WAR NEWS BY THE MAIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11275, 19 January 1900, Page 6

WAR NEWS BY THE MAIL.

THE REINFORCEMENTS. London, December 19. The Duke of Connaught visited the War Office yesterday. Siuce the appointment of Lord Roberts as commander-in-cliief in South Africa, the question of rank no longer I bars the Duke from going to the front, and ! as he has a strong desire to go it isi believed that only the Queen's reluctance stands in J tho way. It is not unlikely that this will be overcome. Lord Chesham, commanding officer of the Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry, has been i authorised to organise a force of ."5000 yeomanry, who will proceed to the Cape. Throughout the country volunteers are responding with the utmost alacrby to the official notices. Lord Lonsdale saps he believes the Government will only acnept from 20 to 50 men from each yeomanry regiment. It is asserted that many officers of the volun- | teer regiments are offering to go as troopers if not accented as ofiicers. Tho Times says editorially: "Lord Roberts will have absolutely a free hand and may be expected to resume, the original plan of campaign abandoned by General Buller under the necessity of relieving Ladysmith." The Daily News, commenting upon the spontaneous response to the Government's appeal for volunteers from all parts of the Empire, says the most remarkable scene of all recorded from the United States was the demonstration in favour of the British :n the Church of The Messiah in New York City during the discourse of the Rev. Minot J. Savage on Sunday. THE NEW CAMPAIGN. New York, December 23. A cable to the Sun from London says: — After the complete failure of tb>3 attacks from east and west, it would seem natural that the second stago of the war should witness a return to the original scheme, with ono strong army to press forward to Bloemfontein, regardless of what is he.ppening on the western and eastern borders. This, if successfully carried out, will relieve Gatflcre and French, subdue the rebellion in Cape Colony and go far to deprive the Transvaal of a considerable amount of Orange State help. The Free Staters freely admit that once the Avar is prosecuted in their own territory they will be glad to see it ended. The Government and Buller doubtless know pretty accurately the date to which White can hold Ladysmith. If by then ho is neither relieved nor has fought his way to the Tugela River, his situation will be desperate, and though, from a military point of view, whether Ladysmith does .fall or stand should not hinder what is really the best plan of campaign, it is most improbable that White's forco will be left to the last chance without a second effort to extend relief. ► THE WAR EXPENSES. London, December 19. The Daily Chronicle's financial article, which is written by Mi. A. J. Wilson, says:—''The expenditure for the war considerably exceeds £2,000,000 per week, and as the Treasury cannot hope to sell its bills on the market under 5 per cent, it is evident that the Government must soon come upon the market for money." It is stated in responsible quarters that the leading financial houses have token precautions to meet the difficulties of the next settlement. The bank rate, it is thought, will scarcely go higher this year, and, although the situation is grave, one good victory for British arms would probably do much to dispel the disturbance. ROUGH RIDERS WANTED. STRONG FORCE OF MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS. London, December 20. The Government has at last consented to mobilise a force which General Buller is credited with having demanded all along as essential to success in South Africa, namely, 10,000 mounted infantry. This morning the War Office issued an order to the effect that the Government had decided to raise for South Africa a mounted infan- \ try force, to be called " Imperial Yeomanry," and to be recruited from yeomanry, volunteers, and civilians possessing the requisite qualifications. Enlistment will be for one year, or during the continuance of the war." Tli6 men must be between 20 and 35 years of age, and of equal physique to tho ordinary cavalry soldier. Officers and men are to provide their own horses and to wear neutral tint cloth shooting jackets, not necessarily uniform, felt hats, breeches, and gaiters. ' All must be good riders and marksmen. The same order invites every volunteer regiment that is linked with a regular battalion serving at the front to supply a full companv, which will take the place of the mounted infantry of the regiment. These arrangements are expected to result in a considerable force. The enrolled strength of the yeomanry lorces. which originated in the troublesomo period ot the Revolution, is now 10,433. Their services have never before been called for in war. The enthusiasm of volunteer enlistments continues and promises tc give the Government ample material. Rudyard Kipling addressed a meeting at Rottingdean last evening, called for the purpose of forming p volunteer company. THE DANGERS OF REVOLT IN THE • CAPE. London, December 22. The Capetown correspondent of the Times, under date of December 17, says: — "The Boer fighting line is very thin and a single British