The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-10
NOTHING BUT CONJECTURE.
Britons Unable to Get News from the
Front-Newspaper Criticism.

LONDON, Jan. 10, 4:30 a. m.-The War
Office has not contributed the least par
ticulars as 10 what is taking place in Natal
since Sunday. Neither has it allowed the
dispatches OF correspondents to get
through. Consequently the facts of the sit
uation are replaced by conjectures; and the
impatience of the public pours itself into a
discussion OF the conduct of the war and Of
what might have been done or ought now
to be done.
The Morning Post demands that the
forces afield. afioat and in preparation
shall be increased by sixty-five thousand
men. To this end 1t urges that all the
trained men the country possesses. militia
and volunteers, shall be called out, assert
ing incidently that. although the attitude
OF other powers is correct In the diplo-
matte sense OF the word. an invasion, IL
attempted. would be sudden. and that now
Is the time to apprehend contingencies.
The Daily News editorially defines the
public opinion of the continent as 'in a
state which should not be ignored" It calls
for greater vigilance than ever on the part
OF those responsible for the efficiency of
the navy" and urges cautious, circuai-
spect and business-like diplomacy
The Daily Mail says 1t understands that
the suppression of another general COM
manding in South Africa will shortly be
announced. This may have relation to
General Buffers hasty summons from
Devonport. 1t is reported that he came
by special train to London yesterday and
held a long consultation with the head
quarters STAFF. This seems TO indicate that
his advice. which only recently was in ex-
treme disfavor. is about to be utilized.
The critics range up and down the en-
tire field OF war transactions. finding fault
especially with the lack Of transports for
the troops who are ready 10 depart and
with the concealment OF news. averring
that the censorship in South Africa en-
braces the mails; that the reports of cor
respondents are being mutilated and en-
tire letters suppressed. The admiralty In
seeking transports Is ieported to have
chartered the American liner St. Paul.
which was inspected previous to charter
ing. and three Liverpool steamers.
The governments defense as put forth
by Mr.. Balfour at Manchester has pro-
duced a disagreeable impression upon the
country, the Standard, Times and st.
James Gazette joining in the almost unani-
nous metropolitan and provincial disap-
prevail OF the government explanations. The
various segments Of the Liberal party are
being drawn together for united opposi-
tion IN Parliament next month.
Great Britain's losses since the war began
are fast approaching 5000. War Office
compilation Of casualties, issued last even
Ing. shows total of 7.213-1O27 killed, s.s75
wounded. and 25I1 missing These do not
include 40 who have succumbed TO dis
ease nor the casualties at Ladysmith last
Saturday.
The Daily Mall says: with character
istic bad manners. the Transvaal author
ities have refused TO allow Mr.. Hollis. the
American representative at Pretoria, to
care for British interests. This is an act
without precedent In modern diplomatic
history"
The Queen has telegraphed her congratu-
iations and thanks to General White and
his troops OF Ladysmith