The evening times., 1900-01-20
THE OUTLOOK FOR BULLER.

On the whole, the news this morning is
of an encouraging character for the Brit
ish. but 1t would be easy to maximize Its
indications and suggestions beyond their
apparent value. London is delighted over
the success of Lord Dundonalds extreme
flank movement and engagement with the
Beers, west of Acton Homes; but it is
probably premature to say as some of the
dispatches do, that this clears the road to
Ladysmith. 1t does nothing Of the kind.
1t does promise successful attack on
Joubert's extreme right, in reverse, in
case Buffers and Warrens attacks On
that flank in front should result in Brit
ish victory. And the three forces coop
Grating would then probably be able to
take or turn Dewdrop, which should make
Joubert's present position between Lady
smith and Colenso untenable, as being
open to rear attack. Dundonald's move
ment, If its extreme results are realized
and fixed by successful supporting maneu-
vres, is of the highest Importance, as II
cuts off retreat into the Free State by
Tintwa Pass, and Immediately threatens
Van Reenen's and De Beers passes. But
the net advantages to the British purpose
which appear from the opening moves in
the game must be considered as prelimi-
nary and yet very much open to modifca-
tion by the chances of battle.
Reports, more or less open to question,
that the Beers are Withdrawing from Co
lenso to re-enforce their right at Dewdrop,
encourage the London critics who have al
ways favored the idea of a main attack on
the centre at Grobler's Kloof or east OF
that point. to revive their old theory.
They are again saying that the long turn
by Potgieters Drift after all may be but a
feint to weaken the centre and give Clery
mis- opening to strike hard and push
straight forward to Ladysmith, which they
describe as nearer by the direct line. So
it is. but that line winds through narrow
mountain passes for fifteen miles. the to-
biographical conditions rendering effective
scouting almost impracticable and thanking
movements out of the question. Whatever
the English critics may think about 1T, we
do not fancy that any European strategist
would regard Buffers battle plan, as far
as it has been unfoIded, as indicating
purpose to make his serious attack else
where than on the right where the ground
and circumstances appear relatively favor
able. However, if the British general has
counted his chances as intelligently as the
reports appear to suggest. ii is altogether
likely that he has provided for such d con-
tingency as the manifest weakening OF the
ColenSn front by Withdrawals TO DeWdrOp
would furnish. II the assault on Joubert's
right should greatly reduce the Boer force
at the centre, then 1t is to be presumed
that Clery would take notice and instant
advantage of the opening, and endeavor to
cross and seize the COlenso-Dewdrop road.
would bring him in line with Buffers
forces on the left, and close in to Lady
smith. which by that time would be re-
lieved OF the beseigers; since Niljoen
would be hurrying around by the east and
north to defend the Drakensberg passes.
At present the news justifies the view
that Clery has begun to engage the Beers
vigorously at Grobler's Kloof, and with
the object of keeping as many OF them as
possible busy at that point. Warren. be-
yond Spionfonten at latest accounts, ap-
peared to have worked into the position
needed for effective attack. and a consid-
erable battle on his right front, il not
general engagement all along the line.
ought to be in progress at this time. We
should have news of deep interest before
tomorrow morning.