The evening times., 1900-02-06
THE NEWS FROM NATAL.

Although London believes that Butler is
fighting on the Tugela line, IT is doubtful
if any serious engagement had occurred
two days ago. as the European agencies
heretofore always informed OF military
events in South Africa in advance of the
British public. have not even starteu
a rumor to indicate that any important
movement has taken place in Natal. The
censorship is absolute and there is evident
agreement between the War Office and the
field commanders that nothing shall be
given out prema turely, or until it suits the
interests of the authorities.
There are strong indications that some
thing effective is about to be attempted
in the Western field. Lord Roberts has
probably been able to materially strengthen
his forces in Northern Cape Colony, ana
a movement of concentration OF which
there have been hints previously, now ap-
pears to be Iaenergetically under way
French is reported to have the Beers at
Colesberg practically surrounded A large
force of infantry has gone from Naauw
Poort, Rensburg, and Hanover Road 10
seize the railway bridge at Norvals Pont.
Frenchs column probably has been re-en-
forced by Major General Chermside
brigade. Gatacre, it is assumed by mill
iary critics in London, is making a con-
forming movenaentofrom Steynsburg toward
Bethulie Bridge. Kelly Kenney should be
moving up between, and the Colonial dlyls-
ion at Queenstown, under Major General
Brabant was reported under orders TO
move TO the north today. All signs point
to converging movement by Norval
Pont and Bethulie on Springfontein at the
salient OF the strategic quadrilateral ad-
vance base for operations against the Free
State.
Springfontein being reached, the lnVao-
ing column would be about equi-distan'
from Jacobsda TO the northwest and
Bloemfontein TO the northeast-say ninety
miles. Methuen at Modder River, re-en-
forced by fuckers division, should be able
to flank the Beers at Jacobsdal and, reliev-
ing Kimberley. support the movement from
Springfontein. making Kimberley base
for future operations should Roberts pre-.
liminary plans work out successfully.
There is some reason for expecting simul-
taneous movements within few days, al
the way from Bethulie up TO Magars1on-
tein Methuen is reported as sending his
wounded and inyalided south, which por-
! tends immediate activity. When the houi
/ strikes for the advance. we shall probably
hear that Butler has opened the fna
Z - ..1xr
( the Beers have a great many more mel
under arms than anybody has allowed
/ them. the developments in the west ough
! to make il difficult for them TO maintain
! their lines around Ladysmith, withou
/ abandoning the Orange Free State TO it'
fate. Under sucn conditions il might b
/ fair 10 presume that the Free State com
mandos in Natal would demand the righ
| to withdraw and protect their own terrific
~ from invasion. Such movement woul'
be highly injurious 10 General Joubert
position, and might give Butler douDl'
chance at him while it was making II th'
British general is strong enough he ma!
have succeeded in throwing considerable
force around the Boer right beyond Actoi
Homes. which might be able to intercep
a retreat of Free Staters by Tintwa an'
/ Van Reenens passes, perhaps assisted b.
a sortie from Ladysmith: but that is
/ mere possibility The only thing whicl
/ seems certain is that comprehensive
! movement Of some kind practically in
volying the whole theatre of war, appear
to be in course of incubation. 1t may o
may not be Buffers first play, and he ma,
or may not be hard at il right now.