The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-07


be too old to be selected for the office
when 1t became vacant. General Butler
was hot favorite, bu. his defeat near Co.
lenso 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 for
short period and that he will then be sue
ceeded by the Duke of Connaught, whose
popularity and military knowledge are
strong enough to overcome the prejudice
against a member of the family holding
that office.
The abuse of the War Office and Lord
Lansdowne. the secretary of state for war.
and Lord Wolseley continues unabated in
the press and among the public. By the
time Parliament reassembles it promises
to have gathered such force that ii is more
than likely stormy scenes will mark the
debates, while many people declare that
unless Lord Lansdowne resigns the Con-
So far the criticism emanates chiefly from
the patriotic Britisher whose pride is hurt
at the reverses and from those whose
heartstrings have been touched by death.
But, when the solid British taxpayer be-
gins to be drained to support the war; then
truly the criticism of the military officials
will begin to reach 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, to-day prints a let
ter from Toronto saying the anti-English
press in the United States is enjoying itself
over the reverses the empire Is at present
enduring, and adding: 1T screams it's de-
light and speaks sneeringly and tauntingly
of Great Britains defeat and the useless
ness Of colonial sons
The action of the English insurance COM
panies in charging an extra per cent. for
war risks has created no little unfavorable
comment and uncomplimentary comparison
of their action with that of the American
concerns. To-day says: 'In answer to the
protests the companies say sentiment can
not enter into business transactions. The
best answer to the English companies is
that the American Offices are making no
such demand and II the Americans see
their way to dispense with extra pre-
MUM it might be thought that enormously
wealthy English offices could safely do the
same Their refusal is as shortsighted from
business point of view as it is unpa-
triotic. Unfortunately it is in keeping with
the general trend of English insurance
management
There was strange scene in the head
quarters courtroom of the Honorable Ar
tillery Company to-day when the lord
mayor, the sheriffs and aldermen attended
in state to swear in the company. accom-
panying four-gun battery which is going
to the front. The ceremony was witnessed
by many distinguished people. Lord Den
bish. the lieutenant colonel commanding
the Honorable Artillery Company, thanked
the lord mayor, who made a speech eulo-
giving the historic services Of the Honor
able Artillery Company.
Colonel Sir Charles Howard Vincent
sailed for South Africa to-day, although
the doctors have not permitted him to ac-
company the London volunteers. Colonel
Vincent Is determined to give his unofficial
services at the seat Of the war
The British Admiralty has chartered for
use as transport the Atlantic transport
line steamer Manhattan, Captain Pearce,
which arrived at London Jan. from New
York.
duke Of Westminster, who has decided to
remain at the Cape during the war-'It ap-
pears that he has a keen taste for racing
horses and his fathers splendid stable is
not likely to be broken up. "Ben'or," as
the young duke is nicknamed after the ia
nous horse. though not yet twenty-one,
is said to have selected a wife, which dis
appoints society. for he is the most eligible
party in the matrimonial market From
Melbourne comes the news that Lord Brass
ey, on the eve of retiring from office as
Governor Of Victoria, mounted an Episco-
pal pulpit and preached sermon to the
congregation. Lord Brassey is coming
home on the famous old yacht Sunbeam.
Both the theatrical and book worlds are
In bad way on account OF the war. Not
more than three theaters in London are
making money, and the publishers are
alarmed at the absolute stagnation of their
business.
The scarcity of coal continues to such
an extent that four Scotch pig iron fur
naees have shut down. Iron has reached
record prices. 1t is believed the stringency
will be somewhat relieved when the rail-
roads become less congested with the holi-
day traffic. The continued calling out of
the reservists has affected the railroads as
well as the collieries. According to one
large coal merchant, the miners thoroughly
realize that a restricted output increases
wages for less work and they are by no
means anxious to relieve the situation. In
the meanwhile the war continues to in
crease the demand and coal goes up
Cardinal Vaughan has notified the Catho-
lie bishops Of England to keep Jan. IA as a
day of special prayer for those engaged IN
the war.
Instances of private benevolence in be-
half of soldiers are heard everywhere. In one
Of the most fashionable houses on Gros-
venor square, occupied by the Misses
Keyser, the whole ground floor has been
fitted up as a hospital. 1t will accommo-
Date six wounded men. The Duke of Nor
folk has arranged to receive a number of
others who have given up their country
residences for the use of the wounded are
Lady Wolseley, the Duke of Somerset and
Lady Loder Princess Christians elaborate
hospital train, built at cost of s10OOO,
was shipped TO South Africa to-day.
The Queen. not forgetful of those at
home, has presented hood and comforter,
knitted with her own hands, to the Royal
Bucks Hospital
DR.. A. Conan Doyle's offer to go out with
the Langman field hospital has been ac-
cepted.
Conigsby Ralph Disraeli SON of the lata