The age-herald., 1900-01-19
TIME HAS ARRIVED
Critics Say the Battle Cannot be De- layed Longer Than Today

London, January 1S.-4 D. m)-Milftary critics in utilization with the war office con- sider that the next battle along the wide arc southwest of Ladysmith can hardly be delayed beyond today. From Durban it is reported that fighting has already begun.
 General Buffers forces. engaged in the fianking operations across the Tugela. are some 13,00O or 14,OO0 bayonets. 1,200 horses and 40 guns. The disposition of his other 15,0O0 or 10000 men is not known, although the assumption is that the whole army will be in action when the hour for combined movement arrives.
 uThree weeks ago General Butler had 5000 men,. Considerable achievements have since reached him. giving him probably S5,- 600 men and 80 guns, all told.
 Estimates of how many men and guns the Boers have to oppose him are mere guess work. In not replying to General Lyttletop's shells they are using the tac- tics that proved so successful in the bat ties of Magersfontein and Colenso-lying low in their trenches and thus hoping to conceal their precise position until the in- fantry advance.
 The Daily Chronicles military expert says there is a curious analogy between General Buffers situation now and on the eve of Magersfontein. Now, as then, the Boers are making a stand with their backs to investing lines within few miles.
 As Lord Methuen, after crossing Modder river, had to attack the Spytfontein and Magersfontein Hill, so General Butler, af- ter passing the Tugela, faces invisible en- trenchments in a rough country.
 One correspondent mentions General Bull lers wheeled transport of 1000 vehicles, which connect them with the railroad about thirty miles to the rear. Among the vehicles are thirty traction engines. which draw from ten to fifteen wagons each.
 General Buffers warning as to the mis- use of the white flag by the Boers in his proclamation to the troops IS considered a rather broad hint to give no quarter. His phrase there will be no turning back" Is passed upon editorialy by the morning pa pers as presaging cheerful announcements.
 Absorbing Interest Felt
 The absorbing interest felt in the situa- aion in Natal makes other points in the theater of war seem microscopic. Lord Methuen lies behind his works at Modder river. It is estimated that his forces will 
 he can relieve Kimberley.
 Bfitish reinforcements are moving to- ward General French at Rensberg. With these he is expected to advance. General Gatacre's men occupy LopsDerg, slight advance.
 The war office announces that next week will be embarked P guns, 3,710 men and 221o horses. This is the largest consign- ment of artillery ever sent abroad. The war office invites 300 volunteers for a sharpshooters' battalion of yeomanry.
 Sir William MacCormack dn the Lancet says that of the 309 wounded in the hos- pitfalls visited by him only eight had been hit by shells
 characteristic letter to the British Guinea branch of the navy league, in recognition O. contribution ito the war fund.
 Bravo. Briish Guinea! Seeing they have to contend lately within the sugar line, they have done uncommonly we'll. PIease convey to them my best thanks first, as vice president of the league; second, as perpeitrator of the absented beggar, and, third, as fellow contributor to the big jack pot which we are boiling up on Thomas behalf. Have you seen Bra gil and Trinidad come into the game?'
 The British loss in killed, wounded. and captured iup to date are 7,S7S men and of ficers.