Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-02-16
GEN. ROBERTS DISPATCH
Is Dated From Cr0nje's Former
Base of SupplieS-Rep0rtS
From Divisions In
the Field.

London, Feb. 16, 1:45 p. NV nile tHere
is tremendous satisfaction and jubilat:on
here at Lord Roberts and General
French's success, those best suited to
Judge the situations are inclined to the
opinion that, pending more definite in
ation, the news had better be regard
ed as assuring rather than as accomplish
ing the relief of Kimberley.
Careful study Of the ambiguity of the
wording Of Roberts dispatch leads to the
belief that the actual relief Of the place
is a matter of time. Kimberley, it is
pointed out, can scarcely be termed re-
lieved, until it's feasible to take provisions
there. The rapidity of French's march in
dictates he was unable to do this and
whether he left his lines behind him open,
is only matter of surmise.
It is considered most probable that
Roberts and French's brilliant tactical
success, resembles the first relief Of
Lucknow, when the dispersal of the eEe-
my's forces was by no means Immediate
" ffected. Another remarkable feature of
Roberts laconic cablegram is that 1T is
dated at Jacobsda1, which was Cronje's s
advance base of supplies yet there Is no
word explaining the British commanders S
presence there. nor word of any oppo-
sition which he or French encountered.
Had Roberts inflicted decisive defeat
upon the Beers 1t is believed he would
have mentioned it, as such success would
be greatly paramount to the relief Of
Kimberley or throwing into that place a
garrison which could assure its holding
out.
However, French's entry into Kimberley
has been effected and doubtless brings
Joy to the hearts of those who have been
shut up in the city for 122 days. Their de-
tenders number about four thousand,
while Frencl's force is estimated at be-
tween.6, 900 and 5000 men.
The sixth and seventh divisions have
already crossed the river and are proba-
bly, with Roberts at Jacobsdal. What has
happened to Cronje and the whereabouts
Of his forces puzzles the experts.
dispatch from Capetown, dated Feb.
IA, received this morning, says: 1.-THE
Beers are leaving Magersfontein to rein
force other positions. It is estimated he
tween 1900 and 10000 men remain there"
Roberts wide turning movement, via Ja-
cobsdal. may have cut of these troops
from Bloemfontein but while the British
forces are endeavoring to intercept the
Boer communications there is parallel
Boer column trying to cut off the British
from De Aar and it is apparently meeting
with some success.
A Boer dispatch from Lorenzo Marques
says the initial attack on Colesburg, Feb.
IL, resulted in federal loss Of nine killed
IA wounded and five prisoners. The Brit
ish, it is added, were driven out of their
camp and one of their maxims captured.
News of French's entry into Kimberley
was received on the stock exchange here
with rousing cheers. De Beers rose Ia,
but subsequently, fell IN on a Paris ru-
NOR that French had merely fallen into
a Boer trap.
dispatch referring to the condition of
Ladysmith is regarded as reassuring.
There is no further word from Butler
and nothing startling is expected to oc-
cur in Natal in the immediate future.