The morning news., 1899-12-21
FEAR IS FELT FOR METHUEN.
CHANCES THAT HIS COAEMUNICA-
TION IS DESTROYED,

Been treaty strength thened-Brit-
ish Seem to BE ON the Defensive at
All POints-VOIunteers Are Re-
spending Rapidly to the CaII-LOra
Roberts in London-FeeIs Sure of
Success.
London Dec. 81, 4:45 a. m.-The gravity
OF the military situation is again becom-
ing accentuated in the public mind, owing
TO the complete absence of news.
Nothing has been heard from Lord Me-
thuen since Sunday, and it is feared that
his lines of communication have been cut.
If this be So his position is dangerous.
A correspondent of the Daily News, tele-
graphing from Modder river last Satur-
day, says:
The Boer position, already formidable
on Dec. IL, has since been greatly
strengthened, extending for an area of
twelve miles. 1t is eutrenched according
to the most modern methods throughout
its entire length; wire fences have been
placed before all the trenches at every
point; guns have been got into 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 assault"
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 of concentration and
regrets that Lord Methuen did not retire
to the Orange river a week ago.
The latest dispatches received seem to
show that the British forces are stand
ing on the defensive at all points.
Gen. Butler is ordering the troops
now arriving at Cape Town to
proceed to Durham to reinforce
the Natal column. Absence of news
from him has led to a surmise that
he is trying to join Gen. White by flank
movement.
Response of Volunteers.
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 Lard Mayor of Lon,
don be called Imperial Volunteers" The
government expects the total of yeomanry
and volunteers to reach 5000 Baron Ches-
ham will command, with Lord LonsdaIe as
adjutant general.
The papers are now generally joining in
free criticism of the government and the
war office, as day by day fresh proofs of
Unpreparedness come to light Special
stress IS laid upon the failure to provide
transportation, which compels the col
umns 20 stick tight to railways and upon
the interiority of the British artillery.
Inc Australian colonies are responding
eagerly TO the imperial governments ap-
peal for second contingents.
IL Is reported that the Queen will aban-
don her proposed visit to Italy, In conse-
quence of the war.
one of the results of the coal famine
Fhn G1,-Fe IL
out OF the war, is that several important
steel firms are not able to get coal, even
from their own collieries few miles dis
tant. They will sue the railway compa-
mes for non-delivery of COAL One of the
great armor plate works has shut down
partially.
Lord Roberts in London.
London Dec. 20.-Gen. Lord Roberts.
who is to have full command of the Brit
lsh troops i'm South Africa, accompanied
, by Lady Roberts and their two daughters,
arrived in London this morning, having
travelled from Dublin with Mr.. Chamber
lain.
Their departure from Dublin was mark
ed by cheering crowds, but the General
MADE quiet entry into London.
After going to a private hotel he spent
uncut an hour at the war Office in con-
sultation with the Marquis of Lands
uowne the Secretary of State for War.
men Gen. Roberts returned to the task
OF packing his effects and Interviewing
me officers selected for his staff.
"hen Little Bobs," the beloved Tom
my Atkins, received representative of
tne Associated Press, he was dressed IN
.Ie deepest black, in vivid contrast with
lIs snow white hair and mustache. His
u0pper little figure was straight as ever
Dut the eyes that have so often scanned
1II'ish victory were slightly dimmed by
the great personal sorrow that has be-
.auen MIN. But in spite of this and the
multitude of details that claimed his at
unuon, Gen. Lord Roberts willingly as
1Tsnted to send through the Associated
Iress parting message to the American
people, and gave the following statement:
Confidence in His Men.
circumstances naturally forbid my
speaklng about the campaign ahead of me-
,.Acept TO say that nave entire confidence
IN Inc British soldier, and that 1 believe
ne traditions of our army will be upheld
III South Africa
for the friendly interest and sympathy
SA"lolted by many Americans I am most
oeei4y grateful. 1 feel sure the justice OF
our cause merits this. Though we be at
var can safely say that no unnecessary
LIS Ishness and no acts of inhumanty W Il
mar the fair name of this branch of the
Ang.o-Saxon race.
Inc reports which indicate that dis
Dyaily exists in the Irish regiments are
a. SO uteiy untrue. In the hour of danger |
IuS eountrymen have ever Teen among the
@ .Is' 10 lay down their lives for their queen
ono their country and, whether il be
..s1lnst the Beers or men of any other ma
'IHahty the Irish soldier will he found |
"49i to his Queen and brave 10 battle "
ne representative learned that Gen. |
crIs entertains a great friendship for !
81 kitchener though they have never |
S,Ved together, and that comblnai-n of |
tS,.neia!ship creates the greatest salisfac- |
uQn in rnflifaru ciro1os