success might crnrnple it completely. The real danger, however, is not the military situation, but the likelihood of a Dutch rebellion, which would make the area of war so vast that an additional 50,000 men would be easily swallowed up in maintaining the'enormous length of British communication." THE NAVY. SPEECH BY MR. GOSCHEN. London, December 18. Mr. George J. Goschen. First Lord of the Admiralty, when distributing prisies to volunteers and riflemen in London this evening, said: " I little thought when I accepted this invitation that I would address men to whom an appeal ha<l been made to stand shoulder to shoulder with the regulars in South Africa. The possession of 250,000 volunteers will be regarded by the country, I am sure, as a great element of security, and I am confident that they arc all prepared to do their duty. The colonies also are prepared to do their share, and Canada and Australia are to the fore, waiting for the opportunity to go to the front.* . After praising the services of the naval brigades assisting the troops in South Africa and testifying to the constant anxiety of the naval men to be in the tlrck of the fighting, Mr. Goschen said: " It is impossible to grant their desires, although these soldiers and sailors would be glad to go to South Africa in thousands, because when 120,000 regulars have left our shores the responsibility for the efficiency of our navy will be immensely increased. "I believe the preparedness has contributed essentially to assist Britons to remain calm and confident, despite the black outlook. We have not only to look at South Africa, but at the situation, and at possible emergencies all around, and, without being I an alarmist, I would insist that we must sacrifice to the imperative duty that every ship be fully and properly manned." Mr. Goschen closed with an eloquent tribute to the unanimity of the country and colonies in supporting the Government in a grave crisis. LORD BERESFORD DISCUSSES THE WAR. London, December 18. Rear-Admiral Lord Charles Beresford is quoted in an interview to-day as saying: " The issue of the war will depend more ' upon artillery than anything else, especially ; at the siege of Pretoria and other places where the biggest battles are expected. Therefore, I urge that all the naval guns which can be spared from the reserves and other ships, be mounted on artillery trains J wid timbers for field service immediately,,

This move is necessary, as there are no quick-firing 12-pounders of 12cwb in the army. The Government should iinmediatelv commission every ship in the division of the navy as a needful 'precaution against any nation seeking to take advantage of Great Britain's condition. No friendly nation could object. It would only be running water through hosepipes so as to prepare for fire." MR. CHAMBERLAIN IN DUBLIN. Dublin, December 18. At Trinity College this afternoon the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, British Secretary of State for the Colonies. There was a brilliant assemblage at the ceremony. The undergraduates gathered on the college grounds, and sang patriotic songs. Then they sallied to the college green, cheering vociferously and carrying the Royal Standard and the Union Jack. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, and Lady Betty Balfour, when driving to the college, were cheered at some points, but there was :i noticeable difference of opinion among the crowds lining the streets. While the procession was passing from the provost's residence to Examination Hall the cheering was deafening. The students lined the passage, and held aloft Union Jacks, under which the procession passed. Mr. Chamberlain appeared to thoroughly enjoy the demonstration. As the procession entered the hull all the people present rose and cheered. At the close of the ceremony Mr. Chamberlain, in response to the cries "of the students, said their minds were made solemn by the serious news from South Africa, but England had always been accustomed to hold her own in adversity, He was old enough to remember the Crimea, and the early period of the Indian mutiny, when Enghn'd met with greater disasters than she had just experienced, but eventually the nation sprang to its feet and recovered its equanimity; no doubt it would do so again. In conclusion, Mr. Chamberlain exhorted the students, now that he was one of their doctors, to practice the virtues of toleration and patience. The students made a demonstration at the Mansion House, where they tore, the greon corporation flag to shreds, and caused other damage. The police were forced to intervene, and took the Union Jack from the students. The students returned to the college in an ugly mood. They made a desperate effort to recapture the Union Jack, but the police were too strong for them. In the meantime a hostile crowd had assembled on the college green, and more stringent measures were taken to keep the students within the gates. The students who attacked the Mansion House numbered about 150. They beat the caretaker, who attempted to protect the corporation flag. CONDUCT OF THE WAR, London, December 27. The newspapers continue actively discussing and criticising the management, or rather mismanagement, of the campaign. The advent of