The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-06-27
FOR DECISIVE CONFLICT.
Field Marshal Roberts Preparing
a Strategic Movement.
TO HEM IN THE BOERS.
Great Difficulties Encountered in
Feeding and Moving an Army of
100000 Men.

London, June 22.-There is a growing
conviction in London that what is des,
tined to be the decisive conflict of ths
war In South Africa now impends in
Orange Free State. The delay in the
British occupation of a long stretch OF
railway between Johannesburg and
Volksrust has given the burghers an OPP
portunity to cross and recross the vaal al
will and it is believed they are joining in
large numbers the Free State commands
OF Steyn and Dewet, which are consid
cred to be superior in numbers and Of
fensive. force to the army under Gen
Botha in the Middelburg country.
with Gen. Hunters expected arrival
Ill Johannesburg tonight Lord Roberts
will have accomplished another of his
carefully -conceived movements, and it is
felt that the time is close at hand when
operations other than strategic will bs
undertaken.
Gen: Butler is supposed to be continu
ing his advance westward Kitchener
and Methuen presumably are engaged in
perfecting a scheme to surround the agile
Dewet in the southeastern Free State
while Rundle is holding his own against
the burghers massed in front OF, FickS
burg. Each side it seems, is waiting fol-
the other to make an attack.
Beers to be Hemmed In.
Gen. Buffers march is in the direction
Of Standerton, which commands the road
nOrthward from Frede. The occupation
of Heidelberg by forces from Johannes.
burg may confidently be expected within
fOrty-eight hours. The remnants of Pres
idents kruger's and Steyn's armies will
then be separated and gradually hemmed
in and disarmed.
Military men are not surprised by the
delay on the British side. They assert
that the business of feeding over 100000
soldiers in a country where food is scarce
is most serious undertaking. The mag
nitude of the British army is a hindrance
to its mobility and to decisive operations.
since the transport problem is one OF
enormous difficulty and prevents rapid
work. Gems. Roberts and Butler, more
over, are compelled to go slowly and dis
arm the burghers day by day.
Work of PacificatiOn.
Immense districts are to be pacifed
and the arms must be secured from ev-
cry house ON the line of march. Gen.
Roberts work is done very thoroughly
and requires time.
RumOrs have been revived that Gems
Botha and Dewet will surrender their
forces if they can gain any points by
negotiating, but these appear to be pre-
mature. Dewet has not yet been thor
oughly beaten, and Botha came near sur
rounding French's troops during the last
battle. The story that the bridge on the
Delagoa railway was blown up by the
premature explosion Of a mine is hardly
credible.
Railway Officials Expelled.
Amsterdam, June 22.-The NetheIA
lands Railroad company of South Africa
has received official notification of the ex-
pulsiOn from the Transvaal of 400 of its
employees, with their families.
The Dutch consul at Lourenco Marques
telegraphs that proclamation has been
issued to the effect that the company's
officials who refuse to do British military
transport work will be sent to Europe
via East London. Cape Colony.