Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-14

Milwaukee Sentipai: IAN English gem
eral takes chances on the annoyance OF be-
ing compelled to read in his home news
papers during an enforced sojourn as guest
in a Boer camp that the war In South
Africa is practically over.
Chicago News: 1t will be extraordinary
II this Boer success against one OF the most
experienced OF their generals does not stir
the British people at home to serious self
questioning and further demands for a more
competent administration OF the War ONCE.
The capture OF a British general will put
fresh heart into the Beers. Instead Of
Methuen's taking Delarey or Dewet, De-
larey has taken Methuen. What assurance
can the British public have that the war is
nearing its end while reverses like these
are possible?
Detroit Free Press: The effect Of all this
upon the morale of the burgher forces vet
in the field must be unmistakable. 1t will
arouse the men to new enthusiasm and
strengthen their determination, II that is
capable OF being strengthened. There will
be fewer voluntary ~surrenders and more
disloyalty in Cape Colony. Coming after
Kitchener's effort to make a showing OF
game for the Majuba day celebrations
throughout the empire, 1t Is not likely TO
allay the dissatisfaction expressed at homo
over the conduct Of the war.
Chicago Post: Not since the struggle in
South Africa began has England suffered
g defeat more ~wounding to its pride than
that OF last Friday, when the Boer general
Delarey captured Lord Methuen, routed his
force Of 1000 men. killing forty-ona
wounding s~eventy-seven and taking more
than 200 prisoners. This reverse to British
arms cannot be other than grave and hu-
initiating to a degree: It is certain to give
the valiant Beers new hope-new courage
they do not need. 1t is likely to add
months to the struggle. unless England
makes some definite move to bring the war
to a close by peaceful measures.
81. Louis Globe-D Democrat: The latest
Boer success is one Of considerable extent
and, following the recent defeat and can
ture Of another large column in motion,
serves to show a weak spot In British tao
tics In the field. Lord Methuen's 200 men,
three-fourths Of whom were mounted, had
begun q march before daylight, when the
Beers suddenly attacked and enveloped the
British on three sides. A stampede Of
mules followed and the troops appear "a
have been helpless or in a panic, either OF
which conditions is highly unsatisfactory
POAhb VI lcW lu6 CADIuEe
Of five cannon, probably with ammunition,
may have awkward results for some of the
blockhouses.
Minneapolis Tribune: Methuen is moi
much loss to the British army and It is no,
probable that Lord Kitchener will take sny
great trouble to recapture him. But he 1,
q court favorite and his capture will max,
a sensation in London. We do not supposs
that the Beers will treat him urgently. ant
so there Is small hope that the gallant
troops slaughtered by the thick headet
laundering in the early part Of the war will
be adequately avenged. 1t is the habit o.
the Beers to release their prisoners becaus,
they have no means Of making them com.
Portable; but one would suppose hat the,
would hold on to Methuen and try to ex.
change him for Cronje at st. Helena. L
they should not be able to make him en-.
tirely comfortable, there would be littl,
lamentation outside OF court circles in Lon.
don 1t should send a chill through tn,
whole army to discover that not even lieu.
tenant generals are safe from capture. Wha'
II the Beers should get hold of Kitchener