The record-union., 1899-12-24
Nothing Has Been Received From the Seat
Of Hostilities in Natal.
Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Who
is to Assume Command Of the
British Forces in South Africa,
Sails From Southampton on the
Steamship Dunottar Castle.

yond the statement that a Telegraph
message from Ladysmith reports "all
we'll to Friday afternoon, with no fight
| ing except outpost skirmishes, abso-
| lutely no news has been received from
the seat of war during the night. The
War Office officers at midnight said
they had not received any war dis.
patches.
| From continental Dutch source.
however comes the incredible rumor
that British army corps has disem-
barked at Lourenzo Marques and is
marching towards the Transval from
tier.
Field Marshal Lord Roberts, who is
to assume command Of the British
forces in South Africa, left Waterloo
Railroad Station at noon yesterday
amidst scenes of enthusiasm wildly
demonstrating the national interest in
the event and the guarantee that what
ever can be done in South Africa will
be carried out by thoroughly competent
hands and on carefully matured lines
Although only privileged persons were
permitted to enter the station, this did
not prevent the gathering of immense
throngs at all the approaches and other
points of vantage, who cheered repeat
eddy as "Bobs," accompanied by his
wife and two daughters, drove up.
Seldom has the terminus witnessed such
an inspiring send-off. Every appear
ance of the Field Marshal was the sig
nal for ringing hurrahs, lusty shouts
and good wishes. The moment the vet
eran commander arrived he was sur
rounded by military officers and other
friends, and held a semi-private recep-
ton in the waiting room. After per-
sonal leave-taking Lord Roberts reach
ed the platform, where general greet
ings and parting words We're exchang-
ed Many ladies pressed eagerly for
ward to get a last handshake, express
deep sympathy with the distinguished
soldier in his recenls bereavement and
bid him godspeed. One woman with
her eyes filled with tears exclaimed:
God bless you and bring you safely
back to u.s. This wish was echoed and
re-echoed in varying phraseology by
hundreds thronging the vicinity of the
train.
AS the General joined his wife and
daughters at the door of the saloon
carriage. he was speedily surrounded
by distinguished statesmen and mill
tary men, including A J. Balfour, the
Marquis of Landsdowne, Field Marshal
/ Sir Donald Stewart and Lieutenant
Colonel Darlington, the Queens equer-
ry Lord Wolseley and others arrived
late. and it required all the efforts
of the police to clear a. passage for
| them.
1,o n q
Joined Lord Roberts when great cheer
announced the approach of the Duke OF
! Cambridge. The crush was so great
that the Duke, in spite of police protec-
ton. was so hustled that more than
once he gave verbal expression of re-
sentiment at the rough treatment he
had to submit to, and the police re-
doubled their efforts, finally enabling
the Duke of Cambridge to reach Lord
! Roberts. though in the confusion the
police thrust aside many of those who
were best entitled to remain, including
Wolseley, who, however, took the rough
handling of the police good humoredly.
The ladies present suffered much from
the crowd but their piteous appeals
were unavailing to stem the crush
| Renewed cheering heralded the Duke
/ of Connaught's arrival. Then rousing
! cheers momentarily diverted attention
| from the hero of the hour as the Prince
of Wales appeared and greeted Lord
! Roberts in the most cordial manner.
The Prince and the distinguished Cen
eral engaged in earnest conversation,
and furnished striking center to
notable group, which included no less
than five field marshals.
Lord Roberts, who was in mourning
dress, looked fit for anything. In spite
of his 81 years, he was straight and
soldierly, and his rugged features re-
| fected determination
At the time the train was due to
start the Prince of Wales again shook
hands with Lord Roberts, and spoke a
/ few words to the General, of which
phraseology the phrases God bless
YOU" good luck to you,' were caught
4 by those near by.
The Prince also said: "Good-by, Bob,
a happy Christmas, a prosperous New
Year and every possible luck in your
| job"
Mr.. Balfour bade Lord Roberts SIM
| liar farewell Amidst the din, enthu-
siasm and excitement no one heard the
| signals for departure and in conse-
uuence the train was moving while
Lord Roberts was still on the platform,
with his back to the carriage door. The
farewells were abruptly terminated,
and he was forced to make some
| what undignified scramble for his seat.
AS the General disappeared in the salon
carriage final lusty cheer was started,
and continued until the train passed out
of sight
The exceeding grave view taken in
some quarters of the present crisis is
evidenced by circular signed by At
torney General Webster, Solicitor Cen
eral F'indley and General Sir Evelyn
Wood, Adjutant General to the forces,
to the effect that the position of public
affairs is so critical that a greater part
of the regular forces will be required
abroad, and it becomes imperative for
the purpose of home defense that the
home volunteers should be augmented
and urging that every member of the
legal profession not debarred by age or
paramount duty. enroll himself as an