The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-02-04
BULLER's PLANS UNKNOWN.
Every Indication, However. Points to a
Renewal of the Ladysmith
Relief.

NEW YORK. Feb 3.-Very little
news OF the situation in South Africa
has been given out in London during
the past twenty-four hours Much
work is in progress on the southern
frontier 81 the Free State. -UvSs-sbe do
tails are being held back until results
can be reported. That is the impress
sion made by such dispatches as are
allowed to come through from Sterks-
troon and French's camp near Coles
burg. The report that the Boer losses
at Spionkop on Wednesday last ex-
ceeded 1000 dead, although uncon-
funed, has created a favorable impress
sion and very few are disposed to dis
credit ii.
The Morning Leader believes that
General Butler has begun a movement
toward Ladysmith. The article says;
General Butler probably engaged
soon after noon yesterday (Frlday) II
all HIS artillery and munitions had
come mp. In any case, his orders were
definite for an advance at the latest
this morning.
There is no reason to suspect that
the direction is that of Dundonald's re-
connaissance towards Hongerspool
close to Bethany. although some caval-
ny and horse artillery may so by that
way, so as to operate on or perhaps be-
yond the Acton Homes road.
I'VE are inclined to believe General
Butler means to pound out of existence
any Beers or any works lying on the
river near the junction OF the Little
Tugela. II he succeeds in establishing
himself there ON the northern bank he
will virtually have turned the Boer
positions at on1erbrook and Grobeler's
Kloof, overlooking Colenso. This would
mean the splitting of the Boer forces
or the south OF Ladysmith. Probably
General White would be able to help
the effort by occupying with energy
the remaining hodies of the enemy"
There is no actual newms to support
the statement of the Leader, but sew
eral of the London morning papers pro-
fess to believe that General Butler is
pushing Ladysmith.
Warren's troops ON Wednesday We're
still resting south of the Tugela, while
General Lyttleton's brigade held its
position ON the north bank
General Joubert has gone 10 the Boer
camp on the Upper Tugela, an aprar-
cnt indication that he expects another
attack on his right. The Beers are ex-
hiblting considerable anxiety in regard
to the movement of the British flying
column which started through Zulu
land in the direction of varyheld about
The time that General Buler began his
move toward Springfield. Boer REIN
from about Ladysmith
have been hurried back to protect their
lines of communication northward.
General Charles Tucker, who came
rom India to tommanl the Seventh
division has gone up to Modder river.
This seems to indicate that the troops
If that division which IRE now arriving
on the Cape Will as well as those of
the Sixth division under Kelly Kenny,
be utilized along the border of the
Free state and take part in the pros
pectlve invasion.
The reported activity Of Colonel
nlumers force near Crocodile pools.
N, re than ten lays ago, is a good sign
hat strong effort win be made by
him to push through 10 Mafeking.
which had evidently not been relieved
at the time the Boer advices so
stated.
The good effect of Mr.. wyndhams