of the two forces
or else communication with Glencoe had been
temporarily broken off. The junction Of the two
forces will enable them to take up a strong de-
fensive position at Ladysmith after their de-
cisive success in three battles General White
was not responsible for the separation OF the
forces in the two garrsons distance too
great to admit Of cooperation and support.
There were strategcal reasons for IT, since
Glencoe. with a railway spur leading TO Dundee.
was the natural outpost for the defence of Natal.
and the garrison there blocked any flank move
nent that might have threatened the communi-
cations Of the main body with the coast.
II would have been good strategy II the Brit
ish field force in Natal had been stronger by
10000 men. but with the superior strength OF
the Beers the continued occupation OF Glencoe
was source Of weakness. and its abandonment
Was dictated by prudence. Both forces can now
act together. and the Beers cannot repeat their
clever tactics Of massing their commands FOR a
series Of attacks upon the weaker Of the two
garrisons.
APPROVAL OF JOUBERT'S TACTICS
Military experts here unite in praisng General
Jouberts plan of operations. and in admitting
that it was more brilliant and practical than the
tactical scheme OF defence of the British side,
by which force inferior in strength was d
vded between two exposed posts and cut off
from supporting each other. If General Jou-
bert's three columns had been in closer touch
with each other and had been brought up In
rand order the garrison at Glencoe might have
been overwhelmed in spite Of its superior artil-
Ierv fire and the gaantry Of its troops. All ac-
counts agree that while the Boer artillery firing
is not always effective. the craftsmanship OF
the burghers is fatally accurate. With their
Mauser rifles they are well armed as any
European troops.
Military experts here are Of one mind In ap
proving the British tactics for uniting the two
columns and the unanimity Of this Judgment
is So complete that the marvel is that anybody
should ever have thought Of separating the gar
risons in the presence of superior numbers
General White also receives credit for attacking
the Roers north Of the second battlefield in order
70 distract their attention and to allow General
yuIe 70 march across the country and to join
forces with him.
BETTER FEELING IN THE CLUBS
While cautious observers were anxious 10 re-
ce,va full confirmation OF the junction Of the
two garrsons. and refrained from whistling be-
fore out Of the woods. the general feeling OF
tension and uneasiness was greatly relieved In
the London clubs last night.
General Whites third victory. when its fun
scone IS known will strengthen the beneficial
effect produced by the previous battles upon the
Dutch in Cape Colony, and that is one Of the
strongest points in the game.
The whole conduct Of the field force thus far
reflects credit upon the Indian generals White.
svmons and Yue and Colonel Ian Hamilton are
au officers Of purely Indian training pupils or
Lord Roberts and exponents Of his school OF
warfare That school is likely TO be popular IN
the CITY where the excitement Of yesterday was
al agreeable as that OF Monday was somore. IL
is believed that many losses were sustained on
the first day A prominent hnancier declared
yesterday on reading Lord Wolseley's summary
of rho situation that the latter's statement was
deenly inconsiderate and had It occurred at an
earlier hour might have resulted In a financial
furry which would have been felt on the bourses
of Europe. Financers and spectators do not
s,nrectote the fact that commanders in chief
and Under Secretaries Of War have no course
e>cant 70 tell the truth 10 the nation II Gen
oral Yule had been in danger OF a serious re-
verse it was highly proper that the country
should be prepared for the news
srEYN TAKES PRECAUTIONS.
The statement was current last night that
President stevn was advancing on Aliwal North.
was near the town. and that he had actually
issued a proclamation claiming all Cape Colony
north os the vaal River Whether the claim Is
serious il is impossible TO tell. but am aoie 10
saw on the authority Of a great English banker
that 10 his knowledge President Steyn mas sent
- ENGLAND large drafts representing his entire
,ortune Mrs Steyn is also out OF hari" way
- cam. Town President Steyn's confidence
- D.,.o,c ovinced by thus intrusting 70
har his dearest possessions. Is compares "y