The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-22
THE BORR CAMPAIGN.
Method. in the Fieid-Probnbie Pini

Method. in the Field-Probnble Plans.
The preparations on both sides indicate that
in the struggle between the British and the
Beers that now appears inevitable the princt-
pal fighting will take place in and near the
angle OF territory in Natal that lies between the
Drakensberg Mountains and the Buffalo River.
1t Ia between the range Of mountains and the
river that the railway from Durham on the
coast running through Pietermnritz and Lady,
Smith passes into the Transvaa over the IA
mliar battle grounds OF the 1ngago and Lang's
Mex. which form the avenue and gateway into
the Boer territory tits serious disadvantage
to the Beers from military point Of view that
these points as well as Majuba Hill should be
In the British territory. as the attempt to seize
them for their own protection would constitute
an net OF war and preciptate the conflict. They.
therefore, are making such a disposition OF
their forces as will enable them to keep back
the British advance in front while threatening
Its TANKS and communications with Natal II
successful in the design OF their present move-
ments. they would secure the principal strate.
gc point required for the defence OF their
frontier and have avoided striking first.
Although their military organization has
made considerable progress since their last
war; the Beers mean to abide by their tactics
British officer who has recently made an exc
haustive study OF the Boer military system
aeeSs But with decidedly good le IDA art I.s
onicered by Europe-Dutch army officers. and
the BGe rs army Il not to be despsod
defend Pretoria and occupy Johannesburg fort,
the whole Of the 3 Boef d forces are are mounted and
been formed from the number Of rifles issued
to burghers after the Jameson raid. The Boer
that when the rens are thrown over their necks
they remain immovape. and the Boer fighting
Of 100 men is their tactical unit These are con:
centrated in scattered groups II rear OF
ore sad they cs ht s%n
eccentrcally. endeavorlng to encIrcle his line
Having selected their ground. they dsmoans
vancing adversary. These were, the tactics
Lang's Mex they Raloped up and outhanked
the British force. and at lnRago they formed
night march leaving the wounded behind. :.
that Of the British on the summit OF the hill.
crept up the steep slopes under cover OF a
about 1000 feet below. The British. unaware
OF what was taking place. were surprised and
in Of %.h KIM
to their fate.
This Boer tactics may be briefly described as
but before this
OF rapid, movement Incidental to, all being
mounted IL the root OF the tactical question
| increasing materially their powers OF offence
| and, indirectly OF defence. Each Boer carries
! l5Orounds of ammuniton and biltong or dried
| vedt. They say they can cover 200 miles in the
| four DAYS; formidable advantage In making
raids on an enemy's communications
The opinion of the Bosr officers Is that il the
British employ less than 10000 men they are
| safe. On the British side the belief is that II
| one big victory is won at the start the bubble
Of the i}oer resistance will burst: but II. on the
of ar hnn nd ha oh abN
| check. the consequences to British prestige
| and supremacy would be most serious