The evening times., 1900-03-16
FRIDAY, MARCH 16. 1900.
The south African situation.

Reviewing the events Of the past week OF
ten days in South Africa, it must be con-
ceded that a great deal has been accom-
plshed by Lord Roberts with relatively
little bloodshed II is perhaps too early
10 say that the occupation Of Bloemtonten
and the establishment of a military goF-
srpment in the Orange Free State has rt-
suited in detaching that territory from the
Boer cause But it is apparent that ii Viii
have some such effect. at least, in part.
Il is known that a very large element IN
the Free State were opposed to the alliance.
and have never approved of the war. Since
hostilities began facts have transpired TO
show that President Steyn and his imme-
Giate political associates were anything but
STRAIGHTFORWARD in dealing with the Legis-
lature or people, who. indeed. were dragged
and dragooned into a war with England,
against which power the Free Staters had
no grievance. This conservative element
led by Mr.. Frazer and many Of the most
intelligent men of the country. may now be
expected to seek peace, knowing that the
sooner that is secured the easier will be
the terms and conditions affecting the fu-
ture of the colony. Steyn is reported al
Kroonstad trying to rally his forces; but
with the region south of the Naal certain
to be in undisputed British control within
very short time, the chances are that
most OF the Free State farmers will abar-
don a hopeless cause and return to their
homes and herds.
Lord Roberts has been remarkably for
tuuate in some minor but nevertheless,
greatly important achievements Of his sub
ordinate officers. The success OF French :
cavalry in getting around to the north OF
Bloemfoutein and cutting the railway pre-
vented a large accumulation OF rolling
stock from being taken away by the re-
treating Beers. II was utilized at once
hy the British commander in providing
transport for General Pole-Carew with IWn
thousand men OF the Guards Brigade and
some mounted infantry, who were sent
south to effect junction with General Cat
acre north Of the Orange River. The dar-
irg ieat OF arms performed BY Lieutenant
Popham and some men of the Derbysnire
Regiment, i'm saving Bethulie Bridge fICm
destruction by the Beers. enabled GataeIe
to cross the river. He had preYiousiy
come in touch with General Brabant al
Burghersdorp General Clements is sup
posed TO have crossed into the Free Stats
h, at Narval's Pont. as the Beers are report
ed retreating nOrtheastward from DO
Colesberg and Bethulie They may or may
not know of the fall Of Bloemfontein. In
any case there appears to be some chance
rat they will be caught between Pole
Carew and Gatacre.
So il will be seen that before many days
have passed Lord Roberts will probably
have the southern half Of the Free State
clear OF enemies, and will be able to or
ganize his communications with the coast.
Below Bloemfontein it is evident that he
Goes not anticipate any further serious
trouble This is shown in his turning back
Wsrren's division, which was starting by
sea from Durham TO re-enforce Gatacre and
clements on the Orange River, and order
ing it 10 the Natal front again.
AS far as one can judge from dispatches,
active military operations need not be ex-
pected for ten days or two weeks to come.
Lord Roberts viii probably rest his main
body at Boemfontein, reorganize his trans
port and keep his cavalry busy scouting
and recommending in the directions of
Kroonstad and winburg. The London
military critics do not look for any impor
liant movement on the part of Sir Redvers
Butler until his superior is ready for an
advance to Johannesburg and Pretoria.
That Joubert should turn about and take
the offensive is considered out Of the ques-
tion. The remainder Of the war will
doubtless be mostly confined to a vigorous
defence of the Transvaal territory finally
ending with the siege OF Pretoria for
which the most comprehensive and scien-
tihc preparations have been under way for
years.