The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-08-02
England Able to Assume an Ag.
gressiye Attitude in China.
BOER SOLDIERS DESERVING
British Fearful That the Blood Of the Min
isters at Pekln win Be on the Heads
oI the Advancing Allies
War Office Retleent.

NEW YORK, Aug. 1.-What is ordi-
narilv the silly season Of London jour
nalism is approaching this year with
many signs Of insensibility on the part
OF the jaded and overwrought public,
saws the London correspondent Of the
Tribune. The unexpected death of the
Duke Of saxe-Coburg. the always pop
ular sailor prince, in England. al
though he preferred to end his career
in a minor German court. was an
nounced on the day when an address to
the crown was moved in both houses
Of parliament, on the crime Of the Ital-
IAN assassin, which has excited in
dienation and adherence throughout
the world; and the closing scenes OF the
war in South Africa, with simultaneous
operations in as many as five fields
are passing almost without observance,
and certainly without critical knowi-
edge. because public attention has been
overstrained by uncertainties and anx-
ieties in China. One startling surprise
has followed another. in this ammo mir
abil. until newspaper readers have
grown listless and indifferent witnesses
to current history.
The campaign in South Africa is now
closely connected with China. for the
speedy surrender Of the Beers viii ena-
bic the British government to take a
more decisive line in the impending
conflict than It has been following
There is probably no truth in the re-
port that Lord Roberts has telegraphed
to Lord Lansdowne that the war will
be speedily brought 10 an end, for the
war office has a remarkable talent for
keeping its secrets, and Lord Roberts
is not in the habit Of foreeasting events.
There Is, however, a strong conviction
among the members of parliament that
the close Of hostilities is in sight.
Only about 1000 burghers with a
single gun are reported as ready to sur
render to General Hunter in the Gale
don Valley, but the Harrismith and
vrede comman1oes viii probably be
brought in with the remaining artillery.
The number of prisoners is not likely
TO exceed 5000 since there are many
desertions. The collapse Of the Free
State forces will be complete when
General De Wet and Mr.. Steyn are sur
rounded and compelled to surrender,
and TO General Botha has been credit
ed the intention Of giving up the fight
when his allies are dispersed.
Lord Roberts has recalled General
Hamilton's column to Pretoria, either
10 reinforce Colonel Broadwood or to
relieve General Baden-Powell, and Cen
eral French is either hating at Middle
burg until Sir Redvers Butler can send
a division northward through Ermelo
or is pushing on TO Koomattipoort
General Baden-Powell and Lord Me-
thuen have an enemy in considerable
force to fight west Of Pretoria, and
General De Wet is dangerous until he is
caught, but thers is a clearing prospect
for a speedy close Of hostilities in the
Transvaal. and the release Of a large
British army for service in China.
The British cabinet met yesterday
at short notice and without doubt dis
cussed the new aspect of the chines'
question. This is the use made Of th'
foreign legations and refugees as hos
tages. This fact has been blurted ou
by I'll Hung Chang, and is clearly
stated in dispatch received from
Rome, where the Chinese governmen
is expected 70 order the foreigners Il
leave PeSin at once If an advance t.
the capital be attempted.
Whatever may b the view Of tn
state department al Washington. tn
officials here are convinced that tn
Chinese government under the guise 0
protection offered to rhe legations, !
seeking to hold back the allied force
until terms Of peace can be settled on
basis Of financial indemnities. TIL
Legations will be exposed to attack from
regular troops or from Boxers If tn
allied army advances from Tlen Tsir
The Chinese have 900 hostages. who's
blood win be declared to be on tn
heads Of the advancing .battalions, an
hence II win be dangerous for an arm,