The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-12-21
REv1EW oF sIrttArIoN

NEW YORK. Dec. 2O.-A dispatch to
The Tribune from London says:
There are persistent rumors that Cen
eral Kitchener has asked for large re-
inforcements OF mounted men. Various
figures ranging from 10000 to 10000 men
are named. but the war office is silent
and the reports are not credited by mill
itary men. No action in the direction
Of strengthening the army In South Az
rica Is probable untll Lord Roberts re-
turn. II reinforcements are sent IT is
not believed that they win exceed ten
thousand men. A picked body Of
mounted infantry is already under or
ders TO sail early in January. but 1t win
not outrun one thousand men.
The supply Of horses Is reported to
be scant in South Africa. Some ex-
perts consider that there are men
enough already in the field and that the
proper course would be to send horses
by the thousands and put in tie saddle
the infantry now suffering from mac
;ion and weariness Of camp routine. At
tempts on the part Of the press agencies
to magnify the services Of mounted in
fantry under Clements and explain
away the recent reverse are not con-
vincing. The structures Of veteran Off
GERS here upon the management Of the
British forces in that engagement are
most severe.
Lord Kitchener maintains silence with
respect 10 the Invasion Of Cape Colony
and there is bound to be considerable
anxiety until the truth Is known. It
is difficult to believe that the Beers who
crossed the Orange river can be in
sufficient numbers to frighten the war
Office authorities or to cause General
Kitchener much annoyance. One OF
the commanders is. however. reported
to be in the neighborhood of Aliwal
North, which is about the worst center
of dIsatfection in the whole colony.
The invading Beers are probably re-
ceiviIg considerable assistance from the
local Dutch and in case Of a general up
rising the troops at the disposal Of the
British authorities would not be suffi-
cient to cope with the situation. which
advices depict as somewhat hmlnous.
Delarey seems disposed to follow up
his success at Noitgedacht. Hitherto
the Boer generals have been content to
rest on their oars after victory. but
Delarey, If he intended profiting by his
defeat of General Clements. should not
have given the latter time to be
joined Sy General French.
As was generally expected, the losses
of the Northumberland fusiliers at
Noitgedacht a week ago were much
heavier than official accounts at first
reported.
Owing to the altered arrangements |
for Lord Roberts return and the short |
route in London which the field mar
shall will cover In his drive to Buck
lngham palace, 1t is feared by good |
many people that the crush win be |
very great. The authorities are. how
ever, determined to prevent a repetition
Of the scandalous scenes which marked |
the return of the city volunteers.
Society gossip now proposes to re-
ward Lord Roberts with an earldom
and e50OOO
st. Paul's was well filled at the SER
'1ce In memory Of the soldiers and sail
ors who have fallen during the war.
rhe lord mayor and sherifts attended
n state and there were files Of gold
streams and blues with full military
band. Lord Wolseley and Mr.. Broder-
ok represented headquarters and the
war office, The service was impressive
with funeral marches and dirges by
Wagner and Chopin.
ANTI-cANTEEN CONFERENCE.