Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-12-24

Roberts Looked Every Inch q
Soldier and Fit for Amy Duty.
LONDON, December 23.-Field Mar
shall Lord Roberts. VINO is to assume
command of the British forces in South
Africa, left Waterloo railroad station
at noon to-day amidst scenes OF en-
thusiasm wildly demonstrating the ma
tianal interest in the event and the be-
lief that the departure of the general
can be accepted as guarantee that
whatever can be done in South Africa
will be carried out by thoroughly COM
petent hands and on carefully maturedI
lines. Although only privileged per-
sons were permitted to enter the sta
ton, this did not prevent the gathering
of immense throngs at all the approach
es and other points of vantage. who
cheered repeatedly as "Bobs' accom-
panied 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 hurrahs.
lusty shouts and good wishes. The
moment the veteran commander arriv-
ed he was surrounded by military Of
ficers and other friends and held =
semi-private reception in the waiting
room. After personal leave-takings,
Lord Roberts reached the platform
where general greetings and parting
words were exchanged. Many ladies'
pressed eagerly forward to get a last
hand shake, expressed deep sympathy
with the distinguished soldier in his
recent bereavement and bid him God
speed. One woman with tears, ex-
claimed: God bless you and bring you
safely back to us"
The Wish was Echoed
and re-echoed in varying phraseolowy
by hundreds thronging the vicinity at
the train.
AS the general joined his wife and
daughters at the door OF the saloon
carriage he was surrounded by distin-
guished statesmen and military men,
including A. j. Balfour, the MARQUIS OF
Lansdowne, Field Marshal Sir Donald
Stewart and Lieut.. Col Darlington. the
Queens equerry. Lord Wolseley and
others arrived late and it required all
the efforts OF the police to clear pas
sage for them
Scarcely had the commander in
chief joined Lord Roberts when a
great cheer announced the approach OF
the Duke OF Cambridge. The crush
was so great that the duke in spite of
police protection, was SO hustled that
more than once he gave verbal express
sion of resentment at the rough treat
ment he had to submit to and the po-
lice redoubled their efforts, finally en-
abling the Duke to reach Lord Roberts.
though in the confusion the police
thrust aside many of those who were
best entitled to remain, including Lord
Wolseley, who, however, took tho
rough handling OF the police good
humoredly. The ladies present suffer-
ed much from the crowds, but their
piteous appeals were unayailing TO
stem the crush.
Duke OF Connaughts arrival. Next
rousing cheers were given for the
Prince OF Wales, who appeared and
greeted Lord Roberts In the most corr
dial manner. The prince and the gem
eral engaged in earnest conversation
and furnished striking center to a
notable group, which included no less
than five field marshals. Lord Rob-
erts. who was in mourning dress.
looked fit for anything. In spite Of 81
years. he was straight and soldiery and
his rugged features .
Reelected Determination.
At the time the train was due "a
start the Prince Of Wales again shook
hands with Lord Roberts and spoke a
few words to the general. Of which tho
phrases. God bless you" Good luck
TO you," were caught by those near
by.
Mr. Balfour babe Lord Roberts a
similar farewell Amidst the din, en-
thuslasm and excitement, no one heard
the signals for departure. And as
consequence the train was moving
while Lord Roberts was still on the
platform with his back 70 the carriage
door. The farewells were abruptly
terminated and be was forced To make
a somewhat undignifed scramble for
his seat. AS the general disappeared
In the saloon carriage, final luzty
cheer was started and continued until
the train passed out OF sight.
SOUTHAMPTON, December 23.-On
arriving at Southampton Cen. Roberts
was heartily cheered by the thousands
of people, and as he boarded the
Dunottar Castle between a guard Of
honor OF marines and blue jackets,
there was a renewed outburst Of APP
plause. The mayor and corporatiaa
officials were present
EXCEEDINGLY GRAVE.