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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of War's Brighter Side, by Julian Ralph
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: War's Brighter Side
+       The Story of The Friend Newspaper Edited by the
+       Correspondents with Lord Roberts's Forces, March-April, 1900
+
+Author: Julian Ralph
+
+Release Date: June 2, 2012 [EBook #39881]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Badge specially made for the Editors of THE FRIEND.]
+
+[Illustration: The editors at Work.
+
+Photographed by H. Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."]
+
+
+
+
+  WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE
+
+  The Story of =THE FRIEND= Newspaper
+  Edited by the Correspondents
+  With Lord Roberts's Forces,
+  March-April, 1900 + + + +
+
+
+  By
+
+  JULIAN RALPH
+
+  (_One of the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND")
+
+  Author of "Towards Pretoria," "At Pretoria," "Alone in
+  China," etc., etc.
+
+
+  With 15 Illustrations
+
+
+  London
+  C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd.
+  Henrietta Street
+  1901
+
+
+
+
+  [_The coloured reproductions on the cover of this book are
+  fac-similes of a badge specially made for the Editors of_
+  THE FRIEND.]
+
+
+
+
+  With his Kind Permission
+  this History of his
+  Unique and Historic
+  Experiment in Publishing a Newspaper
+  for an Army in the Field
+  is Dedicated to
+
+  FIELD MARSHAL, EARL ROBERTS, V.C., K.G., K.P., ETC.
+
+  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM EARL ROBERTS TO LORD STANLEY REGARDING "THE FRIEND."
+
+
+                                                    BLOEMFONTEIN,
+                                              _April 13th, 1900_.
+
+     DEAR LORD STANLEY,--I understand that on Monday next, the
+     16th inst., THE FRIEND will come under the new management,
+     and it will, I hope, continue to thrive now that it has been
+     established on a sound basis.
+
+     The Army owe a deep debt of gratitude to the gentlemen who
+     so kindly came forward, and who have given their services
+     gratuitously in the management of the paper.
+
+     That their labours are appreciated is evident from the
+     eagerness with which the paper is purchased by officers and
+     soldiers alike.
+
+     On behalf, therefore, of the troops, I would ask you to
+     convey my best thanks to all who have contributed towards
+     making the paper such a success, especially to the following
+     gentlemen, Messrs. Landon, Ralph, Gwynne, and Buxton.
+
+     Believe me to be
+                     Yours very truly,
+                                                         ROBERTS.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Lord Roberts is the first General of whom I have heard who ever
+recognised and acknowledged the Value and Power of the Press by
+establishing a Newspaper as a source of Entertainment and Information
+for an Army in the Field, and as a Medium for conveying such Arguments
+and Appeals as he wished to make to the Enemy. This he did, as one
+might say, the instant he conquered the first of the Boer Capitals,
+almost simultaneously with his appointment of a Military Governor and
+a Provost Marshal, and the establishment of a Police Force.
+
+The story of Lord Roberts's experiment and the Experiences of the Men
+he selected for his Editors must be especially attractive to all
+Journalists, and they will find here set forth whatever is of purely
+professional interest to them. To those details I have added the most
+Notable Contributions with which each of the twenty-seven Numbers of
+THE FRIEND was made up, and here this narrow limitation of the
+interest in the book is broken wide asunder. These newspaper articles
+are mainly the Works of Fighting Men, at rest between Battles, and of
+others who were at the moment going to or coming from Engagements.
+They hold the Mirror up to the Life of an Army, in Camp, on the
+March, in Battle, and in a Conquered Capital.
+
+In these Letters, Sketches, and Verses the Reader lives with the
+Soldiers in camp. He sees what they work and play at. He hears of
+their Deeds of Daring, Mishaps and Adventures. He catches their
+strange Lingo. He observes what they Eat--(and what they do not get to
+Drink). He notes how they speak of their Faring in Battle. In all the
+Wealth of English Literature I know of no such a Mirror-reflection and
+a Phonograph-echoing of Soldier Life as is here.
+
+Generals, Colonels--in fact, men of every rank and grade contributed
+their shares; of every rank down to "Tommy Atkins," who, in general,
+sings his Songs in the background, in verse, like the Chorus in an
+Ancient Drama.
+
+To these features I have added many Personal Recollections, as well as
+Anecdotes and Stories told by or about the men around me in camp, and
+in the conquered Capital of the Free State, with Notes and Comments
+upon a wide variety of subjects suggested during the editing of the
+other Matter here collated.
+
+In the Proclamations of the wise and great Field-Marshal, and the
+Notices, Ordinances, and Camp Orders of his Lieutenants set to rule
+Bloemfontein after its capture by us, are to be found an account of
+the Methods by which a Triumphant Army establishes its own new rule in
+a Conquered City and Territory. This peculiar and most interesting
+history runs, like a steel thread, through the book from beginning to
+end. I do not know where else it is told, or even hinted at, in what
+has thus far been written of the War.
+
+It was because each of the chief elements that make up this book of
+THE FRIEND is equally fresh and impossible to obtain elsewhere, that I
+undertook the labour of compiling this work.
+
+It was my first intention to reproduce all the Reading Matter which
+appeared in THE FRIEND during the period in which we managed it (March
+16th to April 16, 1900) but this would have formed a ponderous book of
+270,000 words--without including the Military Proclamations. Such a
+work could not be produced for a price at the command of the general
+reader, and, furthermore, the general reader would have found it too
+tiresome to work his way through the many Technical Articles and
+others which time has rendered stale or of little interest. Therefore,
+not without regret, I felt obliged to select, as my best judgment
+prompted, the matter of the Most Peculiar character, or of Widest
+Interest for reproduction here.
+
+As the former Editors of THE FRIEND have now formed themselves into an
+Order to which none is eligible except he or she who tells the truth
+without fear of consequences, the reader may as well prepare himself
+to meet with that rare quality in some of the pages that follow.
+
+                                                      THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAP.                                                 PAGE
+
+       I. THE BIRTH OF "THE FRIEND"                        1
+
+      II. ITS INFANCY                                     12
+
+     III. WE PUBLISH A "CURIO" NUMBER                     28
+
+      IV. WE BEGIN TO FEEL AT HOME                        41
+
+       V. TREATING OF MANY PEOPLES                        63
+
+      VI. OURS WAS NO BED OF ROSES                        82
+
+     VII. RUDYARD KIPLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR               99
+
+    VIII. LORD ROBERTS'S HEADQUARTERS                    112
+
+      IX. "OH, HOW GOOD IT WAS!"                         131
+
+       X. I VISIT MISS BLOEMFONTEIN                      160
+
+      XI. OUR VERY MIXED PUBLIC                          182
+
+     XII. "VIVE LA COMPAGNIE"                            200
+
+    XIII. WE LEAVE "THE FRIEND" TO SEE A FIGHT           221
+
+     XIV. MY HORSE OFFERED FOR SALE                      237
+
+      XV. GENERAL POLE-CAREW IN WAR                      248
+
+     XVI. OUR LOSS AND THE ARMY'S                        258
+
+    XVII. THE CENSOR AS AN EDITOR                        268
+
+   XVIII. OUR CHRISTENING COMPETITION                    274
+
+     XIX. FOOLED BY THE BOERS                            283
+
+      XX. DR. A. CONAN DOYLE CONTRIBUTES                 305
+
+     XXI. LOOT AND LURID CRAZES                          318
+
+    XXII. IN THE SHADOW OF SANNA'S POST                  330
+
+   XXIII. A COMPLETE NEWSPAPER                           346
+
+    XXIV. FALSE HEARTS AROUND US                         350
+
+     XXV. THE END APPROACHES                             361
+
+    XXVI. WANTED, A MILLIONAIRE                          371
+
+   XXVII. A NOTABLE NUMBER                               385
+
+  XXVIII. OUR "FRIEND" NO LONGER                         398
+
+    XXIX. ADIEU TO "THE FRIEND"                          410
+
+   INDEX                                                 417
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  THE EDITORS AT WORK                            _Frontispiece_
+
+  JULIAN RALPH                                _Facing page_  42
+
+  A CORRECTED "PROOF" BY RUDYARD KIPLING            "    "   99
+
+  EARL ROBERTS                                      "    "  112
+
+  MISS BLOEMFONTEIN                                 "    "  160
+
+  MENU OF A NOTABLE DINNER                          "    "  202
+
+  JULIAN RALPH AND HIS HORSE "RATTLESNAKE"          "    "  238
+
+  LORD STANLEY AT WORK AS CENSOR                    "    "  268
+
+  A PAGE OF CONAN DOYLE'S "COPY"                    "    "  306
+
+  THE CAPITULATION OF BLOEMFONTEIN                  "    "  320
+
+  THE FRONT PAGE OF "THE FRIEND" OF APRIL 14, 1900  "    "  388
+
+
+
+
+WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE BIRTH OF "THE FRIEND"
+
+     _Showing how it was Fathered by a Field Marshal, sponsored
+     by a Duke and three Lords, and given over to four
+     certificated male nurses._
+
+
+We reached Bloemfontein with men who had done extraordinary marching,
+fighting, and feats of exposure and privation. Some of the troops,
+notably the Guards, had walked more than thirty (more than forty, if I
+am not mistaken) miles in one of the three days' continuous marching.
+Many had fought at Jacobsdahl, Paardeberg, and Driefontein, not to
+speak of lesser actions at Waterval Drift and Poplar Grove.
+
+During at least the last week of this almost unprecedented military
+performance the army had been reduced to less than half rations. We
+were very short of food for beasts as well as men. We had lost a large
+number of transport waggons, with their contents and the animals that
+drew them, and we had put the torch to two great hillocks of food
+which we could not take with us beyond Paardeberg. All our four-footed
+helpers were spent, hundreds of horses were ill, hundreds of bodies
+of others were lying along our wake upon the veldt, with flocks of
+glutted, yet still gluttonous, aasvogels feeding upon their flesh.
+
+Worse, far worse than all else combined, the dreadful microbes of
+enteric had entered the blood of thousands of the soldiers, who had
+found no other water to drink than that of the pestilential Modder
+River which carried along and absorbed the bodies of men and horses as
+well as the filth of the camps of both the Boers and ourselves.
