The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-26


SOUR GRAPES"
London, Jan. 26.-In the words of an
editorial in the Westminster Gazette
this afternoon: The Associated Press
said Warren's success was provisional
The Westminster Gazette's remark
was called out by George w Smalley's
cable to the Times this morning, say
ing:
''The Associated Press takes care that
we shall not overestimate Warren's
success, suggesting that it is only pro
visional, and that there is the usual
disposition of London to exaggerate the
Importance of the point scored
The Westminster Gazette then pro-
ceeds to defend its own course, point
ing out that it is not unpatriotic to
decline to gloss over facts" AS
matter of fact, Great Britain assumes
that the point claimed was more con-
elusive than it really was, hence the ex-
treme reVulsiOn of feeling caused by
Gen. Buffers announcement of the
abandonment of Spion Kop. Consider
ing that the Beers who held the po-
sition fled that the British casualties
in retaining during the subsequent at
tacks were heavy and that the strate-
getical value of the point had still to
be demonstrated, there never was any
great reason for throwing up hats and
until further particulars arrive it is
impossible to estimate to what extent
the public disappointment is justified.
1t is impossible at present to say
whether the British suffered reverse
if the movement was dictated by stra-
tegic reason. Obviously the position
was useless unless guns could be
planted on it.
CASUALTIES.
London, Jan. 26.-Gen. Butler reports
that the British casualties January "a,
were:
Killed-Officers six; non-comnission-
ed officers and men 1S.
Wounded-Oficers u; non-commts-
stoned officers and men 142.
Missing -Thirty-One men,
MORE TROOPS ORDERED OUT.
London, Jan. 26-Probably as an
immediate effect of the receipt of the
news of the abandonment of Spion
Kop by the British force under Gen.
Sir Charles Warren, orders have been
sent to Aldershot to have the fourth
cavalry division in readiness to embark
for South Africa early in February.
TOO HOT TO HOLD"
London, Jan. Whatever may be
the explanation of the abandonment of
Spion Kop by the British it will doubt
less have the same temporary moral
effect as a reverse. It appears to have
been so entirely unexpected at the war
Office that n.Buller's dispatch caused
something in the nature of consterna-
ton The lobbies were soon crowded
and there. was evidence on all sides that
the news was keenly felt
The only official comment was appar-
emily Gen. Warren found the position
too hot to hold"
Nowhere, however, in spite of the de-
preston in stocks is there the least sign
>of abatement in the determination to
carry the war to successful issue.
The cabinet met this afternoon under
the presidency of Lord Salisbury and
doubtless the ministers fully canvassed
the new situation; though primarily
summoned to discuss the terms of the
queens speech.
Under other circumstances the news
from Ladysmith showing greatly i'm
proved sanitary conditions, the plenti-
fulnesS of provisions and the strength
ening of the fortifieations would have
inspired the nation, but these good It'd
ings to the British are overshadowed
by anxiety as to the situation on the
upper Tugela.
The report of heavy losses suffered
during the struggles Saturday night
have counted for naught. Military cir
cles made no effort to conceal their
chagrin expressing the grayest fears as
to the ultimate fate of Ladysmith.
Such authorities as Major General Sir
Frederick Darlington who is under or
ders for South Africa and Lord Clifford,
who won the Victoria cross while scout
ing for Lord Woseley during the Zulu
war, would not be surprised to hear of
the capture of Gen. Whites force within
a week Lord Clifford who knows the
country like a book could not under
stand how in the world Gen. Warren
even got TO lQ6 TOP Oh OI1lO4 AOp Will
out ascertaining what positions COM
mand it.
The poorness of the maps it was
pointed out could hardly be an excuse
for this as there must be with Gen.
Warren several scouts to say nothing
of officers who at one time or another
have served at Ladysmith and whose
mere hunting expeditions would have
given them knowledge of the country.
While Gen. Warren is not blamed for
retreating under what is supposed to
have been heavy shell fire he is Sc
Verely criticised for occupying a posi-
tion to which he could not bring up his
artillery.
WAVE OF DEPRESSION.
London, Jan. 26.-As far as the gen
| eral public is concerned, now that the
| first flash of disappointment is over, it
! takes the news stolidly.When the news
papers, bearing big placards containing
J the words tSpiOn KOp Abandoned ap-
! peared in the streets the people rushed
to buy the papers and from cabmen on
to business men hurrying cityWards all
! could be seen scanning the news with
! daZed expressions. The signs OF pleas
ure which were visible everywhere yes
! terday have now given place to a wave
! of depression but there have been no
outward. demonstrations or scenes In
! the West End the rapidity with which
the bad news Travelled was remarkable.
A few minutes before II o'clock this
| morning the dingy war office had a de
| serted appearance only a few reporters
! and messengers being visible A few
minutes later, however, and almost sim
! ultaneously with the posting of Gen.
! Buffers dispatch carriages and cabs
/ came crOwding up, people with anxious
| faces hastened to the notice boards, and
! the lobbies soon became congested.
Forced backi'' "Shelled out I sup
| pose Great Heavens. he's had to go
| back" These and similar expressions
were heard on all sides and with down
! cast countenances the long stream of
callers made their way back to the
! street while their places were occupied
/ by newcomers.
The afternoon papers only briefly
| comment on the situation preferring to
await fuller particulars.
The St. James Gazette says: I'VE are
| only at the beginning"
The Westminster Gazette suggests
that the abandonment of Spion Kop