Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-21
ANXIETY FOR GEN. METHUEN
Fears That His Communications Have Been
Cut by Beers
Latter's Position Greatly Strengthen
ed-Recruits for Kruger's Army En-
listing in New York.

LONDON December 21.-The gravity OF
the military situation is again becoming ac-
centuated in the public mind, owing to the
complete absence of news. Nothing mas
been heard from Lord Methuen since Sun
Jav, and it is feared that his communica-
lions have been cut. If this be so his posi-
ton is dangerous.
A correspondent of the Daily News, tele-
graphing from Modder river last Saturday,
says:
The Boer position already formidable
on December IL. has since been greatly
strengthened, extending for an area OF
twelve miles. 1t is intrenched according to
the most modern methods throughout its
entire length: wire fences have been placed
before all the trenches at every point, guns
have been gos into position, and there is
every evidence that the Beers are well sup
piled with ammunition. Only a powerful
attacking force can hope to make a SHE
cessful assault.
The Times. in an article from the pen OF
a military expert laments the dispersion
Napoleon tn favor of concentration and
regrets that Lord Nethuen did not retire
TO Orange river week ago.
British on the Defensive.
The latest dispatches received seem 10
show that the British forces are standing
on the defensive at all points. Gen. Butler
is ordering the troops now arriving at Cape
Town to proceed to Durham to reinforce
the Natal column. Absence Of news from
him has led to a surmise that he is trying
to join Gen White by flank movement.
The Daily News has the following dis
patch from Cape Town, dated Saturday
December 16:
The Beers intend to make a big stand
at Stormberg. and are massing great
tN,r, ,al Ipri- sst IlT,a
commando of 1000 consists chiefly of rebel
Dutch.
Lord Roberts, in an interview on his ar
rival here. said:
The reports which indicate that dis
loyalty exists in the Irish regiments are
absolutely untrue. In the hour of danger
my countrymen have ever been among the
first TO lay down their lives for their queen
and their country, and whether II be
against the Beers or men of any other ma
tionality, the Irish soldier will be found
loyal to his queen and brave in battle. You
cannot deny the reports of Irish disloyaity
too strongly
The appeals for yeomanry and volunteers
are being responded to with the greatest
enthusiasm in all parts of the country.
Lord Wolseiey proposes that the force be-
ing raised by the lord mayor of London be
called the City of London Imperial Volun-
teers- The government expects the total of
yeomanry and volunteers to reach 5000.
Baron Gresham will command, with Lord
Lonsdale as adjutant general.
Criticism of the War Office.
The papers are now generally joining in
free criticism of the government and the
war Office as day by day fresh proofs of
nnpreparedness come to light Special
stress is laid upon the failure to provide
proper transports. which compels the col
uuns TO stick tight to railways, and upon
the inferiority of the British artillery.
The Australian colonies are responding
eagerly to the imperial governments APP
peals for second condngentS.
Ii is reported that the queen will abandon
her proposed visit TO Italy in consequence
of the war.
One of the results of the coal famine in
the Sheffield district. indirectly arising out
OF the war. is that several important steel
firms are not able to get coal, even from
their own collieries a few miles distant.
They will sue the railway companies for
non-deiivery of coal. One of the great ar
NOR plate works has shut down partially.
The Madrid correspondent of the Standard
says: THE Boer governments have re-
Gently intimated to their agents in Europe
their readiness to be moderate in regard to
peace conditions. The chief anxiety of the
burghers is as to the question of receiving
supplies by way of Laurence Marquee"
British After German Recruits.
a dispatch from Berlin says: Despite re-
peated British denials it seems to be a fact
that British agents are busy in many of
the rural districts of Germany hiring vet
Grams for service in South Africa.
Several well-authenticated cases have
been reported this week, but the following
incident seems conclusive: The district
court of Hamburg has just issued an order
for hiring number Of German peasants in