New-York tribune., 1900-04-30
FLEET STREET CONFUSED.
LIGHT ON THE OPERATIONS
IN AFRICA.
rcopyr4ght: 1900: BY The New-York Tribune, ]
TBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l

THE TRIBUNE.J
London, April so. / a m.-The earliest ac-
counts Of the fighting near Thaba Nchu are con-
fused and conflicting One version is that the
Beers were in laager ten miles east of the town
and that there was slight engagement during
the afternoon Of Friday. which was hardly more
than an affair Of outposts. followed by the re-
t,rement Of the Beers toward Ladybrand. An
other dispatch states that there was sharp fight
ing In which Smith Dorriens brigade of the
Ninth Division was engaged. Another bulletin
describes the Beers strongly intrenched on
the line Of kopjes, from which they were driven
after sharp fighting. the Canadians especially
DISTINGUISHING themselves, and Colonel Otter be-
ing slightly wounded
Fleet Street was left in doubt at midnight
respecting the nature of the operations, the
most optimistic view being that French had
crossed the Boer line Of retreat and might
ceed in capturing several commanders, the
more reasonable theory being that the Beers
had sent on their wagons toward Ladybrand
and were following with deliberation and with
an occasional rear guard action The distance
between Thaba Nchu and Ladybrand is forty
miles. and the veldt leads into hly and even
mountainous district. At the edge of Basuto-
land Ladybrand is the natural point Of con-
centration for Olivier's and De Vets forces,
and only be approached by British army
in strength.
General Roberts's plans are not revealed by the
dispatches. He either follow the Beers
toward Ladybrand and then resume his advance
northward TO Senekal CT he can make
rover wheeling movement from Thaba Nchu and
throw the bulk Of his forces between winburg
and De Vets and Olivier's commandoes The
conditions Of his transport unknown, and
the direction Of the next Of the British
forces cannot be forecast with any degree of
confidence. General Roberts has cleared his
eastern flank but may be compelled to halt
until his transport is in order.
The War Office gave out z short death list at
midnight. including the names of five officers,
but offered no explanation of the operations
around Thaba Nchu since Friday morning. The
natural inference was that the Beers had re-
treated toward Ladybrand. and that General
French had not succeeded in surrounding them
or blocking the road. The brillIance of General
Roberts's manoeuvres is generally recognized by
we'll informed military men. but the Aldershot
group is ready to criticise his strategy and tao
tics which have not involved the capture of the
several commanders. These croakers are bent
upon having q Paardeberg every time, but this
IS hardly reasonable especially when the Boer
forces are mobile and led with exceptional eau
lion and ability General Roberts's results are
accomplished without serious losses. His cam
paign is very different from the battle OF Colenso
described by Sir William MacCormack In
which the British casualties were / $50 and the
Boer losses 30. astonishing exhibit which has
induced sober reflection here upon the AIdershot
methods Of training and field practice, and sim
ilar deductions might be drawn from the record
Of General Methuen at Magersfonten. The war
has not ended. but seems likely to be prolonged
for many months: but General Roberts has re-
deemed the military prestige of the empire from
reproach and restored the morale OF the British
army.
Dispatches from Berlin affirm that NJ. De
Beaufort has sounded the Powers respecting the
possibility OF mediation in the South African
war. and has not met with encouragement in
any quarter Notwithstanding the manifesto
tons Of Dutch sympathy, the mission Of the
peace delegates IS pronounced a complete failure
al The Hague, where Il is not believed that the
Minister Of Foreign Affairs has proposed inter
vention, since that procedure would be contrary
Continued third page.
''PLATTS" "PLATTS' "PLATT'S" 'PLATTS"
9yffh in