New-York tribune., 1900-03-10
THE FREE SKATERS UNEASY.
GROWING SIGNS OF DISAFFECTION IN

ICopyright: 1900: by The New-York Tribune.l
[By CABLE TO THE rRIBUNE.l
London, March 10, a. m.-There are signs Of
Gisaffection in the Free State Several corre-
spondents state that the burghers are eager to
return to their farms and that they calling
upon President Steyn to desert President Krtger
and make peace the best terms obtainable.
The Free State did not have grievances of its
against England, and carried into the
war partly by sympathy with the Beers and in
directly In consequence Of President Steyns
dreamy ambition. Now that the fortunes Of war
are turning heavily against the Dutch allies, the
burghers are growing restless and dscontented.
General Roberts confirms the report that both
President KRUGER and President Steyn were
present On March when the Dutch forces scut-
tied out OF their strongly intrenched positions
without waiting for the British infantry to come
up, and that they did not succeed in rallying
their troops. Belated accounts of the Dutch
stampede still appear in print but there are no
fresh incidents. The Dutch forces We're clearly
dispirited and without heart for a hopeless fight
with army superior IN mobility, artillery and
strength. Their left was hardly turned by the
cavalry brigades before the whole line fell back.
A detachment Of Lancers was hotly engaged for
a few minutes and battalions of the Ninth Divi-
sion charged q kopje, but otherwise there was no
fighting
SURMISES AS TO BULLER'S ARMY.
There many surrnises respecting the future
operations Of Buffers army. There were con-
Trajectory reports yesterday of the occupation
OF farms near Van Reenens Pass by British
troops. the withdrawal of Warrens division from
Natal and the assignment of General White to
command the forces advancing from Storm
berg. The censorship is still in operation,
and II is not probable that General Kitchener
will allow the secrets respecting future
centrations TO be bIurted out. White outranks
all the generals in the field except Roberts and
Butler. and hence It is likely that he will be
assigned TO command the forces now operating
below the Orange River at Burghersdorp and
NorvaPs and preparing TO invade the Free State.
General White owed his appointment in Natal
to Lord Lansdowne and he represents the Ind
ian school OF fighting rather than that Of AL
aershot. Warren is senior in rank 10 all the
other division commanders. and his appointment
was due to his own qualifications as a general
trained in South Africa. Clery and Lyttelton
are division commanders whom General Butler
WIZ probably prefer to keep with him
General Buffers friends have an explanation
ot their own to offer for his decision In Novem-
Der TO go to Natal. They assert that he had
intended to recall General Hunter Whites chief
u staff to Estcourt, where he could plan the
operations Of the relieving column with General
eleFy. Ladysmith surrounded before this
psh could be carried out. and the difficulties of
the situation were multiplied when the Beers In
'aoec Lower Natal. General Butler decided to
undertake the arduous work himself rather
oan hold General Clery responsible for it. He
went to Natal expecting to relieve Ladysmith
before January. and then to join General
Methuen at Kimberley and march across the
''ee State 10 Bloemfontein on the lines which
General Roberts has followed General Hunter
is the best adviser whom Butler can have in
"atal, and 1t is probable that he will be put in
command Of a division and remain there
MAFEKING THE ONLY CLOUD.
ihe only cloud upon the horizon for British
Eyes 10 the condition Of the Mafeking garrison
AAe croakers are having much to saw about it.
ao assume that the Boer reports of the capture
u Eli the forts except one are correct The opti
sis are disposed TO believe that the garrison IS
eafy cf the long siege and diet of horsedesh
- Is making loud call for a relief column
ICY ADMIT that the Beers. having lost Kimber-
ana Ladysmith. will make a desperate effort
apeure Mafeking and carry off the Prime
ees son 10 Pretoria, but they are con-
thst General Roberts mas sent Colonel
WITH volunteer force as far as the
.HFef, and that Warren or some other
r,t VIII follow him with reinforcements and
e. " the relief OF the garrison Certainly
m.t., Eooerts Will need strong column at
he s al later stage of the campaign when
~ oAses the vaai River for ii will enable hin,
h the enemys position on the Witwa,ers-
s9a, Cough with -