The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-04-14

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NEW YORK. April 13.--A dispatch
10 the Tribune from London rays:
The motive for the Boer rec0nnais.
sance In force on Sunday river on two
successive days Is not clear One dis.
| patch states that raiding parties are
advancing toward Weenan through
| Hclpmakaar 20 the south and toward
| DewdOrp TO the west OF Ladysmith
II these raids had been planned. the
attack upon clery's camp was an ef-
fertive method Of diyertlng attention
fiOn them. Probably the Beers have
become restless during the five weeks
Of inacti N and II was necessary for
their new commander 10 find employ
lnsni for them and also inspiring In the
burghers at Pretoria by sending bulle-
tins of Victory like those which are
telegraphed from Lourence Marques.
No definite results have been accom-
plirhed by this spasm OF Boer activity.
There was a continuous rife fire, fol-
lowed by artillery practice, for several
hours on Wednesday, nut the Boer at
tack was neither vigorous nor persist
ent. There was a change Of tactics
since the Bocr positions were disclosed,
whereas they have usually concealed
their guns. This was rot important,
since the Beers occupied a temporary
line of defence, with permanent one
further back OF much greater strength.
The B0cr operations In the south
eastern corner OF the Free State are
equally indecIsIye. The commando on
the north bank OF the Orange river is
content with blocking the passage Of a
relief column 90 Wepener and Is not
attacking Allwal North. Wepener still
holds out against an investment by
superior force. General Kitchener was
evidently satisfied before leaving ALI
wal North that the situation was not
serious and that General Brabant was
equal 20 the emergency. The cannon
ading was heavyiat Wepener on We'd
ncsday. but the Beers did not gain
ground.
From Rhodesia there is confirmation
OF the Boer runor OF the death Of
Colonel Baden Powell. but there is a
h,Avy list OF casualties from Colonel
Plumer's unsuccessful fight six miles
north of Mafsklng on the last day Of
March. The situation OF the garrison
OF Mafeking Is causing much unensi-
ness among London friends OF the In
fluential group OF officers who are with
DAANA-A oMtlls 4Hty CdnUOt ut Cuu-
WINGED that the garrison in its present
enfeebled condition can hold out until
Lord Roberts Is prepared to invade the
TransvRal and they are hoping that
the strong force detached from Bull
ler's command Is destined for Beira
and Rhodesia. General Hunter com
mands this fore but his destination
from Durham is not announced definite
ly.
General Roberts own movements in
the Free State are still clouded with
Boer dispatches repre-
sent that a strong army is entrenched
on the Ventersburg- -Senekal hills to
block his progress northward. All esti-
mates OF the Dutch forces are mis-
leading and uncertain.
General Roberts main difficulty lies
in arranging an adequate transport
for the army of invasion which can
hardly be less than $1,000 men and |
which cannot be tied up to railway.
When this is mastered his march will |
be resumed. Military men here expect |
A forward movement next week but the |
forecasts are based upon guess work. |