The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-12-24
WALES BIDS HIM GOOD BY
HOSPITAL SHIP MAINE SAILS
FOR CAPE TOWN.
LADY RANDOLPH CHURCHILL ON BOARD
The Stars and Stripes, the Queens Ensign,
and the Red Cross Flag All Floated
Above the Ship as She
Sailed.

Sailed.
Roberts, who is to assume command of
the British forces in South Africa, left
Waterloo railroad station today at noon
amidst scenes Of enthusiasm wildly
demonstrating the national interest in
the event and the belief that the de-
parture of the general can be accepted
as guarantee that whatever can be
done in South Africa viii be carried out
by thoroughly competent hands and on
carefully matured lines. Although only
privileged persons were permitted to en-
ter the station, this did not prevent the
gathering of immense throngs at all the
approaches and other points of vantage
who cheered repeatedly as Bob ac-
companied by his wife and two daugh-
minus witnessed such an inspiring send
off. Every appearance of the field mar
shall was the signal for ringing hurrahs,
lusty shouts and good wishes.
Lord Wolseley and others arrived late,
and it required all the efforts of the po-
lice to clear passage for them.
J.
and the Duke of Connaught was re-
ceiyed with cheers.
Then rousing cheers momentarily di
verted 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 tho dis
tinguisiied general engaged in earnest
conversation and furnished a striking
center TO notable group, which in
Guided no less than FIVE field marshals.
The Prince of Wales spoke a few
parting words to the general, of which
the phrases, God bless you Good
luck to you," were caught by those
nearby.
The Prince also said:
Good bye, Bob. a happy Christmas,
a prosperous new year and every posi-
bic luck in your mission"
THE MAINE SAILS.
London, Dee. 23.-The American hos
pital ship Maine sailed from the
West india docks for Cape Town
minus five of the male assist
hospitals. One of these men is said to
missioned officers rank. He succeeded
in enlisting four friends, who a mo-
ment before the ship sailed notified Major
Cabell of their refusal to go, saving one
of their number was i'll and they had
determined to stay. On the deck they
shouted: "We are too good Americans
to leave a sick friend here for anyone"
As the incident occurred at the last
To- Ill Nv haI ss, to
say to a representative of the Associated
Press:
'"I1hese men came at the last moment
to declare that they would leave. making
general complaint of i'll treatment which
am unable to fathom. Some of the
papers called them 'orderles, which they
seem inclined to resent"
The Maine departed under favorable
auspices. The Red Cross flag fioated
from her foremast, the Queens ensign
from her main and the stars and stripes
from her mizzen.
Lady Randolph Churchill was in her
state room, on the main deck. The
nurses wore blue capes and soft felt
hats. and the surgeons were in the new
~ designed semi United States uniforms.
Lady Churchill said:
Il know no better way to spend the
Christmas than on an American hospi-
tai ship bound for South Africa. The
Maine is splendidly equipped and
worthy of her people and mission. | go
with grateful heart to all who have so
munifcently aided the committee. /
hope we may prove worthy of this sa-
cred duty. Wherever the ship goes, l
go''
As the Maine moved into the river,
three cheers We're given for the ship,
then for Lady Churchill and finally for
the United States. Then those on board
gave three cheers for the union jack and
the sailors on the surrounding craft
cheered the United States as the white
hull disappeared iii the thickening fog.
The Maine expects to reach the Cape
in three weeks and will return with her
first consignment of wounded late in
February.
BRITISH FIRE \ FEW SHELLS.
Chieyeley. Sunday. December IT,
Evening THE British army is oc
cupying its original camping ground.
The naval brigade this morning fired
a few shells ut the Boer positions. The |
result is not known. but the firing is
taken TO show that the naval guns are
able to command the Tugela River
bridge
A DEARTH OF NEWS.
London, Dec. 24.4:45 a. m..--Sun-