The general aspects of the military situation require a word
or two. It is very possible that before we write again we may not only have heard of the relief of Kimberley and of Ladysmith, but also of an important forward movement by General Gatacre in the centre of the theatre of war, for a telegram from the Times correspondent who is with Gatacre, dated Queenstown, and published on Friday, warns us that he is off to the front, and that though he may not at present record any further developments, he hopes to be able to report "something important at an early date." Now, if things go so well as this we shall soon see the other side of the shield, and begin to reap the benefits of the daring policy of holding our advanced positions, even at the risk of isolation. We shall have strong forces at three places—at Kimberley, Ladysmith, and at Colesberg (or some other central point)—ready to begin the invasion of the Free State. A simultaneous inva- sion of the enemy's territory by three such columns will soon put a very different complexion on the war. Meantime, it is pleasant to be able to add that Colonel Baden-Powell is still holding his own at Mafeking, and seems likely to be able to do so.
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