The Virginia enterprise., 1900-02-02
CRUMBS OF COMFORT.
London's Winter Of Discomfort
Somewhat Modified by lso-
lated War Success.

London, Jan. 1.-THE winter of discon-
tent to which Great Britain has settled
down has been somewhat modified by the
isolated success which marked the past
week, though the seizure of foreign ships
and unfounded rumors regarding Della
goa bay threatened to bring out ii crop OF
rumors Of European interference.
The doings of Gen. French and Col.
Pitcher have been made the most of by
correspondents and are rather magnified
editorially by the British press. How
ever anything is acceptable in these days.
The appointment of the Duke of Con
naught to command the British forces in
Ireland has led to a lot of speculation as
to whether he will succeed Lord Wolse
ley, whose term expires in November, as
commander-in-chief. Lord Roberts is his
logical successor, but until he was chosen
impression was that he would be too old
to be selected for the office when it be-
came vacant. Gen. Butler was hot
favorite but his defeat near Colenso
seems to have irrevocably ruined his
chances. 1t is more than probable that
Roberts, if successful in South Africa,
will fill the office of commander-in-chief
be succeeded by the Duke of Connaught,
whose popularity and military knowledge
are strong enough to overcome the preju-
dice against Il member of the royal fam
lily holding that office.
Abuse IF the War Office.
The abuse of the war office and Lord
LansdOwne. the secretary of state for
war, and Lord WolSeley, continues un-
abated in the press and among the pub
lie. BY the time Parliament reassem-
bles it promises to have gathered such
force that it is more than likely that
most stormy scenes will mark the debates,
while many people declare that unless
Lord LanSdowne resigns or eXculpates
himself the Conservative party will he
seriously menaced. So far the criticism
emanates chiefly from the patriotic Brit
isher whose pride is hurt at the reverses
and from those whose heart-strings have
been touched by death. But when the
solid British taxpayer begins to be
drained to support the war, then, truly,
the criticism of the military officials will
be gin to show its true volume.
The Times, which, with the rest Of the
British press, has been under the impress
sion that America was unanimously sup
porting Great Britain, today prints
letter from Toronto saying the anti-Eng-
lish press in the United States is enjoy
ing itself over the reverses the empire is
ut present enduring, and adding: 1T
screams It's delight and 1T speaks Sneer-
ingly and tauntingly of Great Britain's
decadence and the uselessness of her colo
nial sons"
Extra Premium on War Risks.
The action of the English insurance
companies in charging an extra per
cent. for war risks has created no little
unfavcrable comment and uncomplimen-
tary comparison Of their action with that
of the American concerns. Today says:
''In answer to the protests the companies
say sentiment cannot enter into business
transactions. The best answer to the
English companies is that the American
officers are making no such demands and
pense with an extra premium it might
be thought that the enormously wealthy
English officers could safely do the same.
Their refusal is as shortsighted from a
business point of view as it is unpatriotic.