New-York tribune., 1899-12-24
LORD ROBERTS SAILS,
ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES OF FAREWELL
AT LONDON AND SOUTHAMPTON

A /
London. Dec. 23.-Field Marshal Lord Roberts.
who Is 10 assume command Of the British forces
in South Africa. left Waterloo i;a'lroad Station
at noon to-day. amid scenes Of enthusiasm Wv
idly demonstrating the national interest in the
incident and the belief that the departure Of the
General can be accepted as a guarantee that
whatever can be done in South Africa will be
carried out by thoroughly competent hands and
on carefully matured 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 repeatedly
as "Bobs." accompanied by his wife and two
daughters drove up Seldom has the terminus
witnessed such an nspirting send Off Every
appearance Of the Field Marshal the signal
fo~ ringing hurrahs. lusty shouts and good
wishes The moment the veteran commander
arrived he was surrounded by military officers
and other friends and held a semi-private re-
oeption IN the waiting room. After personal
leave takings Lord Roberts reached the plat
form, where general greetings and parting
words were exchanged Many women pressed
eagerly forward 10 get a last handshake. ex-
press deep sympathy with the distinguished SOL
der in his recent bereavement. and bid him
Eodspeed One woman, with her eyes filed with
tears. exclaimed
God bless you, and bring you safely back
to US"
This wish was echoed and re-echoed In vary
ing phraseoogy by hundreds throngng the vi
cinity Of the train.
AS the General Joined his wife and daughters
at the door Of the saloon carriage he was
speedily surrounded by distinguished statesmen
and military men. including A. j. Balfour, the
Marquis Of Lansdowne, Field Marshal Sir Don
7
the Queens Equerry. Lord Wolseley and others
arrived late and It required all the efforts of
the police TO clear a passage for them. Scarcely
had the Commander in Chief Joined Lord Rob
erts when great cheer announced the approach
OF the Duke of Cambridge. The crush was so
great that the Duke. in spite OF police protec-
tion. was so hustled that more than once he
gave verbal expression Of resentment at the
rough treatment he had 10 submit TO, and the
police redoubled their efforts, finally enabling the
Duke OF Cambridge 10 reach Lord Roberts.
though in the confusion the police thrust aside
many Of those who were best entitled 10 remain.
Including Lord Wolseey. who however took the
rough handling Of the police good humoredly.
The women present suffered much from the
crowds but their piteous appeals were unavall-
ing 10 stem the crush
Renewed cheering heralded the Duke OF Con-
naught's arrival. Then rousing cheers mo-
mentarily diverted attention from the hero OF
6S
greeted Lord Roberts in the most cordial man
ner The Prince and the distinguished General
engaged in earnest conversation ana 1urnisheo
a striking centre TO notable group Whlcn IN
Guided no less than five field marshals. Lord
Roberts who was in morning dress. looked ht
for anything. In spite Of his sixty seven years
he was straight and solderly, and his rugged
features reflected determination. At the time
the train was due 10 start the Prince OF wales
again shook hands with Lord Roberts, saying;
"Goodby Bobs; a happy Christmas pros
perous New Year and every possible luck in
your job"
Mr. Balfour bade General Roberts a similar
Amid the din. enthusiasm and excitement
no one heard the signals for departure, ana IN
Roberts was still the platform with his back
10 the carriage door. The farewels were ao-
ruptly terminated and he was foreed 70 10 mar aat
a somewhat undigni1ed scramble Tor MS seat
AS the General disappeared in the saloon car
rage final lusty cheer was started ana con-
tinued until the train passed out or sght
"Tbe Dailv News" sees immense significance
n the fact that Lord Roberts has appointed on
his staff Lieutenant Colonel Henderson auIhor
~ a life OF General Stonewall Jackson the Coi-
federate leader and man VINO mas SI0Seis Tye:
studied the history OF the American Civll war
especially as he has not served unoer hoio
Roberts before and is little known 10 MIN .Th PSI
Daily News" as proving Lord Rooertes oeneI
that what is wanted in the war IN South ATTIC, ALIlcd
IS a strict application Of Jackson $ prlnclpieS
SOUTHAMPTON Dec. 23.-On arriving al south-
ampton General Roberts was heartily cheereo
bv thousands Of people, and as he boarded the
Dunottar Castle. between a guard Of honor OF
marines and bluejackets there was renewed
outburst Of applause The Mayor and corpora
tion officials were present ,s 49,
In spite Of a thick fog when pIeNdieo ''''
Dunottar Castle sailed at 62o p H.
Lord Roberts in the course Of an lnterVie"
had with him before sailing. said;
am deeply impressed by the feehne Shown