+
+We had done as the Boers had said we never would do--as only one man
+of their forces (Villebois-Mareuil) had foreseen that a great general
+like Lord Roberts must be certain to do: we had left the railway and
+swept across the open veldt for one hundred miles, from Jacobsdahl and
+Kimberley to Bloemfontein. For warning his brusque and opinionated
+commander-in-chief, Cronje, that we would do this, Cronje insulted the
+brilliant Frenchman grossly, and bade him keep his idiotic notions to
+himself. But we had done it, and Cronje had lost his army and his
+liberty for failing to heed the warning. At Bloemfontein we came upon
+the steam highway once more, but to the south of Bloemfontein it was
+wrecked at many points, while to the northward it was in the enemy's
+country and control.
+
+There was therefore nothing for us but to rest. Yet how heroically we
+had worked to make rest necessary! How well we had earned the right to
+enjoy rest if we had been of the temper to desire it! In one month
+under the great Field Marshal we had gone further and accomplished
+more than all the other British armies had done in nearly six months.
+We had won over the eagles of victory to perch upon our standards. We
+had freed Ladysmith and Kimberley, drawn the Boers away from the Cape
+Colony border, captured the best army and leading general of our foes,
+and were encamped around Bloemfontein with President Steyn's Residency
+in use as our headquarters.
+
+The manner in which four of the war correspondents first learned that
+we were not to push on to the northward in an effort to seize the
+Transvaal capital, but were to halt at Bloemfontein, was most
+peculiar. It was so peculiar as to have led to the establishment of
+the first newspaper ever conducted by an army for an army on the field
+of battle. It was so unique an episode that this volume is published
+to commemorate and explain it; and I trust that no one who reads this
+will decide that it was not an episode worthy of an even more marked,
+substantial, and valuable memorial than I possess the talent to
+construct.
+
+We entered Bloemfontein on March 13th. Two days later I was asked by
+Mr. F. W. Buxton, of the _Johannesburg Star_, to attend a meeting of
+some other correspondents and Lord Stanley in Lord Stanley's office on
+that day. I had caught up with the army by a dangerous journey with
+only two companions across the veldt from Kimberley, where an injury
+to my leg had laid me up. I had reported myself to Lord Stanley, the
+censor. I had previously carried on some correspondence with him, but
+our personal acquaintance had not been of more than five minutes'
+duration. I could not, therefore, know at that time that he was to
+prove himself the most competent of all the censors appointed to
+supervise the work of us correspondents. In saying that he was the
+"most competent" I mean that he ranked above all the others in every
+quality which goes to make up fitness for this unceasing and exacting
+work. He had quick intelligence, great breadth of judgment, unfailing
+courtesy, unbroken patience, and all the modesty of a truly able man.
+
+Hardly can the average reader estimate the degree of satisfaction with
+which we correspondents came quickly to realise the admirable
+qualities of this first and only fair and considerate censor that most
+of us had known in the war. At one place we knew a censor who read the
+letters which came to officers and privates from their wives in
+England, and who used to regale his chance acquaintances with
+comparisons between the sterling virtues and deep affection of the
+letters to Tommy, and the colder, more selfish, and even querulous
+messages of the wives of officers.
+
+At another place we had a censor who obliged us to hand to him our
+letters to our wives and sweethearts unsealed, and in one case this
+censor kept for twenty-four hours a letter I had written to my family.
+
+Still another censor showered his contempt upon certain correspondents
+who, in every way which goes to make up refinement, self-respect, and
+dignity, were many times better men than he. It amused him to take the
+despatches of a Colonial lad, who was doing his best to enter upon an
+honourable career, and throw them in his waste basket daily for ten
+days without informing the youth of their fate. It pleased him to
+insult me by telling me that the only message I could send to England
+must be a description of a sandstorm; while to Mr. E. F. Knight, a man
+Lord Methuen said he "was proud to have with his army," this censor
+said, "There is only one thing I will allow you to write--that is, a
+description of a new Union Jack which has just been run up over the
+headquarters."
+
+With such ill-chosen, mistaken men had we undergone experiences, and
+now, at last, we met with Lord Stanley, who had the most intense likes
+and dislikes for those around him, yet never let these hinder or
+temper his unvarying fairness; who was as firm as iron and yet always
+gentle; a stout, strong, stalwart man in build, hearty and kindly in
+manner; a man who took command as easily and exercised it as smoothly
+as if he had been a general at birth.
+
+I speak of him at some length not merely because his case proves that
+the one well-equipped censor appointed in the armies on the west side
+of the continent was a civilian, and not only because this one
+competent censor gave equally complete satisfaction to both the Army
+and the Press, but because he assumed a conspicuous and important part
+in the story I am telling.
+
+His office was as nearly literally a hole in a wall as a room in a
+house could well be. It was in the corner of the Free State Post
+Office building, facing the great central square of dirt, in the
+middle of which stood the market, under whose open shed the mounted
+men of the City Imperial Volunteers lived among their saddles and
+bridles, and slept on the tables of the greengrocers, whose place this
+once had been. On the Post Office side of the square was the Free
+State Hotel, the best in the town. On the opposite side, an eighth of
+a mile away, was the Club. Between the two ends ran a double row of
+such shops as one looks for in a small village, and behind one of
+these was the office of a newspaper called _The Friend of the Free
+State_.
+
+Lord Stanley's office was a wretched poke-hole of a room. It boasted a
+door with glass panels and no window. Its floor was of bare boards.
+Its walls were partly made of soiled plaster and partly of bare
+boards. Opposite the door, in the corner, stood a kitchen table which
+was never used, and in the other dark end of the room was another
+kitchen table, behind which, on a kitchen chair, the ex-Guardsman and
+Whip of the Unionist Party sat nearly all day, and some hours of every
+evening, with one hand full of manuscript and the other holding the
+little triangular stamp with which he printed the sign manual of his
+approval upon nearly every despatch which was written by those
+correspondents who kept within the law governing the cabling of news
+to their journals. A kerosene lamp, an inkpot and pen, and a litter of
+papers were the other appointments of the room. The censor was clad in
+khaki like all the rest of us, but the collar of his tunic bore on
+each side the short bit of red cloth which marked him as a staff
+officer.
+
+To this office, at the censor's invitation, came Perceval Landon,
+correspondent of the _Times_, H. A. Gwynne, of Reuter's Agency, F. W.
+Buxton, of the _Johannesburg Star_, and myself.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Lord Stanley after the door had been closed and
+locked to keep out the current of "Tommies" with telegrams which
+flowed in and eddied before the desk all day, "Lord Roberts wants to
+have a daily newspaper published for the entertainment and information
+of the Army while we are here. I may tell you that we are likely to
+stay here four weeks. You four are asked to undertake the work of
+bringing out the newspaper. Will you do it?"
+
+Three of us did not clearly see how we could undertake so laborious
+and exacting a task and still do justice to our newspapers at home;
+nevertheless, the censor's words had been, "Lord Roberts wants this."
+
+"We must do it if Lord Roberts desires it," was the reply of one of
+us. The rest nodded acquiescence, but said nothing.
+
+"I am very glad," the censor replied.
+
+Mr. Buxton, who knew South Africa and its Press very well, appeared to
+have devoted some attention to the matter earlier in the day. From him
+and from the censor we learned that two daily newspapers had been
+published in Bloemfontein up to the time that we took possession of
+the town. One was the _Express_, the property of the widow of one
+Borckenhagen--a Boer organ of the most pronounced type, and notorious
+for the virulence of its attacks upon the British, for its lying
+reports, and its mischievous influence. That paper had been stopped by
+Lord Roberts, and its machinery, type, and all else belonging to it
+were for us to do with as we pleased.
+
+The other paper was the little _Friend of the Free State_, owned, as I
+understand, by an Englishman named Barlow, who was out of the country
+and had left the property in the care of his son. This younger Barlow
+had not conducted the paper in such a spirit toward us as one would
+have looked for from a man of English blood; but, either for good
+cause, worldly interests, or wholly despicable reasons, there was so
+much disloyalty and so much more of fence straddling throughout South
+Africa that a very lenient view was taken of this case, and we were
+asked to find out what sum of money would satisfy Barlow for the loss
+of income from his paper while we conducted it. He was to be told
+that he could not be permitted to continue his editorship, and that
+therefore it was necessary to settle on some figure covering any
+shrinkage that might occur in his customary profits while the
+newspaper was in our charge.
+
+Mr. Buxton was appointed to confer with Barlow, and in a few hours we
+all met again to hear that the dethroned editor would be satisfied
+with a guarantee of £200, or £50 a week during the month of our
+editorship.
+
+Mr. Landon had already approached Mr. Gwynne and myself with a
+proposition that we should offer to make good any losses that might
+occur during our management; but other ideas prevailed.
+
+"No," said the censor, "you cannot be allowed to lose anything by your
+kindness. Two hundred pounds will be the utmost cost, eh? Well, I
+think that Westminster, Dudley, and I, can raise that between us."
+
+We held our breaths for a moment as he said this, for it flashed upon
+us that the heir of Lord Derby, the owner of the great Dudley estates,
+and the greatest landlord of London, were to be our backers, that they
+were high up among the richest men of England, and that one of them
+was saying he was hopeful that among all three two hundred pounds
+might not prove an impossible sum to raise.
+
+"Yes, that's all right," Lord Stanley repeated; "I think that Dudley,
+Westminster, and I can manage it."
+
+The reader will not be prepared to hear that anything funnier than
+that could grow out of this situation. But it was to be so. Weeks
+after our singular editorial experience ended I received, while in
+Capetown, a letter from an interested Afrikander asking me whether I
+thought the three men who guaranteed Barlow against a loss of profits
+from his paper were responsible men, and Barlow would be likely to get
+his money.
+
+I went away to nurse my injured leg, and the other editors went their
+ways to arrange for getting out a new paper, which all of us agreed
+should be christened with the now historic name of THE FRIEND. While
+we are thus separated from them let me draw a pen picture of each.
