New-York tribune., 1900-01-19

OIiuee eisHIy-nNe yafQs long, and would have to
march only five miles before reaching the enc
my's right front. The enemy was busily fntrench-
ing. Lord Roberts added that General Warren
hoped to be IN a position on the enemys right
front Thursday evening. Apparently there was
ground for the opinion that the movement west
ward from richards Drift had not been ex-
pected and that the enemy's line might be
turned and the retreat of the Free Staters
TO their passes cut of The new defensive DO
sition Of the Dutch in any event could not be
as strong as the Colenso line nor could their
heaviest artillery have been carried so far
The details given by various correspondents
Of the march through Springfield and the mas
sage Of the river indicated marked improve
ment IN scouting and a great increase in ma
noeIVring power. Lord DundonaId's cavalry
brigade IN the course of a march Of twenty-four
miles seized Springfield bridge, penetrated a
Dutch district lately occupied by the Beers oc
cupleo heights overlooking the Tugela and took
possession Of both ends of the cable ferry The
lnIahtry brigade followed the cavalry closely
ana artillery was stationed where 1t could com
nlano the opposite bank The river was crossed
tuesday, after six days pause, with the helm of
caoie pontoon. and the howitzers and naval
guns were rapidly carried to a kopte known as
MOUNT Alice and brought to bear upon the
enemy's position. '--
General "arre1s division advanced more
slowly as 1t was larger body of troons on
euIhoered with the main supply train. Renter
reports that the advance guard was fired unon
from plantation on the opposite sida - ~,
iNer ana that artillery opened fire from
helshoorlng kopje. The engineers went about
their work and the pontoon bridge was reo,5
1or the passage on Tuesday The first o47cto1
Oulleun reported that half the division
hao crossed Later dispatches state that tba
whole division is over the TugeIa with ar+f11ar,,
IN strong positions. The fun extent % +b
British concentration is not explained. as that g,
secret closely guarded by the censorship Bar
toms and Hart's brtgades are not reported IN the
upper Tugela district, and have probably been
left at ChieveIey and Frere camps with work in
reserve for them in front of CoIenso. General
Butler has two divisions available for attacking
the enemy's positions beyond the Tuge1a and
one OF them is fresh from England with full
ranks Whites garrison, being fifteen miles
from the scene Of operations will also he in re-
serve for cooperating with Buffers forces.
MAsTERLY COMBINATIONS EXPECTED.
Mastery combinations which will retrieve F2,,1-
ler's reputation are confidently expected here
although there is not a trace of boastfulness
The truth has been taken TO heart that war
with white race is full of surprises and mis-
calculations, and that the Dutch strategists have
an awkward way of turning up where they are
least expected and upsetting the best laid and
most scientific plans. There was most hope
full feeling in the clubs at midnight that in the
course of the next twenty-four hours the entire
aspect Of the campaign in Natal and South
Africa would be transformed and the demoral-
lied British Ministry be stifened up so as to
meet Parliament in good fighting form.
Outside Natal there are few fresh incidents of
the campaign. A patrol of New South Wales
Lancers has been surprised by the enemy and
fourteen men have been taken prisoners after
being caught between two fires and fighting
gallantly.
The Cape policeman who led Gatacre's battaI-
ions into ambuscade has succeeded in convincing
the military authorities that he is innocent of
the charge of treachery. General Roberts at
midnight reported some trivial movements Of
troops in that quarter
The Modder River camp is showing increased
signs of activity in artillery fire and reconnois-
sances. The necessity for action is urgent. in
view of the probability that food supplies in
Kimberley are rapidly failing.
Mafeking is also reported pnched with
starvation.
General Macdonald has arrived at Cape Town
on his way to take command of the Highland
Brigade AS almost the only general who has
risen from the ranks, it is not likely that he will
take Lord Methuen's place and have under him
the brigade Of petted but unspoilt Guards
I. n. F.