Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-23
London Bids the English General an
Enthusiastic Adieu.
NOTED PERSONS At THE TRAIN
Several Members Of the Royal
Family Say "God Speed"
GREAT CRUSH AT STATION

LONDON, December 23.-Field Marshal
Lord Roberts, who is to assume command
of the British forces in South Africa, left
Waterloo railroad station at noon today,
amidst scenes Of enthusiasm wildly de-
mOnstrating the national interest in the
event and the belief that the departure of
the general can be accepted guaran-
tee that whatever can he 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 repeatedly as "Bobs ~
accompanied by his wife and two daugh-
tiers. 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 ami
good wishes. The moment the veteran
commander arrived he was surrounded by
military officers and other friends and held
semi-Drivate reception in the waiting
room. After personal leave takings Lord
Roberts reached the platform, where gen
eral greetings and parting words were ex-
changed Many ladies pressed eagerly for
ward to get last handshake, express deep
sympathy with the distinguished soldier in
his recent bereavement and bid him Cod
spead- One woman, with her eyes tilled
with tears. exclaimed:
God bless you and bring you safely back
to us
Good Wishes of Friends.
This wish was echoed and re-echoed in
varying phraseology by hundreds throng-
ing the vicinity of the train.
As the general Joined his wife and daugh-
ters at the door of the saloon carriage he
was speedily surrounded by distinguished
statesmen and military men, including A
]. Balfour, the Marquis Of Lansdowne
Field Marshal Sir Donald Stewart and
Lieut.. Col. Darlington. the queens euu4r-
ry Lord Wolseley and others arrived late
and 1t required all the efforts of the p~ice
10 clear a passage for them.
Scarcely had the commander-in-chief
Joined Lord Roberts when a great cheer
announced the approach of the Duke of
cambridge The crush was so great that
the duke. in spite OF police protection, was
:" hustled that more than once he gave
verbal expression Of resentment ar the
rough treatment he had to submit to. and
the police redOubled their efforts nnaIIv
eild Dlng the Duke Of Cambridge to rea IN
Lord Roberts. though in the confusion the
ponce thrust aside many of those who were
DeSt entitled TO remain. including Lord
NoiSeiey. who, however, took the rough
handling of the police good humoredIy
The ladies present suffered much from the
crowds, but their piteous appeals were nm
aValllng to stem the crush
Duke of COunaught Cheered
Renewed cheering neralded the Duke ~
COnnaughts arrival Then rousinS cheers
momentarily diverted attention from the
hero as the Prince Of Wales appeared urd
greeted Lord Roberts in the most cordial
manner The prince and the distinguished
general engaged in earnest conversation
and furnished striking center to a nota-
bic group. which included no less tran five
held marshals. Lord Roberts, who was in
mourning dress. looked fit for anything. In
spite or his sfxty-seven years, he vas
straight and sOldierly and his rugged fea
lures reflected determination
Al the, time the train was due To starr
the Prince of Wales again shook hands
with Lord Roberts and spoke few words
70 the general. of which the phrases "G,.J
bless you, Good luck to YOU" were
caught by those near by.
Mr. Balfour bade Lord Roberts a similar
farewell Amid the din, enthusiasm and
excitement TO one heard the signals for
departure. and in consequence the train
was moving while Lord Roberts was still
on the platform, with his back TO the car
rage door. The farewells We're ahrunfIy
ternlna ted, and he was forced to MALI a
somewhat undignified scramble for bis
seat. As the general disappeared in tho
saloon carriage a final. lusty cheer vaS
started and continued until the train nassa5
out of sight. N''''eu