The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1899-12-13

or reconnoitering In force, II
Methuen cannot advance, how can
British forces cut their way through
1900 armed burghers in Cape Colony2
II does not Look hopeful for the British
success, and consideration Of the Boor
method Of warfare makes the case for
England worse. The Beers are pursuing
highly scientific warfare. Their laagers
are strongly. entrenched They choose
their positions with the greatest care.
Their breastworks are bullet proof.
They do not fight in the open. Pursu-
ing defensive warfare, one Boer, who Is
perfectly familiar with the physiogra-
ply of the soil, is a match for four i'm.
ported soldiers. The Beers are ex-
trenely cautious. Thoy do not
attack or expose themselves
They surround and capture when Il is
safe 10 do 80, but they seem 10 have an
aversion TO being made food for worms
along the gunpowder route. They close
In ON the British when they capture
large number NJ risk Of few casualties.
Thoy attempt noreconnoissance in force,
q Ia Gatacro. The Boer IL all caution
and reserve. When he il intrenohed he
stays there. The English must come up
and take him. lie il in his own coun-
try and fighting for his own freedom.
He calmly awaits the arrival of the
enomy within 400 yards aud kills and
wounds as many as he can. II over
powered he falls hack few miles.
There he has already chosen posi-.
lion that is already fortified. That OK.
plains the inability ofthe British TO take
advantage Of their victories. One vie
ory cripples them so badly that they
'annot come 10 time for a second round,
md the Boer slips away to stronger
ntrenehment Unless Boer lager
an be surrounded, all retreat and rein
omements cut OH and then with sun.
lent force be- destroyed or captured.
What hope have the British OF success
Zone whatever. This is just what they
ave been unable 10 do In single in. :
lance 40 far in the Transvaal. This !
sems to be just what thoy are incap-
BILE OF doing.
A remarkable phase Of sentiment in
his country is the large number of
rltish-Amerlcans who sympathize
ith the Boers. The Canadian. Ameri.
ms seem 10 be more loyal 10 England
IAN the English themselves in this
'uniry As this paper has pointed out.
Is not hatred OF the British or sym.
'thy with the Boer that should de. y
rmine our judgment. II Is whether X
publican institutions should 70 down Al
fore monarchy anywhere in the bl
rid. Where a people are capable Of q
Ii-government, whether Il be Cuba. N
istralia, Canada or South Africa, they
ouid be given the largest liberty 10 %
10 their own affairs.
That England will be defeated no one
q doubt. The Boers are today sup.
ed with some Of the best artillery ofh-
= Of Europe, They are developing
, artillery arm of their service with
'prising rapidity, Gen. Galaore. =
liant veteran, says that they trained rs
m guns at stormberg for a distance y
% yards with remarkable accuracy.
sisted by some OF the best unem. -.
yed military skill Of Europe, with
moral support Of all free peoples,
h Russia, Germany, France. Holland -
the United States at least not. pray. ~ ~
iof the success OF the British arms. be,
may we'll he lenient with John Bull go
D seems 10 have undertaken well. a
b hopeless task ia cause whore ne
; not deserve success. ~
-,
he CENSUS hnrean has already begun res.
AXE the 1900 census through the