New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-16
THE BACK DOOR CLOSED.
BOER RESOURCES DIMINISHFD-THE
VANISHING BIG GUNS.
Copyright: 1900: BY The New-York Tr1bunel
LBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.J


lBY TO THE TRIBUNE.J
London Sept. Is. G. n.-The back door lead
ing to Delagoa Bay is virtually closed, since
the Portuguese officials have been warned from
Lisbon that President KRUGER mnst not be al
lowed TO carry on war against the territories
recently annexed by Great Britain. He has
temporary rights Of asylum. but the officials
after welcoming him coolIy, are now anxious
to speed the parting guest by the first German
steamer The rigorous enforcement of
trality. now that Krtiger is a fugitive contrasts
strongly with the zeal with which the Portu-
guese territory was used as a Boer base of sup
plies during the protracted campaign Neutral
traders now perceive that they have lost their
market for munitions of war, and are anxious
to reopen the railway to Pretoria and sell sup
plies to the British army. Their sudden change
Of attitude is warning to President Steyn and
other Beers still in arms that the entrance by
the back door of political asylum is a privilege
not to be abused. Refugees cannot come and go
as they like, and IF they once inside they
cannot conduct military operations against
friendly and victorious Power
The suddenness with which the Portuguese
officials under instructions from Lisbon. have
turned against the Beers convinces some OBJ
servers that the purchase of the neutral terri
tory will speedily be effected by the British
Government. This conclusion is probably pre-
mature. The Portuguese will naturally wait to
find out what value their East African pos
sessions viii have under the new conditions
Of united British South Africa The British
Government and Germany have agreed upon
partition of those territories as soon pur-
chase can be effected.
General French's occupation of Barberton has
deprived the Beers of another depot OF sup
plies. and thereby reduced them to such con-
voys and relays they may have between
Nelspruit and Komatpoort. and also at Pill
grims Rest. the refuge beyond Lydenberg not
yet captured by Butler. Lord Roberts's ex-
pressions OF satisfaction over the capture Of
rolling stock and large droves OF cattle and
sheep reveal the magnitude OF the difficulties
with which he has been contending in feeding
his army in a country emptied of all supplies
and without railway facilities for transport.
French was as unsuccessful as Butler IN capt
uring Long Toms" "Pompoms and the other
terrible artillery of which the military experts
had much to say last December. Those van
isbng guns are the most mysterious weapons OF
modern warfare. If Komatipoort IS reached
without any important capture Of Boer artillery
there will be a loud call in England for the de-
tention Of the prisoners in Ceylon and St
Helena until all the guns buried IN the two
Dutch States are brought to light President
Steyn is believed TO have as many as ten at
Nelspruit, and Botha, when he resigned com
mand, had dozen or more, but this is beg
carly show Of artillery at the end OF cam
paign which opened at Ladysmith, Colenso and
Magersfonten with Creusots and Krupps by
scores.
The closing scenes OF the war watched
with a feeling Of utter apathy and indifference
In London Military comment has ceased. and
with one consent the clubs and drawing rooms
are preoccupied with the election talk. The
Liberal leader has finally made appointment
for a speech in Scotland late in this month.
His party. while badly demOralized, is pulling
itself together for the general elections under
Herbert Gladstones coaching but will not
waste its resources by contesting hopeless dis
tricts Some excellent candidates are coming
forward the Liberal side Sir Edward Reed
IS one. and Anthony Hope Hawkins IS another.
The Government shows sign that the cleo
tions are close at hand, but It is not neglecting
any opportunity for emphasizing the Importance
Of the battle for the unity OF the Empire. The
arrangements made for the reception in London
of picked representatives OF the body OF Co
lonial Volunteers and their review by the Queen
are well calculated 10 inspire loyalty through
out the Empire l. n. F.