Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-02-24
SITUATION IN the TRANSVAhL.

During the past few days material
changes have been wrought IN the STU
alton in South Africa, n the lndlca-
HONS point to the complete triumph OF
the British forces in due time. the ac-
tiyity and military capacity or Loro
Roberts has been in evidence since ne
took command of the British troops. and
successes have followed rapidly upon the
heels of every enterprise which he mas
undertaken. Up to date the roadway
made against the strongly entrenched
Beers has been a source OF gratincatlo"
to all who recognize the justice OF the
British cause. The early victories
achieved by the Beers were due more
to the natural defenses afforded by the
Topography of the country in when
they operated, and to the ignorance OF
the English concerning their military
methods, than to any of the other causes
assigned by their sentimental and ILL
advised advocates in this western land
of ours.
While the wal may not conclude until
the English march upon Pretoria. and
Kruger's capital finally falls into their
hands, there can be little doubt as to
the aggressive policy which will hence
forth characterize the movements OF the
queens command. The question of lime
alone stands between the British and
their complete mastery of the situation.
In the meantime, the great powers OF
Europe will hold their peace. recognizing
the Justice of Great Britain's cause. de-
spite the temptation to seize upon some
pretext to attack that nation in the
rear.
1t becomes the good citizenship of this
country to do likewise. When we were
engaged in the war with Spain. and sew
eral of the European nations were groWl-
ing at our heels, England refused to
enter into any combination to embarrass
our flag. Not only did that government
stand like a loyal friend in a national
crisis, but her people were alike re-
SDOnSlNc TO Tic StiftlIIIClto IAoI
the action of their representatives n
rulers. No public meetings were held IN
England to express sympathy for Spain
or raise money in her behalf; no plans
were laid to reinforce the government
of CASTLE with surreptitious migrations
of Spanish sympathizers from the land
of ohnnie Bull; no boards of aldermen
Haunted defiance to the neutrality of the
nation by resolving that Spain was in
the right and America in the wrong.
Tactics of tina character were re-
served for the hot blood of thoughtless
American fire-eaters, who forget the APP
probation which one country may W
to another, and who have no respect for
the neutral position which the nation
may see fit to assume. That the pro-
Boer sentiment has its inception in
causes other than the actual merits Of
the war now being waged in South
Africa, has been demonstrated over and
over again. Hatred of England, based
on the conduct of that nation in the
past, is allowed to obscure the present
situation IN the dark continent. and pas
sion is permitted to sway the mind rather
than the calm consideration of the cold
facts.
This is made very clear in an article
which appears elsewhere on this page,
from the pen of Hon. Thomas G.. Shear
man. Coming from that distinguished
gentleman, the views expressed and the
facts stated are entitled to no little
weight. Especially should he be entitled
to a respectful audience from the demo
cratic party, which furnishes the pro-
Boer sentiment of this country from its
political fountains Of ready-made preju-
dices. Mr.. Sherman is the eminent free
trader, who, with Wells and Sumner fur
nished the arguments with which the
democracy has for years conducted its
warfare upon the principles Of protec-
ton. Now that he has AIKEN up his per
to elucidate and make clear the situation
IN the Transvaal. there is no reason why