Willmar tribune., 1900-04-25
WORDS OF ~CENSURE.
Roberts Structures on Trusted Gen.
erals Published in London.
Butler and Warren Charged with In
capacity-Cronje Reaches His
Island PrisOn-A Cost
ly War.


has chosen this as the moment to pub
lish dispatch from Lord Roberts
pronouncing censure upon Sir Redvers
Butler and Sir Charles Warren, two of
his most important subordinate COM
manders. This dispatch, written Feb
ruary 13, has been in the hands of the
war office for five weeks. just why it
is published now, in the middle of the
campaign, is not understood, unless It
is expected that Gen. Butler and Gen.
Warren will ask to be relieved Of their
commands. The revelation of their in
capacity must tend to undermine the
confidence of the troops in their lead
ership.
The reports were published in the
Gazette and comprise Gen. Buffers re-
port on Spion Kop and the operations
from January II to January "a and
Lord Roberts comments dated Febru-
ary 13. Lord Roberts deals severely
with Gen. Warren and some others.
Even Gen. Butler does not escape. Lord
Roberts complains that the plan of
operations is not clearly described in
the dispatches. After sketching Gen.
Buffers intentions, as communicated
to Sir Charles Warren, who command
ed the whole force, Lord Roberts points
out that Gen. Warren seems to have
| concluded, after consultation with his
officers, that the fanking movement
ordered by Gen. Butler was imprac-
ticable, and, therefore, so changed the
plan Of advance as to necessitate the
capture and retention of Spion Kop.
British at Wepener Surrounded.
London, April 1S.-The war office
has received the following dispatch
from Lord Roberts, dated Bloemfon-
tein, Tuesday, April II:
"Our force at Wepener Is still surround
ed, but it is reported that the enemy are
attacking in very half-hearted man.
ner and are anxious about their COM
munications. hearing that forces are ap-
| preaching Wepener from two directions
one under Gen. Rumble, via Reddersburg,
and another under Gen. Brabant with
Gen. Hart's brigade in support, via Roux-
vile. On the reoccupation of Rouxville
April Is, the few Beers there retired, and
Gen. Brabant made some important ar
rests. Violent storms of rain have some-
what interfered with the march of these
columns, but 1t is hoped they will soon
be able to make their presence more de-
cidedly felt. Gen. Settle reports from
Kenhardt. April IA, that 200 Transvaalers
made determined attack the previous
day on Dopaspoort, held by party of
Orpon's horse. Our losses were two killed
and one wounded. The enemy's losses must
have been heavy, as they applied to us for
doctors and an ambulance"
Cronje Landed in st. Helena.
St. Helena, April 16.-Gen. Cronje,
h.s wife and three of his staff of the
former Boer commando. who with
other. Boer prisoners arrived here on
the Niobe and Wilkes April 10, were
landed Saturday, accompanied by Col.
Reefe. They were met by the gov
ernor and commander in chief of St..
Helena, his excellency Robert Stern
dale, and Mrs. Sterndale, at the castle,
where the party remained for an hour,
afterwards proceeding to the Kent
building. Gen. Cronje looks we'll and
appears cheerful.
Says War H. Expensive Business.
London, April 16.-Winston Church.
i'll telegraphs to the Morning Post
from Bloemfontein, under Saturday s
date, reiterating his opinion that the
war is bound to prove an extremely
expensive business. He says:
1.-Two hundred and fifty thousand men
Will be needed before the end is attained.
The question Of remounts will continue
one of vital Importance. Great numbers
are now arriving, but. owing to the fact
that they have to be put to work before
time Is given them to recover from the
effects of the voyage, their. condition is
low and the death rate among them high.
Thousands. therefore, will be wanted in
addition to those now here or on the way,
| and great resting depots must be formed,
together with an ample staff to nurse
and exercise them. If that is done, then,
about four or five months hence, you will
be able to give your cavalry a new lease
of life and strength"