The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-04
FIGHTING Is IN PROGRESS
Indications Are That . Movement In
the Neighborhood of Colenso 10 On
Butler Probably at Work.

NEW YORK, Feb. 3--very little news
OF the situation In South Africa has been
given out in London during the past twen-
ty-four hours. Much work is in progress
on the southern frontier of the Free
State, but the details are being held back
until results can be reported. That is the
impression made by such dispatches as
we're allowed to come through from Sterk-
stroom and French's camp, near Coles
berg. The report that the Boer losses at
Spion kop on Wednesday last exceeded
1000 dead. although unconnrmed. has Gre
ated favorable impression. and very few
are disposed to discredit 1t.
Butler Probably mt Work.
The Morning Leader believes that Gen.
Butler has begun n movement toward
Ladysmith. The article says:
Gen. Butler probably engaged soon af-
ter noon yesterday tF'riday) If all his ar
tillery and munitions had come up. In
any case, his orders were definite for an
advance at the latest this morning
There Is no reason to suppose that the
direction is that OF Dundonalds recon-
noissance toward Mongerspoort, close to
Bethany, although some cavalry and
horse artillery may go by that way. so as
to operate on or perhaps beyond the Ac-
ton Homes road.
I'VE are inclined TO believe Gen Butler
means to pound out of existence any
BQers 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 vir-
tualiy have turned tho Boer positions at
Onderbrook and Grobelars kloof, overlook
ing Colenso. This would mean the split
ting OF the Boer forces on the south of
Laadysmith. Probably Gen. White would
be able to help the effort by occupying
with energy the remaining bodies OF the
enemy"
Little Except Theory.
There Is no actual news to support the
statement OF the Leader. but several Of
the London morning papers profess 10
believe that Gen. Butler IL pushing to-
ward Ladysmith.
warrens troops on Wednesday were
still resting south of the Tugela while
Gen. Lyttleton's brigade held its posi-
ton on the north bank Gen. Jouber,
has gone 10 tho Boer camp on the upper
Tugela, an apparent indication that he
expects another attack on his right.
Boers Anxious About Zuiaiand.
The Beers are exhibiting considerable
anxiety in regard to the movement OF the
BrluSA Gtllk COLUMN @hiNA started
through Zuluiand In the direction OF vry-
held. about the time that Gen. Butler be-
gan his move toward Springfield. Boer re-
Inducements from about I4adysmith have
been hurried back 20 protect their lines
OF communication northward.
More Troop. for Modder River.
Gen. Charles Tucker. who came from In-
dla TO command the Seventh division. has
gone up TO Moddsr river. This seems TO
indicate that tho troops % that division.
which are row arriving az Tho Cape. VIII.
as well as those Of the sixth division. un-
der Kelly. Kenny. be utilized along the
border of the Free state aud take part in
the prospective invasion.
PBshing for MafrkinG.
The reported activity Of Col. Piumsnsr'
force near Crocodil. POOL. more than ten
DAYS age. IS good sign that strong 81.
fort viii be made by him TO push through
90 Mafeking. whlch had eviaensly not
been relieved at the time the Beer ad.
vices 50 stated.