New-York tribune., 1900-01-05
THINK THE CRISIS AT HAND
LONDON AWAITS WITH ANXIETY THE
ISSUE OF A GREAT BATTLE IN NATAL.
copyright; 1900: BY The New-York Tribune.l
[BY CABLE THE TRIBUNE.l


London, Jan 5, a. m-The clubs were
crowded last evening until midnight since there
general impression that the crisis of the
war had come with a battle impending the
Tugela. This feeling of suspense strength
ened by bulletins reciting vigorous sheling Of
the Boer trenches yesterday morning with lyd-
dite and the destruction of intrenchments with
minor incidents such the shifting of the
eneny's positions the stampede of their horses
and constant outpost brushes.
In the newspaper offices there was sheaf Of
unin1portant dispatches relating TO the advent
uree Of Thorneycroft's scouts on the Upper
Tugela, admissions of Boer deserters that Gen
eral Joubert's army was suffering from lack Of
food. the trial of traction engines for transport
service. the destruction of a large gun at
Colenso by shell from naval gum and the
escape of six horsemen from Ladysmith during
thunderstorm, two of whom were fantastically
reported DR.. Jameson and Colonel Rhodes
These trif1es light air IN comparison
with the momentous conflict which was known
20 be imminent
UNIQUE IN MILITARY ANNALS.
General Butler since his defeat has called into
Natal every battalion and battery upon which
he could lay his hands, and has stiffened his
force in every way practicable for q supreme
attempt 10 break through the Boer line of de-
fence and relieve Ladysmith Even the stout
est hearted Engshman has been constrained to
hold his breath until the issue of the battle is
known Public anxiety has not been deeper
than the feeling of suspense among military
men. They have described the Boer defensive
position, sixteen miles in length with relays
OF horses behind II by which the forces could
be rapidly concentrated at any point that might
be strongly attacked, something unique In
military history. There anything
like it, and ordinary tactics and strategy studied
by the Staff College have provided no expedi-
ents for regulating a scientific attack a
swollen river with concealment of the enemy's
positions. Boer occupation of two points on the
southern bank and the extension of their line
until 1T was hardly practicable to turn IT. and
the remarkable mobility of the Dutch force has
increased the difficulties of a most formidable
enterprise. The most thoughtful veterans have
added that, while this new defensive system
with long range guns in concealed trenches and
thousands of ponies under saddle. had been sue
cessful when attacked at the point of greatest
resistance, it might prove weak and vulnerable
at the point of least resistance. The Beers
adapting themselves to British tactics, had de-
vised most ingenious scheme of defence. 1t
might prove Unexpectedly weak If the British
generals in turn could adapt their attack 10 IT
with any degree of fexibility.
operations have proceeded elsewhere which serve
10 indicate increased mobility and improved tao
tics the British side. The Dutch forces have
made a belated effort to follow up their victory
at Stormberg by advance upon AIolteno and
Cyphergat, but General Gatacre sent infantry
and battery to relieve the Cape Police and the
Irish Rifles. and reoccupied both villages after
brisk artillery fire. The two Dutch commands
which had skrmished with the outposts and ad-
vanced the British camp. retreated when the
shells began to burst among them. General
Gatacres Official report shows that the police
have retired from Dordrecht and taken posi-
tion on the Indwe line, and that a company of
mounted infantry had reconnoitred to Preska
While this skirmishing is small scale. there
is evidence that Gatacre is alert and vigilant
and that his scouting work is well done.
REINFoRCEMENTs FOR FRENCH.
Reinforcements have been sent from De Aar
20 General French. who is still lowering about
Colesberg and apparently maneuvring 10 cut off
the retreat of the Beers TO the railway bridge
having already blocked the passage to the road
bridge over the Orange River heavy artillery
fire is reported but the result of the fighting is
indecisive as General French avoids a frontal
attack and is content to hold a strong position
and continue to bewilder and harass the enemy
without striking heavily with his mounted force
Colonel Pitchers successful raid with the
Australian and Toronto force has ended with
out any turning movement against Cronje's po-
sition In connection with Methuens cavalry
His command has fallen back from Douglas
toward Belmont. and provided safe conduct for
q swarm OF loyalists into the British lines. The
Canadians acted as an escort for the refugees