+
+Perceval Landon, representing the _Times_, is a university man, who
+has been admitted to the bar, and who took up the work of a war
+correspondent from an Englishman's love of adventure, danger, and
+excitement. It can be nothing but his English blood that prompted him
+to this course, for in mind and temperament, tastes and
+qualifications, he is at once a scholar and a poet rather than a man
+of violent action. Had the _Times_ so desired he would have charmed
+the public with letters from the front as human and picturesque in
+subject and treatment as any that were sent to London. His charms of
+manner and of mind caused his companionship to be sought by the most
+distinguished and the most polished men in the army, and all were
+deeply sorry when, at the close of the army's stay in Bloemfontein,
+illness forced him to return to London, though not until he had served
+in the war as long as any man at that time on the west side of the
+continent.
+
+Mr. H. A. Gwynne, representing Reuter's Agency, is a veteran war
+correspondent, though a young man otherwise. He is Landon's
+diametrical opposite, being above all else a man of action and a born
+soldier. As an author and as a mountain climber of distinction he was
+known before he adopted the profession of journalism and took part in,
+I think, ten campaigns: The Turko-Greek, the Omdurman campaign, the
+Egyptian campaign preceding it, and others. It was Gwynne who, with
+Mr. George W. Steevens, received the surrender of the town of Volo
+from the Greek authorities before the Turks entered the town. Mr.
+Gwynne has superabundant strength, health, and spirits, loves
+soldiering and adventure, and is so shrewd in his judgment of men, and
+practised in his observations of war, that more than one general made
+it a practice to consult him upon what he knew and saw during the
+South African campaign. How well he can write the pages of THE FRIEND
+attest.
+
+Mr. Buxton is a specialist in the interests which are uppermost in
+Johannesburg, where, as a member of the staff of the _Star_, and as a
+citizen of consequence, he has made himself intimately known to the
+forceful men of South Africa, and has mastered the problems that lie
+before the British in reconstructing the government and welding the
+two leading races together. He had accompanied Lord Methuen's
+unfortunate army from its start to its rescue by Lord Roberts, and
+during all that time his knowledge of the country and of the Boers
+might have been turned to good account had he been consulted. It was
+fitting that the staff of the newspaper should have had upon it a
+representative colonial of English stock, yet of long and masterful
+local experience such as Mr. Buxton.
+
+For a striking picture of the minor characters who figured as our
+foremen and compositors in the newspaper office the reader will do
+well to read Rudyard Kipling's "A Burgher of the Free State," one of
+the short stories he wrote after his return from South Africa in the
+early summer of 1900.
+
+It showed us associates of the master storyteller how instantly,
+broadly, and accurately he is able to imbibe and absorb the colour and
+spirit, and even the most minor accessories of any new and strong
+situation around him. It will show the reader better than any amount
+of another man's writing the characters of our helpmeets and
+neighbours, and the atmosphere in which they moved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ITS INFANCY
+
+     _A little Thing, puling Great Promises in its Nurses' Arms._
+
+
+On March 16, 1900, there glimmered (it cannot be said to have flashed)
+upon the Army and the half-wondering, half-treacherous population of
+Bloemfontein, the first number of THE FRIEND. It was produced in the
+office of the former _Friend of the Free State_--an office that had
+the appearance of having been arranged out of a dust-heap, and stocked
+with machinery, type, and furniture that had been originally bought at
+second-hand and left to itself through fifty years of frequent
+dust-storms.
+
+Everything in it was either the colour of dirt or the tone of
+type-dust--everything, including the window-panes and the printers. Of
+the latter we never knew the number, names, or characters. Of two men
+whom we got to know one was a gnomish figure who only now and then
+appeared at large out upon the uncharted floor of the composing-room,
+and he was elderly and silent--a man grown mechanical, and now making
+but a feeble fight against the dirt and type-dust which was slowly
+covering him in what was apparently to be another such upright tomb
+as held the last of the wife of Lot. He sometimes came into the
+editorial dust-hole--if we yelled and stamped our loudest and our
+longest. He came wearily and softly, heard our orders, and vanished in
+the type-dust as we used to see our army friends at Modder step out of
+our tents into a dust-devil and disappear on the ocean of veldt and at
+high noon.
+
+The other printers lived in the little side alleys between the rows of
+type-cases. They were evidently drawn there by the feeble, straggling
+light that still shone faintly through the filth upon the
+window-panes. I judged that they were older than the foreman, and too
+feeble, too nearly entombed by the dirt, to be able to go out upon the
+floor. We only got glimpses of them, and never heard one speak.
+
+Out in the back yard, behind Barlow's stationery shop, the sun glared
+fierce and hot upon a strip of desert ground, a blue gum-tree, and a
+preternatural boy. He lived out there, refusing to be drawn into the
+dust-heap until the awful sentence of serving as a printer should, at
+last, be read out to him. We had a fancy that each of the old men
+inside had begun like that boy, clinging as long as possible to the
+region of air and light, that each in his turn had been sucked in at
+last, and that it was this last boy who went in at lunch time and led
+the old fellows out of their solitary, silent cells, and gave each a
+push in the back to start them toward their homes.
+
+How Messrs. Gwynne, Buxton, and Landon managed to get out the first
+paper, which they forgot to mark with what a great man once said were
+"the saddest words ever seen in print," that is to say, "Vol. I., No.
+1," I never asked them, though I wondered. They did produce it,
+however, and called it
+
+    Playing Cards.  }   THE FRIEND.   { Cue Tips and
+  All Qualities at  }                 {   Wafers
+      Barlow's.     } 3d.         3d. { at Barlow's.
+
+  --------------------------------------------------
+  VOL. IV.                             No.  1,027.
+  --------------------------------------------------
+
+Its sheet was of the size of two copies of the _Spectator_ laid side
+by side. Each of its four pages measured twenty inches long by fifteen
+wide. Far more striking than its title was this sentence, in blackest
+type: "If you once use Vereeniging coal you will never use any other."
+All the advertisements, except the very many scattered about for
+Barlow's stationery business, and for which I hope he was made to pay
+at the highest rates, were old notices carried on from the days of
+Boer rule.
+
+Upon the second page two advertisements were brand new. They were
+proclamations signed "By order, G. T. Pretyman, Major-General,
+Military Commandant, Bloemfontein." One was in the Taal language, the
+other was in English, and both announced that a market would be held
+daily, near the town, for the sale of such local produce as butter,
+eggs, milk, poultry, and vegetables. The prices to be charged were
+laid down by this sapient and enterprising general, who declared eggs
+to be worth two shillings a dozen, milk fivepence a bottle, turkeys
+five shillings and sixpence and higher, butter two shillings a pound,
+&c. The English proclamation was headed "Notice." The Dutch copy bore
+the title "Kennisgeving," and was signed, "Bij order, G. T. Pretyman,
+Majoor-Generaal, Krijgs-Kommandant van Bloemfontein."
+
+On the third, or editorial page, was another military notice entitled
+"Army Orders," which I reprint in full, as showing how almost
+instantly Lord Roberts established his own rule in the conquered
+capital. General Pretyman's market notice was dated the day we took
+the town, and we knew that on that day a local police force was
+established, headquarters and quarters for all the branches of the
+military rule were at once set up, and here on the 15th there had been
+found time to arrange and prepare for publication a directory of the
+new arrangements.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA
+
+  ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                  BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 15, 1900_.
+
+I. _Civil Population to be unmolested._
+
+It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be
+assured that so long as they remain peaceably disposed their civil
+rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that
+any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by
+other than the authorised Supply Officers.
+
+All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.
+
+These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is specially the duty of all officers to
+put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.
+
+  By order,
+            J. W. KELLY,
+                         A.-G. for C. of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+6. _Office of Departments._
+
+The offices of the various Departments are situated as shown below:--
+
+  Military Secretary      }
+  Chief of Staff          } At Government
+  G.O.C. Royal Artillery  }     House.
+  Chief Engineer          }
+  Director of Transport   }
+  Director of Supplies    } At Government
+  Provost Marshal         }    Buildings.
+  P.M.O.                    3, Maitland Street.
+
+The office of the Press Censor is established next door to the
+entrance to the Telegraph Office. All telegrams except official ones
+must be censored. Office hours from 7 to 8 a.m., 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 3
+to 5 p.m.
+
+7. _Supply Department._
+
+As soon as the Supply Park arrives, a Supply Depôt will be established
+at Mr. Beck's Store, on Baumann's Square.
+
+8. _Divisions, Brigades, &c., where quartered._
+
+The following units are quartered as shown below:--
+
+CAVALRY DIVISION.
+
+  Headquarters--Club, Market Square.
+  1st Brigade--About 2 miles W. of town.
+  2nd Brigade--Bloemspruit, about 3 miles east of town.
+  3rd Brigade--Rustfontein, about 1 mile N. of town.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. James Collins, under State Secretary to the late O.F.S.
+Government, has been appointed Landdrost of Bloemfontein.
+
+The period for handing in arms and ammunition by burghers and
+residents of this town and district has been extended to March 26th.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After a notice that Major Hamilton, the Carabineers, would like to
+receive two £5 notes, a Mauser pistol, a pair of Zeiss glasses and a
+grey gelding, all lost by various persons in and near the town, we
+published our editorial announcement that the paper was established by
+and for Lord Roberts's army:--
+
+     EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.
+
+     The events of the last few days have rendered it expedient
+     that an official organ should be published in Bloemfontein
+     during the period of Military Governorship. With that end in
+     view, and also to provide for public requirements, a small
+     committee formed from the corps of war correspondents with
+     Lord Roberts's Field Force has been entrusted with the
+     control and management of the long-established paper
+     hitherto known as THE FRIEND OF THE FREE STATE.
+
+     In future this will be issued under the style and title of
+     THE FRIEND, and will be a daily publication, containing
+     military intelligence and orders for the general information
+     of the troops now quartered here, and other matter.
+
+     We are glad to be able to announce the immediate publication
+     of contributions from the pens of such well-known writers as
+     Rudyard Kipling, Julian Ralph, Bennet Burleigh, and other
+     distinguished journalists. We congratulate our readers upon
+     the happy chance which has enabled us to offer the public
+     the voluntary services of such a staff of writers as cannot
+     be paralleled elsewhere in South Africa.
+
+     In conclusion we wish to state briefly the simple policy
+     which will be adhered to in these columns.
+
+     The maintenance of British Supremacy in South Africa and
+     Equal Rights for all white men without respect of race or
+     creed.