hois, sickness draws increased attention to the question of transport, and the want of waggons, which may tie the British forces to the railways. The Times editorially attacks the administration of the War Office, calling attention to the correspondence disclosing "glaring defects." London, December 16. " So far," says the Saturday Review, referring to the war, " we have been able to answer each reverse by the potent argument of another division, but that cannot last for ever." While General Butler's reverse was an unexpected blow to the public that had pinned its faith to him, it would appear that the original plan of campaign, if adhered to, would have given better results, for the besieged towns have shown themselves quite eiipililc of holding our. As it is now the British forces are split up, have been seriously repulsed, are unable to co-operate, and at any rale for the present, are unable to reach their objective. It was foi this plan that the central advance was sacrificed. Even the relief , f Ladysmith can scarcely have great allevi.iting consequences to the campaign as a whole, unless its moral effect quietens the growing disaffection in Cape Colony, ,md disheartens the liners to a more serious «- i tent than their other minor reverses have so i far done. THE JL-OWERB AND THE WAR. Washington, December 18. It is believed here that none of the lutropean Powers will attempt to interfere between Great Britain and the South African Republic, with a view to putting an end to the war. until the attitude of the United States tn viird such a course is ascertained. It is said, also, that there will probably be no interve- '..... ' % i\,.. c rs unless this Government assents to it. The policy of lie United States lias been determined, and. there is no intention of receding from it. This Government will not become a part ,- to intervention under any circumstances likely to occur. BRITONS WHO WANT TO GO TO THE FRONT. CONSUL-GENERAL AT NEW YORK I'MCEIVING THOUSANDS OF OFFERS. New York, December 16. Many thousands of loyal Britons have been calling at the British Consulate in I his city in the last few days, offering their services to their Mother Country in her struggle with the Boers. Sir Percy Hnnderson, the British Consul-General, said 10-day that since the outbreak ot the war ho hnd received many thousand applications fron , fel-low-countrymen in this city who were ready and willing to enlist and go to the front. Individuals and societies had come to the Consular oflice daily, he said, tendering their services. Many of them hiid borne iirms, and a great many were battle-scarred vierans. The most, however, were very young men. "We can't do anything for them," said Sir Percy, " and as Consul-General 1 have no authority to enlist their services. Besides, I have no money with which to equip them or transport them to the seat of w,\\\ A British Consulate in not a recruiting office. Sir Percy also called attention to seel inn 5382 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, which forbids foreign countries enlisting soldiers here. THE PANIC ON CHANGE. London, DeceniuT 16 The news of the defeat of General liiiilcr at Tugela River caused a momentary panic on tlie Stock Exchange here to-dav. wliPte there was immense excitement in all departments. Immediately after the opening jabbers started realising, and all prices opened from one to six points below the closing prices of yesterday, Consols being down I]. Kami mines were heavily affected, starting at 33, as atrainst yesterday evening's closing price of 38j|. De Beers opened at 23}. as against 27 ; Chartereds at 3 against 3A, and Gold Fields at SJ, as against 7 5-16. Amern ans were very flat, and were freely off ere. I by local and Continental holders atprices wh'i-h they found difficulty in obtaining. Foreigners moved in sympathy with the other securities. Parisian stocks, however, heir] their own comparatively well. After the first rush the market'steadied somewhat, still speculators were reluctant to engage in K-«h commitments, confining themselves to i he closing of open accounts. 'Ihe market's views of the situation are of a most serious character, both politically and monetarily, the latter mainly because a fresh defeat of the British troops will delay longer the supply of South African gold. ' LORD ROBERTS ON THE WAR. London - , December 20. General Lord Roberts, who is to have full command of British troops in South Africa, accompanied by Lady Roberts and their two daughters, arrived in London this morning, having travelled from Dublin with Mr. Chamberlain. When "Little Bobs,' tlie beloved of Tommy Atkins, received representatives of the press, he was dressed in the deepest black, in vivid contrast with bis snow-wnitc hair and moustache. His dapper little figure was as straight as ever, but the eyes that have so often scanned British vieI tory, were slightly dimmed by the great perj sonal sorrow that has befallen him : " Cir- ! cumstances naturally forbid my speaking about the campaign ahead of me," he said, " except to say that I have entire confidence in the British soldier, and that I believe the traditions of our army will be upheld in South Africa, For the friendly interest and i sympathy expressed by many "Americans, I.

