The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1899-12-28
ROBERTS. RESERVES. RUSH
BRITAIN'S STRENUOUS EFFORTS
IN THIS CRISIS.
An Army of One Hundred and Fifty
of staff.

NEW YORK, December 1S.-A sun
cable from London, December 18th,
says: England is aroused indeed. All
her reserves, a strong force of yeoman-
ny, other mounted volunteers, ali her
available colonial troops and strong
division of militia are ordered to the
seat of war. Field Marshal Lord Rob-
erts will go as COMMUNICATIVE chief,
and General Lord Kitchener of Khar-
toum fame will accompany him as chief
of staff.
These startling orders were issued by
the War Office tonight They mean that
almost the whole strength of the Brit
ish empire will be thrown into South
Africa The mobilization of troops will
be pushed with the greatest possible
speed, and the fastest ships from the
British mercantile marine will be used
to hurry forces to the Cape. 1t is cal
culated that these re-enforcements VIII
begin TO reach South Africa in about
five weeks. In the meantime the orr
ginal campaign will be abandoned and
general policy of mark time will be
adopted by commanders of the forces
now in the field. Butler will remain in
charge of the Natal campaign. Kitch-
ener will probably command the main
army of invasion, of which Gatacre's
force is at present representatives. 1t is
not known yet whether Methuen will
/
withdraw to Orange river, pending the
inauguration of the new campaign.
| The latter move seems most probable
as the spreading of the rebellion in
Cape Colony makes his union with
! French prudent.
| There is no doubt that Gatacre's peril
| will be greatest during the month of
inaction which must now ensue. A
large part of Warren's division will
probably soon re-enforce him. News
of Great Britain's tremendous prepara-
tions may spur the Beers into serious
aggression before fresh British troops
arrive, but thus far they have shown
no desire to attack iutrenched forces,
while the British disasters have been
caused by just that thing. All indica-
lions now point to the beginning of a
great campaign late in January.
Meantime Ladysmith, Kimberley and
Mafeking must wait. Their situation is
perilous, but according to all accounts
there is no serious danger that famine
will be added to their other sufferings
The British losses in South Africa, not
including deaths from disease, now
reach a total of 1880
Chief interest in the new campaign
centers in the Governments decision
to use as volunteer forces yeomanry
and militia. For active service yeC-
many should supply a useful contir-
some regiments that are considered
equal to any of the regular regiments
1t also includes the best shots, but theil
average shooting is lower than that o.
the regulars. The Government does no
indicate the number of volunteers tina
will be permitted to serve, but Lore
Roberts grand army win probably
reach total of rather over 100000 o.
all arms.
The order appointing Lord Roberts is
as follows:
"As the campaign in Natal, in rh'
opinion of her majesty's Government
is likely to require the presence anC
undivided attention of General ST
Redvers Butler, it has been decided t
send Baron Roberts of Kandahar anC
Waterford as COMMUNICATIVE chief il
South Africa, with Kitchener as chic
of staff"
LONDON December 21-The lates
dispatches received show that tn
British forces are standing on the de
fensive at all points. General Bule
is ordering the troops now arriving a
Cape Town to proceed to Durham to re
enforce the Natal column. Absence o
news from him has led to a surmis
that he is trying to Join General Whit
by a flank movement.