Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-24
(By Telegraph to virglnian. Pilot.)

(By Telegraph to Virgnan- Piot.)
London. Dec. 2S.-1'icld Marshal Lord
Roberts, who Is TO assume command OF
the British forces in South Area, left
Waterloo railroad station to-day at noon
amidst scenes of enthusiasm, wildly dem
onstrating The national interest In the
event. aud the belief that the departure
Of the general can he accepted as a
guarantee that whatever can be done in
South Africa will he carried out by
thoroughly competent hands and on care
fully matured lines. Although only privi-
legged persons were permitted TO enter the
station. this did not prevent the gather
Ing OF immense thronss at an the ap-
who chcercd rcpcatly as Bobs." accom-
panied by HIS wife and two daughters,
drove up. Seldom has the terminus wit
messed such an inspiring send off Every
appearances of the field marshal was The
signal for ringing hurrahs. lusty shouts
Lord Wolseley and others arrived late
and ii required I'LL the efforts OF the police
to clear Il passage for them.
The arr.vul of the Duke Of Cambridge
and tho Duke OF Connaught were re-
ceivcd with cheers.
ENGLAND'S NEXT KING.
Then rousinE cheers momentarily di-
verified attention from the hero OF the
and greeted Lord Roberts In the most
cordial manner. The Prince and the dis
tinguished general engaged in earnest
ter to notable group, which included
no less than five field marsllals. Lord
Roberts, who was, In mourning dress.
looked tit for thing. In spite OF his
81 years he WAS stra!ght and soldicrly
and his rugged features reflected deter
mination Ne-
The Prince OF Wales spoke u few plrt-
Ing words to the general. Of which the
phrases, God bless you Good luck to
YOU were caught by those nearby.
The Prince also said:
Goodbye. Bobs; Il happy Christmas,
a prosperous New Year and every posi-
bio luck in your mission"
TIE MAINE SAILS.
Tho American hospital ship Maine sailed
from the West India docks for Cape
Town at 2:ao o'clock this afternoon. minus
tho New York hospital.
One, of these men is said TO have cx-
peeted promotion to commissioned
four friends, who. a moment before the
ship sailed. notified Major Gabcll OF their
refusal to go, saying one Of their num-
her was i'll and they had determined to
stay. On the dock they shouted:
we are too good Americans to leave
sick friend here for any one
AS the incident occurred at the last
moment Major Cabelic only had time to
say to representative OF The Associa ted
Press: "rhesc men came ut The last
moment TO declare that they would leave
making general complaint of i'll treat
mcnt which am unable 10 fathom. Some
OF the papers called them 'ordcrlies' which
they seem inclined TO resent"
The Maine departed under favorable,
SSnsnices. The Red Cross Nag ionted
from her foremost. the Queens ensign
from her main and the Stars and Stripe;
from her mzzen.
LADY CHURCHILL GOES.
Lady Randolph Churchill was in her
stateroom. on the main deck. The nurses
IN p1nG M s-Ntt fgtk -
the surgeons were IN the newly designed
semi-united States uniforms.
Lady Churchill said:
~ know no better way 10 spend The
Christmas than on an American hospital
ship bound for South Africa. The Maine
is splendidiy equipped and worthy Of her
heart 10 all who have so mNnificenjiy
aided the. committee. hope we may
prove worthy of this sacred DUTY Wherc-
ever the ship goes co.
SPEEDIID BY CHEERS.
As the Maine moved into the river
three cheers were given for the Shin then
for Lady Churchill, and finally for the
three cheers for tho Union Jack. and the
s;.iicrs on The surrounding craft eheered
appeared in the thickenina fog.
The Maine expects to reach the Cane
IN three weeks and will return with her
hrst consignment OF wounded late IN Feb
ruary.
ALL w
London, Dec. 24-i:45 a. m.-Beyond
the statement that photographic
message from Ladysmith reports .'Al
Welr' TO Friday afternoon, with no
1ightinS except outpost skirmishes, alb
solutely no news has been received
from the seat OF war during the night.
The War Office officials at midnight
SAID they had not received any war dis
patches.
From a Continental Dutch source
however, comes the Incredible rumor
that British army corps has disem-
parked at I.ourenzo Marques and is
marching toward the Transvaal from
ter.
THE CAMP AT CHIEvELEY.
Chieveley. Sunday evening. Dec. IL
The British army is occupying its orig
inal camping ground
The naval brigade this morning fired
few shells at the Boer positions. The
result is not known but the firing is
taken to show that the naval guns are
able 10 command the Tugeia river
bridge
THE QUEENS CHRISTMAS.
London. Dec. 2S.-The War Office has
issued a list OF minor casualties, re-
ceived at Pietermaritzburg. by hello
graph. Wednesday, December 90. show
ing that L.adysmith was stiIl holding
out on Wednesday last.
In spite of the deep anxiety Of the
Queen regarding events in South