] am most deeply ijrateful. I feel the justice I of our cause merits this. Though we may oe j at war, I can safely say that no unnecessary i harshness and no acts of inhumanity will mar the fair name of this branch of the AngloSaxon race." New York, December 24. A Sun cable from London, December 25, says: The confusion at the War Oflice remains indescribable, and it is feared Lord Roberts i 9 too old a man and too worn with long Indian campaigning to dominate the nest of incompetents and corruption. It is pathetic to see how loyally and briskly he obeys the call to duty, without pausing a, ' moment eveu to mourn the death of his only son. THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL SHIP MAINE. SAILS FOR AFRICA. London, December 23. The American hospital ship Maine sailed from the West India docks for Capetown this afternoon, under the most favourable ! auspices. The Red Cross flag floated f rom 1 her topmast, the Queen's ensign from her \ main, and the Stars and Stripes from her i mizzen. Lady Randolph Churchill was in her stateroom, on the main deck. The ' i stateroom was filled with flora! decorations ; of the Maine and Red Crosses, while holly and mistletoe overhung the doorway. Mesdames Ronalds, Blow, Van Duser, ;ind others of the committee were present. The nurses, in blue caps, and soft felt hats, and the surgeons in the newly-designed semiUnited States uniforms, added colour to the scene. Lady Churchill said : " I know of no better way to spend Christmas than on an American hospital ship bound for South Africa. The Maine is splendidly equipped, ' and worthy of her people and mission. I go with a grateful heart to all who have so munificently aided the committee. I hope we may prove worthy of this sacred dtiiy. Wherever ihe ship "goes I go." The first signal for " all ashore" "was followed by many handshakings and farewells, and as the Maine moved into the river three cheers were given for the ship, then for Lndy Churchill, and finally for the United States. Then those on board gave three cheers for the Union Jack, and the sailors on the surrounding creft cheered I the United .States as the white hull disappeared in the thickening fog. The Maine will coal at Las Palmns, Canary Islands. She expects to reach the ; Cape in three- weeks, and will return with [ her first consignment of wounded late in February, CONTINENTAL VIKWS ON THE CAMPAIGN. Berlin December 16. The German press and people are jubilant over the news from South Africa and everywhere in the sireets people greet each other and offer congratulations. Among the press comments to-night is that- of the Kreuze Zeitung, which says.-—"We in Germany ! do not wish England to get off cheaply, The more they are humbled in the Bo'ur war, and the more completely their poivjr I in South Africa is broken, the better far I US." The Boersen Courier says: "The attitude of the English people'in view of these hard knocks deserve every praise," and the , paper adds that " in an case, England's position as a world Power is secured by her navy." The Tageblatt compares Bullet's defeat with that of the Italian General Barateri at Adowa. The Loknl Anzeiger says: " Surely a severer trial the British world and Empire never hud to meet, for, as things are now, England will have to thank the other Powers for their sincere love of peace only if she emerges from this war with a whole fkin and mere loss of prestige." Paris, December 16. For the first time this week Parisians met hoarse-voiced newsvendors running along the boulevards to-day shouting "Crushing defeat of the English!" "Great victory for the Boers!" and displaying in the front sheets of their paper the big headlines. "The English Routed!" me. The French people heard and read the news with interest, ami discussed the British defeats in the parks and cafes without a display of sorrow or sympathy for the British, j but at the same time without any outward ! demonstration of gleeful satisfaction that j could he regarded as offensive to the British spectators. The violently "Anglophobe press," such as La Libre Parole and La Patrie, natur--1 ally treat the British disasters as joyful i tidings; but the respectable journals—Le i Temps. Le Journal des Debats, La Liherte, and othcra—discuss the news soberly and moderately. Le Journal