New-York tribune., 1901-11-03
BOTHA'S LATEST EXPLOIT.
BRITISH MILITARY CRITICS GET NEW
IDEAS OF WAR
DISPOSED TO DOUBT THE VALUE OF GUNS
TO MOBILE COLUMNS-PER-
SONAII NOTES.
Copyright; 1901: By The New-York Tribunel
tBT CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.I

Copyright 1901: BY The New-York Tribune)
IBT THE TRIBUNE.l
London Nov. 3. 1 a. m.-Refecting men who
follow the course of military operations in South
Africa are bewildered by General Bothas latest
exploit They had been convinced by Lord
Kitcheners dispatches that Botha had narrowly
escaped capture and was somewhere east of
Ermelo with only three hundred burghers. and
that series Of British columns had come into
line and in communication with one an
other for the purpose of surrounding and run
ming him to earth. Suddenly they con-
fronted with terrible casualty list of over two
hundred killed and wounded. including many
officers, and with practical evidence that Botha
with one thousand men succeeded in surprising
the rear guard of British force. rushing the
guns and making determined attack that
relieving column necessary. The fighting
was real and desperate both sides, and the
Beers after inflicting heavy losses, retired
either with without the captured guns
Details of this engagement teId to dscredit
the conclusion of a military journal that General
Bctha had ceased to be of much account for
the present This remarkable episode of the
war in the Eastern Transvaal directs attention
to the question of guns impediment for
mobile columns. The Beers are apparently
fighting without artillery. whereas every one of
the Sixty-seven British columns is supplied with
guns, and these invariably keep them back ana
restrict their operations. Military critics are
beginning to burt out the truth that guns are
useless when the Beers spring out OF the DARK
mist vedt smoke. and that IL IS NOT
worth while to trek about the country with thelh.
Keen sportsmen asking whether the guns
are not useless in operations against oahos
OF guerllas as motor cars would be for 1oh
hunt across country. The last battle was the
resembed Vlakfontein. where rear guard was
attacked under cover IF a grass fire.
Prince Edward made his first public appear
ance during the royal progress from Nlctoria
to Marlborough House. He saluted the cro"os
with earnestness and gravity, ana Do'h ms
grandfather and father beamed with pride ana
delight The boy took himself so seriously 'hat
the crowds Uttered with amusement
Archbishop Benson's health is gradually mend
ing His voice Is still hoarse. but there is no
cause for apprehension that he Will not De III
Westminster Abbey ON Coronation Day.
Canon Hensley Henson. OF. ST. Marsarets. VINO
has been advocating the admission OF Noncoh-
forrnist Christians to holy communion IN 'he
Anglican Church. will be the preacher III 'i
Abbey on Sunday afternoons In November anu
may revert TO the subject
The Authors Club Will entertain AdrniiaI
Seymour on Monday night. and Sir Ihonlas
Upton viii be the guest OF members oi tue
American Society the following Monday
Mrs Campbel's production of Bjornson's
"Revond Human Power will be the only nov
eltv OF the London stage next week. She Is
not likely to repeat it during her American tour
but may bring out Ibsen's "Hedda Gabier' after
'.,agda" and The Second Mrs. TanQueray.