New-York tribune., 1900-04-10
G4TACRE NOT CENSURED.
CAUSE OF DEFEAT AT REDDERSBCRG-
TENDENCY TO EXAGGERATE
DUTCH FORCES.
DUTCH FORCES.
Copyright; 1900: By The Network Tribune.
TRY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE

TCuryright: 1900 By The NeU-Nork IribuHe-l
IBY cABLE TO THE TRIBUNE-l
London. April 10 I a m.-The press dispatches
are still filed with belated accounts Of the Red
dersbu-g fight. and the adventures Of Burnham
-he American scout General Gatacre does not
deserve censure for sending out British column
without artillery. as it had been dispatched on
2 long circuit for the purpose Of receiving arms
and pacifyine the country and was caught
through sudden change Of the Boer tactics
The troops offered a stubborn resistance, ana
fought bravely as long their cartridges held
out There was nothing discreditable 10 the
British arms in this affair, and General Gatacre
was weIT advised N not renewing the attack
with an inferior force when he arrived with
reinforcements from Springfontein- The Beers
are now reported TO have retired eastward dis
persing in small bands They were probably
bent upon sending the prisoners northward be-
fore renewing their attack upon the isolated
British posts.
There are many dispatches from the southern
half Of the Free State. but IL is difficult 10 get
& clear idea Of the situation The correspond
ents have confirmed habit Of overstating the
Boer force whenever anything goes wrong. The
estimates Of the Boer strength in the Thaba
Nchu Ladybrand and Wepener districts are
grossly exaggerated. and the Importance Of the
Dutch fanking movement is overrated, was
done when Sir Redvers Buffers army was
broken up into three sections by a small force
Of raiders below Estcourt.
The sensational rumors of the general con-
ceutrstion Of the Boer commanders south and
east of Rloerfontein are from the British point
q view too good 10 be true. Nothing would suit
Lord Roberts's plan admirably as the mass
ing Of the Dutch forces where they could be
overwhelmed with superior numbers before the
I'D
should be heightened. first to the Vaal and
thence 10 Pretoria. The moral effect of the
turn Of the Beers 10 the central reaches of the
Free State is mixed. Recruits are gained and
farmers are intimidated, and this makes for the
advantage Of the Beers, but supplies taken
without being paid for and houses and farms
are looted and these losses tend TO reconcile the
burghers 70 British occupation.
The inaction Of Sir Redvers Buffers army con-
tnues. and on the western flank there is moth
ing more important than sniping and shelling
between Warrenton and Fourteen Streams. Sir
Henry Rumble is reported as under orders for
Kimberley. and this may be the signal for
movement Of the Eighth Division, now arriving
a. Cape Town. toward Mafeking. but this is not
definitely announced The relief Of Mafeking
can hardly be dependent upon the operations Of
column sent into Rhodesia from Beira across
Portuguese territory by railway.
Parliament has risen for the Easter recess,
after series Of dull debates. The Government
has strengthened its position. and the Liberals
are dreading the effects Of premature appeal
70 the country, which several Ministers are
known TO favor.
The Queens reception in driving through Dub
In yesterday under the escort Of the Household
cavalry was again most enthusiastic, and the
moral effect Of her visit TO Ireland continues
To be most excellent
The details Of the outbreak Of the Ashanti
Ei0es tend TO minimize the Importance Of
aHalr which is not likely to prove serious.