res Dohats expresses admiraJ tion -at the wonderful calmness and sangI froid with which the British nation has met blow after blow. The paper concluded its articles with the remark that it would be i a heavy bbw to the .social organisation nf j Grout Britain if Mr. Chamberlain's venture j brings her io conscription. Lo Temps also comments upon the weakness of Great Britain's army to cope with the present emergency, and says;—" Mr. C'hnmberlain little suspected that the letting loose of this war was going to reveal tho insufficiency of the military forces of the British colossus.' La Patrie, which tells its readers that Mr. Chamberlain is seeking to brine about a war with France in order to restore- in the eyes of Europe Great Britain's prestige, so shaken by the defeats of her army by the Boers, savs that a few more disasters like that at Magersfnntein and the Tugels River will mean a British war with France in the coming spring, and declares that the contention of the French northern fleet at and the recall of the Mediterranean squadron to Toulon are the first precautionary measures taken by the French authorities. "The British army" La Patrie adds, "has lived a century on the reputation of the Duke of Wellington, and perhaps (be. navy also lives solely on the reputation of Nelson. The war in the Transvaal has demonstrated the, wenk points of the British army, the weakness of British Empire, the incapacity of its military chiefs, and the. fictitious strength of its troops, who only had to fipht Ravages." The same piper publishes a report of en interview with a French general, whose j name is not given, who describes the ignorance displayed bv the British officers as "unheard of,' , and declares that the Boers , nre evidently superior in tactics and strategy and perhaps in courage. j Bttda-Pksth, December 16. ' The Hagynre Neir/.el, commenting on the British check in South Africa, expresses the warmest sympathy for the British army in its misfortune, nnd adds: " Every liberal nut-ion in the world would deenly regret : f the position of Great Britain, the standardbearer of civilisation were shaken. Aus-tria-Hungary would sorely feel the consequences of any loss of power bv Eiv/land." Viknva, December 16. General Buller's reverse was the subject j of almost universal comment in the Austrian I press to-rlay. Most of the papers incline : to the assumption that General BtillerVmilii tary motives in hurrying engagements nre: j found in the situation at Ladysmith, and j they conclude that capitulation of that place shortly may be expected. THE BRITISH PRESS ON THE j POSITION. Los DOS, December 16. As might have been expected, the <lesperate state of the British arms in South Africa, as revealed by the defeat of General Duller at Tugela River, where at one stroke he lost treble ihe number of guns Wellington left iii the hands of Napoleon during the six years' fighting in the peninsula, while adding to the determination of (lm authorities to send every available man to the front, caused something in the nature of a momentary panic among the public, ; which was reflected on the Stock Exchange. It is long since the tone of the newspapers and the comment in the clubs and other re- , sorts have been so chastened and pessimistic. Some of the comments go no far as to say the crisis is so far reaching that Great Britain stands " where she stood over a century bark, when the American colonists, men of British and Dutch blood, were in arms." The Evening Standard declares the ; situation calls for all the equanimity, j determination and perseverance of the Em- ! pire, and demands the immediate calling out of all the volunteers, embodying all the Uitlanders expelled from the Transvaal, to guard the lines of communication, thusi freeing all the regulars for service in the fighting line, k The Star urges the commandeering "of l all the great English Atlantic liners for the

