New-York tribune., 1900-05-02
COLUMNS STARTING NORTH.
LORD ROBERTS's TURNING MOVEMENT
BEGINS -WEPENER EVACUATED.
copyright: 1900: BY The New-York Tribune.l
LEY cARLE 10 TIE TRInrNE.l

TBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
London, May . ! a. m.-The situation in the
Free State shows signs of change. Lord Rob
erts's turning movement has apparently begun
unless the two movements reported by him yes
terday are feints which seem unlikely.
General MaxwelTs brigade, which was en-
camped at the road bridge over the Modder
River north OF Sannas Post advanced on Mon
day TO Kalkfontein. on the road TO Winburg
1t met with no resistance, but the mounted in
fantry scouting in advance of the brigade
skirmishing Tor several hours. General Hamil-
tons mounted infantry division, with Smith
Dorrien's brigade supporting it. advanced on the
same day from Thaba Nchu nearly due north
TO Houtney, where ii met a strong Boer force
comma nded by General Botha. There skr
mishing. but no engagement the British casual
ties not exceeding thirty. Reinforcements We're
sent forward during the day and night, and
General Hamilton now has a second infantry
brigade and large mounted force.
These two columns are heading for Winburg
hy converging roads from Sannas Post and
Thaba Nchu. General Maxwell if unopposed
VIII be able to cut off General Bothas line Of
communications in d single days march, and
hence it Is probable that the Beers will fall back
In front Of Hamilton at Houtney Two columns
viii then be enabled to effect junction about
forty miles east OF Karree Siding. and about the
same distance south Of Winburg These col
umns when reinforced from Thaba Nchu will
naturally wheel through Winburg and turn the
Boer position at Brandfort. enabling the Sixth
Division to advance along the line Of the rail
way.
Lord Robertss earlier account of the opera
tfons at Thaba Nchu was in different strain
lie described the Beers as persistent in their at
tack and General Rumble as holding a strong
defensive position with ample support
BOER ATTACK ON A CONVOY.
Press dispatches We're most confusing with
the single exception OF the report Of a Boer at
tack upon a convoy which was clearly described
This convoy moving up from Dewetsdorp
under a mounted escort when the Beers fired
upon II from the hills and although General
French made flank attack the supply train
would probably nave been captured if Brabazon
with the Imperial Yeomanry had not come VI
from the south and rescued it. Otherwise these
dispatches We're unintelligible since the Beers
were alternately described as holding an i'm
pregnabIe position with strong force and guns
of long range and breaking up and retiring
ncrthward.
The accounts Of General French's cavalry
"Reminiscences and artillery practice are now
easily understood. Lord Roberts's forces were
pressing their march northward instead Of as
saulting the enemy on the high hills east OF
Thaba Nchu. Lord Roberts clearly expects thai
the advance toward Winburg Will compel the
Beers 10 retreat from the Thaba Nchu district
and this vilI clear the entire eastern flank witt
the exception Of Ladybrand, to which Genera
Olvier's commanders have retired with theii
cattle and herds.
Wepener has been evacuated by General Bra
bant Colonel Dalgetry and General Hart who
have gone northward. They are not yet re
ported on the direct road to Ladybrand, and
may be marching toward Thaba Nchu through
Dewetsdorp with General Chermsde's division
but there is no decisive information respecting
their destination
MAFEKING HOLDING OUT.
Dispatches to THE Pail Mall Gazette bring
the news from Mafeking down to April 20. The
Beers have removed their big gun and have
nearly suspended the bombardment, but have