The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-09
MAY INVADE THE FREE STATE.
General French Likely to Command
Part of the British Army.

LONDON, Nov. S.-Among the dispatches
received here from South Africa one
stating that General French is going from
Natal to Cape Town. This is taken as
confirmation of the statement already made
by the Associated Press that the main adj
vance of the British forces will be through
the open, fiat country of the Orange Free
State and the southwestern part of the
Transvaal Otherwise so skillful leader a.
General French would hardly have been
withdrawn from Ladysmith at the present
time of stress.
There is much speculation about the next
Boer move. II seems clear that it will be
impossible for them TO closely invest Lady
smith owing to the fortunate arrival of the
long range naval guns. which keep the
Beers at least four miles off, making the
circle Of investment about twenty-five miles
In circumference, which, IL is claimed. will
be impossible for the Boer force TO fully
occupy. 1t is beyond belief, however, that
General Joubert will remain long inactive
and IL Is conjectured here that his present
quiescence is due 10 the fact that he is
awaiting the arrival of heavy guns from
Pretoria and johannesburg 10 effectually
BON bard and render untenable the British
position.
Further reports OF the Groblerskloof affair
tend TO confirm the statement that the Brit
lsh were successful. Kaffir declares that
fully one hundred Beers were killed on the
hilltop by the 'men-women." which is sup
posed 10 indicate that the Gordon High
landers were there: Cyclist scouts have
since been across the Tugela bridge. They
saw a number of killed lying on the plain.
Apparently. when the Colenso garrison
evacuated that place, last Friday, the Brit
ish troops missed grand opportunity of
carrying out an effective attack the rear
OF the disconnected Beers the latter ap-
pear TO believe the Colenso column evac-
uated the place as a ruse and are lying
in ambush to surprise them IL they adj
vance. hence the immunity of the town
from occupation by the burghers.
The news or great victory which was
circulated here last evening is not confirmed
and the Boer losses reported by what may
be designated ''kaffirgrams" ought 10 be
greatly discounted, as the kafiirs. KNOWN z
the British wish 10 hear of BOer losses,
are likely TO supply them with reports TO
their taste. However allowing for all ex-
aggeration. General White appears to have
given General Joubert's forces several home
contention to-day that the news demon
strates clearly that General White IS able
TO more than merely hold his own and can
strike blows Of such force as not only To
insure the safety of I.adysmith. but prob
ably also TO have n telling effect on the
duration ard results of the pending opera
lions OF General Buffers army corps In
short the War Office officials take a decd-
eddy hopeful view of the entire situation
and believe that even the advance section
OF the British forces at Ladysm.th have
seen the worst days.
IL Is hoped that the renewed charges of
Boer violation of the sanctity OF the white
flag originated in the lively Imagination OF
several times been made during the pres