The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-12-23
Immense Throng Witnessed
Departure From London.
pr|nce OF Wales and Other Members Of
the Royal Family Present--De|-
casse Story is Denied.

London, Dec. 23.-Field Marshal Lord
Roberts, who is 10 assume command os
the british forces in South Africa, left
Waterloo railroad station at noon to-
DAY amid scenes OF enthusiasm vividly
demonstrating the national interest in
the event. and the belief that the de-
psrture or the general can be accepted
as "a guarantee that whatever can be
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 checred repeatedly as
"Bobs," accompanied by his wife and
and daughters at the door of he saloon
the terminus witnessed such an inspir-
ing send-off. Every step OF the field
marshal was the signal for ringing
hurrahs, lusty shouts and good wishes.
The moment the veteran commander
arrived he was surrounded by military
officers and other friends and held a
semi-private reception in the waiting
room.
GOOD WISHES EXPRESSED.
After personal leave takings, Lord
Roberts reached the platform, where
general greetings and parting words
were exchanged Many ladies pressed
eagerly forward to get a last hand
shake, express deep sympathy with the
DISTINGUISHED soldier in his recent be-
reavement and bid him God speed. One
woman with her eyes filled with tears
exclaimed: God bless you and bring
you safely back to us" Her wish was
echoed in varying phraseology by hum
dreds thronging the vicinity OF the
train. AS the general Joined his wife
and daughters at the dor Of the saloon
carriage he was speedily surrounded by
distinguished statesmen and military
men, including Mr.. A. j. Balfour the
Marquis OF Lansdowne, Field Marshal
Sir Donald Stewart and Lieut.. Col.
Darlington, the queens equerry, Lord
Wolseley and others arrived late and
il required all the efforts OF the ponce
to clear a passage for them.
DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE JoSTLED.
Scarcely had the commander-in-chief
ioined Lord Roberts when great
cheer announced the approach or the
Duke of Cambridge. The crush was so
great that the duke in spite of police
protection was so hustled that more
than once. he gave verbal expression
of resentment al the rough treatment
he had to submit to, and the police re-
doubled their efforts. finally enabling
the Duke of Cambridge To reach LORD /
Roberts. though i'm the confusion the /
nolIce thrust aside many OF those VINO /
were best entitled to remain. the Ia !
dies present suffered much from the |
crowds. but their appeals were unavail-
ing 10 stem the crush.
Renewed cheering heralded the Duke
NJ Connaught's arrival. Then rousing i
cheers rnomentarily diverted attention
from the hero Of the hour as the Prince
~ Wales appeared and greeted Lord
Roberts in the most cordial manner.
The prince and the distinguished <an-
oral engaged i'm earnest conversation /
and furnished a striking centre 10
notable group which included no less
han five field marshals. Lord Roberts,
yho was i'm morning dress, looked 1T
or anything. In spite OF his 81 years
10 was straight and soldlerly and his
ugged features reflected determina-
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