The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-24
WOULD NOT ACCEPT It.
Mediation in South Africa Is Out
of the Question.
A NEW BRITAIN is BORN
Ultimate British Triumph Must Be Se-
cured at Au Costs-Stead Fears
French Invasion-Boers Will
Shoot Rhodes
Copyrighted 1899 by Associated Press.

Copyrighted 1899 by Associated Press.
London, Dec. 2S-Not for many years
past has Great Britain faced such a
situation as confrpnts her this Christ
mas. Yet, to meet these there has
arisen a new Britain. which by it's vir-
ility and pluck EFFORTS admiration
even from her bitterest continental
critics. Since the boasttulness has dis
appeared from the British press, the
comments of the foreign papers are
couched in tones far more fair and
friendly than when it was believed
speedily victory awaited General Bull
Ter. AS repeatedly asserted, there is
no likelihood of European interference,
vet w. T. Stead, in the Chronicle to-
day, has very alarming column. in
which he has visions OF a superior
Jameson raid by $4,000 Frenchmen on
London, in the absence of the channel
fleet, Mr.. Stead points out how cas-
fly, in his opinion, this might be &C.
conplished, and says:
To rely, as some appear to do, upon
the addition Of a number Of raw re-
cruits. under the excitement and slim
illus of the present warfare, Is to rely
On broken reed. Woolwich arsenal
might be in flames and the French
tri-color flying over Westminster pal
ace before the first of these recruits
would have learned to handle a gun"
Though Great Britain's plight in
South Africa seems temporarily critical
the associated press learns that the
Beers are straining every nerve to Sc
cure the mediation of President Nc
kinley toward favorable peace. But
any one with the slightest knowledge
of British feeling quickly apprecia tes
that not one person in a million con-
templates any result but an ultimate
British triumph, and all sections unite
in saying this must be secured no mat
ter what the cost. Hence the Boar
agents themselves have only slight
hopes that mediation would be accept
ed, though believing if President Nc
Kinley could be rersua dsd to proffer it.,
Lord Salisbury, though perhaps bound
to refuse, would lose huma nitarian
sympathy in the United States and
thus divert to the Beers much wavering
sentiment.
The associated press is informed from
excellent sources that no offer of me-
diation would be accepted by Lord
Salisbury in any shape or form. The
popular conception of peace is that it
must come through the army, General
Roberts, and his no less adored chief
of staff, General Kitchener. The coun-
try Is prepared to wait indefinitely
for that event. The fell of Kimberley,
Ladysmith and Mafeking would not
make a particle of difference, for this
stoical resolve is thoroughly inbedded
in the hearts of the people who for the
first time in the memory of this gen
GRAFTON have drunk deeply of the cup
of military defeat and disgrace. Any
ether defeats that the future holds for
Britain except entire annihilation are
anticipated by the scathing criticism
which the nation has inflicted upon it.
sale IN-St 4Sr, - =, IT,. H.,
ti1ities vary from three months to a
year. The lack of news this week has
by no means been taken as an instance
of the adage regarding no news. A
very general impression prevails that
Kimberley will succumb. An officer OF
the British South African company who
has an Intimate knowledge of South
Africa tells the associated press that
he believes that If the Beers capture
Cecil Rhodes they will shoot him.
Nowhere than on the Stock Exchange
has the lack of information caused ex-
citement or nervousness. 1t is believed
that if Kimberley fall DeBeers mine
shares and in terests will shrink to moth
ing, while the Chartered conpany's vast
issues will lose what little bottom they
have left.
1t is learned by the associated press
that the great financial houses II, Lon
don have combined and furnished suf-
ficient money to insure no large fail
ures on settling day, Dec. Is, though
the small fry may suffer. Unless this
action had been taken several WELL
known houses, not Of the first import
ance, but of large proportions would
1t is said, have to go under. This con-
certed precaution has to some extent
restored confidence, but the market is
still panicky. many believing the most
serious crisis has not yet been
reached.