The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-24

Has a Vision OF 10000 Frenchmen
Raiding London-NO Mediation.

Rafdfng LOndOn-NO Mediation
Copyright 1892 by the Associated Press.1
LONDON. Dec. 23.-Not for many years
past has Great Britain faced such q situa-
ton as confronts her now. Yet to meet IT
there has arisen a new Britain, which, by
Its vfrility and pluck EFFORTS admiration
even from her bitterest continental ene-
mics. Since the hoastfulnsss has disap-
peared from the British press the COM
ments of tie foreign papers. at least such
as are prinse1 here, arc couc,lei in tones
far more far AMI friendly than when il
was believsl 4 speedy victory awaited
General Butler. AS repeatedly asserted.
there Is no likelihood OF European inter-
ence, yet w. L. stead, in the Iraily Ihrun-
icle, to-day has very alarming column.
In which he has visions Of Superior
jameson rail-, bv 6C.9.0 Frenclpnvn, en-
London, in the absence cf the channel
fleet. He points out how easily. In his
opinion. this might be accomplished, and
says: ITO rely, as some appear to do, upon
tie addition of nuicber of raw recruits,
under the cxcit ,menr and stimulus OF the
present war Fever and to rely on a broken
reed. Woolwich Arsenal might be in flames
and the French tri-color flying over West
minister Palace before the first of the new
recruits would have learned to handle a
gun"
Though Great Britain's plight in South
Africa seems temporarily critical, the AS
ISOLATED Press learns that the Beers are
straining every nerve to secure the me-
diation Of President Mckinley toward a
favorable peace. But any one with the
slightest knowledge of British feeling
quickly appreciates that not one person in
a million contemplates any result but an
ultimate British triumph and all sections
unite in saying this must be secured, no
matter what the cost. Hence the Boer
agents themselves have only slight hopes
that mediation would be accepted, though
If President Mckinley could be
persuaded to proffer it, Lord Salisbury,
though. perhaps. bound to refuse, would
lose humanitarian sympathy in the United
States and thus divert to the Beers much
sentiment.
The Associated Press is informed, from
excellent sources. that no offer of media
ton would be accepted by Lord Salisbury
in any shape or form. The popular concep-
ton Of peace is that it must come through
the idol of the army, General Roberts. and
his no less adored chief OF staff, General
Kitchener. The country is prepared to
wait indefinitely for that eventuality. The
fall of Kimberley, Ladysmith and Mafe-
king would not make a particle of differ
ence. for this stoical resolve is thoroughly
lmbedded in the hearts of the people who,
for the first time in the memory of this
generation, have drunk deeply of the cup
Of miIiIary defeat and disgrace. Any other
defeats that the future holds for the Brit
Ish, except entire humiliation, are antici-
pated by the scathing criticism which the
nation has inflicted upon itself. Estimates
Of the duration OF hostilities vary from
three months to year.
The lack Of news this week has. by no
means, been taken as an instance of the
adage regarding no news. A very general
impression prevails that Kimberley will
succumb. An officer of the British South
Africa Company, who has an intimate
knowledge Of South Africa, tells the AS
sociated Press he believes that if the Beers
capture Cecil Rhoues they will shoot him.
Nowhere more than on the Stock Ex-
change has the lack OF information caused
extreme nervousness. 1t is realized that/
+ kimberley falls De Beers mines shares
md interests will shrivel to nothing, while
he Chartered Company's vast issues will
ose what little bottom they have left
1t is learned by the Associated Press
hat the great financial houses in London
iave combined and furnished sufficient
money to insure no large failures on sett-
ing day. Dec. g. though the small fry
nay suffer. Unless this action has been
he first Importance. but Of large proper
ions. would. 1t is said, have to go under. |
This concerted precaution has, to some ex-
ent restored confidence. but the market is |
till panicky, many people believing that |
he most serious crisis has not yet been |
cached.