Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1899-12-28
FEARS FOR METHUEN.
LONDON AGAIN ANXIOUS FOR
THIS GENERALS SAFETY.
NOTHING HEARD FROM HIM
Yeomanry Responds Actively to the
Call for Troops-Lord Roberts
Reaches London, Preparatory to
Starting for Front-Canada Has
Second Contingent of Volunteers.

london, Dec. 21.-The gravity of the |
military situation is again becoming |
accumulated in the public mind, owing |
to the complete absence of news. |
Nothing has been heard from Lord |
Methuen since Sunday and it is feared |
his communications have been cut. If |
this is so, his position is dangerous. |
The Daily News correspondent at Mod
der river wired Saturday: The boer |
position, already formidable on Dec.
IL, has since been greatly strengthened, |
extending for an area of twelve miles. |
1t is entrenched according to the most |
modern methods throughout the entire |
length; wire fences are placed before |
all trenches at every point, guns have
been got into position and there is ev-
cry evidence the beers are well sup
piled with ammunition. Only a pow
erful attacking force can hope to make
a successful assault" A military expert
| in the Times laments the dispersion
of the British forces and quotes the
maxim of Napoleon in favor of con-
centration. He regrets that Gen. Me-
thuen did not retire to Orange river a
week ago. The latest dispatches seem
to show that the British forces are
standing on the defensive at all points.
Gen. Butler has ordered troops now
arriving at Capetown to proceed to
Durham and reinforce the Natal
column. 1t is surmised he is trying to
join Gen. White by flank movement
Appeals for the yeomanry volunteers
dre being responded to with the great
est enthusiasm in all parts of the
country. The government expects the
total to reach 5000. Baron Chesham
will command and Lord Lonsdale be
adjutant general. The papers gener-
ally are joining in free criticism of
the government war office as fresh
proofs of unpreparedness come to light
Special stress is laid upon the failure
to provide proper transports, which
compels the columns to stick tight to
railways, and upon the inferiority of
British artillery, The Australian col
onies are responding eagerly to the
imperial governments appeals for
second contingents. 1t is reported the
queen has abandoned her proposed
visit to Italy in consequence of the war.
| Roberts Preparing to Start.
London, Dec. 21.-Gen. Lord Roberts,
who is to have full command of the
British troops in south Africa, accom-
panied by Lady Roberts and their two
daughters, arrived in London Tuesday,
having travelled from Dublin with Mr.
! Chamberlain. The general spent an
hour at the war Office in consultation
with the marquis of Lansdowne, sec
rotary of state for war. He said: II
have entire confidence in the British
soldier and believe the traditions of
our army will be upheld in south
Africa. For the friendly interests and
sympathy exhibited by many Ameri-
cans | am most deeply grateful. The
reports which indicate that disloyalty
exists in the Irish regiments are abso-
lutely untrue. In the hour of danger
my countrymen have ever been among
the first to lay down their lives for
the queen and country whether against
the beers or men of any other nation
alty the Irish soldier will be found
loyal to the queen and brave in battle"
Roberts entertains great friendship
for Gen. Kitchener and the combina-
ton of generalship creates the greatest
satisfaction in military circles.
Canada Responds Loyalty.
Ottawa, Dec. 21.-The Dominion gov
eminent has chartered the Allan line
steamers Partisan and Laurentian to
carry the second Canadian contingent
from Halifax to Capetown, which
numbers 1,04O men.
Are British Hiring Germans?
Berlin, Dec. 2l.-Despite repeated
British denials, it seems TO be a fact
that British agents are busy in man,
rural districts in Germany, hiring VET
Grams for service in south Africa. The
district court of Hamburg has just is
sued an order for the arrest of a Brit
ish agent named York for hiring
number of German peasants for mill
tary service which, under the imperial
laws, is a criminal offense. An Essen
paper announces that $4,000 Krupp
SIeel ShelIS are DelHB mdue oH rush
order for the British army
Preparing for a Big Stand.
London, Dec. 21.-The Daily News
Capetown correspondent wires Dec. II:
The beers attend TO make a big stand
at Stormberg and are amassing a great
force at the abandoned British camp.
One command of 1000 consists chiefly
Of rebel Dutch" The Standards Ma
drld correspondent says: The boer
/ governments recently intimated to
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 Lourenzo Marques"