New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-08
STRATEGY THAT WINS.
SUCCESSFUL WORK OF LORD ROBERTS
N TIE FREE STATE-HIS PROB
ABLE PLANS
rCopyrtght; 1900. by The New-York Tribune.l
rBT CABLE TO THE TRIBUE.l

rcopyrtEht; 1900. by The New-Yorz Trbune1
icy CABLE TO THE TR1BUsEl
London, March s, l a. m.-Lord Roberts's sec
end turning movement was a simple but effec-
tive tactical rnareuvre. The Dutch forces were
holding a double intrenched position about
fifteen rifles in length north and south Of Mod
der River. General Roberts does not explain his
own strategy in his bulletin, but il be in
terred from the press dispatches which have al
ready appeared that he stationed one division
north Of the river and two divisions south Of 1t
and then posted General French with three cav
airy br1gades at the end Of his own line north
~srd and ordered him 70 make q reconnaissance
in force. He created in this way the impression
that he would turr the enemys position north
ward, because wherever French's brigades were
rssseo the Ranking movement might be ex-
pected- He then brought French's brigades
around 20 the opposite end Of the line and
turned the euerny's position southwark. enabling
-Kenny's division 10 advance without op-
position.
Way OPEN TO BLOEMFoNTEIN.
The Dutch forces at once retreated northward
and eastward, followed by the Sixth Division
and French's brigades. The Dutch commander
evidently had expected a flank attack from the
north, whereas II was delivered from the south.
and II his retreat he has exposed BlOemfOntein,
which IS now open TO General Robertss ad-
vance. The Dutch were again outmanouvred
by being attacked on the flank where they We're
not expecting the blow 10 be delivered, and their
communications with Bloemfontein were threat
ened The casualties we're light on the British
Fioe. being reported at fifty in General Roberts's
second report; but the moral effect Of this fresh
Demonstration Of superior generalship and mo-
hli;y win be great The occupation Of Bloem-
foniein is likely 10 follow this brilliant turning
movement By which the enemy routed
without battle, as the Dutch forces VIII not be
at-e 70 make another stand in defence Of their
capital n interesting feature Of General
Roberts's two bulletins is his reference to the
Guards Brigade, which Is now at the front with
NE bulk OF The army, but without General
NethUen- That commander has been left be-
hlna at Kimberley, where he is acting ad-
Hinlstrator q the district. General Roberts
kiier superseding him himself at Modder River
station, has made temporary appointment for
Kim and taken him out OF the fighting line. II
was an adroit solution OF a difficult question and
tne sensitiveness Of the privileged corps Of the
army has been respected. Lord Roberts's sec
eho bulletin. issued az midnight showed how
complete had been the work Of a successful day.
RoBERTs's PLAN OF CAMPAIGN.
There are several pointers indicating the gem
et& direction and scope OF General Rober,s's
b.sh OF campaign The most important one
-ueF yesterdays tactical success. is General
-4iers advance toward Van Reenen's Pass
ne railway from LadysrlIth is available for
Pp"es' snd as IL is unin5ured rapid transport
esh oe provided 70 the mountainous border of
free State. portion Of Buffers force is
I-.esoy moving toward the main gateway or the
:. AeiisDerg range and supplies are following
Two engines which the Beers left heb,rd an
retreat being pressed into service The
Con tinued On fau1tI 1,a.x. u