The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-03
VALUE OF rRENoH's WORK.
II shows what Can He Accomplished
When a Little Tactical Skill
IL Displayed.

NEW YORK, Jan. "A dispatch to the
Tribune from London says: In advance
of the arrival of Lord Roberts and the
concentration of the sixth and seventh
divisions for a march upon Springfon-
tein, the most strategic point In the
Orange republic. Gen. French's occupa-
ton of Colesburg Ia a distinct gain for
the British cause. Even IL 1t was brought
about cheaply and without a pitched
battle, 1t Is of the highest value as an
object lesson of what British generals
can do when they go about II in the right
way and with q mobile force adapted
for operating against mounted infantry.
Gen. Gatacre attempted to surprise the
Beers at Stromberg by night march, but
was entrapped In ambuscade because he
did not have mobile force capable Of good
scouting. Gen. French attempted the
same tactics with mounted force and sue
ceeded in entrapping his willy enemy, who
had fallen back from one intrenched posi-
ton only to be surprised at daybreak on
the second line. Since the week Of disas-
ter military crokers have been calling
loudly for some heaven-born general who
would point the way to Bloemfontein and
Pretoria. Gen. French's success in out
maneuvering the enemy is proof that SUI
pernatural powers are not required for
this campaign, but mobile forces led by
generals who know how to direct them
with wary skill.
In only one battle has there been any,
thing like a flank attack or a turning
movement This was at Glands laagte in
which guns and prisoners were taken by
the British. That battle was planned and
won by Gen. French, whose staff college
training came out brilliantly in recent
operations from Naauwpoort to Colesburg.
He has been constantly maneuvering, and
within forty-eight hours has compelled the
Dutch to evacuate two good positions by
turning movements in place Of frontal at
tacks. His success is due to good leader
ship and to the mobilize Of his forces. and
1t illustrates what might have been done
by other generals If they had not been
bent on frontal attacks and IL the head
quarters staff in London had adapted the
army corps to the requirements of the
campaign, instead of carrying out a pre-
arranged mobiizng scheme without any
degree of flexibility.
From Modder river there is series of
press dispatches, indicating renewed ac-
tivity. The Boer position on the left is
reported to have been weakened by a
withdrawal of the burghers from the
trenches, but this Is explained in the mid
night dispatches by the heavy cannonading
towards Kimberley, Apparently the bonn
bardment was renewed In that quarter
while Lord Methuen's men were COM
menting upon the folly of the Beers in
wasting shot upon the Modder river camp.
RecOnnOissance From ChiveIey.
Capt. Darlington has conducted recon-
no!ssance eastward with large cavalry
force. The most important news from
Natal related to fresh reconnaissance
from Chiveley camp to ascertain whether
the Beers had vacated their strong posi-
ton south of Colenso. They are still in
trenched on Ilangwana mountain.
Another German Vessel Seized.
HAMBURG. Jan. 2.--The Hamburger
Correspondence announce that the Ger
man bark Hans Wagner, of Hamburg,
was seized by the British at Delagoa bay
on December q and that her owners have
lodged a complaint with the British for
eign office.
Beers Deny French's Victory.
PRETORIA, Jan. Last night (Sun-
day. the British in great force attacked
Commandant Schoeman's commando In
the Colesburg district and tried to storm
the position.
They repeated the attack this morning,
but were forced to retreat, the Beers
holding the position.
The loss Of the British Is not known.
but II Is reported to have been heavy
The Beers consider It n great compli-
ment to the Transvaal that Lord Rob-
erts should have been selected to SUI
preme command OF the British foross.