The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-21

LONDON, Dec. p, 4:45 a. m. = The
gravity of the military situation is
again becoming accumulated in the
public mind, owing to the complete ABB
sence of news. Nothing has been heard
from Lord Methuen since Sunday, and
it is feared that his communications
have been cut. If this be so, his posi-
ton is dangerous.
A correspondent of the Daily News
telegraphing from Modder River last
Saturday, says: THE Boer position, al
ready formidable on December 18th,
has since been greatly strengthened.
extending for an area of twelve miles,
1t is entrenched according to the most
modern methods throughout it's entire
length; wire fences have been placed
before all the trenches at every point;
guns have been put in position, and
there is every evidence that the Beers
are well supplied with ammunition
Only a powerful attacking force can
hope to make a successful attack"
The Times" in an article from the
pen of a military expert, laments the
dispersion of the British forces, quotes
the maxim of Napoleon in favor or
concentration, and regrets that Lord
Methuen did not retire to Orange River
week ago.
The latest dispatches received seem
to show that the British forces are
standing on the defensive at all points.
General Butler is ordering the troops
now arriving at Cape Town to proceed
to Durham to reinforce the Natal col
umn. Absence of news from him has
led to a surmise that he is trying to-
ioiy White nv q flank mOVe-
ment.
The appeals for yeomanry and volun-
teers are being responded to with the
greatest enthusiasm IN all parts OF the
country. Lord Wolseley proposes that
the force being raised by the Lord
Mayor of London be called ''The City
of London Imperial Volunteers" The
Government expects the total of yeo-
many and volunteers to reach 5000.
Baron Chesham will command. with
Lord Lonsdale as Adjutant General.
The newspapers are now generally
joining in free criticism OF the Govern
ment and the War Office, as day by
day fresh proofs of unpreparedness
come to light Special stress is laid
upon the failure to provide proper
transports. which compels the columns
to stick tight to railroads, and upon
the inferiority of the British artillery.
The Australian colonies are respond
ing eagerly to the Imperial Govern
ment's appeals for second contingents.
It is reported that the Queen Will
abandon her proposed visit to Italy, In
consequence Of the war.
One of the results of the coal FAM
inc in the Sheffield district indirectly
arising out of the war is the that sew
eral important steel firms are not able
to get coal even from their own collier
les a few miles distant They will
sue the railway companies for monde
livery of coal One of the big armov
plate works has shut down partially.
General Lord Roberts, who is to have
full command of British troops in South
Africa. accompanied by Lady Roberts
and their two daughters, arrived In
London this morning, having travelled
from Dublin with Mr.. Chamberlain
Their departure from Dublin was
marked by cheering crowds, but the,
General made quiet entry into Lon
don. After going to a private hotel he
spent about an hour at the War Office
/ in consultation with the Marquis on
Lansdowne, the Secretary of State for
War. Then General Roberts returned
to the task of packing his effects and
interviewing the officers selected for
his staff
The Madrid correspondent of the
STANDARD" says: THE Boer Govern