The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-16

doubt that IL will agRravate our difficulties over
the whole field OF operations In South Africa
That II will damp the spirits OF the
British people or alter the determination
TO bring the war to a successful
issue we utterly decline to allow" The Stand.
ards military critic says: Gen. Butler pro-
posed to push HIS way across the river By
main force. withou: attempting to gain any
advantages over the enemy by marpuv-
ring. What occurred was tho now familiar
story OF concealed Beers and British
TROOPS marching bliniy 10 the very
muzzles OF their rifles. II would not be fair to
criticise without knowing more Of the facts.
but II Is bitter to have to use almost the same
form OF words three times in one week In COM
mentinG on three separate rcverscs"
The Daily Graphic sayl: 1T is dificult at
the moment to measure the possible conse-
quences Of the reverse. II Is not easy TO
see how Gen. Butler can again advance
until no Is reinforced. and meanwhile the
situation at Ladysmith Ia most rcrilons
Greater issues. however than the safety OF Gen
Whites garrison are invo vol. Tho ere III OF
the empire and the allegiance Of British south
Africa are at stake. The situation demands
calmness. but resolution. The South African
field force should be made up to at least $50. 900
as soon as possible"
The Chronicle says: Three reverses W, thin
a few days make this the gloomIesf week ali CO
the war began. We wanted vic DRY ,orelY
and we have not got il. Gen.
Buffers failure to force a passage Of
the Tugela River offers another dis
quoting illustration NJ that element OF surprise
in Boer tactics which Is the most strik-
ing characteristic OF the campeign. Gen
Butler arrears to have made a direct
frontal attack on the central Boer nosi-
movement. but We shall not cry out against
him. Some cheering news must be sent from
this side TO the commanders In South Africa
even when no cheering news comes from them.
Let them be assured that we are losing neither
confidence nor patience. but that we
trust them to make good all their errors
and be steady in hammerink to conquer to the
end I will fight il out on this line u II takes all
summer is famous saying OF Gen. Grant's al
ter one o! mia defeats That Ia happy reminder
for Gen. Butler In the very serious task to
which he will apply himself with all the more
resolution II he knows he 10 backed by some-
thing better than cavl at home"
The Morning Leader says: TT will not affect
the nerve or cow the resolution OF the people.
who have not forgotten In a long experience OF
prosperity how to put up with a reverse OF
fortune. There 10 courage that Is
not evoked by victory. the courage OF endur-
ance in the day OF evil things and there is none
higher We havo now to stiffan our lip look
/ ine neither to the right nor to the left and de-
tcrmine to see the thing through. It Is a chal-
! lengo 10 our hood. our manhood. and there is
only ore answer"
! The Telegraph says; The moral hbre of the
British Empire is now being tested as never
since tho Crimca and the Indian Mutiny. We
passed then through times Of terrible stress.
/ and tho present trial surely will not find US
wanting
| The Times saws: Following the unfortunate
events that have befallen Gen. Methuen
, AMI Gen. Gatacre. this new check, II
| must he admitted, Ia ono imposing on
! the nation much heavier task than
wns contemplated at any period since
the war began. The nation has not
been confronted by 80 painful and anxious