Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-02-06
BULLER EN- ROUTE
TO LADYSMITN
Continued From Page I.
SPECULATION AS TO FULLER.

IL.
London. Feb. 5.-The correspondent of
the Associated Press learns from OIL
cial sources that absolutely no confir-
nation has been received by the War
Office Of the report that General Butler
has rc-crossed the Tugela river, and is
marching on TO Ladysmith. On the
contrary. according to the information
OF the War Office at the present mo-
ment there is every indication that
Things are quiet at the front, and that
no immediate movement is anticipated.
Regarding the dispatches from Lady
smith, saying that Buffers guns have
been heard there, 1t is surmised that
some practice may have been going on
with the new batteries which have lust
reached the front.
THE PRESIDENTS PROTEST..
Cape Town, Feb. 6.-President Steyn
and President Kruger have commune
Gated with Field Marshal Lord Roberts.
the British communicative pro-
testing against the destruction of farm
houses and the devastation of property.
Lord Roberts, in replying. declared
the charges were not sustained, adding
that wanton destruction Of property
was contrary to British practices
BOE3S REPORTED SURROUNDED.
Cape Town. Feb. 5.-A dispatch from
Nauwpoort says:
There is great activity here and on
The Rensburg- Hanover road. due to the
dispatch of an overwhelming force of
infantry to seize Norvars Pont
The cavalry, having completed the re-
connaissance, is being retired to re-
coup losses.
The Beers at Colesberg are virtually
surrounded.
THE PUBLIC INCREDULOUS.
nI,
statement that 1t has received no CON
lrmation of the report that General
Buller has re-croesed the TugeIa river
mas failed TO shake public belief that
operations OF tremendous Importance
arc proceeding At the zTugela-aaa IL
is thought that either the denial was
prompted by desire to keep the mil
ltary movements as secret as possible
Chtli something is accomplished, or that
General Butler is keeping the home of
Meals in the dark pending results.
1T is obviously extremely difficult to
extract the truth from the conflicting
statements surrounding General Bul-
ier movements, but most of the com
memators agree that the aggregate of
the items tends to confirm the belief
mat movements of Importance are in
progress. 1t is true that the corrns-
r.
ters convey the impression that his
main force is still south of the Trralo
but vt is easily conceivable that the
dispatches are so censored as to con-
vey false impression. Possibly.
though dated Saturday and Sunday.
the dispatches were rapidly written
prior TO the movements reported to
have commenced Friday This has all
ready happened on various occasions.
dispatches being detained by the CEN
sor and related when actually re-
| leased
VICTORY AT HEAVY COST.
| Whatever may be the actual situa-
ton. there seems no doubt that Gene.
| raj Buffers preparations for a fresh at.
| tempt to relieve Ladysmith were COM
| pleted Thursday or Friday, and though
| the start was possibly deferred from
the date first selected. it will not be
long before it is definitely known that
| General Buffers forces are again fight.
| ing their way towards Ladysmith
| Those. however. who expect General
Butler to reach the beleaguered towr
| to-night seem to have forgotten the
presence Of the Boers. The best in
formed people. while sanguine full,
| realize that n British victory can ONLY
be achieved at q heavy cost.
WEBSTER DAVIS TRIP.
Lorenzo Marques. Delagoa Bay, Feb
| 5.-Webster Davis, the United States
| Assistant Secretary of the Interior, ac.
| companied by a party of friends, is al
| the head laager of the Beers at Lady
| smith, and is closely inspecting the
| camps and positions around the be-
| sieged town.
The German Consul at Pretoria, Herr
Biermann. Is accompanying Mr.. Davis
on his trip to the Boer head laager.
ga 81 20 ar "a.
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