transportation of reinforcements," and says the country must " set herself the task of plucking victory out of defeat," adding:— " The guilt of the Government is superseded by the danger of the Empire. We are thinking of a hostile Europe s we are thinking of India, and whatever happens, wo imploro the Government not to move another man from Calcutta or Bombay. We remember the mutiny." The Globe, after urging immediate dispatch of reinforcements, and the use of the militia, says:—"And we can turn with equal confidence to the strong arms and loyal hearts of our fellow-subjects in Canada and Australia. Those offers, which were so liberally made, and were not too graciously received at the beginning of the war, will, we are confident, be renewed as the urgency of the contest reveals itself. They can see as keenW as ourselves that not only our sunremacv in Africa, but the maintenance of the Empire is at stake." Queen Victoria was greatly concerned at tho latest reverse. The Commander-in-Chief, Lord Wolseley w;.s at Windsor Castle when the news arrived, and he took a special train uack to London. I TRANSVAAL PREPARED FOR DESPERATE FIGHT. I Paris, December 18. M. de Long, the manager of the dynamite factory at Modderfontein, in the Transvaal, has just returned to France, and has been interviewed by the representatives of several of tho Paris journals. He says that r he British Government can have had no idea of the vast extent the preparations that the Boers have been quietly making for yiears, with the realisation that another struggle with the full force of Great Britain was inevitable. Even should the Boers be I driven out of Natal, he points out no British army could ever hope to enter the Transvaal and survive. Sinco the war, he says, heavy artillery that had been carefully stored away ba-i been brought forth. Ho asserts that the forts at Pretoria and Johannesburg are as strong as anv fortresses in the world, and have within the last month been rendered nb solutely impregnable, while Eidelberg alone could hold its own with 25 men against 1000 assailants, particularly in the rainy season, which has just begun, causing tinfordahlo streams suddenly to spring into existence. M. do LOll2 states that there are about 6000 well-trained German volunteers in the Boer armv who have not vet been allowed to go to the front. He adds that the Governments of the Boer Republics are showing a great economy of strength, and have not yet used a third of their military resources. KRUGER'S TERMS OF PEACE. New York, December 19 A cable to the Sun from Cologne says: — Tho Magdeberg Zeitung luis received a telebram from the Transvaal agency in Brussels which confirms the statement that President Kruger is ready to sign a treaty of peace provided no further rights are asked for the Uitlanders than they enjoyed before the war, and also Great Britain pays the war expenses incurred by the Boers. If Greit Britain continues the war, the dispatch says, Presidents Kruger and Steyn will ask tne Cape Dutch to proclaim the independence of Capo Colony. RUMOURS OF RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BRITISH CABINET. New York, December 18. A cable to the World from London says: — A reconstruction of the Cabinet is eagerly discussed in political circles. Many deem it imperative that its old and useless members, like Goschen, Chaplin, and Cross, shall be sacrificed. Lord Salisbury, oppressed with public and private cares, and shaken in health, is declared to be anxious to retire, but it is represented to him that his disappearance would inevitably cause a total collapse of the Administration. A de.vl set is being made against Sir Michael HicksBeach. Chancellor of tho Exchequer, on the ground of his alleged refusal to provide adequate funds for transports at an earlier stage of the war. It is also suggested that Mr. Chamberlain's retirement may be forced by parly pressure, confidence in him being completely shaken. Should iV war continue much longer without it <Vi«ivp British success, the forma- : tion of a national coalition M'nislry is certain, wlh Lori' Roseherv as Foregu Minis--1 ter. and probahk Mr. Asouith as Colonial I Secretary, Lord Salisbury retaining the Premiership, but giving a proportion of the portfolios to the Liberal Imperialists. These and other rumours flving wildly around in the political clubs show how entirely the feeling that the Empire is in danger is obliterating the most deeply-marked party divisions. MORE TROOPS. London, December 1 1 . The afternoon papers* of all shades of politics foliow the morning papers in facing the situation courageously, and demanding the immediate despatch of reinforcements. Thus the rndicnl Star