The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-04

LONpON. feD. 4-SpenCeE NliklnsoH
writes the following review of the situa-
ton in South Africa for the Associated
Press at midnight
ut is morally impossible for Buffers
army so long as there is any fight -tpft
to It, to sit still while Sir George White
Is invested in Ladysmith. Better than
than would be TO lose 10000 men in an
attempt at relief. Accordingly. IL is
probable that Gen. Butler will try again.
and, indeed. that he Is now on the move
and fighting.
VIII Probably Move to the Right.
LAS he has kept Gen. Lyttleton's bri-
gade north Of the river the probability
Is that his next move Will be an advance
on Lyttleton's right. He would hardly
go to Lyttleton's left. because that would
only lead to a fresh attack OF Spion kop
and the range OF which 1t is a part. He
would not go to the east Of Coleuso. ex-
cept with his whole force, less Barton's
brigade. The retention OF Lyttleton's
brigade at Potgieters drift may, there
fore. be taken as proof that the new
move will not be TO the east of Colenso.
East OF Potgieters there are several
drifts. one or two of which Gen. Buffers
guns command. and he can therefore
cross the river. but the Beers have had
ample time TO prepare positions beyond
the river.
"A frontal attack would. as usual. be
costly. but unless the general Is prepared
for heavy loss he has little chance of
breaking through the Boer defenses.
should Follow Sherman's Tactics.
The right plan should be that made by
Gen. Sherman when he pushed back John
son from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Sher-
man intrenched along Johusons front and
then extended HIS line to one OF the fianks.
BY the time Sherman was ready TO move
n force around behind his in1renched line
to attack Johnson In the flank and threat
en- his retreat, the Confederate general
withdrew. Such tactics are practicable
with only force numerically superior We
do not know the strength OF the Beers In
Natal Winston Churchill estimates them
at only 1900. OF whom 1000 are observing
Ladysmth. This would give Butler 25,eo
against 1900, and should render possible
something like Shermans maneuvers. But
there is reason TO believe that Buffers own
estimate OF the Boer force is much higher
Roberts VIII Not Hurry.
Lord Roberts VIII certainly not hurry
his move from the Cape He will arst COM
plete the assembling Of his forces, which
VIII not all have arrived for another three
weeks. Then he Will have transports prop
eriy organized and IN working order be-
fore he win start. After that he will prob
ably make rapid movement. but no out
cry Will induce him To start until he con-
siders all is ready.
Last weeks report that Mafeking had
been relieved seems TO have arisen from
Col Plummer's sklrmlsh near Crocodile
pool. The report came from Boer sources.
and this origin of Il seems 70 show that
the Beers are not sanguine OF success in
the northwest. They have PROBABLY re-
duced their forces In that region IN order
/ To strengthen themselves against Gen
Methuen and Gen. Butler"
No News TO give Out.
An officer of the war office at midnight
says that no news has been received from
| South Africa, and that none will be given
| oat during the night.
British Moving ON HonEerspruit.
BERLIN. Feb. 2.--A special telegram
/ from the seat of war VIA Brussels says
Cen Jnnhart has recelveA intallRnnce nf