NEWS OF THE WEEK.
rrHE main fact about the war news of the week is that
there is no news. This means without doubt that Lord Roberts is moving, and that before very long we shall hear the results of the Commander-in-Chief's efforts to catch the Boer commandos in the south-east angle of the Free State. As far as can be ascertained, there are over seven thousand Boers on Tom Tiddler's ground. The majority were at one time round Wepetter, but the attack on that place, if not actually over, has become half-hearted, and probably most of the assailants have now moved on in search of fresh opportunities for their activity, and also probably of food and fodder. The columns which represent the fingers of the hand which Lord Roberts is opening to catch the Boers are represented by the commands of Generals l3rabant, Barton, Rundle, and Chermside. The thumb is pivoted at Bloemfontein. After the south-east angle has been cleared of the Boers, it seems probable that Lord Roberts will open up communication nid Harrismith with the Natal army. Then, if he himself moves to Winbarg, the army of South Africa will stretch in a line from Kimberley to Ladysmith, ready to advance and envelop the Boers at Kroonstad.
