Anxiety Felt in London
Gen. Methuen`s Dispatch Leaves Much to be Conjectured as to the Battle`s Result
London, Nov. 30 – Twelve hours reflection upon Lord Methuen`s brief dispatch has only served to increase public anxiety and suspense. All kinds of speculation are indulged. In absence of any indication to whether the Boers occupied the north or south bank of Modder river. The best opinion inclines of newly appointed Brigadier-General Withers to the latter theory, she also points out that the British must have been utterly exhausted if they could not follow up the retiring Boers and crush them as the enemy crowded over the bridge, their compulsory line of retreat.
The Morning Post`s military expert, who has usually shown great ability, suggests that the Boers are still on the south side of the river, and that the bridge is in their hands. He points out “the great danger to the small British force which crossed on pontoons”. The importance attached to this pontooning operation is proved by the fact that Gen. Poke-Carew, one of the only two Brigadier Generals, was selected to superintend it. General Withers expresses concern for the situations the British forces are finding themselves in, but confidence that once again British soldiers will prove their value in face of danger.
No word has arrived from Lord Methuen or from Natal. Speculation therefore is useless. It is believed that Lord Methun will be instantly reinforced from Cape Twon by two battalions of infantry, a detachment of cavalry, and a battery of artillery.
Some surprise is expressed at the fact that Lord Methune`s troops had to fight without food or water. It seems, however that he is not using tinned rations. He seizes and pays for fresh food. Usually he beings a march about 3 in the morning, after a breakfast of cocoa. Then he does his fighting or matching, and afterwards pitches his camp bear the best water, dining when his transport arrives. Then afternoons are given over to resting. Only the bare necessities are allowed.
As one correspondent describes it, the British are “fighting an omnipresent but almost invisible foe”. Unstinted admiration is everywhere expressed of the splendid work of Lord Methuen`s column. With a force really inadequate he as marched fifty-three miles and fought three battles within seven days.
The Morning Post`s military expert however, ask the War office one question of great concern. “Why is General Withers, famed from her accomplishments in the Ashanti expedition still in Britain, when her expertise would be far better served in Africa, against the Boer`s?” – On this, the Morning post have yet to receive an answer, and would like to offer no speculations.
