Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-26
Cronje's Men Fairly Well Protected
From Roberts Artillery Fire.
HAVE BURROWED IN RIVER BANK
London Expects a Capitulation
Either Today or Tomorrow.
GEN. BULLER'S SITUATION

LONDON. February eff the latest dis
patches from Paardeberg throw any light
on the situation they show that General
Cronie's forces have far more protection
from Field Marshal Lord Roberts heavy
fire than the first dispatches indicated. A
special dispatch from Paardeburg, pub
fished in the second edition of the Daily
Chronicle. and dated Saturday. February
81 saws: "A balloon has discovered the
enemy well covered by a system of bur-
rowing In the river bank, which resembles
a rabbit warren and affords shell-proof po-
sitions.''
This perhaps more than any other cir
cumstance explains why what Is looked
upon here as General Cronje's death strug-
gle is prolonged. Thus it will be much of a
surprise if today and tomorrow, which is
the anniversary of Najuba Hill. pass with
out being marked by the surrender or ami
hilation of the gallant band so overwhelm-
ingly hemmed in. though the closeness of
the investment appears open to criticism
small Bands of Beers Escape.
Small bodies of Beers apparently are able
to make their escape, causing comparison
here between the Boer methods of invest
ment with their quickly dug. surrounding
trenches impossible barbed wire. etc, and
those of the British. The military critics,
though little better informed to the
commander-in-chief'sm motives than the pub
lie. are inclining to the view that though
the main cause of the prolongation of the
PaardeberG tragedy undoubtedly consists
IN Lord Roberts being unwilling to risk the
great loss of life which an assault would
entail his delayis also prompted by the
subsidiary motive of attracting to Paarde-
berg as mary reinforcing and relieving
Boer units as will come, feeling strong
enough to treat them as General Joubert
treated General Buffers attempts to re-
lieve Ladysnith. In other words, Lord
Roberts holds a position almost analo-
gous with that held 50 long by the Beers
at Ladysmith- As General Cronje Is re-
ported to have plenty of food, the plan
Of starving him out can scarcely avail. SO
Lord Roberts must either wait until his
ammunition. which is said to he short,
runs out or those of General Cronje's forces
who are coUnsclirg surrender avail. So in
definite is the information that either of
these alternatives may occur at any mo-
Ilent
Gordon Draws Closer.
In the meanwhile Lord Roberts engineers
are sapping steadily toward the Boer
laager. and according to a special from
Paardeberg. dated Sunday, February %.
the Gordon is gradually drawing closer
Gen. Buffers march on Ladysmich is be-
ing marked by sharp fighting. a Pieter-
maritzburg dispatch Of .oday's date says
he is still heavily engaged III fighting. In
Groblerskloff Gen. Butler seems TO have
discovered a hornets nest
In Cape Colony the British arms are
steadily advancing Barkly East is in
their possession. according 10 a dispatch
from that district. the Beers evacuating the
place. r2trea- ling on Ladysrey and wiring
President Steyn for reinforc=menIs to pre-
vent their surrender.
The Pretoria government proclaimed Feb
ruary - and February - days of thanks
giving and prayer, presumably in memory
Of the battle Of Majuba Hill.
a dispatch from Kimberley says its in
habitants have planned 10 erect a statue to
Cecil Rhodes, in recognition of his :ervices
during the siege.
Gen Butler, in q dispatch from CoeIso,
dated sunday. February -, reports that
the British casualties February 20 were
twelve killed and ninety-niue wounded d,
among the Somersets and Dorse;s ar that
February - and February % twelve officers