New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-30
FAITH IN "BOBS" SUPREME
THEREFORE THERE Is NO CRITICISM
WHEN BOER COMMANDERS ESCAPE.

Copyright; 1900 BY The New-York Tribune
IBY CABLE TO TUT TRIBUNE.I
London March 80, ! a. m-War news is so
light from Africa that the enterprise of Mr.
Harmsworths journals is searching for new
scene Of conflict further East A dispatch from
Kobe states that Russia has demanded leave
to land troops in Cores, and Joseph Walton in
terprets this a sign that war is imminent
with Japan. since that Power is determined to
resist Russian aggression in that quarter
Blue Book, issued last night on China negotia-
tons threw no light upon this question
The announcement is made by the Central
News that the Delagoa Bay Arbitration Com
mission has awarded 1914 600 francs to British
and American claimants from Portugal. in addi-
ton TO f2sO00 deposited ten years ago. This
settlement win probably open the way for the
sale Of Portuguese territory at the close of the
war, and its partition between England and Ger
many.
The successful retirement of Dutch com
mandces Of considerable strength from Orange
River 10 the northern reach of the Free State
is now claimed by the Boer authorities at Pre-
toria and conceded by the British Staff. 1t
was not considered possible that these Dutch
fcrces could escape capture when Bloemfontein
a
able achievement which reflects great credit
upon the Dutch commander, since his forces
were beset on all sides by British in superior
strength With this reinforcement the Roer
army VIII be enabled to make a strong stand on
the northern ridges of the Free State General
buler would have been severely criticised if the
boers had slipped through his lines in similar
circumstances. but no military writer has a
"ofo OF censure for General Roberts for his fail
uie 10 intercept the retreat Of a body of six
thousand burghers. National faith in 'Bobs" is
unquesnoning. he is regarded by the press and
h9lioh as a General who thinks of everything
and never makes mistakes, and consequently the
lsct that the Dutch commanders have retreated
Oy forced marches without being harassed
0iocAea and captured is proof that the British
army needed to halt around the capital and pre-
pare for an arduous campaign northward Cen
eial Roberts has secured the enviable distinction
ol commanding public confidence so completely
'1at ne Is no longer exposed to criticism.
General Roberts has confirmed the reports Of
sAiiinlshes al Ladybrand and north Of Modder
RIVER and of the capture of two guns by General
Clements al Fauresmth. There are press ac-
counts Of the continued march of Clements's
force toward Bloemfontein by wide western
oIcult' and also of the sharpness with which
'He BRITISH force at Warrenton was attacked by
ne boeis from Fourteen Streams. There is
e4so budget Of dispatches from Boer sources
.eialihg TO skirrlshes the Sunday River, in
-,S.el' the preparations for vigorous defence
y 'ne northern section Of the Free State and the
determination Of President Kriiger to carry on
The war indefinitely.
--itoe news comes TO London from South
AIflea, and there is a shrinkage of public in
es' IN the campaign The officials frankly
eoiiess that they do not know when General
a"oeF's's army viii be ready 10 move or what
eNeial Butler is aiming at, or what measures
nave been adopted for the relief OF Mafeking
oeheral Roberts is charged with fun RESPONSE
D.iiiy' and has absolutely a free hand One of
\. ni'cheners maxims is keep your own secrets.
-He plans for the advance TO Kimberley were
ONiy disclosed TO a small group Of high officers
10 secrecy viii be maintained respecting the
"eSh advance northward
mere IS no interruption in the outward move
.Aeht or reinforcements from England to Cane
WI A large force is now a sea- and battal-
~ o regulars. yeomanry and volunteers are
:. 'e''Hs 10 embark The Prince Of Wales re-
yesterday i've companies OF yeomanry
- fsnooters and congratulated their many dis
0leo oheers upon the appearance of the
ps' The titled and wealthy classes are
'1eiy represented in the yeomanry. which as
- 1i'ed and ohicered, Is a picked body Of good
80 80 ana crack shots. Shipments of horses for
-'-01h's and military stores are continued on a
, scale. The truth is clearly perceived bv
r-DDets OF Parliament and public men that the
go 1'ch republics must be overrun and occu-
-. - an overwhelming British force. and that
,r,,. oi the army must be done with thor
srnor a remark which is constantly heard
.sr. members Of the House of Commons is;
-' s'ms!sts occupation OF the entire district hy