+
+     These two principles in our opinion embody the essentials of
+     sound government, the prosperity of this country, and the
+     happiness of the people.
+
+     For the Committee of Management,
+
+                                             P. LANDON,
+                                          E. W. BUXTON,
+                                          H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Buxton explained to me, with unnecessary but commendable delicacy,
+that only three of our four signatures were appended to this notice
+because I was better known as a writer than as an editor, and it was
+deemed best not to give me the double credit of serving in both
+capacities.
+
+The first editorial in this new and unique journal was entitled,
+"Sulk or Duty," and was written by Mr. Buxton. It was an appeal to all
+Afrikanders not to sulk, but to "buckle to the work of making their
+country become what it shall be, a great and glorious home for
+countless millions yet unborn." The remainder of the page was given
+over to a report of the letter of Kruger and Steyn to the Marquis of
+Salisbury, insisting upon the independence of the two Republics, and
+Lord Salisbury's reply that his government was "not prepared to assent
+to the independence of either republic." To us of the army this was
+great news. It stirred the camp, and was well suited to attract the
+widest attention to our journalistic enterprise. But Lord Salisbury's
+answer seemed to us the only answer he could make, whereas the comment
+upon it by our Colonial editor in THE FRIEND showed a feeling of
+relief and of delighted surprise which was born of the bitter
+disappointments the loyal men of Africa had suffered in the past.
+"Now, at last, we know the foundation upon which we shall build. The
+unhappy issue of Lord Wolseley's promise at Pretoria in 1879 is still
+fresh in our minds ... late, indeed, but still, to the letter, that
+solemn undertaking shall be fulfilled. At last we see the one obstacle
+vanish that has for these long years stood between South Africa and
+her prosperity."
+
+Whoever can feel the spirit of that cry of satisfaction needs not to
+be told how just and necessary was the war we were waging. Few of us
+in the army could probe the sources of the war to their depths.
+Comparatively few men in England thoroughly grasped the situation. It
+is all revealed in this shout by Mr. Buxton in THE FRIEND. The
+long-protracted feud between the two races, the injustice of Boer
+rule, the sufferings of the British, the threats of the semi-civilised
+men in power, the past troubles all ending in broken promises or
+shameful neglect by the British Government--these are all apparent in
+that cry of delight. The war had not produced such satisfaction. There
+had been war before, and nothing but humiliation of the loyal
+Uitlander had come of it. But a decided, firm declaration that the war
+could only end in British sovereignty--that was news that thrilled the
+heart of every Anglo-Saxon colonial in the republics and the adjacent
+colonies.
+
+Other articles and official notices of the first interest or
+importance were as follows:--
+
+     THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF THE CAMPAIGN.
+
+     War is grim and fearsome and horrid as we know, or rather as
+     we are being continually told, but nobody seems to have
+     noticed that there is a humorous side to it, and sometimes
+     the spectre Death wears the cap and bells. Up to the present
+     the campaign has not been without its little amusing
+     incidents. In the camp they have been quite numerous, and
+     even on the battlefield itself they have not been
+     unfrequent. The story of a private at Paardeberg who lay
+     behind one of those ever-to-be-blessed antheaps, and
+     contemplating a shattered tibia, exclaimed, addressing the
+     injured member, "Well, you ain't done me badly after all.
+     You 'elped to carry me 'ere, and now you've got me a life
+     pension and free baccy from the parson," has the merit of
+     being true. One cannot refrain a smile at the soliloquy of
+     another private who wished to exhibit a bullet-riddled
+     helmet to his friends at home. He was firing from behind a
+     big boulder on which he placed his helmet. The inevitable
+     shower of bullets followed, but, as has been so often the
+     case with Boer marksmen, not a single one touched the
+     helmet, but one "fetched" its owner in the shoulder,
+     whereupon he took the helmet from its exposed position, and,
+     looking at his bleeding shoulder, remarked, "that comes of
+     cursed pride and nothing else."
+
+     The removal of all badges of rank from officers has been the
+     source of many amusing mistakes. On the march from Poplar
+     Grove here, it is related that a certain general officer was
+     returning to camp after a terribly hard, dusty, dry day. A
+     subaltern of the A.S.C. sat under his canvas awning, and
+     thus addressed this distinguished general, "Now look here,
+     if this happens again I'm d--d if I don't report you. For
+     the last two hours you have been away, and heaven knows what
+     the mules are up to." It is true it was dusk, but that was
+     hardly a sufficient excuse for mistaking General ---- for a
+     conductor. "I say, old cocky," was the remark made once by a
+     captain to a full colonel, "hadn't you better see about
+     getting some grub?" Apologies followed, of course.
+
+     Then who can resist laughing at the tale of woe unfolded by
+     one of our most distinguished correspondents who dined one
+     night with the ---- Guards and slept in the tent of his
+     host? The next morning he walked into the mess hut and sat
+     down to breakfast. But imagine the trembling horror which
+     seized hold of him when he looked round at his hosts of the
+     night before and failed to recognise a single one of them.
+     Was it a failure of memory, or was it incipient paralysis of
+     the brain?--it could not, of course, have been the whisky.
+     And so he sat in a bath of hot and cold perspiration,
+     thinking that the blow which had so often attacked and
+     destroyed fine intellects had reached his. But sudden as a
+     straw is whisked past the drowning man by the fast current,
+     so there passed through his brain one ray of hope. He
+     remembered the name of his host, and turning quickly to his
+     neighbour, fearing lest his brain might again fail him and
+     he should forget the name, asked, "Where is ----?" The
+     answer was a relief and yet a horror, "---- is having
+     breakfast in the mess tent of his battalion,"--and, pointing
+     through the door, "there it is over there." It was with
+     slow, sobered steps that our correspondent left the table
+     and made his way to the hut of his host. He had made what,
+     after all, was not an uncommon error, and had mistaken the
+     S---- Guards' hut for that of the C---- Guards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FACTS AND OTHERWISE.
+
+Mr. Arthur Barlow has resigned his position as Editor of THE FRIEND.
+
+               *       *       *
+
+Original contributions and correspondence are invited from all ranks
+of the Field Force.
+
+               *       *       *
+
+As in all probability the territory hitherto known as the O.F.S. will
+in the near future be designated by a different title, the Committee
+of Management offer a prize of £5 for the best suggestion for renaming
+this country.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.
+
+On the afternoon of Monday, the 26th February, the 6-in. howitzers
+bombarded Gen. Cronje's laager at Paardeberg with Lyddite shells. The
+effect of the salvos viewed from a distance of 3,000 yards was
+terrific. What the occupants of the laager felt cannot be told, for
+the reason that no truthful account is obtainable. The explosions in
+appearance were not unlike the great dynamite explosion in
+Johannesburg in 1896, only the great cloud of smoke was
+greenish-yellow instead of grey. An air of expectancy pervaded the
+British camp, every one knowing that the morrow was Majuba Day, and it
+was thought that something decisive would be done. Early next morning,
+about 3 o'clock, the silence of the night was broken by the softened
+spit-puff sound of the Mauser rifle, and immediately after the firing
+became a fierce fusillade, the sharp crack of the Lee-Metford joining
+in. The crackling concert lasted about an hour, rising and falling
+with sudden acute crises like a passage of Wagner's music. Bullets
+were falling around the camp at distances up to 3,000 yards, from the
+Boer laager, and it was evident that the firing was wild.
+
+At first streak of dawn a ride to the advanced trenches of the
+Canadians on the river bank enabled one to learn the wherefore of the
+night's disturbance. The ambulance waggons were already proceeding
+quickly up the south bank of the river. A pontoon ferry was plying
+from bank to bank bringing across wounded Canadians, nearly all
+suffering from bullet wounds, but some few had by accident been struck
+by the bayonet.
+
+The Canadians occupied trenches on the both banks of the river, and
+were within about 500 yards of the enemy. On their left--that is some
+distance north of the river--were the Gordons, and further to the
+south the Shropshires. The orders were that the four companies of
+Canadians on the north bank should advance under cover of the darkness
+and try to gain the enemy's trenches, or at least get nearer. They
+advanced in two lines of two companies each, the front line having
+bayonets fixed and the second carrying rifles slung with picks and
+shovels in their hands to dig an advanced trench, should it be thought
+advisable to go right to the trenches.
+
+When the Canadians left the Gordons were to occupy the left of their
+trenches, and the Shropshires placed in advance in a position to
+command the Boers, should they rise in their trenches to fire on the
+Canadians. They were told to hold their fire until the Mausers first
+spoke. The Canadians and Gordons were not to fire at all. The
+operation was one requiring coolness, nerve, and pluck, and the
+Canadians did it magnificently. They advanced as quietly as possible
+about 400 yards, and then halted, the order being conveyed by pressure
+of the hand from one to another. Every one thought that the second
+line would now dig the trench, but another pressure ordered a further
+advance. Five paces had been covered when Mauser bullets hissed past,
+and the men, as ordered, fell flat, just in time to avoid the terrific
+fire that was immediately poured from the Boer trenches. A minute or
+two elapsed, and the order came to retire. Not a shot was fired by the
+Canadians, and they quietly crept back, gaining their trenches with
+comparatively little loss. Meanwhile the Shropshire men, who had
+carefully taken the range and direction before dark, opened fire on
+the Boers, and at the end of an hour put them to silence. A bugle
+sounded "cease fire," and all was still again. That morning (Majuba
+Day) Cronje surrendered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION
+
+TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.
+
+The British troops under my command having entered the Orange Free
+State, I feel it my duty to make known to all Burghers the cause of
+our coming, as well as to do all in my power to put an end to the
+devastation caused by this war, so that should they continue the war
+the inhabitants of the Orange Free State may not do so ignorantly, but
+with full knowledge of their responsibility before God for the lives
+lost in the campaign.
+
+Before the war began the British Government, which had always desired
+and cultivated peace and friendship with the people of the Orange Free
+State, gave a solemn assurance to President Steyn that if the Orange
+Free State remained neutral its territory would not be invaded, and
+its independence would be at all times fully respected by Her
+Majesty's Government.
+
+In spite of that declaration the Government of the Orange Free State
+was guilty of a wanton and unjustifiable invasion of British
+territory.
