The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-28
Boers Retreated safely.

London, April 2S, 4:55 a. MIN COM
mandant, Gen. Louis Botha, the Beers
appear to have found capable successor
to Joubert. AS the result of his insight
and quick decision, it may be assumed
now that the retreating commanders have
gotten safely away with the transport,
1t is true that Lord Roberts dispatch
leaves much unsad as to the whereabou
of other forces than those Of Gen. French
end Gen. Rundie. Nothing is said about
the troops of Gems. Brabant, Pole-Carew,
Hart and Chermside but the indications
from Aliwal North show that several
small commanders are stiIl lowering in
the vicinity of Springfield. causing a GER
tain amount of danger, and the advices
from DeWetsdorp. outlining the duties of
Gen. Chermside, justify the conclusion
that it will be still necessary TO employ
a considerable body of troops to keep the
Free State clear of Beers.
The position is that the Beers, who be-
gan their raid month ago by compelling
Col. Broadwood to retire on Bloemfontein,
have gotten safely away to the north
ward, practically without loss but with
the advantage of seven guns, together
with hundred prisoners captured.
Criticism of Roberts.
Meanwhile the advance to Pretoria has
not begun Small wonder is 1t that muf-
fled complaints and criticisms are begin
ming to be heard here and there against
Lord Roberts. Two-thirds of his entire
force have been emp+oyed in effecting this
small satisfaction and the probability is
that the whole force must be again obn-
centrated on Bloemfontein before the main
advance begins. AS similar raids on the
British communications are likely to be
repeated, ii is evidently still far cry to
Pretoria.
The significance of Gen. Hunters divi-
sion going to Kimberley where mounted
to be serious attempt TO deal with the
strong BOer forces on the Vaal river, now
threa tening to retake Barkley and then
an endeavor to relieve Mafeking. 1t will
be borne in mind that Gen. Hunter paid
a hurried visit 10 Lord Roberts at Bloem-
tontein
A temporary railway bridge has Just
been completed a Bethulie, where hither-
to railway trucks had been transferred
over the wagon bridge. This will greatly
facilitate getting stores up to Bloemfon-
tein.
Mr. Poultney Bigelow, discussing the
treatment of South African rebels, SAYS
that the wisdom of the United States gov
ernment in not punishing the Confeder-
ates after the War of Secession has borne
good fruit, and he suggests that a SINH
lar result would follow a similarly liberal
policy in South Africa.
Preparing for the Advance.
The Bloemfontein correspondent of the
Morning Post telegraphing Thursday,
says:
Most satisfactory progress has been
made in the accumulation of stores dur
ing the present week. Supply Park now
presents a respectable appearance. The
prospects of a general advance are more
favorable"
The Bloemfonte,n correspondent of the
Times, teegraphing Thursday, says:
sgffst.5-
ing effective punishment on the retreat
ing Beers Commandant General Louis
Botha, who arrived at DeWetsdorp Mon
day. realized the situation at once and
ordered the immediate withdrawal of the
Beers both from there and from Wepe-
ner."
The Bloemfontein correspondent Of the
Daily Chronicle, telegraphing Thursday,
says:
1.-THE latest reports show that the Beers
passed east of Thaba Nchu When going
north A prisoner reports that a comman-
do which doubled back on the pursuing
British is now making its way west in
the direction of Leeuw kop."
Nay Soon Cross VaaI River.
The Bloemfontein correspondent of the
Daily Telegraph under Thursdays date,
SAYS:
"The Beers who rctreated from De-
Wetsdorp kept well ahead Of Gen.
French's cavalry. Unless the enemy
should make a and at Kroonstad, Lord
RI berts Will rapidly cross the Vaal river"
other Bloemfontein dispatches throw in
teresting points Of light upon the situa-
ton One special says:
Seven hundred and fifty wagons Of a
Boer heavy transport train have reached
lSroonstad from the South. only light
wagons have been left behind. The Beers
have organic I'd a specially mounted corps
for foragng and other work requiring
special mobility"
Another dispatch reports that before
the Beers were driven from DeWetsdorp
about 1000 Of them had been slowly retir-
ing toward Ladybrand, whore large sup
plies are stored and immense cornhelds
are ready FOR harvesting.