Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-29
FOLD BY WINSTON CHURCHILL
English War Correspondent Throws Light
Upon the Boer War,
DOM PRUuS MEN THINK THEY WILL WIN
RclicNc They VIII Drive the British
Forces Into the Scn-Onc
Mounted Bocr Equal to
Five British soldiers.
,oM PAUuS MEN THINK THEY WILL WIN

Copyright, 1899, by Press Publishing COO
DURHAM, Dec. 28.-9:l5 p. m-CNew
York World Cablegram-Special telegram
During my Imprisonment l was visited by
several members of the executive commit
ice and held many conversations with
various classes of burghers, both at Pre-
toria and in camps around Ladysmith. The
Beers began the war with considerable
trcpidation and dependency until the Mod
derspruit. This greatly encouraged them
and they are now much elatcd over their re-
cent successes and, including the president,
firmly believe that Great Britain Is about TO
sue for peace, although the Beers are con-
hdeut that if the war continues they will
drive the British into the sea.
They want to return to their farms and
complain bitterly of the hardships in the
field. Therefore they talk of a compromise
by which Great Britain should cede Natal,
Kimberley and parts Of the colony now oc-
cupied by the republican troops, acknowl-
edge the Transvaal's absolute independence,
grant general amnesty and pay $50, 600, 900
indemnity. Such terms are seriously con-
sidered reasonable in the highest circles in
Pretoria.
Meanwhile the strain is trying the re
sources of the republic severely, although
the total Boer loss probably does not exceed
1000.
Batches OF deserters from the commandos
are daily brought back TO the front by the
police. The last reserves have been called
out and the only burghers remaining on
the farms are those who are UNIT or who
have bribed the officials. Among the latter
is a considerable proportion devoted to the
British cause who, while unable to leave the
country, would not draw a trigger on British
troops.
Food Supply is short.
Food supplies are not large and ~latterly
the crops have suffered terribly by locusts.
The tight grip on Delagoa bay must be felt
also. The difficulty about Boer remounts is
now very great. The Boer depends entirely
on his horse, which is often beautifully
trained and stands unmatched behind him
while he fires, giving at once confidence and
mobility. The loss among these is severe
and can only be replaced by taking young,
unframed animals Horse sickness Will
soon render the need acute.
The incursion of Khamas, natives on the
western border, has caused indignation
among the Beers, who allege that the ma
tives were under British ofn1ers. The Beers
admit, however, having given prOvOCation.
1t appears that Commandant Grobler, be-
cause his parents were murdered at Patgre-
tersrust many years ago, took revenge on
the Kaffirs at the first opportunity and when
in command of the western frontier raided
Khamas cattle. The result was an immedi-
ate rising accompanied by several lament
ah3e Incidents. The Khanlas people are re-
ported over the Crocodile river and the
women and children are flying to Petersburg
The Beers have Furthermore suffered a re-
verse at Tuli and are retreating. BY theiI
account they drew back sixty miles. Any
raid into the country from the north would
have a profound effect in all quarters.
One Boer Worth Five EnGIishncn.
Reviewing the general situation it is
foolish not to recognize that we are fighting
a formidable and terrible adversary. TIL
high qualities of the burghers increase thell
efficiency. The government, although Wiley
corrupt, devotes it's whole energy to mill
tary operations. The British must face The
fact that an individual Boer MOUNTED in 6
suitable country is worth from three to five
regular soldiers. The power of modern
rifles is so tremendous that frontal attacks
must often be repulsed. Extraordinary
mobility of the enemy protects the TANKS
The only way of treating them is either Il
get men equal to their character and intel
ligence as rihemen, or failing in that the
employment of huge masses of troops.
The advance of an army of 5000 men ir
force covered by $50 guns back of the lint
would be an operation beyond the Beers
capacity to grapple with, but with troops
in columns unsupported by artillery an!
number would only suffer loss.
Pcrilous Policy.
1t is a p~erilous policy to dribble out rein
forcements and fritter away armies. TIL,
Spaniards might have kept Cuba had the,
sent out at first only a quarter OF the troops
finally placed in the island and then waited
for an attack.
Time on the British side must weaken tn
republics just as the confederate states il
America were weakened through attritiOn
There is no hurry, but Great Britain mus
collect overwhelming masses of troops. !
will be much cheaper in the end to sem
more than are necessary.
There is plenty of work here for 250,0O
mel and south Africa is well worth the cos
of the blood and money. More irregula
cavalry is wanted.
Are the gentlemen of England all TO
hunting? Why not an English horse brigad
for tho sake of our manhood, our devote
colonists, our dead soldiers? We must per
severe with the war.