sars : "The stake the gambler Chamb"rlain has thrown on the table i« not merelv South Africa, but the l'!m"»'re. It is too late to reeret the came. We have no choice but to play it. even if it involves sending abroad the militia. Our armies in South Africa must be amply rO' in forced." The Globe says : " The countiy is prepared for anv sacrifice. In the famous wor Is of General Sherrhn, ' All must now go in.' " The St. James , Gazette says i "When we. have retrieved our defeats and have restored the supremacy of our (lag; we can criticise and investi;raU\ To-day we must act." The Westminster Gazette, a Liberal newspaper, which actively opposed the war, savs: "We are bound to carry the campaign to a successful issue." and adds. " the reckoning with the Government will come later on." THE FALLEN GUARDS. IMPRESSIVE SERVICE. Nothing in its way could have been more profoundly impressive than the memorial service for the gallant officers and men of tho Brigade of Guards who fell at the battles of Belinont, Enslin, and Modeler { River. Seldom has such a scene of solemJ nity been witnessed as that which took place I in the Guards' Chapel at Wellington Barricks. The officiating clergy were the Rev. i Dr. Edghill. Chaplain-General to the 1 Forces; the Rev. C. H. Murphy, Chaplain at Wellington Barracks; and the Rev. G. H. 'Andrews. Chaplain at the Duke of York's Schools; and the service was selected from the Order for the Burial of the Dead, the rommittul portion being omitted. The band of the Coldstream Guards, under Mr. John McKenzie Rogan, was stationed in the north choir aisle, and the drummers of the Coldslreams — their instruments muffled—were in the gallery over the smith choir aisle. The choir was composed ot tho drummers of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards. The service commenced with the playing of Chopin's " Marche Funebre. There have been a number of band settings of this famous composition, which was originally written for the pianoforte, and the pleading tenderness of that used (Mr. Rogau's own setting) was singularly ell'ec- ] tive, The Rev, C. H. Murphy read the opening sentences, and after the Psalm, " Dixi CWouiam," read the Lesson from Corinthians. The. hymn. "Days and Moments Quickly Flying," was then sung, and the Rev. Dr. Edghill read the collect and prayers. A beautiful hymn, to the tune by Adda Wodehouse (a relative of one of tho heroes), and arranged for the band by Mr. Rogan, was then sung: Sleep on, beloved; sleep, and take thy rest; Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's breast. We lovod tnce well, but Jesus loves tliee best— j Good night ! The Chaplain-General pronounced the Benediction, and an interval for silent , prayer was given, after which the band terminated the service by playing the " Dead March" in "Saul," DISLOYAL DUBLIN COUNCILLORS. A pro-Boer resolution which Mr. William Redmond, M.P., and his adherents desired to have passed by tho Dublin Corporation a few days ago, camo to an untimely and ignominious end. It received no support from tho bulk of the Nationalists, nor, of course, from the Conservative members. The meeting had been convened in compliance with a requisition. But when the time came it was found that the membors present were not sufficient to form a quorum, and consequently no business could be legally trans- ;

acted. The Lord Mayor, despite this fact, ] persisted in mak'ing a statement, ignoring the protests of the Conservative members, who pointed out that the making of a speech under the circumstances would be irregular. : He said the war in South Africa was a war of wanton and unprovoked aggression, un- > dertaken at the instigation of Mr. Cham-1 berlain and capitalists. Scenes of disorder | followed, members of the Council standing j in the centre of the chamber and shouting, ' while working men, who packed the gallery, cheered and groaned. Eventually the Lord Mayor retired from the chamber, and the occupants of the gallery left the building cheering for Kruger. WAR ITEMS. Lady Sykes is at Estcourt with the Red Cross people there. Boer powder looks like cardboard, and ;S more powerful than black powder. Everybody in the Free State has been commandeered, including Mr. Fraser, Chairman of tho Volksraad. Sir Charles Napier once wrote: "In the beginning of