New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-07
THE NEWS FROM NATAL.
GENERAL WHITE BREAKS THE SILENCE
WITH a STIRRING TELEGRAM
pATTT
copyright; 1900: BY The New-York Tribune
IsY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNEl


Isr CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
London Jan. Z / g. m.-General Buffers army
was in readiness to upon the enemy's
works yesterday after systematic scouting all
along the line from Springfield to IIangwane
There two strongly fortified positions south
OF the Tugela, at each end Of the defensive line
running sixteen miles the opposite bank,
with guns commanding every fording place. The
Springfield district had been explored by scouts
earlier. but there was nnoissance in force
Friday afternoon toward Ilangwane by a strong
body Of cavalry and rifemen, with two guns
There Yves shell firing from the naval guns be-
hind Lord Dundonalds cavalry and various at
tempts were made TO draw the enemy's fire. but
IN the end troops returned to camp without
having learned where the new trenches had
been laid The lesson of the first battle at Co
lenso and subsequent futile reconnossances and
artillery practice was that one engagement
necessary in order to ascertain where the en-
emy was, and that series of battles one after
esotl1er In quick succession, might be required
for the relief OF Ladysmith. The Springfield
outwork could not be left in the eneny's pos
session If any turning movement were attempt
ed above Colenso and in any attack at the CEN
tre Iangwane could not be passed over or
masked. There was still another alternative
plan, that Of conducting a turning movement
nineteen miles east of Colenso by the weenen
road to Ladysmith. But this seemed like a
desperate undertaking. with uangwane strong
ly held by the enemy several miles east and of
south OF the ruined railway bridge.
While the loungers at the clubs were discuss
ing the probabilities of the situation last night
and settling down 10 the conclusion that the
first shot would be the signal for several days
Of desperate fighting. but that General Butler
would wait for another battery and another
regiment Of Hussars and not order advance
until Monday, the War Office cleared the field OF
action for at least twenty-four hours by posting
q short bulletin. 1t was from General Butler at
Frere Camp and contained a message from
General White stating that the Beers had at
tackled Ladysmith in considerable force toward
o'clock on Saturday morning. While General
Butler waiting for few more guns and
mounted troops possibly for the water to
fall q little lower in the Tugela or for the mule
transport train TO be put in better order Cen
eral Joubert had attempted to surprise the gar
rison by midnight sortie, and a spirited at
tack had been made. The Beers were every
where repuIsed. but the fighting was still in
progress at Q O'Clock. The story was only half
told by heliograph, for the retirement of the
Beers was not announced but, so far as IT went
II had the right ring for British ears Whites
men were holding their ground and fighting
gallantly after long siege. They had not been
taken by surprise. and even with their supply
Of ammunition. which there has been good rea-
son 10 believe failing. they had repulsed
this beIated attack in force
It an inspiriting story which brought a
fine glow of enthusiasm TO every Englishmans
face as II was told at midnight in the clubs.
The War Office had neither explanations
comments 10 offer and kept what information
It had received from General Butler respecting
his own plans a close secret. 1t easy
inference that General Joubert. being well in
formed by his scouts respecting Buffers
dilatory tactics had taken advantage Of final
opportunity for a desperate attempt to carry
Ladysmith with its fever hospital by assault
before the great battle on the Tugela could be
fought. Possibly he had also hoped to entrap
part OF the garrison outside and capture a few
more battalons. as he had done at Nichoson's
Mex If General Whites reassuring story has
sequel with adverse ending the last at
tempt upon Ladysmith has failed, and the
Beers. dispirited by their repulse after a long
and tedious siege. will not be at their best in
meeting General Buffers army early In the
week
General French's official account of Thurs
days engagement has confirmed previous press
reports without exaggerating the Importance of
the affair. He allows the correspondents to give
their own versions of his -maneuYres, and then
has the credit himself for modesty in not getting
excited over his exploits. It is evident
from his report that the Dutch In attacking his
position with an inferior force hoped to draw
him on toward another position five miles north
Of Colesberg where they had stronger body
of troops in reserve. The Dutch tactics were
the same as in the first battle Of the war, when
General symons hit the advance guard,
serves being behind where they could capture
the Hussars French has adapted himself TO
Dutch tactics and makes point Of never doing
what his enemy expects him 10 co. He did not