New-York tribune., 1900-04-27
BRITISH NOT QUICK ENOUGH
OPERATIONS OF THE FORCES EAST OF
BLOEAfFONTEIN
copyright; 1900: BY The New-York Tribune
IBT CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE1

IBE CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.I
London, April -, / a. m.-The Beers under
Olivier. have not been followed in their retreat
from Wepener, as Dalgetty's force was not in
condition for pursuit after the strain of fort
nights siege. and Brabant and Hart were
well content 10 halt after their arduous march
from Rouxville. There are no cues in the press
dispatches, but il is probable that thes British
forces VIII remain long at Wepener but
viii continue their march to Ladybrand after
Roberts's army has gone north in the next turn
ing movement.
De Vets army, which evacuated Dewetsdorp.
has been followed by the mounted infantry. by
Rundle's division, and aleo by infantry bat
taiions--ft1e distance 10 Thaba Nchu is twenty
five miles, and three infantry divisions and two
cavalry battalions are available for pursuit from
the south. The mounted infantry. under Gen
eral Hamilton, at Sannas Post, was twenty
miles west Of Thaba Nchu or Wednesday morn
ing. with the Ninth Division well up in support
and the enemy were driven from that position
in brilliant style.
The dispatches are meagre, but the division
OF French's cavalry and Hamiton's mounted
infantry were marching toward Thaba Nchu on
Wednesday and Thursday. The Beers in re-
treat were hampered by wagons and guns but
We're in district favorable for their tactics
They also had the advantage Of the presence of
considerable force west Of Thaba Nchu which
could retard the advance Of Hamilton's mounted
division. All signs point TO a concentration OF
four divisions and a large cavalry force at
Thaba Nchu if the Beers attempt TO make
stand there But De Wet is more likely TO con-
unue his retreat 10 Ladybrand. where Olivier
VIII join him. Whether General Roberts's army
goes north from Thaba Nchu II will be
in position 10 turn Brandfort and winburg
10 Wb in from ra;1- fur
ther up the railway toward the Vaal. The ad-
vance northward has begun with the clearance
OF his eastern flank. and is continued with the
pursuit Of De Vets retreating commandoes. and
Il VIII 20 on. with without another Paarde-
berg
The War Office posted during the afternoon
short bulletin from General Roberts report
Ing good news" from Mafekng up 70 April 10
and there was little more news until midnight
apart from the destruction Of the Boer arsenal
al Pretoria from sudden explosion
A second bulletin was issued at a late hour
from General Roberts. stating that General
Hamilton had driven the Beers from a strong
position 10y brilliant turning movement. with
the assistance Of the infantry brigade The
advance 10 Thaba Nchu was continued yester-
day with all possible dispatch. Hamilton NAV
succeed in reaching Thaba Nchu in time to cut
OF de Vets forces, but the result is doubtful.
Ihe Beers have strong position there.
me ceiails Of the successful maroeuvres by
which DeWetsdorp ard Wepener were ernptied
cfer a few points Of interest. General Pole
oarew who saved the situation AT Methuen's
battle Of the Nodder River. is credited with
handling his troops with great skill and with
keeping The bulk Of the infantry well abreast
q Frenchs brigades by throwing containing
llne around kopje held by the enemy instead
O attacking il and losing time General Rundle's
iofce IN entering upon the pursuit OF Dewet's
cotliaancoes, was carried al once into broken
ground, where forced marching was difficult
ihe morale OF the British troops was excellent
Il every quarter, one brigade competing with
another in the cheerfulness and patience with
|hlcn the forced marches were endured. Bra-
bant's Colonial forces and Hsrt's Irish Brigade
nave also done brilliant work n covering long
Instance and lighting three engagements and
the story Of Dalgeitys defence of Wepener as
ne oetails come in is brilliant exploit of the
Campaign.
Inc Queen has arrived at Holyhead, after re-
ceiNlng final demonstration Of Irish loyalty at
Du0-n and kingstoTn Her visit to Ireland is
one q the notable events Of her reign, and one
OF her most useful services TO the United King
dom
armament RESUMED its session with George
"sndham in fine feuIe His exDlie,r dental that
General Roberts had commented Ipon General
ne'huens report Of Magersfonteiu surprised
'ts commons The War Office has been charged
"''h slp2ressing criticism Of Methuen while al
.o"'Ns Eoller. Gatare and Warren 20 be pub
- uiscfedltec, and il has even been whispered
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