each war wo havo had to seek in blood the knowledge necessary to ensure success." It is rumoured that Mr. Winston Churchill is to be recommended for a V.C. for his conduct during tho attack on tho armoured train near Colenso. The Argentine- horses now being? sent to the Capo from Buenos Ayres are not Biiitaole for cavalry chargers, but are to be used for' transport and ambulance, work. How serious tho coal famine is to Nnt.il industrial concerns may be gathered from tho fact that 100 tons obtained from Durban cost a Maritzburg firm £6 per ton. A gentleman from Kentucky has arrived in England with tho intention of •riumphi'ig over all obstacles, and getting himself enlisted as a volunteer in our army. Two huurlred and thirty-four Indian men, women, and children are wandering in the veldt in Natal. The men formerly worked in tho coal mines at Elands Laagte. Tho diamond-cutting industry at Antwerp has been practically killed by the war in South Africa. It is expected that 10 days hence not one cutting mill will be working. The women at Johannesburg, says a gontloman who stayed on till November 3, aro moro enthusiastic than the mon. Two instance , - an known of men who returned and were sent back by their wives. " Snatcher," a dog belonging to the Gloucesters, wa-3 smuggled on board in a kit bag at Calcutta. Ho was right up in the firing Hll3 at Rietfontein, where tho Gloucester? ■ lost'so heavily, but came through without a . Bcrateh. Of the Suffolk Regiment Reservists, 512 out of 514 answered tho call. Of the remaining two. one who was in prison for debt was released and has pone lo tho front. Tho ! other, who was in India, has at his own expenso joined his regiment. An Argentine officer has written a pamplt ' lot giving tho truth about tho Boers, and ' containing this remark: " Every country eon--1 qur-red by Britain has gained by belonging i to her. Its inhabitants do not change ieaeters, but become their own masters." Even tho educated Boer is wonderfully ' ignorant. When at lunch in tho house of a ' well-known Joliannesburger, Judge Koch •)!>■ 1 served that England could not put more than > 40,000 men in the field, evon if.she brought lier Indian army and the volunteers into action. Tho field telegraphists with General Bulbr carry their cables in specially-constructed carts, each containing, if necessary, 10 miles of cablo wound on chums, so tint in open • country they can lay it at a gallop. The ■ current is sent to earth through the wheels 1 of the cart. A field cable is a curious thing. It is al--1 most unusable if laid on grass, but can be I run over with impunity by heavy wagirons. 1 When the clervifhcs cut the wires in tho Nile campaign messages wero sent by joining the . instruments to the railway metals, and using the Nile as a return. ; Lieutenant H. Tristram, of the 12th Lancers, is well known to many civilians for his feats > of arms at the Royal Military Tournament 1 at the Agricultural Hall. For two years , in succession Lieutenant Tristram gained the . prize for being the best man ot arm? in the J commissioned ranks. Ho also carried off other prizes. According to the Court Journal, Lady Mo- • Union is staying quietly at Cors'isun Conn, the family place at Wilts, where she in busily engaged in dispensing charity, for Corsham j Court is a central office to which ill the ■ , patriotic and charitable offerings of tho eoun ; tv an> cent foi ultimate distribution among the soldiers. j A committee has been formed in England ' for a memorial to General Sir W. P. Symons. In a circular they state:—The heart' ' felt condolences which have reached tho ' Mothc-i' Country from the colonies on the death of tho brave Cornish soldier, General Sir William Penn Symons, at Glencoo, have bnen sinceroly appreciated throughout the whole kingdom, but most of all in the neighbourhood of his homo. The committee have not yet decided upon the form of the we- • morial. but it will, in all probability, be arc ranged that his parish church of Botusfleming and tho town of Snltash shall receive such 0 mementoes as will perpetuate his memory for 31 many generations. Wo shall bo thankful c] to receive subscriptions for this end, and e j if they aro sent to the Right Worshipful tho Mayor of Snltash, Cornwall, England, will bo gratefully acknowledged. ' -— r