The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-18
THE NEWS FROM NATAL.

At last the censorship curtain has been
lifted sufficiently to relieve the suspense
which has been hanging over the British
public for week, and we are allowed to
learn something of the Tugela situation
since Sir Redye-s Butler seized Potgieter's
Drift on the eleventh instant. 1t appears
that up to yeatsrday no general engage
ment had been Fought. but the strong
probabilities ars that one is now in
progress.
The character Of the British movement
is now made plain, and readers will OBJ
serve that It has been in complete agree
ment in generals and details with the
theory and predictions offered by this
journal during the past two weeks. The
British divisions at Estcourt and Frere
moved in the order named on the parallel
roads from those positions leading north
west to the extreme right OF the Boer line.
at Springfield. 1t is reported that Pot
gieter's Drift aud Zwarts -Kop having been
taken and held, Sir Charles Warren has
crossed the Tugela at Wagon Drift, six
miles west Of Potgster's Drift, evidently
wite an intention 20 envelope Joubert's
flank and take i in reverse. as suggested
in these columns some days ago. The
bulk Of Buffers forces would seem to be
between Colenso and Wagon Drift accord
ing t. the dispatches. A body Of troops
as large as can be spared for the service
is no doubt waiting for chance 10 cross
the Tugela at Colenso itself, and to move
up the COlenso- Dewdrop road.
The news OF the advance is calculated
TO give the impression that Sir Redvers
Buffers plan and tactics are all that could
be desired II Warren's attempt 10 get
around Joubert's extreme right should sue
coed, a glance at the map will show that
the development OF Buffers left to Acton
Homes which would follow. would result
in two British advantages. II would bring
the relieving column almost IL not quite
in touch with LAdysmith. But. what is
far more important to the immediate OPP
erations. II would directly threaten the
BOer lines OF communication with the Or
ange Free State by Van Reenen's and De
Beers passes.
Such a menace should have the effect
to concentrate Joubert's forces for the de-
fence OF these outlets. which it would be
hard blow to the Beers TO lose. They
are sources Of supply, avenues Of escape
in the event Of disaster. and. in British
hands, would permit Of sudden and de-
cisive invasion and occupation Of the Free
State territor-', after the relief Of Lady
smith. In view OF these considerations. il
Buffers and Warren's first serious en-
ha LAT -
line from Dewdrop 10 Acton Homes should
result in defeating Joubert's right, il would
not surprise us TO see the Beers abandon
ColensO and the siege OF Ladysmith and
move TO the defence OF the DrakensbeTg
passes. which, We may be allowed 10 as
sumo they have made more or less de-
fensible in anticipation OF just such con-
ungency. II is Gairiy probable that were
such movement contemplated the Colenso
part OF Jouberts army could move around
TO the cas- and north OF Ladysmith and
form a new line in front Of the mountains.
the commands on the west falling back
10 II by the Van Reenen and Walkers
Hoek roads. When an intention OF this
kind should be suggested by the situation
al the British left. or otherwise. il might
be Clery's opportunity to cross the Tugela
and attach: but if the Beers wanted to
evacuate rather-thsA- fight they would be
TOO mobile for bin TO keep up with IN
less they we're Handicapped by determi-
nation to save and move their heavy ar
tillery.
All cOnjeCtures like the foregoing must
be accepted as quite dependent upon the
[ outcome OF a battle. IL not Of two battles
I which have still 10 be decided. There is
not any firm ground upon which TO indulge
prophecy as yet. We may express the be-
/ lief however. that II Butler and Warren
/ have any luck al all. the gallant defend
ers Of Ladysmith viii be released from
that trap before many days. Van Rec
mems and De Beers passes are much too
I valuable 10 General Joubert in present cir
/ cUmstances. 10 be forgotten because OF any
/ ambition he may have TO take the town
/ before he shall be obliged 10 emigrate-