+
+The British Government believes that this act of aggression was not
+committed with the general approval and free will of a people with
+whom it has lived in complete amity for so many years. It believes
+that the responsibility rests wholly with the Government of the Orange
+Free State, acting, not in the interests of the country, but under
+mischievous influences from without. The British Government,
+therefore, wishes the people of the Orange Free State to understand
+that it bears them no ill-will, and, so far as is compatible with the
+successful conduct of the war and the re-establishment of peace in
+South Africa, it is anxious to preserve them from the evils brought
+upon them by the wrongful action of their Government.
+
+I therefore warn all Burghers to desist from any further hostility
+towards Her Majesty's Government and the troops under my command, and
+I undertake that any of them who may so desist and who are found
+staying in their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations
+will not be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of
+their having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their
+Government. Those, however, who oppose the forces under my command, or
+furnish the enemy with supplies or information, will be dealt with
+according to the customs of war.
+
+Requisitions for food, forage, fuel, or shelter, made on the authority
+of the officers in command of Her Majesty's troops, must be at once
+complied with; but everything will be paid for on the spot, prices
+being regulated by the local market rates. If the inhabitants of any
+district refuse to comply with the demands made upon them the supplies
+will be taken by force, a full receipt being given.
+
+Should any inhabitant of the country consider that he or any member of
+his household has been unjustly treated by any officer, soldier, or
+civilian attached to the British Army he should submit his complaint,
+either personally or in writing, to my Headquarters or to the
+Headquarters of the nearest General Officer. Should the complaint on
+enquiry be substantiated, redress will be given.
+
+Orders have been issued by me prohibiting soldiers from entering
+private houses or molesting the civil population on any pretext
+whatever, and every precaution has been taken against injury to
+property on the part of any person belonging to, or connected with,
+the Army.
+
+                                               ROBERTS,
+                                                   Field Marshal,
+                                    Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+WE PUBLISH A "CURIO" NUMBER
+
+     _Also a Kipling Poem, a Bogus Love-letter, and other
+     Novelties._
+
+  Cue Tips and   }  THE FRIEND.   {  Playing Cards.
+     Wafers      }                { All Qualities at
+  at Barlow's.   } 3d.        3d. {    Barlow's.
+
+  _(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+
+The above was hereafter to be the wording of the full title of the new
+paper. It was again of the small size, necessitated by the infirm and
+petty possibilities of the dust-heap in which it was produced.
+
+In this second number appeared a verse of a poem by Rudyard Kipling,
+who, unknown to us and unsuspected by himself, was soon to be so
+closely connected with our enterprise. As soon as we agreed to take
+control of the new paper, Mr. Landon had wired the news to Mr.
+Kipling, then in Capetown, with a request for a contribution for the
+first number. The fact that the poetic reply reached Bloemfontein
+twenty-four hours later was a matter of delight and surprise to all of
+us, for the chained lightning of the wired highway of correspondence
+loses its chief characteristic of speed where the military make first
+use of it in time of war.
+
+I should not like even to imagine the disgust with which some of the
+lower order of censors, at terminal and junctional points, viewed this
+bit of poetry as it crawled along and they were called upon to approve
+it, perhaps, as "unseditious matter not calculated to give information
+to the enemy." But then I do not like to think of that breed of
+censors under any circumstances. It wrinkles my temper.
+
+Mr. Landon's journalistic enterprise not only turned the eyes of all
+the Kipling collectors of the world upon our newspaper, but, because
+our printers left the date line "March 16" unaltered on an inside page
+of this number of the 17th, that issue became a curio among our
+readers. On the next day copies of the first hundred papers, which
+were issued before the mistake was noticed, fetched five shillings
+each. Within a month their price was twenty-five shillings. But that
+is only a twentieth part of what an odd and not specially
+distinguished number of THE FRIEND sold for at a bazaar in London last
+summer (1900).
+
+Mr. Landon wrote a notable and brilliant editorial on "The Collapse of
+the Rebellion"; General Smith-Dorrien replied to the remarks about the
+Canadians at Paardeberg in the previous day's issue; Lord Roberts's
+congratulation to the Army was published in this number; and there
+also appeared my "love letter to Miss Bloemfontein."
+
+As this love-correspondence attracted great interest then and was
+peculiar in its commencement, continuation, and end, I will tell,
+briefly, what the facts are concerning it. I was invalided and
+confined to my bedroom in the Free State Hotel, and, being advertised
+as a contributor, bethought me that it would be a graceful and
+pleasant thing to act as spokesman for the army in praising the
+pretty town, and acknowledging the gratitude we felt to the people for
+their friendly behaviour to us conquerors.
+
+I did not know at that time that the town was a pestilential,
+bacillus-soaked headquarters for disease, or that far too many of
+those who smiled upon us hated us bitterly, and were even then engaged
+in encouraging the Boers, conveying information to them, and sneaking
+out at night to fight with the enemy or to snipe our outposts. In a
+word, though I had studied the Boer more closely and longer than any
+other London correspondent, I had not measured the breadth and depth
+of his contempt for truth, honour, and fair play. Therefore I wrote
+the letter to Miss Bloemfontein which, with certain other
+contributions to that day's paper, is herewith republished.
+
+On this day the advertisements for what were then called "lost" horses
+already numbered three, and, already, we published a communication
+headed "Loot News" in which was stated the fact that the
+horse-stealing had become so bold that a horse had actually been taken
+from in front of the Club.
+
+"Please note the following," the reporter wrote, "Section I, clause 1,
+of the newly promulgated constitution of the city without a Steyn--A
+man may kill a man and live, but a man who steals a horse may not
+live." Whether there will occur an opportunity in this book to explain
+how the neighbourhood of the Boers affected the moral atmosphere and
+demoralised our earlier views of property rights, especially in
+horse-ownership, I cannot yet say, but whenever the tale is told it
+will be discovered to be extraordinary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1900.
+
+LINES BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+MARCH 17, 1900.
+
+ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
+
+  Oh! Terence dear, and did you hear
+    The news that's going round?
+  The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law,
+    Where'er her sons be found.
+
+  From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack
+    'Tis ordered by the Queen,
+  We've won our right in open fight
+    The wearing of the Green.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE STEYNLESS CITY.
+
+_Loot News._
+
+Absent-minded beggars please note following intimations displayed at
+the Club House, Market Square:--
+
+Taken from a boy in front of the Club on 15th inst., about 7 p.m., a
+bay gelding, about thirteen hands, star on forehead, white patch on
+top lip, tick marks on hind quarters, long tail trimmed square,
+branded R G off forehoof. A 15 near forehoof.
+
+Will the gentleman who took a brown pony _by mistake_ from a boy at
+the door of this Club-house on March 15 kindly return it to manager?
+
+Also please note following:--
+
+Section I, clause I, of newly-promulgated constitution of the City
+without a Steyn--A man may kill a man and live, but a man that steals
+a horse may not live.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE LATE PRESIDENCY.
+
+The official Headquarters of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts and his staff
+are at the Residency.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+A LOVE LETTER.
+
+Come, little Miss Bloemfontein, sit down beside me and let me hold
+your dimpled hand and look into those eyes which have caught the
+wonderful blue of these heavens, and the tints of your gardens and
+your bowery streets. I think our whole army likes you, you belle of
+the Boer aristocracy. You certainly change your lovers easily and
+lightly, but soldiers are reported not to mind a little coquetry when
+they are far from home. You have tripped out to meet us so enticingly,
+you have so led us into your bower with your warm little hand, and you
+have spoken so kindly to us, that we dislike to think you were quite
+the same to your earlier beaux in their homespun suits, their flapping
+hats, and their lavish indulgence in whiskers and beards, which, as
+you must know, are the cheapest of luxuries--prodigalities in which
+misers indulge to make a show and save a barber's bill.
+
+You might have been hateful to us and we could not have blamed you,
+for we came too nearly, as certain other soldiers came to the Sabine
+sisterhood, with blood in our eyes and weapons in hand, fancying that
+you would cling to your old love, and never dreaming that he would run
+away and leave you unprotected in this placid and pretty little
+boudoir that you have set up here. You won't forget that little
+episode, will you, Miss Bloemfontein? And you did take note, didn't
+you, my dear, that when we found you deserted, all forlorn, we changed
+from lion to lamb, from blustering warrior to soft-spoken wooer? We
+spoke no harsh word to your people and did their goods no violence.
+Even now, we stand aside in our own place, crowding none of your
+servitors, but smiling back the smiles you bathe us in, and breathing
+our admiration softly--for you are a pretty miss and gentle--and we
+are not so stupid as to fail to see that you are no Boadicea, but a
+lover of peace and concord, if ever one has lived on earth since the
+Muses took to the clouds. Sweetness of loving sighs its soft song of
+delight in every breeze that rustles the leaves of your tree-garlands.
+Domesticity asserts its command, by your order, in the aspect of every
+cottage in your park-like nest. Homely comfort radiates from the
+hearths and the faces of all who live under your delightful rule.
+
+I never anywhere saw a prettier or a more astonishing scene than I
+witnessed in your market-square on the second night of the stay, which
+we hope you will invite us to prolong to eternity. We sent a few
+greasy and stained melodists with pipes and drums to play in the
+square, partly to show you that we had dethroned Mars and substituted
+Pan in the best niche in our hearts, and partly to set our own
+pleasure tripping to gay tunes. And lo! out you came with your maidens
+and their lovers, your old men and matrons, and the children within
+your gates. And we all forgot that we had quarrelled with your
+cast-off favourite, that each of us had shed the other's blood, and
+that we had come to you with an anger that we supposed you matched
+within your own fair bosom. Your people and ours touched elbows and
+laughed and sang together. For one I was amazed. Of all the sharp
+contrasts of strife I know of none so bold and strong as that scene
+when it was compared with the scenes of only a few days back at
+Paardeberg and Driefontein.
+
+It was your magic, your witchery, your tact that brought it about, you
+South African beauty. Without these helps we never could have enjoyed
+that evening as we did, and that evening was the bridge that spanned
+the gulf between the angry past and the happy future in our lives,
+little miss.
