St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1900-02-07
WAR IN THE TRANSVAAL.

London, Feb. 7.--London is now ask
ing, where is Buller?" His exact To-
cation is mystery to the general pub
lie. If the war office knows where he is
it is guarding the secret with the utmost
jealousy.
Yesterday morning apparently au-
thentic dispatches from Durham and
Ladysmith stated that Butler had
crossed the Tugela Friday night and
was fighting his way to Ladysmith. The
reports were generally believed because
they were in accord with what the pub
lie expected.
But all yesterday passed and the war
Office refused to confirm these reports.
The officials said they had no official
dispatches from Butler, but they gave
the impression that they had consider
able news If they wished to give it out.
No authentic word Is at hand, save
that the war office reaffirmed generally
to newspaper inquiries at a late hour
that 1t could not confirm the reported
advance. There the Natal situation
rests.
1t is from the western field that more
definite statements come. Large opera
tons are apparently about to begin.
General French, who has now returned
to Rensburg. from his conference with
Lord Roberts, has sent what is de-
scribed as an overwhelming force of
infantry to seize Norvars Pont. This
Is where the railway, before it was de-
stroyed, crossed the Orange river and
connected with the Free State trunk line
to Bloemfontein.
Norvals Pont is 10 miles north of
Colesberg, and Is miles from General
French's headquarters at Rensburg.
The Beers at Colesberg have been in
danger Of being surrounded by the
largely reinforced and extended lines
of the British. An occupation of Nor
walls Pont in force would presumably
render Colesberg untenable.
The Beers are showing great activity
in the Naauw Poort and Colesberg dis
tricts. Many Of the guns hitherto fac
ing Lord Methuen are believed to have
been taken to Norval's Pont. The Brit
ish, therefore, may find formidable
bodies Of Beers there.
The war Office announces that Is
transports will be dispatched between
today and Monday, with $4,000 troops,
including the Fourth cavalry brigade,
militia battalions and 5000 yeomanry.
Sir Alfred Miner has sent most hope
full and encouraging reports to the gov
eminent regarding the prospect of the
campaign, and it is understood that his
views are shared by Lord Roberts.
A dispatch to The Times from Queens
town, Cape Colony. dated Monday, says:
General Brabant, while addressing one
of the regiments Of the colonial di-
vision, on parade yesterday said they
were leaving the next morning for the
front, not to return, he hoped, until the
task entrusted to him by Lord Roberts
had been successfully accomplished.
He could not disclose the plan of opera
tions, but If his intentions were carried
out the greatest glutton of fighting
among them would have his FILL"
President Steyn and President Kruger
have communicated with Field Mar
shall Lord Roberts, the British COM
mander-in chief, protesting against the
destruction of farm houses and the de-
vastation of property. Lord Roberts,
In replying, declared the charges were
not substantiated, adding that wanton
destruction of property was contrary to
British practices.