The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-10

Hall tonight was a spectacular close OF
the days festivities. The historic building
was the scene of brilliant pageant IN
which modern and mediaeval sights were
strangely mingled. A gathering OF 2.VVO or
the most influential citizens or LONDON, IN
Guiding the heads of the various govern
ment departments, gave opportunity for
a loyal demonstration, of which the govern
ment was not slow to take advantage.
The presence of Lord Salisbury AFFORDED
an excellent excuse Of reiterating the at
titude OF the government toward the South
African controversy. The response of the
great audience in the banquet hall might
be described as satisfactorily loyal. but
could hardly be called enthusiastic. The
banquet was preceded by the customary
reception in the Guild Hall library, where
Sir Joseph Dimsdale. in his quaint official
rODes, l,v4comeS Lne ministers and the va
rious officials. Unlike last years reception,
when the war fever was at it's height the
military were decidedly a secondary fea-
ture. Lord Roberts was conspicuous by
his absence, and the War Office was merely
represented by one OF the under secretaries.
The feature or the evening was Lord Sal
isbury's speech in response to the toast,
ITO His Majesty's Ministers" Referring
to the progress of the war in South Africa,
the premier said: 1T is pleasant 10 record
that the peace of the world has been so lit
tie disturbed by the events of the last two
years. Half a century ago we would not
have found such a correct and pacific atti
tude the part of all the great powers.
II is sign OF the increasing international
amity and understanding also that the
cloud or the past three weeks over the
Mediterranean has so lightly passed away.
Fifty years ago this would not have been
so.
Touching upon South African develop
ments In another part of his speech. Lord
Salisbury said 81 strongly deprecate the
spirit of peSSimism frequently heard i'm
the utterances of some of our public men
10 the war in which We are engaged.
mike the wars of former years, no longer
does the capture of the enemys capital
and the dissipation Of his field force con-
Infronted by system OF guerrilla war,
which must be slowly and effectively
stamped out. We are progressing slowly,
perhaps, but steadily.
Il cannot take the public wholly into the
confidence of the government 1t would
)e most imprudent publicly to state all
are doing weekly and monthly at the front,
but what | emphatically declare is that
whatever delays are encountered. these
ability of our generals in the field nor TO
neglect 10 comply with all of their de-
mands on the part OF the home govern
ment We have been subject TO much
vague and indefinite criticism. but our bit
terest opponents have not been able TO
point out any tangible defect, any definite
cause OF complaint.
Il deeply regret the ravages OF the war In
the colonies To which We are anxious 10
accord the fullest practicable measure OF
self-government. But we have had neigh
bOrs in South Africa whose conduct for
years has been a menace to the stability
OF that section or our empire. Now We are
engaged In removing this menace. and we
determined TO do IL effectually that
IL will never require doing again"
This declaration was received with cor