Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-04-22
Convright Associated Press

LONDON, April 21.-This has been
The brewing storm that last week was
overhanging their heads received its
electric spark through the publication
of Lord Roberts censures regarding the
engagement at Spion Kop. 1t descend
ed in a merciless torrent from an
unanimous press. At the present mo-
ment General Butler could find no bet
ter way to endear himself to the hearts
of the people than to request his re-
call; but one who knows the Natal
commander intimately tells the repre-
sentative of the Associated Press that
he is far too thick-skinned to take
such a step and will stick to his post
despite all criticisms and avalanches of
adverse public opinion.
Nor is Lord Kitchener spared in the
present outbreak. There is story go
ing the round of the clubs that the
great man of the Soudan" has been
severely sat upon by the little man
of Afghanistan," and specific instances
of disagreements between them are
quoted Once, so gossip says, with
mysterious references to private letters
and such inner sources of information,
Lord Roberts felt constrained to put
Lord Kitchener in His Place.
81 wish you to understand" Kande-
har is reported to have said to Khar-
toum, eff you please, that l command
this army. You are my chief of staff.
| don't seek your advice, and / shall
decide myself on what is to be done
and shall issue my orders according
ly."
No documentary evidence has been
obtained to prove the truth of this, and
it may be pure invention, but it has
already been printed in London and
originated in much the same way as
the first stories arose regarding the
fiascoes of Generals Gatacre, Butler
and Methuen which were only too fully
borne out by later official and detailed
accounts.
With regard to Lord Kitchener there
is another story current which insists
that after the Colenso disaster the
Queen demanded that Butler be super
ceded by the conqueror of the Khalifa
and that the cabinet protested, but
compromised by sending Lord Roberts
as a figurehead. This is considered
rather improbable; but, if true, the
cabinet has caught a Tarter in the
shape of Lord Roberts.
1t is marvellous TO note the whole
heartedness of the English public
trust in this old general. Not one
paper has attached to his criticism of
General Buller-his predecessor in the
command-one iota Of
Unfairness or SeIf-Interest.
This, perhaps, is explained by the uni
versal recognition of the fact that the
feld marshal has little TO gain by this
campaign and that he gave up all to
which long and brilliant service en-
titled him in order to serve his coun-
try. Whatever the outcome of the
Boer war Lord Roberts name would
one of the most successful and best
loved of her commanders. This fact
il ever before the public, and they be-
lieve their commanderin-chief in
South Africa to be miles above any
jealousies or rivalries that might actu-
ate other generals.
The visit of King Oscar of Sweden
and Norway to England, though IN
dertaken incognito, has attracted sur
prisingly small amount Of interest.
The spectacle of that monarch-burly,
despite his seyenty-one years. and
standing head and shoulders above his
fellows-pushing his way past the
station barbados TO shake hands with
the Swedish workmen who had cheered
him as he entered the London depot,
can for human impulsiveness be scarce
" exceeded in the actions of the most
democratic ruler King Oscar is no
stranger to England. re has paid fire.
quent visits to this country, and his
abilities. as historian and writer upon
abstruse subjects have gained for him
honorary degrees from the English
universities.
OF All Europena Potentates.
tallest and the most impulsive.
The possibility of trouble between the
United States and Turkey has attracted
passing comment in England. though
the average newspaper reader Is ruch
more interested in the Croton dam
riot. In connection with the former
subject, the Birmingham Post is re-
sponsible for the statement that Tur-
key has placed several important COM
missions with Krupps. to be completed
before the end OF the year, which in
cludes better machine guns than are
at present used by any European power
and 100 COO Mausers. which. immediate
ly upon their receipt, will be delivered
to the Turkish First Army Corps.
Spain is apparently scared by the
post belIum publications showing how
many authorities thought the United
States would have been well advised
Immediately to attack the CanarIes, tor