New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-15
BRITISH OPTIMISM.
ROSE COLORED VIEWS HELD IN LONDON
ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
Copyright: 1900: Ry The New-York Tribune,

Copyright; 1900: Ry The New-York Tribune-l
fBr CABLE To TIE TRIBUNEl
london April -, l a. m.-Optimism Is the
note Of the meagre dispatches received from
the Free State during the last twenty-four
hours. The long halt is nearly ended. and prep
srations are making for Irresistible march
northward It is intimated that General Rob
erts can leave twenty thousand men TO guard
the railway behind him. and still have eighty
thousand men available for an advance to the
Vaal River.
The colonial garrison is not only holding its
ground but is furnishing the besiegers. whose
retreat will be cut off by the force advancing
across the country from Reddersburg One
military writer assumes that the Boer raiders
are already entrapped and will never succeed
n rejoining the main body in the north. These
dispatches and conjectures indicate a marked
return Of confidence which is without doubt.
well founded on the overwhelming strength OF
General Roberts's forces. But there was
definite Information at midnight of any fresh
success Of British arms.
This optimism even takes a brighter hue at
Cape Town than in London. It is reported that
4 feeling Of confidence in the speedy relief OF
Mafeking is entertained there. and that good
news will be received before the end of April.
The ways and means are not stated. General
Methuen is active at Boshof but Mafeking is
dependent upon its own failing resources. unless
a mysterious column has been sent north by a
long detour from Kimberley, while the Warren
ton garrison has been bombarding Fourteen
Streams.
One reason for the British confidence is the
lack Of pasturage on the veldt which will de-
priye the Beers of the use OF their wiry, hardy
ponies. General Roberts's inaction has brought
nature into the field s ally against the Beers.
The high veldt leading toward the Transvaal
will be without grass after few hard frosts
during the next fortnight, ana President
Krdger's warriors will not have any orderly
system for the transport Of forage their raiding
operations win be rendered more difficult as the
Southern winter sets in.
Sir George White received over thousand
messages Of welcome before landing from the
Dunvegan Castle yesterday, and the Southamp-
ton Corporation took full advantage Of the oc-
casion IN honoring him with an official recep-
ton. A crowd Of spectators welcomed him with
exceptional heartiness. Lady White was among
the first 10 greet him, and carried him off to
London as soon as the official ceremonies were
over. At Waterloo he stepped quickly into a
private brougham. which was surrounded by
an enthusiastic throng His health has i'm
proved during the voyage, and h shows few
signs os feebleness and strain.
MI fIscher mas Deeh FeIfoachlhs Lle ioi 'u-
guese with betrayal Of the Interests Of the Beers
under the pretence Of supporting them He as
sumes that the British viii speedily be allowed
10 land at Deiagoa Bay and occupy Lourenco
Marques and that the consent Of Portugal has
already been obtained. His reproaches are ac-
oepted by practical diplomatsts evidence that
the transfer and partition Of Portuguese East
Africa impending, and that the German
Emperor VIII not be forced 10 wait until the
close Of the campaign before convincing his
subjects that he has made excellent business
arrangements with Lord Salisbury. The Boer
delegates are on their way to The Hague. There
are no signs Of a Willingness on the part Of any
Government TO receive them. even if they have
terms Of peace TO suggest.
General Cronje with his wife and staff arrived
Yesterday al 81. Helena. where they were COM
iortably lodged I. n. F.