Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-19
Refuses Information Regarding Ru-
mors From South Africa.
BULLER'S ADVANCE DISCREDlFED
Volunteers and Yeomanry Respond
to Call to Arms.
METHUEN IN TIGHT PLACE

LONDON, December 19.-Only the most
optimistic gave any credit to the rumors
that Gen. Butler had crossed the Tugela
river, and even they speedily realized that
it was incredible that the war office would
refrain from the immediate publication of
news of such Importance. There is also no
confirmation of the statement that Gen.
Methuen's line of communication has been
cut, though there is probability of such
an event occurring at any moment. Ac-
cording to the latest news from Gen. Me
thuen dated Sunday, December II, the sit
uation appeared to be a complete impasse.
The Beers were gathering reinforcements
and extending their Notifications on both
his TANKS, but it was believed they would
be unable to attack the British position.
On the other hand, it was regarded as i'm
possible for the British to turn the Boer
flank, which was resting on the river to
the east and rapidly approaching the river
to the west. The Boer lines of intrench-
mentS are continuous and capable of rapid
connection at many points.
The war office declines either to confirm
or contradict the report telegraphed by a
correspondent of the Daily Mail that Gen.
Butler has crossed the Tugela river and
that Gen. Methuen's communications have
been cut.
Scant News From the Front.
From elsewhere at the front there is abb
solutely nothing to throw additional light
on the situation. The newspapers are fun
of stories showing the unanimity with
which the volunteers and yeomanry are re-
spending to tho call to arms.
Lord Gresham, commander of the Royal
Buckinghamshire Yeomanry is to command
the force of 5000 yeomanry which he has
been authorized to organize for service in
South Africa. Earl Dudley and other titled
officers will accompany him.
Some of the papers express considerable
misgivings at troops going from India to
South Africa. They think the risks too
great and that it may lead to two CONT
nents being ablaze instead of one.
The most ample recognition is given in
the press to the great outburst of loyalty
OF Canada, and the remarks of Sir Wilfrid
Iaurier, the premier, and the cabinet, as
representative Of both the English and
French sections, are specially welcomed.
Post Office Announcement.
The post office has issued notice to the
effect that owing to the Majestic, Brittanic
and CymEic being taken transports, no
White Star lire steamers will go to New
York December q or January 3. Letters
for the United States and Canada will not
be dispatched December %. Letters posted
next week will be forwarded by a Cunard
line steamer December 80. The midweek
mails will be forwarded by the North Ger
man Lloyd line steamer Trave, January B.
A most impressive memorial service was
held in St Paul's Cathedral this after
noon in memory of the soldiers killed in
South Africa. The lord mayor, Mr. A ].
Newton, and the city officials attended in
their robes of office. The cathedral was
thronged, those present including the Duke
of Cambridge and the Marquis of Lans-
downe, the secretary of state for war.
Second Canadian Contingent.
OTTAWA, Ont, December 19.-The sec
ond Canadian contingent, which the impe-
rial government was notified yesterday
would be dispatched at once, will be made
UP Of some 800 men from the northwest
mounted police, about an equal number
from the permanent corps and the balance
recruited from former mounted policemen,
cowboys and other branches of the militia.
The contingent will comprise about 1000
officers and men, and will sail from Hall
fax. The name of Lieutenant Colonel
Evans, now on his way to Ottawa from the
Yukon is mentioned as likely to go IN
command.