+
+Draw closer, Miss Bloemfontein. Let our arms touch, and the thrill of
+ardent friendship vivify our new relation. You do like us British,
+don't you, dear? You don't have to be British yourself, you know. You
+can stay on being Dutch and piously Presbyterian and all the rest. We
+will respect whatever you admire, and we will promise to make you
+richer, freer, happier and even more beautiful--with the ripened
+charms of a long-assured content, if only you will let your chief
+predikant publish the banns next Sunday--or sooner, if you will.
+
+                                               JULIAN RALPH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A RECENT EXPERIENCE.
+
+A recent experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh and his colleague, Mr.
+Percy Bullen, of the _Daily Telegraph_, affords a fitting illustration
+of the dangers to which those attached to Field Forces are exposed.
+These two gentlemen left Poplar Grove last Saturday with the object of
+reaching General Kelly-Kenny's column, which had preceded them by
+several hours travelling along the high road running almost parallel
+with the Modder River. Near Abrahamskraal they caught sight of the
+central division fighting the Boers along the kopjes lying to the
+right. Mr. Burleigh, who was travelling in a Cape cart drawn by four
+horses, stepped down to survey matters, and while looking through his
+glasses along the high road he saw a party of Boers digging trenches.
+Some of them wore khaki, others were dressed in a style of the
+country, which betrayed their identity to the experienced eye. It was
+decided to return by the same road, further progress being obviously
+very hazardous, as the enemy was within a distance of 500 yards. The
+two carts occupied by the correspondents had barely turned round when
+a shower of bullets was sent in their direction, several striking Mr.
+Burleigh's vehicle, and others falling immediately in front of Mr.
+Bullen. A desperate race followed over a distance of several miles, in
+the course of which a convoy of several mule waggons was met. The
+officer in charge ordered the convoy to return immediately, and his
+instructions were quickly followed. Meantime a messenger was sent
+across to the central division to ask for assistance, as the Boers,
+though a considerable distance behind, were still shooting. By dint of
+hard work and much lashing of horses and mules, every one got safely
+away, but one of Mr. Bullen's team fell a victim to the enemy's fire.
+Fortunately the shot came from across the river, and the remaining
+animal, though sorely tried by the boulders and sluits of a bad road
+over which the whole of the convoy and escort had likewise proceeded
+at a break-neck pace, was able to pull the cart out upon the veldt and
+so elude further damage. By this time some of Rimington's scouts
+appeared, and one of the number kindly lent the correspondent his
+horse, by means of which he was able to rejoin his colleague at Poplar
+Grove, where the entire party passed the night. It was an exciting
+chase extending over several miles, and the safety of the
+correspondents and convoy was largely due to the zeal of the native
+drivers, who worked as if life as well as liberty depended on the
+result. The huge column of dust thrown up by the carts and horses was
+sufficient to baffle even the most expert riflemen, and the Boers who
+pursued were certainly not good shots even at close quarters. In order
+to assist his flight Mr. Bullen jettisoned a large quantity of horse
+fodder, whereas his experienced colleague, Mr. Burleigh, arrived in
+camp with all his goods intact, including a live sheep. It transpired
+subsequently that the messenger despatched for assistance, as well as
+two others who followed him, were captured. The correspondents state
+that the skill displayed by their drivers in avoiding the huge
+boulders which lined the high road, and especially in descending and
+ascending the banks of a very precipitous sluit with a twelve feet
+dip, was a most creditable performance, reminding one of the wonderful
+exercises of our artillery drivers at the Islington Military
+Tournament.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.
+
+BY MAJOR-GENERAL SMITH-DORRIEN.
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 17, 1900.
+
+_To the Editor of_ "THE FRIEND."
+
+DEAR SIR,--I have read your account of "The Canadians on Majuba Day"
+in your issue of yesterday. It is correct up to a certain point, but
+the last part of it is quite erroneous.
+
+In justice to this gallant corps, and to the Company of Royal
+Engineers who were with them, I trust you will publish this
+letter--which recounts what actually happened from the moment the
+Royal Canadians advanced from the trench, 550 yards from the enemy,
+until they established themselves and made a new trench within 93
+yards of the Boer trenches.
+
+At 2.15 a.m. (on the 27th February), the Royal Canadians with 240 men
+in the front rank, the latter with rifles slung and entrenching tools,
+and about 30 officers and men, Royal Engineers under Lieut.-Colonel
+Kincaid forming the right of the rear rank of the Canadians, moved
+steadily from the trench, shoulder to shoulder in the dark night,
+feeling their way through the bushes, and keeping touch by the right.
+
+At 2.50 a.m. they were met by a terrific fire from the enemy's trench,
+now only 60 yards in front of them.
+
+The line was forced to fall back, but only a very small distance, the
+right of it under Captains Stairs and Macdonell, Royal Canadians, some
+twenty yards, where they lay down in the open and returned a steady
+fire--mostly volleys--for the next one and a half hours; the left had
+had to fall back rather further.
+
+Under cover of these two Captains, Lieutenant-Colonel Kincaid and his
+R.E. officer and men, and the Canadian working party in that part of
+the line constructed trenches in spite of the galling fire, and by
+daylight had completed a most admirable work which gave grand cover
+against fire in all threatened directions, and was so well traversed
+with banks and sand-bags that not a single casualty occurred after it
+was occupied.
+
+As day dawned a ruined house was noticed on the opposite bank of the
+river, from which this work could be enfiladed, and a party from the
+reserve was sent up the left bank to occupy it.
+
+To cover the early morning attack as soon as the fire opened at 2.50
+a.m., the Shropshires, in order to hold the enemy in the main laager,
+engaged them with long-range volleys, whilst the Gordons remained
+partly in the open and partly in the most advanced flank trench, which
+latter they lengthened and enlarged, ready to move forward in support.
+
+Shortly after daylight a white flag was flying in the Boer trench,
+which was 93 yards from our newly-constructed trench, and soon the
+Boers came trooping into our line. They stated that they had no orders
+from General Cronje to surrender, but that they heard he intended to
+give in on the 28th February.
+
+The result, however, of this gallant operation was that General Cronje
+altered his date one day earlier.
+
+Your account says that our losses were comparatively small; so they
+were for the results gained, and considering the heavy fire which
+continued for nearly two hours at 80 yards' range. They only amounted
+to 45 casualties in the Brigade--thus, 12 N.C.O.'s and men Royal
+Canadians killed, 30 N.C.O.'s and men Royal Canadians wounded, and 3
+officers wounded, Major Pelletier and Lieut. Armstrong, Royal
+Canadians, and Lieut. Atchison, King's Shropshire Light Infantry--a
+fold in the ground exactly covered the spot where the party was
+working, hence the absence of casualties in the Royal Engineers, and
+the slight losses in the working party of Royal Canadians.
+
+  Yours faithfully,
+                                            H. L. SMITH-DORRIEN,
+  Major-General, Commanding 19th Brigade.
+
+(We are glad to be able to supplement our contributor's account of the
+gallant action of the 27th by General Smith-Dorrien's categorical
+letter, which supplies details which could hardly be obtained
+accurately at second-hand.--EDS. FRIEND).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A COLONIAL HERO.
+
+While scouting at Makouw's Drift, two troopers of Rimington's Guides
+were fired on from a small kopje at close range. One had his horse
+shot, and the other, young Ewan Christian, son of Mr. H. B. Christian,
+of Port Elizabeth, rode back to bring him away. As he was bending down
+to help his comrade up behind he was himself fatally shot, the bullet
+passing through his back and out through his chest. He rolled off his
+horse and told his comrade to mount and ride away. Shortly afterwards
+Major Rimington and more men came up and heard the last words of the
+dying hero: "Tell my old governor I died game." On retiring the party
+were under a hot fire, several horses, including that of Major
+Rimington, being shot. Mr. Christian was buried with military
+honours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WE BEGIN TO FEEL AT HOME
+
+     _A Strange Editorial Adventure--Lord Roberts's New
+     Government under Way--The Sin of Horse Theft._
+
+
+Once, far along the Grand Canal in China, where the people were all
+afraid or hostile at the first sight of me, a beautiful girl of
+sixteen or seventeen ran along the bank of the canal after my boat,
+beckoning to me and to Mr. Weldon, the artist, who was with me, to
+disembark and visit her home. She was out walking with her mother.
+There was no doubt when one considered how far from any big town she
+was, and the fact that she was large-footed and willing to be seen of
+men, that she was a poor peasant girl, a farmer's daughter, either
+curious to see us strange men, or anxious to prove herself a Christian
+convert and to repay the hospitality and kindness she had received at
+the hands of Christian missionaries.
+
+That was what I thought, at any rate, and in that view I told of the
+happening in _Harper's Magazine_. At once a cry arose, in the
+companies of men I met and even in some newspapers as well, against my
+introducing so _risque_ a subject in my account of my adventures.
+Until then I had no idea how prone to evil-thinking is the world, how
+anxious to twist impurity out of innocence even though it required
+violence to do it.
+
+Once again, and here, I am going to tell of an incident equally sweet
+to memory and the reflection of wholesome minds; equally delicate in
+the perfume of innocence which it exhales. After the second issue of
+THE FRIEND, Sunday gave us a day of rest. We had known and seen no
+women for months. They were to us as our homes were, as civilisation
+itself was--mere memories, vague and shadowy, beside the substantial
+realities of fighting, marching, thirsting, and going hungry in the
+company of men--of men by the tens of thousands, but of no women.
+
+There was in Bloemfontein a very blond young woman of sixteen who
+served behind the counter of a shop in the main street--a slight,
+sunny-haired, blue-eyed miss, sparkling with fun and excited by the
+novelty of waiting upon British soldiers and living in the middle of
+what had changed from a dead-and-alive Boer village to a great armed
+British camp. The soldiers had noticed her as well. Generals and
+colonels compared notes of what gossip she and they had exchanged, and
+sent their friends to the shop to see her. The appearance of a few
+unattractive women among the soldiers in the village streets had made
+a mild sensation; but the discovery of a fair-haired, rosy-cheeked
+girl of English blood was the talk of the camp.
