Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1900-04-21

London, April 1S.-In the absence of
any decisive news from South Africa the
publication of Lord Roberts dispatches
describing the Spion kop and other oper-
atoms, from Jan. II to Jan. "a, is the
main subject of comment here
This dispatch, written Feb. Is, has been
in the hands of the war department for
five weeks. Just why it is published now,
in the middle of the campaign, is not
understood, unless it is expected that
General Butler and General Warren will
ask to be relieved of their commands.
In this report Lord Roberts fairly ilays
General Warren, who was in charge of
the Inflated movement upon Spion kop,
and sharply criticises General Butler
himself as knowing the conditions which
led to the headess and disorsanized re-
treat.
The effect of the report is distinctly de-
pressing to those who have believed
strongly in General Buffers ability as
a leader and there is tendency to re-
sent Lord Roberts strong words as
untimely, in view of General Buffers
present position in Natal.
The revelation of their incapacity must
tend to undermine the confidence of the
troops under their leadership.
Whether the government has any
special purpose or not in publishing the
dispatch, the way in which it has been
received will make it most difficult to
retain the censured commanders in uc-
tive service.
Lord Roberts Dispatch with the en-
closure, is the great feature of the
London press this morning. In a long
editorial The Daily News speaks of the
somewhat appalling language" of the
dispatch, and then goes on to say: Upon
the whole these dispatches are dis
luieting and disheartening in no or
dinary degree. Following Immediately
upon the recall! of General Gatacre. they
will create widespread feeling of un-
eaSineSS ana unXiaty
The Standard, which is supposed to be
in the confidence of the government.
says: 1T is scarcely likely that the pub
lication of Lord Roberts dispatch is
without purpose. 1t irresistibly sug
gests whether it Is not to be followed
by further important changes in the
South African commands. Painful as
such measures may be, there must be
no hesitation in carrying them ont if
they are required in the public interest.
Lord Roberts long wait and the Peer
activity have seriously disturbed public
equanimity. He is still SEQ miles fro II
Pretoria. No one doubts the ultimate
success of British arms; but, behind the
British army that CrusheS the BOer
armies, an army of occupation will haze
20 be installed. From various sources
come hints that more men than are al
ready provided for will have to be sent
)ut.
Lord Roberts indicates that at least
l00GO men are advancing to cut off the
Beers who are investing Wepener. AS
there are reports from the Basuto border
that firing has been heard in the dirfc-
ton of the hills towards De Vets Dorp.
/; is possible General Chermsde's ad-
vurced troops are already in contact
with the Beers.
Lord Roberts wires that he expected
to clear the southeastern section of the
Free State, east of the railway, and
then to swing round to the north and to
turn one after another the positions held
" the Beers north of Bloemfontein.
General Buffers prohibition of all press
lelegrams in Natal until further notice
IS taken to indicate that movement is
lbCut to begin there.
Berlin, April 1S.-A high official of the
iernlan foreign office says: Germany
'ees no reason why the Boer special
commission should come to Berlin, as,
all the circumstances, Germany will
ldhere to her policy of neutrality and
lon-interference.