The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-20
THE OUTLOOK FOR BUTLER.

On the whole, tbs news this morning is
of an encouraging character for the Brit
ish, but II would be easy to maxlmize its
indications and suggestions beyond their
apparent value. London is delighted over
the success of Lord D0ndonald's extreme
flank movement and engagement with the
Beers. west of Acton Homes; but 1t is
probably premature to say, as some of the
dispatches do. that this clears the road 70
Ladysmith. 1t does nothing Of the kind.
II does promise a successful attack on
Joubert's extreme right, in reverse, in
case Buffers and Warrens attacks on
that flank in front should result in Brit
ish victory. And the three forces coop
Grating would then probably he able to
take or turn Dewdrop, which should make
JOubert's present position between Lady
smith and Colenso untenable, as being
open to rear attack. Dundonaid's move
ment If its extreme results are realized
and fixed by successful supporting maneu-
vres. is Of the highest Importance. as 1t
cuts off retreat into the Free State by
Tintwa Pass, and Immediately threatens
Van Reenen's and De Beers passes. But
the net advantages to the British purpose
which appear from the opening moves in
the game must be considered as prelimi-
nary and yet very much open to modifica-
ton by the chances OF battle.
Reports, more or less open 20 question,
that the Beers are Withdrawing from Co
lensO TO re-enforce their right at Dewdrop.
encourage the London critics who have al
ways favored the idea OF a main attack on
the centre at Grobler's KIoof or east Of
that point. to revive their old theory.
They are again saying that the long turn
by Potgieter's Drift after all may be but a
feint TO weaken the centre and give Clery
mis- opening TO strike hard and push
straight forward to Ladysmith. which they
describe as nearer by the direct line. So
IL is. but that line winds through narrow
mountain passes for fifteen miles. the to-
biographical conditions rendering effective
scouting almost impracticable ami thanking
movements out Of the question. Whatever
the English critics may think about Il, we
do not fancy that any European strategist
would regard Buffers battle plsE, as far
as il has been unfOlded, IS indicating a
purpose to make his serious attach else
where than on the right where the ground
and circumstances appear relatively favor
able. However, If the British general has
counted his chances as intelligeDly as the
reports appear 10 suggest. il Is altogether
likely that he has provided for such a con-
ungency as the manifest weakening OF the
ColensO front by Withdrawals TO DewdrOp
would furnish. II the assault on JOubert's
right should greatly reduce the BOer force
at the centre. then Il is 70 be presumed
that CIery would take notice and instant
advantage Of the opening. and endeavov to
cross and seize the Colenso-Dewdrop road.
moving up the same A ten miles march
would bring him IN line with Buffers
forces on the left. and close in TO Lady
smitL, 'Shich by that time would be re-
Ie' ed " the beselgers; since Viljoen
would lie hCrrying around by the east and
Forth ~ -sfsI.d the Drakensberg passes.
At pfC@cht the news justiies The view
that Clery has begun to engage the Beers
vigorously at GrobIer's Kloof and with
the object OF keeping as many OF them as
possible busy at that point Warren. be-
y0nd Spionfoatein at latest accounts. ap-
peared to have worked into the position
needed for effective attack. and a cousid-
cable battle on his right front, II not a
general engagement all along the line.
ought TO be in progress az this time. We
should have news Of deep interest before
to- orrow mo:ning-