The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-21
THE SITUATION
IS VERY GRAVE
Continued From First Page.

chiefly of rebel Dutch
LONDON, Dec. 20.-General Lord ROD
erts. who Is 10 have fui. command OF the
British troops in South Africa, accompa-
MED by Lady Roberts and their TWO
daughters. arrived in London this morn
ing. having travelled from Dublin with
Mr. Chamberlain.
Their departure from Dublin was markeo
by cheering crowds. but the Generai
made quiet entry into London.
After going TO a private hotei ne speh'
about an hour at the War ONCE in con-
sultation with the Marquis OF Lands
down, the Secretary OF STATE Tor war
Then General Roberts returned 10 Inc
task OF packing his effects and interview
ing the officers selected for his stan.
When Little Bobs, the beloved oil
Tommy Atkins" received representa-
tive of the Associated Press, ne was
dressed I'm the deepest black, In viva
contrast with his snow-white har ana
moustache. His dapper little figure was
as straight as ever, but the eyes
that have so often scanned British Vie
tory were slightly dmmed By the great
personal sorrow that has befallen MIN.
But IN spite Of this and the multitude oil
details that claimed his attention, General
Roberts willingly assented TO send through
10 the Associated Press parting message
10 the American people, and gave the iol-
lowing statement:
CONFIDENCE IN TOMMY.
circumstances naturally forbid my
speaking about tine campaign ahead OF me-
except to say that / have entire con-
ddence in the British soldier, and thai
believe the traditions Of our army VIII
be upheld In South Africa.
FOR the friendly interest and sympathy
exhibited by many Americans, | am most
deeply grateful. J feel sure the justice OF
our cause merits this. Though we may
be at war. / can safely say that no I'M
necessary harshness and no acts OF IN
humanity will mar the fair name Of TINS
branch OF the Anglo-Saxon race.
"The reports which indicate that disloy-
atty exists in the Irish Regiments are alb
solutely untrue. I'm the hour Of danger
my countrymen have ever been among
the first to lay down their lives for their
Queen and the country. and. whether 1t be
against the Beers or men of any other
nationality. the Irish soldier will be found
loyal TO his Queen and brave in battle
The representative learned that General
Roberts cntertains a great friendship Tor
General Kitchener. though they have
never served together. and that combina-
ton Of generaship creates the greatest
satisfaction In military circles.
ANTI-BRITIsH ORGANIZATION.
LONDON. Dec "a Cape Town dis
patch, dated Saturday, December 10th,
says:
Five hundred colonists OF the Victoria
West District have perfected an appar-
emily anti-Brltish organization there and.
as individuals. have openly expressed dis
loyalty and have threatened to attack the
railroad station, which is on the direct
line between Cape Town and De Aar.
The Afrikander Bundles. at a meeting
there. passed a resolution asserting that
the troops in the vicinity irrtate the
farmers dangerously. The meeting pro-
claimed its loyalty. but declared that
the conduct OF the troops forced The peo-
pie to use expressions and commit acts
which were capable of being interpreted
as disloyal.'
ENLISTMENT ENTHUSIASTIC.
The appeals for Yeomanry and volun-
teers are being responded TO with the
greatest enthusiasm i'm all parts of the
country. Lord Wolsley proposes that the
force being raised 10y the Lord Mayor of
London be called the CITY Of London
Imperial Volunteers
The government expects the total Of
Yeomanry and volunteers to reach 5000
Baron Gresham will command with Lord
Lonsdale as Acknowledgement.
The papers are now generally joining In
free criticism OF the government and the
War Office as day BY day fresh proofs OF
unprepa redness come to light Special
stress Is laid upon the failure TO provide
proper transports. which compels the
columns to ST ok tight 10 railways and
unon the inferlority Of the British artil-
lery.
The Australian colonies are responding
eagerly TO the Imperial Governments ap-
peals for second cOntingents.
1t is reported that the Queen will aban-
don her proposed visit To Italy in c0nse-
quence Of the war.
one of the results Of the coal famine
I'm the Sheffield district. indirectly arising
out OF the war. l. that several important
steel firms are not able To get coal even
from their own cOllieries ~ few miles dis
tant They will sue the railroad COM
panies for non-delivery OF COAX
one OF the great armor-plate works has
shut down partially.
LONDON, Dec @.-Revised lists Of the
British casualties az the battle OF Colens0
show that i37 non-cOmmissiOned officers
and men were killed.
iONlJ Dec. -'--ll sun uOuDl-
ful whether the guns that General Butler
abandoned al ColensO are in the posses
sion Of the Beers. According 10 a des-
patch to the Associated Press from Dur
ban. sent of on the evening Of the battle
and which has Just been received here,
ths guns remained where they were left
by the British troops and were covered
by the heavy guns of General HIldyard's
brigade occupying the intrenched posi-
lion.
The despatch adds that rhe Beers have
thus far not attempted to cross the river
and carry Off the guns while advices TO
the Associated Press. from Pretoria, I'M
der the same date, say that an Official
Boer despatch reports that two guns.
thirteen wagons and a quantity OF am
munition were captured. besides zoe pris-
oners.
LONDON. Dee GA special dispatch
from Durham, Natal. dated Saturday.
Dee. 18th. SAYS It is rumored that General
Butler called for volunteers 10 recover the
abandoned guns ana that party issued
| from the camp after midnight and
brought in the guns which were unin-