The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-12-23
ENCLAND'S HERO
General Roberts Leaves
London for South
Africa.
INTENSE ENTHUSIASM
Even the Prince Of Wales
Hustled BY the Crowd at
Waterloo Station.
lBy Cable to The Associated Press ]


by Cable to The Associated Press.1
LONDON, Dec q. 1s99.-Fdeld Marshal |
Lord Roberts, who is to assume command |
of the British forces in South Africa left /
Waterloo Railroad station at noon today, |
amidst scenes OF enthusiasm vividly DEM
onstrating the national Interest in the
event and the belief that the departure OF
the General can be accepted as a guaranr
tee that whatever can be done in South
Africa viii be carried out by thoroughly
competent hands and on carefully matur
ed 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 cheered repeated
" as "Bobs,' accompanied by his wife
and two daughters. drove up. Seldom has
the terminus witnessed such an inspiring
send off. Every appearance OF the Field
Marshal was the signal for ringing hur-
rahs. lusty shouts and good wishes. The
moment the veteran commander arrived
! he was surrounded by military officers and
other friends and held a sesni-private re-
ception in the waiting room After per-
sonaI leave takings, Lord Roberts reach
| ed the platform, where general greetings
and parting words were exchanged. Many
| ladies pressed eagerly forward to get
| last handshake, express deep sympathy
with the distinguished soldier in his re-
| cent bereavement and bid MIN Godspeeo-
One woman. with her eyes filed with
tears, exclaimed:
..God bless you, and bring you safeiy
| back to u.s."
This wish was echoed and re-echoed IN
| varying phraseology by hundreds tnrong-
ing the vicinity of the train.
AS the General joined his wife ana
! daughters at the door of the saloon-car-
/ riage he was speedily surrounded by dls-
| tinguished statesmen and military men,
| including Mr. A. J. Balfour. the Marquis
of Lansdowne, Field Marshal Sir Donald
/ Stewart and Lieutenant Colonel Caring
| ton, the Queens Equerry. Lord Wolseiey
and others arrived late. and it required
| all the efforts of the police to clear a
| passage for them. Scarcely had the COM
/ nlander-in- Chief Joined Lord Roberts
| when a great cheer announced the ap-
proach of the Duke of Cambridge. me
! crush was so great that the Duke, m
| spite of police protection, was SO hustieo
I that. more than once, he gave VefpaA
! expression Of resentment at the rougn
treatment he had to submit to, ana tne
noliee resoubled their efforts, finally en-
abling the Duke of Cambridge 70 reaeh
Lord Roberts, though in the confusion the
/ noliee thrust aside many or those VINO
| were best entitled TO remain, including
Lord Wolseley, who, however. TOOK the
| rough handling of the police good-humor-
edlv. The ladies present suffered mucn
from the crowds but their piteous appeais
| were unavailing to stem the crush
/ Renewed cheering heralded the Duke OF
jfsonna,1gft's arrival. Then rousing cheers
name arily diverted attention from the
4 hero of the hour as the Prince OF W Naies
appeared and greeted Lord Roberts IN the
rnost cordial manner The Prince and the
distinguished General engaged in earnest
conversation and furnished striking
centre to a notable group. which included
no les than five Field Marchaiss LORD
| Roberts. who was in morning dress, look
ed fit for anything. In spite Of his 81
Years. he was traight and soldieriy and
his rugge features reflected determine
ton.
At IN etiue the train was due to start
the Prince of Wales again shook hands
with Lord Roberts and spoke few words
| to the General, OF which phrases. God
| bless YOU Good luck to you," were
caught by those nearby.
Mr.. Balfour bid General Roberts q SINH
lar farewell.
| Amidst the din, enthusiasm and excite
meat no one heard the signals for de-
parture, and, In consequences, the tram
/ was moving while Lord Roberts was still
on the platform with his back TO the car
riage door. hTe farewelis were abruptly
Terminated ard he was forced to make q
somewhat undignihed scramble for his
seat AS the General disappeared in the
saloon carriage final lusty cheer was
started and continued until the train
/ passed out of sight.
The American hospital ship Maine sailed
from the West India docks for Cape Town
at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon, minus five
/ Of the male assistants supplied from the
New York hospitals One of these men
is said to have expected promotion to
ncn-commissioned officers rank. He sue
| ceeded in enlisting four friends who. a
moment before the ship sailed notified
Major Cabelle of their refusal to go, say
ing one of their number was Ill and they
had determined to stay. Major Cabelle
/ informed them that their friend had been
| left in god hands and that there was no
reason desert. The men. however. made
other complaints, whereupon Major Ca
belle informed them that they had had
plenty Of time to consider this beforehand
but If they refused to go they must sign
| off the rolls and leave the ship. This the
men did, and, standing on the deck, they
shouted:-ssWe are too good Americans to
leave sick friend here for anyone
AS the incident occurred at the last mo-