The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-01-09
GRAVE SITUATION Nv SOUTH AFRICA.

The Boer assaults on Saturday on the British
positions a, Caesars Camp and Wagon Hill. a
westerly spur OF Bester's Hill. on which the
former is situated. appear according to Gen.
Whites report to have been delivered with
great determination and only finally repulsed
hv equal determination on the British side. Az
some parts If the line the conflict surged
back and forth with uncertain issue. the
British intrenchmcnts being three mes
carried by the Beers and as often retaken by
the British and one part Of the British posi-
ton was held the whole day by the Beers until
recaptured by the British at dusk. By the
official accounts the fighting seems to have
been the hardest Of the war: and Judging by
the i'm portant strateRical position occupied by
the two points mentioned in relation both to
the defence and attack OF Ladysmith. 1t may
be- renewed at any moment, for evidently
Gen. Joubert considers their possession
essential TO the success OF some object he
has in view. The two hills, Bester's and
Wagon. stand ia a loop OF the Kip River
to the southeast Of Ladysmith with the rail-
way from tolcnso passing between the eastern
foot OF Bcster's Hill and the river. About
two miles to the westward OF Wagon Hill the
main road from Colenso to Ladysmith on that
side circles round from Onderbrook on the
srruit or creek Of the same name. Could
they have retained possession OF the two
hills and had time TO mount guns on
them. the Beers would have been 10 a posi-.
ton not only to ennlade the British camp
in Laiysmith from a distance OF about
thlrty.hve hundred yards. but would have
had iulI command Of the roads from Colenso to
the west and east of the hills as well. that on
the east side being doub!y commanded by the
guns on sambulSana Hill. That both sides
should stunbornly contest the possession OF
those positions IS easy to understand under the
circumstances. and it will be very interesting
10 SEQ whether Gen. Joubert has renowned his
desire, to obtain hold Of them.
The demonstration by Gen. Clery's division
toward Colenso and Inhlawe Hill seems to
have had no effect on the issue OF the fighting
at Laiysmlth. and has been ridiculed by that
portion Of the London press hostile to Gen.
Butler. The satisfaction In London over the
defeat 81 the Beer assaults is naturally great.
for it is the first ray o, light in a decidedly
sombre outlook.
The serious accident to the column that at
tempted the seizure Of a position near Coles
berg held by the Beers, reported by Gen.
French. and the surrender OF Kuruman are in
a measure an Offset 10 the success at Lady,
smith. the latter more particularly on ac-
count Of It's effect on the natives. The
force that CAPTURED thurman Is now free
10 aid In the reduction OF Mateking or
reGn orce Gen. CronJe's command between
Kimberley and the Mo1der River. On this
front the Beers are reported to be throwing up
new Entertainments AMI mounting guns at
only three mics from the British position on
the bank Of the river. across which Gen. Meth
ucn reports that a third pontoon bridge has
Just been completed by his eugineers within
the limits of his camp,
\ dcsparch from London states that tho
British War Onlcc, considering the possibility
Of IA disaster 10 the British arms IN Natal, has
ordered the Strengthening Of the defences at
Durham, and the road from Pleter-
mari'Zhurg to the coast is receiving
particular attention. What the meaning Of
this may be i not very clear. unless it is to be
connected with the recent rumors that a
large section o! the Basutos. whose country
TANKS the British advance Ia Natal are ready
10 make common cause with the Beers against
the nrIt -h. 1t i not more than "A fortnight
ago thar sdme Of the BaSutos, friendly 10 the
Government interpreter 70 verify the pres
euce Of "A large body OF British prisoners
there, the reports Of their capture hav-
ing been denied by the British in
Basutoland. The condition OF things in
Care Colony it-el! also seems critical. precau-
war being taken In Cape Town itself. Neither
from Colesberg nor Sterkstroom Is there any
news Of i'm pori ancr. things at both points ap.
pcar.ns to be at "A standstill.