Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-01-24

London, Jan. 2i-4 Il. m.-Gencral
Buffers great turning movement, Of
which so much had been expected, has
come to a standstil. His carefully
worded message to the War Office,
telling this, after silence of two days
reads like an apology and an explana-
tnn. -------
General VSarren holds the ridges, but
the enemy's positions arc higher The
British artillery is playing on the Boer
positions, and the Beers are replying.
The British infantry Is separated by
only 1,400 yards from the enemy, but
an approach to the steep slopes, across
the bare open would expose the Brit
ish to a fatal rifle fire.
General Buffers plans have reached
their development. lie declines TO send
his infantry across this zone against
formidable positions by daylight, and
discloses his purpose to assault the
Spion liop heights during the night.
This appears to be the key to the Boer
dcfenses. IL he takes it and thus COM
mnnds the adjacent country an i'm
portant, and. possibly, decisive, step
will be accomplished
Itseenls that General Buffers dis
patches reached the War Office rather
early in the night, and was the subject
OF prolonged conference between
Lord Lansdowne, Mr. Balfour and sew
cral staff officials.
THE DISPATCH.
London, Jan. "a 2:15 q. m.)-The fol-
lowing dispatch from Butler, dated ut
Spearmans Camp. January 23. 6:25 d.
m, has just been received at the War
Office:
Warren holds the position he gained
two days ago. In front OF him, ut
about 1,400 yards. is the encmy's posi-
ton, west OF Spion's Kop. 1t Is OH
higher ground than Warren's position,
so II is impossible to see into 1T prop
erly.
1T can be approached only over bare
OPEN slopes, and the ridges held by
Warren are SO steep that guns cannot
be placed on thom. But we are she'll
Ing the enemy's position with Howitz-
ers and field artillery, placed on lower
ground, behind infantry
The enemy is replying with creuot
and other artillery In this duel the
advantage rests with us, as we appear
TO be searching his trenches, and his
aruiiery fire is not causing us much
loss.
IAN attempt will be made tonight
to seize Spion's Kop the aaiieftt=t4f
which forms the left OF the cnemy's no.
siton facing richards Drift. and
which divides it from the position fac
Ing Potgieter's Drift. 1t has consider
able command over all the encmy's
entertainments"
SITUATION AT KIMBERLEY.
Kimberley, Sunday, jan 21.-The
Beers continue an active and heavy
bcmbardment of this place.
SUNDAYS FIGHTING.
Bocr Camp, Upper Tugela River, Jan
21.-After Commandant Botha checked
the British advance yesterday morning
1t was expected that there would be no
further action until tomorrow. This
afternoon, however, signs were discern
cd OF an intended movement in the
British northern camp.
When the heat, which was more
frightful than any vet experienced, had
worn off. the British cannon started in
full force and the infantry advanced in
extended order.
Generals Botha and Cronje held the
nigh hills, over which the road to Lady
smith passes. When the Mauser fire
opened pandemonium of sound filed
the air. The vindictive crash of lyd-
dite shells, the sharp vol,eys of Lee
Metfords, and the whip-like crack OF
Mausers were intersDersed with the
oooiii VI the fSoer AlaXlrnS. The battle
ended with darkness. but not without
evidences Of execution among the Brit
ish that were manifest at sunrise
Field Cornet Ernest Emilio wat kill
ed, nor did the Generals escape un-
scathed.
ANOTHER ADVANCE
At the central position, Swart Kop.
where the Other road to Ladysgnith
crosses the hills. the British advanced
from low kopjes on the banks of the
Tugela unmclested. Then they entered
the zone of AIauser fire. ard although
their naval guns kept UP the usual ter
rible racket. the advance was stopped.
and the British had to count out their
dead and wounded.
Commandment Viljoen and two Rurgh-
ers were knocked senseless by an cx-
plosion of lydlite, but Commandant
. Vil5oen recovered. Field Cornet He'll
bron was wounded and on refusing to
Bartender. was shot.
A CHARGE DENIED.
The British loss was probably insig-