The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-30
THE SITUATION IN soUrH AFRICA.

There seems to be a renewal OF activity on
both sides at all points along the line In South
Africa. except in the Naauw Poort and Coles
berg districts. One Of the most interesting
| items NJ news Ia that the Beers have managed
somehow to open the railway line direct
ColeDso. but no hint Is given rs to
the route taken to avoid the proximity OF Lady
smith. Iftrue. II is an important contribution
to their means OF defence and Is worth tho
trouble IL must have cost. Notwithstanding
tho reports that Ladysmlth is provisioncd
for another two months, II IL omen
to doubt. correspondent writing from
Natal on Oct. % says that IL was
then estimated that II could not hold
out much beyond Jan. Is next. That being
the case. the energy shown both by TIL"
British and Beers on the Tueela Ia explained.
and It justihes the belief that there will he
an early renewal OF the attempt to force the
passage OF the Tugcln by Gen. Butler. who
has received reanforcementa to the extent OF
six or seven thousand men since his re-
pulse. The force now under his command
numbers about 10000. with about ninety guns
OF all kinds. amply sufficient. In cooperation
with the garrison OF Ladysmith to outmu-
nTuvre the Boer army. which is believed to be
not over 10000 strong II il probably due to
the completion OF the railway that the Beers
have been able to bring down heavy guns from
Pretoria and to repair with expedition the
losses they have sustained In material on diff
fercnt occasions.
A significant paragraph In a despatch from
Chieveley Camp. dated Dec 81. Is to tho effect
that IL is still very hot and the grass is badly
burnt. The meaning OF this Ia obvious; tho
suffering from the heat and want OF grass.
however. will DC felt by both sides.
The Coenso road bridge appears not to have
kAa sG-.I. -.
munications with the south side Of the Tugela
are still omen. Until they are entirely cut or.
fanking movement by tho British to either
side OF the Boor army would be n somewhat
risky operation until Gen. Butler has q larger
mounted force ut his disposal
A Cape Town correspondent mentions the
Interesting fact TINT 40 confident were tho
authorities there that Gen. Methuen's division
would meet with but trifing opposition.
that II started with only five days pro-
visions for the march to Kimberley. The sue
cessive che cks II met seriously alarmed every
body responsible for the rash miscaculation:
and 1t seems to have been the want OF enter
prise alone OF the Boer comman ders that saved
Gen. Methuen the worst disaster Of the war.
This would explain the extra anxiety felt In
London over tho difficulties encountered by
his column.
Gen. Gatacre has. as was to DO expected re-
opened the railway line cast from Sterkstroom
to Indwe, thus assuring the supply OF coal for
tho coast towns. which was much curtailed by
the cutting of OF the Dundee mines. and aeri.
ously reduced by the interru ption OF the SUD-
ply from the Indwe mines. The heavy firing
reported from Cradock as having been heard
in tho direction o, Stormbere reouires cx.
PLANTATION. II may have been connected with n
movement In that direction either By n part Of
Gen. French's force from the west. or OF a
reconno itring party belonging to Gen. Cat
ncres command.
The capture Of Thurman in thu nechpan,.