New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-10-03
guLLER AND HIS CRITICS.
TIE GENERALS PRUDENT REPLY TO
THE CHARGES MADE AGAINST HIM.

CONDITIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA MYSTERY
TO THE PUBLIC-FACTIoNs AT THE
CHURCH CONGRESS-
Copyright 1901 BY The New-York TribuneD
fBr CABLE TO THE TRIBuxEl
London Oct. 3. l a m.-General Buffers reply
70 the charges made by two weekly journals OF
high character is prudent He declines to be
drawn into a controversy with anonymous writ
ers and speaks with fine irony of the criticism
of an irresponsible press. 1t will be difficult for
either journal to pursue the subject and General
Butler will not be forced to defend himself. nor
will be be deprived of the command of his army
CORDS It would not be difficult. however to es-
tablish the identity of the writer's who have
been reproaching him for having either ordered
or advised General White to abandon Ladysmith
after the battle of Colenso nor to ascertain the
source Of inspiration Of these attacks upon his
reputation. General Butler made more enemies
in South Africa than either Lord Roberts or
rord Kitchener and they have nursed their re-
sentiment and never ceased to complain that he
was ready 10 sacrifice both Ladysmith and Kim
berley in advising White by heograph after
Colenso that immediate assistance from the
main army was impossible. and that he
ing Methuen northward from De Aar tow
ard Kimberley with orders to rescue the garri-
son and population. and then compel the>evacu-
alton of the town. These charges not new
The who make them are known. They have
not veptured. however, 10 assume responsibility
for them. but have allowed reputable and high
minded journals TO formulate their case Cen
eral Butler is well advised in declining to enter
into a controversy with accusers who do not
write their But they represent
men of power and influence and sooner or later
these questions will have 10 be taken up. The
secrets Of the heIiograph both at Modder River
and Colenso affect the honor and prestige of the
British army, and a investigation Will ulti-
mately be necessary. The subjugation OF the
Beers has been sufficiently difficult. although
Kimberley was not evacuated nor Ladysmith
abandoned. 1t would have been well nigh i'm
possible if the alleged orders attributed to Bull
Ter had been carried into execution.
The military situation in South Africa remains
confused and inexplicable Either from lack of
enterprise in the London press or from the ruth
less enforcement Of the censorship. the public
is not allowed TO know what is going on. The
recapture of two guns is officially reported. but
the attacks by both Botha and De la Rey are
admitted TO have been attended with heavy
British losses.
The seriousness of the situation in South
Africa is freely admitted by supporters as well
opponents of the government A feeling Of
dismay has been caused in some quarters by
Lord kitchener's account of the fighting at
Moedwill. If the British won. the victory was
dearly bought and was altogether far from
satisfactory. For months past the leader WRIT
ers Of the Unionst press have been arguing that
If the Beers would only give up their elusive
tactics and come to close quarters they would
soon be crushed. The Beers are now. however
proving daring in attack and the results are
certainly not encouraging for the people Of this
country. 1t seems clear that the British army
is now upon the defensive, and the conclusion is
drawn that the Boer forces are stronger than
had been generally supposed.
Lester Reiffs case is still the all absorbing
topic Of conversation in the turf world. The
view taken Of the case here by all the leading
sporting writers is that the Jockey Club
stewards acted fairly regards Reifrs riding
Of De Lacey. 1t is said that none who witnessed
the race could hold opinion other than that !
he would have won had he confined his atten-
ton and energy TO his own horse. Denial is
given to the statement that conspiracy ex-
listed against the two brothers. and it is pointed
out that nobody has even questioned the in
tegrity Of such American jockey as Maher
Inc retirement OF Lester Rel1 VIII not inter-
fere with the arrangements at Heath House |
kilmarnock will fill his engagement In Paris on
Sunday and be ridden by Johnny" Reiff who
VIII have the handling Of all of Mr.. Whitney's
horses for the remainder of the season.
The Church Congress at Brighton has wit
messed a full dress parade Of the ritualists and
sVangelicals, with their respective captains. The
lines were formed on the question of the au-
thority Of the English Church Lord Halifax
pleaded with his usual fervor and earnestness
Tor the revival and exercise of true ecclesiastical
authority in the Interpretation OF Catholic doc
trlne, and was closely followed by the Rev. Mr..
Leighton Pullan. These extreme High Church
views were opposed by Prebendary WAGE, who
contended that no ceremonies introduced after
the first four centuries could make any claim to
Catholic authority. Canon McCou interviewed In
his usual character a candid friend ready to
administer stout blows with rigid impartiality
on both sides. While the discussion was sharp,
II was conducted with excellent temper.