Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-01-19

LONDON, January 10 a A. NJ
Military critics in affliation with the
War ONCE consider that the expected
battle along the wide arc south and
west of Ladysmith can hardly be de-
1ayed beyond to-day. From Durham it
is reported that fighting has already
begun.
Gen. Buffers forces, engaged in the
1anking operations cross the Tugela,
are some $1,000 or $4,000 bayonets,
1900 horses and 40 guns. The DISPOSE
ton of his other $4,000 or 10000 men
is not known although the assumption
is that the whole army will be in ac-
ton when the hour for combined
movement arrives.
Three weeks ago Gen. Butler had
81 $1,000 men. Considerable reinforce
ments have since reached him giving
him probably $4,000 men and eighty
guns, all told.
Estimates of how many men and.
guns the Beers have to oppose him are
mere guess work. In not replying to
Gen. Lytleton's shells they are using
the tactics that proved so successful
in the battles of Magersfontein and
Colenso-lying low in their trenches,
and thus hoping to conceal their pre-
else position until the infantry adj
vance.
The Daily Chronicles military expert
sees a curious analogy between Gen.
Buffers situation now and on the eve
Of Magersfontein. Now, as then, the
Beers are making a stand, with their
backs to investing lines within a few
miles. AS Lord Methuen, after ross
ing Modder river had to attack the
~Spytfontein and Magersfontein hills, so
Gen. Butler, after passing the Tugela,
faces invisible entertainments in a
rough country.
One correspondent mentions Gen.
Buffers wheeled transport of 5000
YtIllC1G0. MuICu OOAllCCI ILL NiIO
rail head, about thirty miles to the
rear. Among these vehicles are thirty
traction engines, which draw from ten
to fifteen wagons each.
Gen. Buffers warning about the mis-
use of the white flag by the Beers In
his proclamation to the troops is con-
= 1---J ~ 800 a;at %O rxfx1as M
quarter. His phrase There will be no
turning back" is played upon editor
tally by the morning papers as presag-
ing cheerful announcements.
The absorbing interest felt in the
situation in Natal makes other points
in the theatre of war seem m~iscroscop-
ic. Lord Methuen lies behind his
| works at Modder river. 1t is estimated
| that his forces will have to be nearly
quite double before he can relieve
| Kimberley.
British reinforcements are moving
toward Gen. French at Rensburg.
With these he is expected to adj
| vance. Gen. Gatacre's men occupy
Lopesburg, a slight advance.
The war Office that next
will be embarked u guns, $40 men
| and 2,21O horses. This is the largest
consignment of artillery ever sent
| abroad. The war Office invites 500 vol
unteers for a sharp shooters battalion
of yeomanry.
Sir William MacCormic, in the Lam
Get, says that of the 800 wounded in
the hospitals visited by him, only
eight had been hit by shells.
Mr.. Kipling has written the follow
ing characteristic letters to the Brit
ism Guiana branch of the navy league
in recognition of a contribution to the
war fund:
Bravo, British Guiana. seeing
what they have had to contend with
lately in the sugar line, they have
done uncommonly well. Please convey
to them my best thanks-first, as vice
president of the league, second as per-
p~etrator of The Absent Minded Beg
gar and third as fellow contributor
TO the big jack pot which we are
boiling up on Thomas's behalf. Have
you seen Brazil and Trinidad come in
to the gamer"
/ The Can't Town correspondent Of the
Times. discussing the Afrikander disloyal-
ty, says:
Il believe the sympathy of every Dutch
man in South Africa is with the two repub-
lies and that a general rising is still quite
possible. However. there is nothing to
implicate the Bon party as a whole in an
officially organized conspiracy against the
imperial government, although the Bond
leaders have winked at or pandered 10
sedition In order to preserve their popu-
larity.
THE British failures and the appearances
of the Beers IN British territory have fo-
mented rebellion. but even now a decisive
British victory would prevent its further
spread"
This correspondent t~estifies TO the value
OF the services rendered by Mr.. Schreiner,
the Cape premier, in an embarrassing posi-
ton. He speaks less highly of Mr.. Hof-
myer, the real leader Of the Bond party.
and severely condemns the Dutch press Of
the colony, which. he says. is doing its
utmost, while keeping on the windy side