The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-22

LONDON, Jan. %, 4:45 a. m.-The justi-
fable severity of the censorship at the
present moment prevents the special cor
respondents from giving additional infor-
nation to supplement Gen. Buffers latest
dispatch. The success of the movements
depends almost entirely upon how far he
proves able to outmaneuver the Beers.
whose available forces are doubtless larg-
er than his own. The chief difficulties lie
in the ability of the Beers to transport
men, stores and ammunition so quickly
and to intrench new positions. Secrecy
regarding Gen. Buffers progress, there
fore, is essential, and the public here u
quite content to walt patiently.
From tho information which the censor
has allowed 70 pass 1t is as yet impossible
to form a correct notion of the British
tactics.
Losses Were Serious.
One thing, however, is clear. The Brit
ish commanders have profited by expert
ence, and are now avoiding infantry
charges, giving preference to the more
1udicious use of artillery. The general
idea Is that Sir Redvers Butler. with some
5000 men and eighteen field guns. is hold
ing the northern bank of the Tugeia at
Potgieters drift, while Sir Charles War
rem, with about 1900 men, thirty guns and
a large force OF cavalry. is working
around the right nank of the Beers. eight
or ten miles away.
Prontins BY Experience.
One account of Saturdays fighting says
that the British had few killed. Little re-
lance can be placed upon these reports,
and although the main position of the
Beers has not been attacked, and nothing
is known as to its strength. Saturdays
and Sundays fighting, which can hardly
be described as more than outpost az
fairs, entailed serious losses.
Hard Work Stll Ahead.
The Beers are following their old-time
tactics-making show of resistance snd
then retreating In good order to prepare,
positions, and. as they are working from
the interior of their lines, they may be
able to bring strong forces to defend the
main position.
Nothing is heard Of any counter attack
by Sir George White from Ladysmith, and
Gen. Buffers 81 think we are making SUBJ
stantial progress remains the last word.
This shows that there is still some very
hard work in front.
Inquiries at War once.
Yesterday was quite record day at the
war Office. AS il anticipating important
news, the authorities announced on Sat-
urday that the Hobbies of the war office
would be open throughout Sunday. and the
knowledge that great crucial battle was
proceeding brought continuous stream
inaurers of all classes.
Some gloomy forebodings we're caused
by the bulletin announcing that nearly 800
had been wounded, but in general CHEEKY
confidence was expressed in the success
of Gen. Buffers movement. On 1t being
announced that further official dispatches
were improbable tonight the crowd dis
persed, expressing disappointment that
the news was no better.
Fighting Up Hill.
Gen. Butler cables to the war office:
''Spearmans Camp Jan. "a. Q p. m.
Gen. Warren has been engaged all day.
chiefly on his left, which he has swung
forward about a couple of miles. The
ground is very difficult. and as the fight
ing is all the time UP hill, II Is difficult to
say exactly how much we have gained,
but l think we are making substantial
progress"
Advanced on the Boers.
DURHAM, Jan. 21.-The Natal Advertis-
er has the following from Spearsmans
camp. dated yesterday:
Gen. Warrens column attacked
lengthy Boer position on the northern rfdgs
at Spoinkop. A heavy bombardment by a
field battery preceded the advance. The
Beers eventually replied with two guns,
several machine guns and rifles. The Brit
ish responded and long range firing became
general, lasting until dark.
''Gen. Hildyard drew the Beers from q
splendid position. simultaneously. by a
drawing a. feeble fire from their Norden-
feldts and rifles. The British navy guns
and howitzers sheiied the trenches with
excellent effect and many Beers were Oh
served bolting. The British artillery COM
pletely siienced the Boer force and at night
fall the British infantry occupied an ex-
cellent advanced position"
British Casualty List.
LONDON, Jan. H.-The war offce has
posted this dispatch from Gen. Butler, dat.
ed January q, 10 a. m:
The following were wounded IN the ac-
ton near ventors spruit yesterday:
"Ohicers-Star: Col. u. Hamilton and
Maj. McGregor; Second Lancashire fnsIl-
ers. Capt Blunt and Second Lieats Cros-
tam and Barrett First Border rifles. Cant.
Vaughn and Second Lieut. Muster: First
York and Lancashires. Second Lieut.. Ktes.