+
+[Illustration: _Julian Ralph._]
+
+Among the first men in Bloemfontein and the first to make the
+acquaintance of this maiden was Mr. Gwynne, of THE FRIEND. Foreseeing
+Sunday, and scenting a chance to revive the best memories of
+civilised life, he proposed to gather two army friends if she would
+invite two of her feminine friends for a drive and a luncheon on the
+veldt on Sunday. He invited James Barnes, the talented American
+correspondent, and myself. In two Cape carts we called for the young
+ladies at their homes. They proved to be the very blond young woman, a
+fourteen-year-old friend, and a little girl of ten or eleven years of
+age.
+
+I confess that I never would have asked mere children upon such an
+outing; but it is equally true that I could not have experienced
+either the same or as great and peculiar pleasure with others of older
+growth. They were frank and free, and merry as grigs. They came as
+near to having us killed or captured by the Boers as I wanted to be,
+and from them we learned most interesting and valuable information
+about the enemy and about the town as it was before we captured it. We
+proposed to visit the home of one of the girls, a farm which the girls
+said was "quite close." It proved to be miles beyond the British
+outposts in a country that seemed to us to be uncomfortably peopled
+with Boers and which proved afterwards to have been alive with them.
+Of the danger to us which lay in such a situation the girls took no
+account. They had been born there. They had seen nothing of war, and
+did not understand it. The Boers were their lifelong neighbours. And,
+in a word, they were going to visit friends and to have fun, and
+nothing else entered their minds.
+
+When we were miles away and among some very suggestive little kopjes
+we discovered that our friends had lost their way and that we were
+adrift on the veldt. Boers dashed up to the crests of the hills, saw
+us and disappeared. Boers were on every hand. Why we were not gobbled
+up and sent to Pretoria none of us can explain. Eventually, with only
+one mishap--the overturning of one of the carts--which seemed for a
+moment more terrible than capture by the enemy--we reached the
+farm-house, and aided by several tiny boys and the farmer and his
+wife, spent a happy hour and a half. We made our way back to
+Bloemfontein in the evening, and within a day or two Colonels Crabbe
+and Codrington and Captain Trotter were wounded and the Honourable
+Edward Lygon was killed, at the Glen--a rifle shot from where we had
+picnicked!
+
+The adventures and hairbreadth escapes in war are apt to take only
+three or four well-ordered forms. This adventure was in no way like
+those of the stereotyped kinds.
+
+Monday came, and, with it, the third number of THE FRIEND. It was now
+of the enlarged size, which it retained to the end--a sheet 19 inches
+wide by 32 inches in length. We continued to do the editorial work in
+the old dustbin, as at first, but we had discovered that the _Express_
+works were more modern and capable of turning out a paper of the size
+we preferred. The _Express_ works were two blocks away from our little
+den, in a side street behind the main thoroughfare of the town. They
+belonged to Frau Borckenhagen, but had been seized by order of Lord
+Roberts and sealed up. The printing office and engine and press rooms
+were afterward made over to us, the bindery was used by the military,
+and only the office of the departed editor, whence had proceeded the
+most mischievous reflections of Krugerism and the policy of the
+insidious Afrikander Bond, remained sealed. Frau Borckenhagen sent
+her agents to the military to ask leave to recover some of her
+husband's private papers. By this means she showed us that, like all
+other Boers, she put the very lowest valuation upon our intelligence.
+But in this case she only succeeded in turning the attention of the
+military to her husband's papers without getting the shading of a
+degree nearer to the possession of what must have been--and I think I
+have heard, really proved--of the utmost interest to us.
+
+However, we were able by using the commandeered property of the Boer
+frau, to produce a newspaper of pretentious size and considerable
+importance.
+
+THE FRIEND now began to bristle with proclamations, and their number
+appeared to be doubled because each one was repeated in the Taal
+language under the heading "Proclamatie." In one "I, Frederick Sleigh
+Baron Roberts of Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief the British forces in South
+Africa, appoint George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts
+and Telegraphs in such portions of the Orange Free State as have been
+or may hereafter be occupied by British troops."
+
+Another proclamation related to bills of exchange and promissory
+notes; and a third, by General Pretyman, appointed James Allison
+Collins as "Landdrost of Bloemfontein to administer the ordinary civil
+and criminal laws." In this proclamation the landdrost's court was
+ordered to resume its work on Monday, March 19th. A district surgeon,
+clerk, receiver, and second clerk to the landdrost's court were also
+appointed.
+
+General Pretyman extended his original market proclamation so that it
+established the ruling prices of cattle, meat, breadstuffs, and
+groceries. In the Field Marshal's proclamation as translated into the
+Taal, Lord Roberts was declared to be "Ik (I), Frederick Sleigh Baron
+Roberts van Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Veld-maarschalk, Opperbevelhebber van de Britsche Krijgsmachten in
+Zuid-Afrika."
+
+In a notice to the Army we said that our chief aim was to make the
+paper welcome to and supported by all ranks, and we invited all in the
+Army to write for us. It is true that when, in the previous day's
+issue we published a poetic contribution by a kind friend, who was the
+first to come to our assistance; we did not precisely encourage others
+to follow his example. On the contrary, we accompanied the verses with
+the remark to the writer, "Your verses are execrable. See for yourself
+in print." But this was merely one of the many interesting
+peculiarities of the paper. We published the fact that Miss Elliott,
+daughter of the General Manager of the Cape Government Railways,
+arrived with her father by special train on the previous night, and
+was the first lady to cross the Free State border and to visit
+Bloemfontein. The editorial of the day was by Mr. Buxton, and was
+entitled "Uitlander or Rebel, Subject or Burgher."
+
+The most notable article was called "The Confession of a
+Horse-stealer," and was written by one of the editors. In the same
+number another member of the editorial quartette wrote a strong little
+article calling attention to the prevalence and brazenness of horse
+thieves, and deploring the facts in earnest and indignant language. I
+was now at work at a desk in the editorial room, and was forced to
+act as judge between the outraged virtue of my colleague who detested
+horse-stealing and the pained surprise of my other colleague who
+(shall I say pretended or) confessed in writing that he was an expert
+at the crime.
+
+"Surely you agree with me that this thing has got to stop?" said the
+one editor.
+
+"Surely you will not allow such canting nonsense to go into the
+paper?" said the other, "especially where the entire army has become
+adept at the practice of looting Boer horses or exchanging worn-out
+steeds for the fresher ones of friends."
+
+Being a born diplomat I agreed with both my colleagues, praised both
+their articles, and voted that both should ornament the columns of THE
+FRIEND.
+
+I was in a position to behave with this impartiality. My character and
+reputation at home forced me to the side of the indignant moralist,
+and yet, on the other hand, certain episodes in my recent experience
+inclined me to view the confessions of the horse-stealer with
+leniency. More than once I had been forced to choose between walking
+for days in the enemy's country or utilising horses that had been
+abandoned by the Boers. If I were again placed in such a position I
+would surrender myself a prisoner to the Boers rather than touch even
+a little thing like a horse that did not belong to me. I have had time
+to reflect, and I see how weak I was; but at that time I was in the
+Boer country where stealing is called "commandeering," and seems a
+trifling thing, rather creditable if practised successfully and with a
+high hand. In justification of my course in commending the high, moral
+view of my other colleague, I could say with pride that the horses I
+had taken were both dead, and with them also disappeared the former
+stain upon my character.
+
+The happy combination of these points in common with both my
+colleagues, enabled me to publish both their articles and bring them
+back to the friendliest terms. So successful was I that we allowed our
+feelings to carry us beyond the bounds of reason--that is to say, we
+agreed to go to the Club and take a drink. It was a thing which no
+intelligent man would lightly agree to do. The only liquid
+refreshments then obtainable at the Club were enteric germs in water,
+gin, vermouth, and port wine. It required an occasion of the first
+importance to induce any of us to go to the Club, which was always as
+crowded as an egg is with meat. All day, and until late in the
+evening, the principal apartment barely afforded standing room. The
+porch was equally well filled, and horses in dozens were tethered
+before the house. It was the social exchange and rendezvous of the
+officers of something like 80,000 men, and I can hardly believe that
+anywhere in the world was there a club-house so constantly crowded.
+
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+_(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that Postal and Telegraph Services shall be resumed
+in the aforesaid Republic, as far as circumstances permit,
+
+NOW THEREFORE
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint David
+George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts and Telegraphs in
+such portions of the Orange Free State as have been, or may hereafter
+be occupied by British troops. And I do hereby order that the Postal
+and Telegraph services shall be resumed in the portions of the
+aforesaid Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of
+March, 1900, under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange
+Free State, subject to such alterations as may from time to time be
+notified.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein this Seventeenth Day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
+
+                                                    ROBERTS,
+                                                  Field-Marshal,
+                     Commanding-in-Chief British Forces, South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 15, 1900.
+
+I. _Civil Population to be unmolested._
+
+It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be
+assured that, so long as they remain peaceably disposed, their civil
+rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that
+any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by
+other than the authorised Supply Officers.
+
+All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.
+
+These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is especially the duty of all officers to
+put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.
+
+  By order,
+                    J. W. KELLY,
+                                   A.-G. for C. of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 14, 1900.
+
+It affords the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the greatest pleasure
+in congratulating the Army in South Africa on the various events that
+have occurred during the past few weeks, and he would specially offer
+his sincere thanks to that portion of the Army which, under his
+immediate command, has taken part in the operations resulting
+yesterday in the capture of Bloemfontein.
+
+On the 12th February this force crossed the boundary which divided the
+Orange Free State from British territory. Three days later Kimberley
+was relieved. On the 15th day the bulk of the Boer Army in this State,
+under one of their most trusted generals, were made prisoners. On the
+17th day the news of the relief of Ladysmith was received, and on the
+13th March, 29 days from the commencement of the operations, the
+capital of the Orange Free State was occupied.
+
+This is a record of which any army may well be proud--a record which
+could not have been achieved except by earnest, well-disciplined men,
+determined to do their duty and to surmount whatever difficulties or
+dangers might be encountered.
+
+Exposed to extreme heat by day, bivouacking under heavy rain, marching
+long distances (not infrequently with reduced rations), the endurance,
+cheerfulness, and gallantry displayed by all ranks are beyond praise,
+and Lord Roberts feels sure that neither Her Majesty the Queen nor the
+British nation will be unmindful of the effort made by this force to
+uphold the honour of their country.
