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Newspaper
Lowell Daily Courier
Location
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Dec 21, 1899
Page
2
London reports rising public concern over scarce news from the Tugela front. Boer commander General Schalk Burgher is noted amid talks of reinforced defenses, while British forces reassess strategy and mobilization.
London dispatch dated December 16 says Boers plan a major stand at Stormberg with a massing near the abandoned British camp. A column of about 2000 is described as largely rebel infantry.
London reports the government will mobilize 10,000 mounted infantry as Imperial Yeomanry to aid Gen. Buller in South Africa. Enlistments run one year or duration of the war, ages 20 to 85, with volunteers supplying horses. Officers and men must be good riders and marksmen, wearing neutral cloth jackets and felt hats.
London dispatch reports the British cruiser Isis will carry Gen Lord Kitchener from Egypt to the Cape at 16 knots after orders to depart promptly. The move sets a swift redeployment of high command amid ongoing imperial duties.
Halifax reports numerous applicants for the second Canadian contingent to the South Africa war. Maj. L. H. D. Fortesque, aide to Lord William Seymour, will rejoin the 7th Lancers in England. A Halifax ladies committee sent Christmas greetings to the South Africa volunteers.
London dispatch notes British misjudgment of Boer positions along low hills north of Colenso bridge. Boers held longer range guns and stronger artillery, outranging British ordnance despite British numeric superiority. Times criticizes war office for failing to provide adequate artillery and notes naval guns’ limited use in the Tugela action. General French reconnoitred north of Arundel as New Zealanders moved on Jasfontein farm before Boers countered.
Dec 6 dispatch reports continued desultory bombardment with sharpshooters in a smart duel both mornings and evenings. It notes a novel message method used by Boers on Dec 4. A five-pound shell into the town failed to explode and contained a letter to Powell Baden-Powell asking to relay family news and a light joke about whiskey.
General Lord Roberts said he is grateful for American sympathy and stressed confidence in British troops. He praised Canadian loyalty and Irish bravery, denied disloyalty rumors, and noted strong friendship with General Kitchener while staying in London for private consultations.
Berlin reports claim British agents recruit German peasants for military service in rural districts despite denials. Hamburg court orders arrest of a British agent named York for hiring locals under imperial law, while Essen notes a rush production of 25,000 steel shells for the British army with workers on night shifts.
Shanghai reports another sign of China Japan accord as M Yano Fumio resigns as Pekin minister to become foreign adviser. Empress dowager awards him the order of the double dragon first class, granting a rank equal to top viceroy or president of Pekin boards. He departs for Tokyo for Japanese guidance.
In Clackmannan and Kinross, Liberal and Radical FE Watson defeated Unionist G Younger by 516 votes to fill the Balfour vacancy after his appointment as lord chief justice of Scotland. The tally was 3489 for Watson and 2973 for Younger, a 29 vote reduction from Balfour's previous margin.
In London on December 20, Scottish Liberal associations passed a vote of confidence for Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman after a debate over whether the resolution originated with the local body or the executive committee, with tensions linked to Rosebery’s leadership. Berlin meanwhile reports Germany ends preferential tariffs on Barbados goods as of December 20.
Paris dispatch reports a bill to submit the Franco American reciprocity treaty to the Chamber of Deputies. The preamble touts U.S. cooperation and two years of work, notes tariff concessions for French imports while protecting French agriculture, and highlights reductions in U.S. concessions for olive oil and canned vegetables. It states the treaty strengthens economic ties and avoids an American market invasion.
Paris reports a pending Ninth Chamber case against Emile Zola for calumnious denunciation brought by Judet, Petit Journal political director. The dispute centers on letters linking Zola's father to embezzlement during his lieutenant years and claims of forged documents. Zola seeks access to his father’s dossier while official secrecy blocks it. La Patrie notes a Defus family move to found a newspaper led by Clemenceau.
The vessel arrived at St Johns and underwent thorough repair and strengthening. It was fitted with new engines and boilers and, upon completion, will be ready for a three year cruise project led by Lieut. Peary who hopes to reach the North Pole with her.
Mahmund Pasha, the sultan's son-in-law, has landed in Marseilles after fleeing Constantinople with his wife's jewels and money. The Turkish government has telegraphed to France's foreign minister Delcasse seeking arrest upon arrival, but French authorities have not yet intervened.
Paris December 20 The naval committee of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved the minister of marine M Lockroy's bill to open a 500000000 franc defense credit for the coast and naval stations and to increase the number of ships.
Berlin reports indicate Count von Buelow's budget speech hinted Germany aims to acquire points d appui and coaling stations, especially in the Far East and the Americas. Berlin notes a possible push toward St Thomas via Danish West Indies talks, paused by American sentiment, with negotiations to resume if objections fade.
Berlin reports a disturbance at Luatvanu over depredations on chiefs property following refusal to pay the poll tax. The youths demand the guilty parties be sent to Apia for punishment, a demand that has been promised action.
Berlin Dec 20 Admiral Von Die richs has been named chief of the naval general staff. Vice Admiral Bendemann is appointed to command the cruiser squadron, succeeding Prince Henrik of Prussia who returns home.
St Johns Newfoundland December 20 The Peary Arctic Club has decided to repair the steamer Windward for next season's northern cruise. The vessel now lies at Brigus on Conception Bay and will be repaired there.
Chicago leaders report broad Irish support for the Boers in the Transvaal war with England. The Ancient Order of Hibernians plans a January mass meeting in Chicago with speeches and a push to raise funds through the Red Cross for hospital and ambulance aid, aiming for a united national effort.
A Washington man famous for knowing everyone and every dog on the street bets he can identify dog owners by bark and markings. He names Beriah Wilkins and Jim Riley’s dogs, and in twenty minutes can identify fourteen dogs’ owners, once known as the treasury department’s lightning calculator, now selling dogs for a living.
Paris December 20 M Deroulede condemned to two years in prison by a Senate high court of justice He denounced the Senate and the President amid uproar and was excluded from the court until continuing proceedings The prosecutor argued to join charges against M Habert but was ruled illegal and the judgment stood unchanged
Queenstown reports anxiety over the White Star steamer Oceanic capt. Cameron which departed New York December 13 and is now 30 hours overdue. Reverend John Reid Jr of Great Falls Manx testifies Ely's Dream Balm cures catarrh when used as directed. The Balm, sold at 20 cents or by Ely Brothers New York.
Mary J. Mullen of 85 Prince Street testifies that Doan’s Kidney Pills are valuable and reliable after experiences shared by others including her father. She bought them at Ellingwood and Co. and recommended them widely, noting rapid backache relief and strong praise from all who used them. Sold by dealers or mail order from Foster-Milburn Co. Buffalo NY sole US agents.
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