New-York tribune., 1899-12-17
GLOOM OVER ALL CLASSES.
SOCIAL FESTIVITIES IN LONDON FEW AND
FAR BETWEEN.


London, Dec. 16--The social festivities which
usually mark this season Of the year in London
have never heen so few and far between, and
they are quite unable to dispel the gloom over
hanging all classes. The brave show kept up
by the majority Of the organs vocing public
opinion is merely an instance Of the grit Of the
British race. But 1t is powerless to allay the
feeling Of bitter grief and disappointment that
pervades the length and breadth OF the land.
Nor is this confined to the regrets. for the pent-
up criticism of the military authorities is finding
vent In quarters that heretofore have studously
avoided as premature any structures on either
the War Office or the generals in the field. I'm
less some striking change for the better soon
marks the course OF the British arms, there
bids fair to break over the head Of the Govern
ment a storm of indignation such has not
been seen since the Crimea. That such a move
ment is not without cause is evidenced by in
formation cleaned by a representative OF The
Associated Press that the authorities have al
ready decided that a reorganization of the War
Office is absolutely necessary, and that IT will
not be delayed a day longer than can be
helped, though it can scarcely be done until
hostilities cease
The St James's Gazette this week, COM
menting on the Canadian contingent. says:
ing and colonial campaigning experience have
not been lost them. and they are now get
ting their reward in being pushed to the front.
We should like to see a little more notice Of
this taken in the London press The colonsts
are intensely loyal, but they are a little SEN
sitive, and appreciatve notice of the work they
are doing would be good Imperial cement.
General Montgomery Moore. formerly in com
mand in Canada, has been selected to succeed
General Kelly Kenny at Aldershot, where the
LAT has haep IN rba of
While General Buffers reverse was an unex-
pected blow to the public that had pinned its
faith to him, 1t would appear that the original
plan Of campaign if adhered to, would have
given better results. for the besieged towns have
shown themselves quite capable OF holding out
AS II is now, the British forces are split up have
been seriously repused are unable to cooperate
and at any rate for the present. are unable to
reach their objectives. 1t was for this plan that
the central advance was sacrificed Even the
relief Of Ladysmith can scarcely have great alle
waiting consequences 70 the campaign. as
whole. unless its moral effect quiets the growing
dsaffection in Cape Colony and disheartens the
Beers to more serious extent than their other
minor reverses have so far done.
But, however looked at the British position is
most unenviable, and there is a great cry for
more troops Lord Londonderry urges the War
Office 20 send out one hundred thousand more
men, saying:
Conceive the effect on the empire II Methuen is
forced to surrender!
The ST James's Gazette" caps this with the
intimaton that the Treasury is withholding the
funds necessary 10 send out reinforcements.
adding
II this Is so, even Lord Salisbury's reluctance
to sacrifice colleague will to shield
NJ MiriG ho 1c hnfx- ole
restoration Of her damaged superiority in South
Africa
On the other hand there are many magnificent
examples, through public speeches and editorials,
Of the great common sense which is the back
bone of the nation. There are people who i'm
selves. and not TO imagine that few reverses
make ii necessary to drain the country of every
able TO carry a rife The volunteers
10 serve in regiments from individuals have been
received 1t is learned. however. that Lord
Wolseley believes that, though these are
excellent as volunteers. they lack the eVenness
In the ranks and among the officers which marks
line regiment. To use his own words, they are
brilliant in spots, but weak in others, and.
while he appreciates the offers, he way
to accept them at present.
The action Of the National Liberal Federation
this week in deciding TO support a vigorous pros
ecution Of the war, but reserving the full right
ing that there is much to be deplored in the con-
duct Of the negotiations preceding the hostities,
may be said to voice the opinion OF the bulk of
the Liberal party.