Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-01-11
CABLE LETTER FROM LONDON
The Winter of Discomfort Has
SomewhatlMoIlified.
DOlNGS OF FRENCH AND PITCHER
Are Rather Magnifled by the
British Press.


Copyrighted. 1900, by The Associated Press.
London, Eng, Jan. 6.--The wintor
of discomfort to which Great Britain
has settled down has been somewhat
notified by the isolated successes
which marked the, week, though the
seizure of foreign shipring off Delagoa
Bay threatens to bring out crop of
rumors of European interference. The
doings Of Gen. French and Col. Pitcher
have been made the most of by. the cor
respondents, and are rather magnifiei
! editorially by the British press. But
anything is acceptable in these days.
The appointment of the Duke Of
Connaught. TO- command the British
forces in. Ireland has led to lot of
speculation as to whether he will suc-
ceed Lord Wolseley, whose term expired
in November, as commanuer.in- chief.
Lord Roberts is his logical successor,
but until he was chosen to command
in South Africa the general impression
was that he would be too old to be se-
lected for the. Office when it became
vacant. Gen. Butler was hot favorite,
but his defeat near Colenso seems to
have irrevocably ruined his chances.
1t ia 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
succeeded>by the Duke Of Connaught,
whose popularity and military knowl-
edge are strong influence to overcome
the prejudice against member of the
royal family holding that 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
public. By the time Parliament re-
assemblies, it promises to have gathered
such force that it is more than likely
that mcst stormy scenes will mark the
debates, while many people declare
that, unless Lord Lansdowne resigns or
exculpates himself, the Conservative
party will be seriously menaced. So
far, the criticism emanates chiefly from
the patriotic Britisher, whose pride is
hurt at the rever5es, and from those
whose heartstrings have been touched
by death. But when the solid British
taxpayer begins to be drained to sup
of the military officials will begin to
reach it's true volume.
The Times, which, with the rest Of
the British press, has been under the
impression that America was unani.
mously supporting Great Britain, today
prints. letter from Toronto. saying the
Anti. English press in the United States
is enjoying itself over the reverses tho
Empire is at present enduring, and
adding: sit screams its delight, and
it speaks sneeringly and Ltauntingly of
Great Britain's decadence and the use
lessness of her colonial sons. {"
Much interest is exhibited In the
new Duke of Westminster, who has de-
cided to remain at the Cape during tllr
war. 1t appears that he has keen
taste for racing horses, and his fathers
splendid stable is not likely to be
broken up. bend Orr" as the young
Duke is nicknamed after the famous
horse, though not yet 81, is said to
have selected a wife, which disappoints
society, for he is the most eligible
party in the matrimonial market.
The decision of Edward Corrigan to
bring ever great string of American
horses is hailed here with interest and
pleasure. One sporting authority writes
that Mr. Corrigan never does things by
halves, adding that sit is safe betting
that such collection of racers as he
will send has seldom, If ever, been
gathered together by an American
owner. I"