The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-12-24
"God Bless You and Bring You
Safely Back"
THE GENERAL DEEPLY IMPRESSED
Notwithstanding the Great Anxiety
of the Queen She Will Not Allow
Christmas at Windsor To
Be Gloomy.

London December 23.-Field Marshal
Lord Roberts, who is to assume command
of the British forces in South Africa, left
Waterloo station at noon today amid scenes
of enthusiasm vividly demonstrating the
national interest in the event, and the be-
lief that the departure of the general can
be accepted as a guarantee that whatever
can be done in South Africa will be carried
out by thoroughly competent hands ana on
carefully matured lines.
Only privileged persons were permitted to
enter the station. This did not prevent the
gathering of immense thronSs at the ap-
proaches and other points of vantage, who
cheered repeatedly as "Bobs, accompanied
by his wife and two daughters, drove UP.
Seldom has the terminus witnessed such
an inspiring send Off
Every appearance of the field marshal
was the signal for ringing hurrahs, lusty
shouts and good wishes. The moment the
veteran commander arrived he was sur
rounded by military officers and other
friends, and held mi-prvate reception
in the waiting room After personal leave
takings Lord Roberts reached the platform,
where general greeting and parting words
were exchanged Many ladies pressed for
ward to get a last handshake and express
deep sympathy with the distinguished sol
der in his recent bereavement and bid him
God-speed. One woman, with her eyes fill
ed with tears, exclaimed: ''God bless you,
and bring you safely back to us!'
Ihe wish Was Echoed
This visa was echoed and re-ecEoed in
various phraseology by hundreds throng-
ing the vicinity of the train.
As the general Joined his wife and daush-
ter at the door of the saloon carriage ne
was speedily surrounded by distinguished
statesmen and military men, including
Balfour the Marquis of Lansdowu, Fled
Marshal Sir Donal Stewart and Lieutenant
Colonel Darlington.
Lord Wolseley and other arrived late,
and it required all the efforts Of the police
tic clear passage for them.
Scarcely had the ommander-in-chief
Joined Lord Roberts when a great elaeer
announced the approach Of 'Lle Duke of
Cambridge Tie crush was 50 great that
the Duke, in spite of police protection, was
so hustled that more than once ne gave
verbal expression OF resentment at the
rough treatment he had to submit to- and
the police redoubed their efforts, finally
enabling the Duke of Cambridge 90 reach
Lord Roberts, though in the confusion the
police thrust aside many of these who were
best entitled to remain, including Lord
Wolseley VINO, however, took the rough
fandling good-na turedly. The ladies pres
ent suffered much from the crowd, but taeir
piteous appeals were unavai.fng to stem
the crush.
Duke of Connaught's Arrival
Renewed cheering heralded the Duke of
ConnauSnts arrival. Then rousng cheers
momentariy 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 general engaged in earnest
conversation and furnished a striking CEN
ter to an unusual group, which included no
less than five field marslals. Lord Rob
erts. who was in mourning dress, looked
fit for anything. In spite of MS sixty-seven
years, he was the straight soldier, and his
rugged features reflected determination
AT the time the train due to start
the Prince of Wales again shook hands
with Lord Roberts and spoke a few words
to the general, of which the phrases, God
bless you" good luck to you were
caught by those near by
Mr.. Balfour bade Lord Roberts farewell
Amidst the din, enthusiasm and excite
ment, no one heard tine signals for depart
ure, and in consequence the train was
moving while Lord Roberts was sill on
the platform with his back to the carriage
door. The farewells were abruptly termi-
mated, and he was forced to make a some-
what undisnified scramble for his seat. As
the general disappeared in the saloon car
riase final lusty cheer was started and
continued until the train had passed ous of
sight