Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1901 — HAIL ROBERTS HOME. [ARTICLE]

HAIL ROBERTS HOME.

Field Marshal Back from South Africa X* Lionized* After a long ocean voyage from battlefields in the southern hemisphere Field Marshal Lord Roberts, commander-in-chief of the British army, arrived at Cowes, Isle of W’ight, and was personally welcomed by Queen Victoria in Osborne House. As the Canada came up the sea road the spectacle of ships gayly dressed, a sea front deeorated with bunting and Venetian masts, with troops drawn up along the route to Osborne House and cheering sightseers, must have been pleasant to this veteran warrior, who at an age when most men are quitting the active duties of life comes back to England to be greeted with new honors for brilliant military successes. Notwithstanding the present ominous outlook for the British in South Africa and the prospects for a continuance of the war Lord Roberts was supposed to have ended mouths ago, the English do not forget that until the appearance of the veteran on the African scene thejiistory of the Transvaal war on the British side was one of almost uninterrupted disaster and defeat Now that the general who “organized victory” out of defeat in South Africa has returned affairs may take another shape. In any event Lord Roberts has fairly won the position of commander-in-chief, his earldom, the Order of the Garter, the applause of his fellow-countrymen and the praise of his Queen. Seldom has there been so general a demonstration of affection on the part of the people of London as took place on the occasion of the entrance to the city of Field Marshal Lord Roberts. The crowds were not so dense as in some of the late war celebrations, nor was the disorder as great, but the welcoming of the general formed fully as important an event as any of the late jubilations. A dispatch from London says it is almost certainly decided that Mr. Kruger will go to America in February, probably accompanied by W. T. Stead, who will make a ringing campaign in behalf of stopping the war. Mr. Stead haa started for Paris in company with John E. Milholland, who bore an invitation from prominent New Yorkers to Mr. Kruger to visit America. While in Paris they will see the leaders of the arbitration movement in Europe and decide definitely on plans.