New-York tribune., 1901-06-16
THE RECORD THE WAR.
BELIEF THAT END OF SOUTH AFRICAN
CAMPAIGN is NEAR
RESOURCES OF BoER LEADERS EXHAUSTED
LITTLE INTEREST IN THE CUP RACES

Copyright; 1901: BY The New-Yorfs Tribune)
IBY THE TRIBUNE1
London June Ii, l a. m.-The record OF the
military operations in the Transvaal is regarded
as satisfactory by military without regard
for the results of Mrs. Botha's diplomacy. Mr.
Balfour's estimate OF the forces still in the field
against the British army is considered to be
grossly exaggerated. and he is censured for re-
peating il. II is not believed that more than
five thousand Beers under arms. although
their number can be doubled and possibly
trebled If they gain victory over any British
force
The number of Boer prisoners under guard ex-
ceeds twenty thousand. and they anxious to
have the war end. A considerable force of sur
rendered Beers is now under arms for the pro-
lection of their farms and herds. and it is also
anxious to have terms of peace arranged
The Dutch districts OF Cape Colony where
General French is now in command are weary
of the depredations of Boer raiders when they
have to feed and clothe them. and decisive
victory over the guerilla bands is expected In
that quarter Important news from General
French is looked for in the next ten days. by
which the pacificati1n of the country south Of
the Orange River will be effected.
The resources of resistance of De Wet. Botha
Steyn Delarey and SchalkbIrger welniEh
exhausted and they would assume the response
bility for a surrender If Mr. Kriiger, with his
fanatical faith in the final triumph of the Boer
cause. were not an obstinate old who has
secured his own safety.
War remains meagre. and the reports
Of peace negotiations illusory. but expert
enced men are convinced that land has been
sighted after n long voyage against strong head
winds and many cross currents. They are
counting much upon the moral effect of the
greatly needed severity at Pretoria by which
burghers on parole escaping under arms and
being captured. have been condemned to death.
They are convinced that the end will be in
sight so soon as the Beers find out that they
cannot run with hares and hunt with hounds
Several versions are given Of Mrs. Botha's
interviews with Mr.. Kriger. but there is no au-
thority for any statement. Mr. Chamberlain
remains inscrutable and Lord M.lner reticent
Shamrock II has reached the Clyde from
Southampton. and Will have new rigging and
spars before crossing the Atlantic. There will
be no more trials, and the yacht will enter the
races off Sandy Hook virtually an experiment
Yachtsmen shrug their shoulders when the
suggestion is made that there should be an In
ternatIonal race from Sandy Hook TO the
Needles. They know ;hat Shamrock IL could
hardly cross the ocean under jury rig. and do
not believe that the Constitution could do wuch
better. -. = - -
There is public interest in contests between
racing machines which not seaworthy
yachts. What real sportsmen want 70 is
the abandonment OF the Cup races and return
TO first principles in the construction OF yachts
designed for any weather and any seas
Poultney Bigelow will preside Tuesday at
the dinner OF the American trap shooting team.
MonsignOr Doane has arrived IN London from
Rome. and will remain here several weeks before
returning TO New-York. l. " F.