NEWS OF THE WEEK.
WRITING on Friday, we have no events of first-class im- portance to record in regard to the progress of the war. Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking are all still closely in- vested, but, also, they are still holding their own. As far as can be made out, the bombardment of Ladysmith, though it has been practically continuous, has had little effect. The truth is that though a bombardment in a closely built and inflammable town may be a serious matter, it does little harm in a large open position like Ladysmith, where "the distances are mag- nificent" and where fires do not spread. A bursting shell is only terrible at the point where it strikes. But, as a rule, only a very small number of men can be at that point. Besides, after a little experience, men get very skilful in the art of shell dodging.
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