As we write, the military situation may be summed up
as follows. General White, with a force of about twelve thousand men of all arms, is holding a strong camp at Ladysmith. He is confronted by a large force of Boers, who may possibly number some thirty thousand men, but certainly not more. If (as is to be hoped) the Boers make a serious attempt to destroy his army and keep on hurling their commandos against him, the very best thing will have happened for the British. General White should have no difficulty in holding his own, while the Boers will wear themselves out by repeated attempts to storm our positions. The only doubt is whether Ladysmith is the best possible position. If it is not there is no reason why General White should not fall back on Colense, which is an exceptionally favourable place for holding against attack. In any case, there is little real reason for anxiety. If the Boers mass their commandos for a great attack, General White is prepared. If they separate them and try to hem him in he should be able, moving on interior lines, to take them in detail. That is the situation in Natal. In the west it is clear that Mafeking is still gallantly holding its own. Kimberley, again, is well supplied with provisions, and there seems no risk of its being taken.
