New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-05-27
sPENsER wILKINsoN's REVIEW.
SUMMING UP THE SITUATION IN SOUTH
AFRICA.

London. May 27-spenser Wilkinson, review
ing the situation at the seat of war in South
Africa for The Associated Press, says
Lord Roberts is keeping tight hand on all
telegrams. in order not to disclose his moves.
After occupying Rhenoster, he pushed his left
wing at once toward Parys where the Vaal
River was crossed on Thursday. The whole
army seems TO have changed its direction to the
left, as General Hamiiton's original right wing
was to-day at Boschbank half way from Parys
to the railway bridge at Filjoens Drift, which is
being watched by Robertss scouts.
General Hamilton probably crossed the Vaal
to-day, assisted if necessary by march up the
river of the force that crossed at Parys. The
whole force probably will be across the Vaal
by Sunday afternoon. Johannesburg then will
be two marches distant.
L suppose that Lord Roberts will push
General Hamilton. and perhaps General French.
Pole-Carew viii attack in front.
The Beers. AS usual. must either be enveloped
or go. Very special exertions will be made TO
cut off their retreat, Lord Roberts is de-
termined to capture them if possible. He
lies fully on Ian Hamilton, whose combination
of fire and prudence justifes every confidence
If the Boers escape toward Pretoria Roberts
will likely follow swiftly and be at Pretoria in
less than a week.
The Beers say that they have retaken He'll
bron. General Roberts will neglect that, but will
guard his railway which 1 think he will not wait
to repair before going to Pretoria.
General Butler at Laing's Mex is eight or nine
marches from Johannesburg. supposing that
the road is clear Robertss advance must make
facilitate Buffers advance.
General Hunter, when at Mafekng, will be
eleven marches from Pretoria and it is imprac-
tcabe therefore for the Beers to make any
serious resistance at Pretoria, where to wait
would mean TO be hemmed in between three
British armies.
The Boer plan is to retreat to the Lydenberg
Hills, which would postpone but not avert the
catastrophe, but the condition and strength of
the Boer forces after the coming weeks opera
tions remain to be seen. Possibly the difficulties
of supply may compel General Roberts to pause
on the Naal and repair the railway, thus Civ
ing time q Generals Butler and Hunter to IN
wade the Transvaai fancy, however, that
Lord Roberts will defer the bolder course and
try TO end this war right now.
Many points in the recent operations are OBJ
scure. Thus the long pause of General Lyttel-
ton at Sundays River and the subsequent
silence suggest that he may cooperate with
General Rundle to finish the Free Staters' re-
slstance. There has been distinct report
from General Methuen since that from Hoop
stad He probably crossed the Vaal near Parys.
Lord Roberts marches a very broad front
with his cavalry wings thrown forward Cen
eral Butler probably cannot adopt the same
plan in the very rugged country of Northern
Natal, but once Butler is up the hills the
tableland Of the Transvaal he will be able to
spread out and move pidy.
Lord Roberts has a wonderful power of pick
ing special man for every special work. Ian
pieces at Majuba in the first Boer war. Since
then he has made a great mark IN training
the Indian army to shoot straight, and him
self one of the best officers in India Another
tried and able man is Sir William Nicholson,
who was chief of staff to General Lockhart in
Tlrah. He is now running all the transport
for General Roberts, whose army, since It
reached Bloemfontein, has been well supplied.
Nothing shows the great commander more than
his finding such men and giving them free hand
Roberts himself has Incompatible dash and
holiness, coupled with great crcums spection
hence expect rapid strokes now that the crisis
Is at hand.