New-York tribune., 1900-04-11
BRITISH PLANS UNCHANGED.
ROBERTS WAITING TO STRIKE DECISIVE
BL0W-LITTLE HEED PAID
TO RAIDERS.
Copyright; 1900: By The New-York Tribune
fBv CABLE TO THE TRIBrNE.l


London. April IL / a. m-By the grace of the
censor the military situation is confusing, but
il is not an unintelligible maze. The British in
action in the Free State and Natal is not caused
by an impasse like that resulting at ChieveIey
Nodder River and Stormberg from the reverses
Of December. 1t is a halt rendered necessary
by q systematic preparation for an irresistible
movement into the Transvaal Lord Roberts
and Sir Redvers Butler viii advance when trans
port and equipment are in readiness, and they
Will operate simultaneously and not be diverted
from their goals by attempts of Boer raiders to
scatter their forces.
This is the view Of close observers in touch
with the War Office, who assert that the British
communications are not in danger and that the
offensive operations against the railway lines
not serious. They add that Lord Roberts
will pay as little heed TO the raiders in the
southern and eastern districts Of the Free State
he did TO the Dutch operations around Coles
burg al the opening OF his campaign, but will
strike northward toward his own objective point
with the certainty that the field south of Boem-
fontein viii be cleared by his advance. They
also affirm that fresh surprise will be
planned by which General Waren's division VIII
be brought into the Free State over the noun
tains in cooperation with General Frenchs cav
airy brigades, but they neglect to give practical
evidence in support of their conjectures.
THE ATTACK ON wEPENER
Press dispatches make ii clear that there has
been fighting for two days at wepener. where
General Brabant, with the colonial forces, has
been attacked by three Boer commandos with
several guns. The result OF Mondays artillery
practice favorable TO the colonial troops, but
yesterdays attack was more severe and deter
mined. General Brabant's forces are reported to
be well supplied with provisions and ammunition
and IN occupation of q strong position. The
Basutos are greatly excited by the Boer opera
tons the edge Of their territory. and it is
most difficult for the British agent to hold them
under restraint The nearest point garrisoned
by British troops IS Aliwal North, but Wepener
is apparently isolated and completely surrounded
by the Beers. There is no confirmation Of the
report that a large Boer force is marching tow
ard Springfontein, and there is no proof that the
railway or teIegraphic communication has been
broken south Of BlOemfontein.
Sir Henry Rumble and the advance guard Of
the Eighth Division now reported TO be
heading for Springfontein instead Of Kimberley.
II this be true Mafeking viii be compelled TO
shift for itself until Lord Roberts compels the
concentration of the Boer forces by invasion
OF the Transvaal although the latest dispatches
Show that the garrison is convinced that re-
lief column is on the way from Kimberley.
The towns Of the Free State through which
General Clements recently marched are showing
Signs Of uneasiness and revolt but the alarmists
are not justified in their assertions that Lord
hooerts's army is In danger Of being cut of
Hom its base Of supplies The inventions with
which the papers filled based upon the
ABSURD exaggeration Of the strength of the Boer
raiders
heaVy cannonading is reported from Elands-
md ic doaf-
sFe news from Natal
ENJOYS NOT LIKELY TO SUCCEED.
ne Boer Peace Commission has arrived in
europe where il will be coolly received at every
Cohuhental capital. Whatever popular sympa-
my there may be for the Dutch cause, no Euro
prdh Government is prepared to declare war on
sat Britain nor to undertake to dispatch an
MY OF several hundred thousand men TO South
mia Those the only conditions under
i0h intervention would serve any practical
poSe' AFTER the explicit warnings given by the
NSh government. IL is expected in dfplo-
1c circles that Messrs. Fischer, Wolmarans
a vessels WIFI make a short stay on the Con-