Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-06
WILD RUMORS AFL0AT
London Public Stirred Up by Many
Vague Reports.
BUTLER THOUGHT TO Be FIGHTING
Lord Roberts, However, Says the
Situation is Unchanged.
MIR. HAY REACHES PRETORIA


LONDON. February 6.-This hoping, fear
ing doubling nation remains at the mercy
of every wild rumor. The impression that
= Gen. Buffers forces are fighting will not
die out, in spite of the continuous assevera-
lions of the war office that it has no news
TO confirm that belief
From Cape Town. under today's date,
comes the statement that up to this morn
ing nothing has been heard there regarding
Gen. Buffers recrossing the Tugela river.
while Field Marshal Lord Roberts. in dis
patch dated Monday. February 3, reports
no change in the situation. In view of the
latter's dispatches, 1t seems hard to credit
the circumstantial reports of the engage
ment Of Gen. Buffers troops. The common
sense view almost inclines toward the de-
Gision that these are due to the wish being
the ia Their of the thought.
Supposition upon such basis is utterly
futile. The complete silence from the front
and at home may be significant. as the
wiseacres aver. but it more probably repre-
sents that period of preparation which pre-
eedes important movement.
The Conditions Elsewhere.
In other parts than the Tugela the condi-
tions of Information are scarcely more sat
isfactory. There is an inconclusive vague
ness regarding Gen. French's reported in
teution to proceed to Norvars Point with
overwhelming force Of infantry. While
The news Of sharp fighting in the neighbor
hood of Co,esberg can be fairly expected
within a few days. it Is not likely that it
will assume greater proportions than recon-
naisances and skirmishes for the purpose
of holding the advanced position of the
frrT hen inc in aII ht- of
Bioemfontein. Gen. French is strategically
prohibited from running any serious risk.
Lord Roberts reply to Presidents Kruger
and Steyn creates an excellent impression
here
From Kimberley and Mafeking there is
nothing new, SO it can be presumed that
the intermittent bombardment of those
places continues
Steyn and Kruger Protest.
\ dispatch dated Cape Town February
=. gives The following, which is referred to
in the preceding dispatch: Presidents Steyn
and Kruger have communicated with Field
Marshal Lord Roberts protesting against
The destruction of farm houses and the
devastation of property. Lord Roberts in
replying declared the charges were not
tanned and that wanton destruction of
property was contrary to British practices.
Following is the text of the protest. which
i da ted B!oemfontein. February 3:
We learn from many sides that the
British troops, contrary TO the recognized
urages of war. daily destroy property by
burning or dynamiting farm houses and
Devastating farms and the goods therein.
by means of which unprotected women and
children are often deprived Of food and
shelter.
This happens not only In places where
barharians encouraged by British Off
GERS. but even in Cape Colony and the Free
STATE. where white brigands come out
from the theater of war with the evident
Of laN-a
ton. without any reason recognized by the
customs of war and without in any way
furJhering the operations. We wish ear
resrly to protest against such acts
Lord Roberts Reply.
Lord Roberts. replying. wrote:
Il beg 10 acknowledge the honor OF your
telegram charging the British troops with
the destruction of property. contrary TO
the recognized usages OF war. and with
brigandage and devastation. These charges
made in vague and general terms. No
specific case is mentioned. No evidence IS
given. 1 have seen such charges made be-
fore now in the press. but in which
has come under my notice have they been
bstantiated.
The most stringent Instructions hare
been issued to the British troops to respect
private property so far as is compatible
with the conduct of military operations.
All wanton destruction and injury to peace
fui Inhabitants are contrary to British
practice and traditions. and will. if neces-
Sary, be vigorously repressed by me.
i regret that your honors should have
seen fit to repeat the untrue statement
that barbarians have been encouraged by
British officers to commit depredations. In
the only case in which a raid has been
perpetrated by native subjects of the queen
the act was contrary to the instructions
Of the British officer nearest the spot
Artillery Moved From Pretoria.
CAPE TOWN. February 1.-THE Argus
announces that ninety guns have been dis
patched from Pretoria TO the front and
tfst the Pretoria forts have been practi-
cally denuded OF artillery.
Mr. Hay Reaches Pretoria.
PRETORIA. Monday, February 5.-Adel-
tert 8. Hay. the new United States consul
Fere. was received by the Transvaal gov
eminent today and presented his creden-
uals. He created an excellent impression
STATUS OF COLONIAL TROOPS