The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-04
Especial cablesram-copyriehted.)


I0NBeN. Nov 3-The strong revival of
the Beer war is well timed to synchronize
with President Kruger's arrival in Europe.
The position of the British forces in
South Africa is decidedly worse than when
they first occupied Pretoria in June. The
fact that the Beers no longer have an i'm
portaut fixed position to be attacked has
left them free to indulge in the ubiquitous
rowing warfare which they are prosecUtirS
with such extraordinary success.
The British no longer have any definite
objective for heavy operations. and are as
far as ever from acquiring equal nimble-
ness with the Beers at scattered fighting
The burghers are now masters of the
country in the western Transvaal around
Vrybulg. They also hold all the keys to
the southern Free State. and have repeat
edly held the main railway from Pretoria
to Cape Town. above the Orange River
They have held up four trains there this
week and have taken supplies. They have
also compelled the small British garrisons
at Reddersburg and VentersburS to sur
render. They took the arms and supplies,
but liberated those who surrendered, not
wishing to have them to feed.
This unbroken list of successes mas
had a natural sequel in increasing the &C.
tivity Of all the commands. The net re-
suit is that Botha. De Wet, and Delarey
are all as strong as they were four
months ago. When supplies are snort
they swoop down on some villages when
the British hold, and which they know
are well filled. and help themselves. leav-
ing checks on the Transvaal or the Free
State Government.
The unreconcilable bitterness of the
Boer women is extraordinary.;aIt was the
women and other neutrals that brought
the Beers RICH; into Jacobsdal and Phil
lipolis where they overpowered the gar
risons. Everything is rapidly drifting into
bitter race war involving everybody liv-
ing in the country.
When President Kruger sailed from
Delagoa Bay it was Immediately declared
that he was mere private individual. en-
barrassing only to the country which pc
visited. 1t is impossible TO maintain that
belief now. He is due to arrive at Mar
settles on November 10. and unless the
Boer activity is materially suppressed
within the week, which is not to be ex-
pected. it is seriously possible that sumo
power may seek to advise England to ar
range a settlement.
That that advice will be rejected is Ger
tain, but the offering of it will continue
the Beer belief that their struggle for in
dependence is not hopeless yet.
Meanwhile the Uitlanders are becoming
a menace to the British authorities. Sir
Alfred Miner by refusing to allow passes
for auy poor Jews to return to Johannes
burg. has made an occasion for agitation.
the Uitlanders accusing him of a scheme
to plant the Transvaal with British fam
lilies to the exclusion of its previous for
eign population. His dislike for the Pol
ish and Austrian Jews is extreme and
unconcealed. Fortunately for him they
never fight, but the Weather men OF
their race are encouraging them openly
By intriguing against Miners authority.
The mining magnates are uneasy over
the statement that the cost of the war
is to be paid by assessment. the impe-
rial exchequer paying only the cost OF
defending the colonial frontiers.