Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-01-11

copyrighted by Associated Press.Y
LONDON, Jan. he winter OF dis
content to which Great Britain has
settled down has been somewhat mod
flied by the isolated success which
marked the past week, though the
seizure of foreign ships and unfounded
rumors regarding Delagoa bay threat
ened to bring out 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 magni-
fed editorially by the British press.
But, anything is acceptable in these
days.
The appointment of the duke Of Con-
naught to command the British forces
In ireland has led to lot of specula-
ton as to whether he will succeed
Lord Wolseley, whose term expires in
November, as COMMUNICATIVE 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 Sc
lected for the office when it became
vacant. Gen. Butler was a hot favor
lite, but his defeat near Colenso seems
to have irrevocably ruined his chances.
it is more than probable that Roberts,
If successful in south Africa, will fill
the office of commander chief for
short period and that he will then be
succeeded by the duke of Connaught,
whose popularity and military knowl-
edge are strong enough to overcome
the prejudice against a 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 I'M
abated in the press and among the pub
lie. By the time parliament reassem-
bles 1t 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 c.
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 reyerses
and from those whose heartstrings
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 Of
ficials will begin to show 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-British press in the United
States is enjoying itself over the re-
verses the empire is at present endur-
ing, and adding: ut screams it's de-
light and it speaks sneeringly and
tauntingly of Great Britain's deca-
dence and the uselessness of her CO.
ICnial sons"
The action of the English insurance
companies in charging an extra per
cent for war risks, has created no lit
tie unfavorable comment and uncom-
plimentary comparison of their action
with that of the American concerns
Today says: I'm answer to the pro-
tests the companies say sentiment can
not enter into business transactions.
The best answer to the English COM
panies is that the American officers
are making no such demand, and if
the Americans see their way to dis
pense with an extra premium it might
be thought that the enormously veal
thy English officers could safely do
the same. Their refusal is as short
sighted from a business point of view
as it is unpatriotic. Unfortunately
it is in keeping with the general trend
Of English insurance management"