New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-13
MDECLSITE OPERATIONS.
NOTHING IMPORTANT Has RESULTED
FROM THE BOER ACTIVITY
copyright: 1900: b. The New-York Tribune

Icopy-tght 1900: B. The New-York Tribune
fly CABLE TO THE TRIBUyE.I
Iondon. April 13. a m.-The motive for the
Beer reconnaissance in force on Sunday River
On Two successive days is rot clear. One dis
patch states that raiding parties are advancing
toward Weenen through Helpmakaar to the
south and toward Dewdrop to the west of
Ladysnith II these raids had been planned,
the attack upon Clery's camp was an effective
method Of diverting attention from them. Prob
ably the Beers have become restless during the
FIVE weeks of inaction. and it was necessary FOR
the.r new commander 10 find employment for
them and also insprtt the burghers at Pretoria
by sending bulletins Of victory like those which
are teIegraphed from Lourenco Marques.
No definite results, have been accomplished by
this spasm Of Beer activity. There was a con-
tinuous rife fire followed by artillery practice
for several hours on Wednesday but the Boer
attack was neither vigorous nor persistent.
There vas q change Of tactics since the Boer
positions We're disclosed. whereas they have
usually concealed their guns. This was not i'm
portant since the Beers occupied a temporary
line Of defence, with permanent one further
hack of much greater strength.
The Boer operations in the southeastern cor
ner Of the Free State are equally indecisive The
commando On the north bank Of the Orange
River Is content with blocking the passage OF
relief column TO Wepener, and is not attacking
Aliwal North. Wepener still holds out against
an investment by superior force. General
Kitchener was evidently satisfied before leaving
Aliwal North rhar the situation was not serious.
and thar General Brabant was equal to the
emergency. The cannonading was heavy at
Wepener On Wednesday. but the Beers did not
gain ground
From RhOdesia there is no confirmation Of The
Boer Tur1or Of the death Of Baden-Powell but
there is heavy list Of casualties from Colonel
Pluner's unsuccessful fight six miles north Of
Mafek.ng on the last day Of March. The situa-
ton q rhe garrison Of Mafeking IS causing
much uneasiuess among London friends OF the
influential gr up Of officers who are with Baden
Powell They cannot be convinced that the
garrison, n irs present enfeebled condition. can
hold our until Lord Roberts is prepared 10 in
Face The TransvaaI. and they are hoping that
ne strong force detached from Buffers com
mand Is destined for Beira and Rhodesia. Cen
era Hunterocommands this force but his des-
tination from Durham is not announced def
Hitely
General Roberts's own movements in the Free
state are still cICuded with uncertainties. Boer
1ApaIches represent that a strong army is in
Eenched on The Tentersburg- -SenekaI hills to
Olock his progress n0rthward. but all estimates
u NE Dutch forces are misleading and worth
'ess- General Roberts's main difficulty lies in
arranging an adequate transport for the army
u INVASION. which can hardly be less than sew
ehty-4Te thousand men, and which cannot be
nea Up 70 a railway. When this is mastered
1s march VIII be resumed. Military men here
expect forward movement next week but
1ae forecasts are based upon guesswork