+
+The Field Marshal desires especially to refer to the fortitude and
+heroic spirit with which the wounded have borne their sufferings.
+Owing to the great extent of country over which modern battles have to
+be fought, it is not always possible to afford immediate aid to those
+who are struck down; many hours have, indeed, at times, elapsed before
+the wounded could be attended to, but not a word of murmur or
+complaint has been uttered; the anxiety of all, when succour came, was
+that their comrades should be cared for first.
+
+In assuring every officer and man how much he appreciates their
+efforts in the past, Lord Roberts is confident that, in the future,
+they will continue to show the same resolution and soldierly
+qualities, and to lay down their lives, if need be (as so many brave
+men have already done), in order to ensure that the war in South
+Africa may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
+
+  By order,
+          (Sd.)       W. F. KELLY,
+                                  Major-General,
+                          Deputy-Adjutant-General, for Chief of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 16, 1900.
+
+1. _Telegrams._
+
+The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegrams which have been received:--
+
+(_a_) From Her Majesty the Queen: "Accept my warmest congratulations
+for yourself and those under you on your great success. Trust all
+wounded doing well."--V. R.
+
+(_b_) From His Excellency the High Commissioner: "In a spirit of deep
+thankfulness I congratulate you and your gallant Army on the rapidity
+and completeness of success which has attended the recent
+operations--crowned by the occupation of the enemy's capital."--MILNER.
+
+(_c_) From the Rear Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, Simonstown:
+"My personal and Navy's heartiest congratulations on your
+success."--ADMIRAL.
+
+(_d_) From Chairman of the London County Council: "On behalf of
+Metropolis, whence many of your brave soldiers have been drawn, I
+congratulate your Lordship's having gloriously reached a point which
+brings you one step nearer towards final success and peace."--DICKINSON,
+Chairman of the London County Council.
+
+(_e_) From the Lord Provost of Glasgow: "The Corporation of Glasgow in
+Council assembled offer you and Her Majesty's troops under your
+command their hearty congratulations on the success of your
+operations, culminating in your occupation in the Capital of the Free
+State, and their earnest hope for a speedy termination of the
+War."--LORD PROVOST.
+
+2. _Distinction._
+
+Referring to Army Order (of March 11, 1900), it is notified for
+information that Her Majesty orders that all Irishmen, whether serving
+in Irish Regiments or not, shall be allowed to wear the Shamrock on
+St. Patrick's Day.
+
+  By order,
+               W. KELLY,
+                           Major-General,
+                                              Deputy-Adjutant-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The first hundred copies of our last issue--Saturday, March 17, were,
+by accident, wrongly dated under the title on the front page.
+
+The Editors are willing to pay Five Shillings each for a few clean
+copies of this portion of the issue.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CONFESSIONS OF A HORSE-STEALER.
+
+(_N.B.--This article is privileged. The Provost Marshal cannot,
+therefore, take proceedings against the author._)
+
+When somewhere about the beginning of December I arrived at Modder
+River, I think I may say I was as honest as the generality of
+mankind. I do not remember any incident in my early childhood and
+youth which could in any way have been cited as a proof that I had
+predatory instincts. At home I never stole, at schools I never stole,
+at Colleges I never stole, and during several years of wandering about
+the face of the globe I never stole. But since I accompanied Lord
+Roberts' force from Enslin to Bloemfontein I have stolen freely, and I
+as freely admit it. Why? Ah, the answer to that question involves deep
+ethical considerations, and cannot be answered right off. Let me tell
+my tale, and I fancy that I shall receive the sympathy of most members
+of the force, and even the Provost Marshal will no longer pine to hang
+me.
+
+When I left Enslin I was the proud possessor of three fine
+saddle-horses and two decrepit-looking but sturdy cart-horses. Now I
+have to hire a man to repeat daily to me the number of my
+riding-horses, and I drive about Bloemfontein with a spanking team. I
+am aware that this confession will make the Provost Marshal's hair
+stand straight on his head; but let him have a little patience. Let
+him think what a glorious thing it is to find the one horse-thief in
+the army. I calculate that about 5,000 horses have illicitly changed
+hands during the advance from Modder River, and yet I have never found
+a man who has not most indignantly denied the merest, slenderest
+imputation of being concerned in a horse "transaction." Therefore--the
+army is honest, and there is only one horse-thief in it. The honour of
+the force is saved, and I am the only culprit. This is centralisation
+with a vengeance, and no longer need the Provost Marshal send his
+myrmidons galloping far and wide in search of horse-thieves. When next
+he hears of the loss of a horse, let him come to me--the only thief. I
+will let him know my address when Martial Law is replaced by the
+ordinary procedure of justice.
+
+But let me recount, to what, I hope, will be a sympathetic public, how
+I fell from honesty into the blackest depths of dishonesty. At
+Jakobsdal, Messieurs les Boers shot my finest horse. I was grieved
+naturally, and hurt too, that a poor non-combatant should have been
+treated so cavalierly. But "à la guerre comme à la guerre," I
+whispered to myself, and hoped for better luck next time. I followed
+the force from Jacobsdal to Klipkraal and Paardeberg, and at the
+last-named camp I awoke one morning to find my sturdy black pony had
+been taken quietly from under my very nose. I raved and stamped and
+swore at the loss. My sympathetic black boy tried to console me. "If
+master like," he said, "I go catch another horse." But so high and
+pure was my morality at that time that I almost thrashed him on the
+spot for daring to make such a suggestion. I walked away disconsolate,
+and sought a friend whose ribboned breast showed that he had seen
+service in every quarter of the globe. His answer to my request was
+short and simple. "Go and see whether he is picketed with ---- Horse"
+(wild rhinoceri will not drag from me the name of that gallant
+regiment of M.I.). I went, and there conspicuously displayed in the
+front rank of the tethered horses was my black pony. I did not
+hesitate, but, blessing the members of ---- Horse for so kindly caring
+for my poor wandering pony, I began to untie the ream of the halter.
+But the watchful eye of one of the men was open, and I was startled
+to hear a noise at my side say, "Well, upon my soul, this beats
+cock-fighting. You come to the wrong shop if you think you can steal a
+horse from _this_ regiment," and he roughly took the ream out of my
+hand.
+
+I protested. "The horse is mine," I said, "I'd know him anywhere."
+"Get on," was the answer, "he belongs to my captain. Why, look at the
+brand." And, sure enough, on my poor pony's quarters were three big
+letters which represented, I suppose, his initials.
+
+But I was in no way cast down. To go and explain to the officer that a
+little mistake had occurred was, after all, quite an easy matter, and
+I approached the gentleman who was sitting under a mimosa bush having
+breakfast. I explained the matter to him, and asked permission to lead
+my property home. But the captain roared with laughter. "Lead my horse
+home?" he shouted in another burst of laughter. "I like that. Why, do
+you know that the dam of that horse belonged to my Uncle Jim? He was
+the first man in that part of the country. Why," and again he laughed,
+"I remember when that black pony of mine was foaled. It was the 7th,
+no--the 10th of October. I remember quite well, for three weeks after
+we had a big garden party and all the ladies fell in love with the
+little beggar because he ate bread and butter from their hands and was
+the greediest beggar you ever saw after chocolate creams. Why, damme,
+if I didn't take that pony home again, I believe my old governor would
+cut me off with a shilling."
+
+I stood aghast. What a fool, what a sanguinary fool I was to go and
+make such a mistake. My apologies were ample, humble and profuse. But
+as I passed the horse-lines again I could not help thinking how
+singularly like my lost pony was the animal which, as a foal, so
+amused the ladies at the garden party.
+
+And then I did the foolishest thing I ever did in all my life. I
+bought a new horse. Twenty-four hours afterwards it was claimed by
+four different officers, and I narrowly escaped hanging at the hands
+of the Provost Marshal, who at once ordered me to return the animal to
+its rightful owner. I gave it up to the four claimants, and let them
+decide among themselves the question of ownership.
+
+And now I had but one pony left--and I guarded it as the apple of my
+eye. But again the Fates were against me, and it went off--I do not
+for a moment suggest that it was taken off. Again I tried ----'s Horse
+and all the Regular and Irregular Corps in the force, and was
+indignantly rebuked for daring to look for a stray horse in their
+lines. And so I was reduced to walking to and fro at Paardeberg Camp.
+But one fine afternoon, returning across the huge endless plain, I was
+nearly ridden down by a subaltern, and as I glanced at the reckless
+rider I saw that he was riding _my_ pony. I shouted and yelled to him
+to stop, which he did.
+
+"You are riding my pony," said I.
+
+"I'm not," was the laconic answer.
+
+"But I'm sure of it."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Well, you're wrong this time. That pony is mine. I've had him for
+three months and I know him as well as I know my own boots."
+
+But there was never a blush on the face of the subaltern. The pony he
+rode was, he admitted, of a very common type as regards colour and
+height. And he discussed at great length the difficulty of recognising
+horses. He told us that one of the greatest horse-dealers in London
+failed to recognise a horse that he had himself ridden a whole year.
+And then he drowned me in dates. The pony he was riding was bought for
+the remount of December 13th, kept at Stellenbosch till January 4th,
+arrived at De Aar on January 6th, was used there by a staff officer
+who did not like him and sent him up to Orange River on February 1st.
+On February 5th he became the property of the subaltern, who appeared
+to have tethered the beast at night to his waist, so positive was he
+that "he had never lost sight of the pony since."
+
+What could I say? I couldn't call him a liar, for he was a tall,
+well-made subaltern, and he might have knocked me down, so I let him
+ride my pony away, and I trudged home to my camp beside the river.
+
+Early next morning I collected all the servants and I addressed them
+as follows: "I have not got a single riding-horse left, and I want
+some; go and get some."
+
+It was a laconic speech, but wonderfully effective. By five o'clock
+that afternoon three grand beasts were standing under the shelter of
+the river bank close to my camp, undergoing the different processes of
+hogging, tail-cutting, dyeing and other forms of transformation used
+by horse-stealers. In ten days I could have mounted a whole troop of
+cavalry. I will confess that I was a bit frightened, when, at five
+o'clock one morning, they brought me two magnificent chargers, for I
+recognised them as the property of the Commander-in-Chief. But
+although I delayed His Excellency's departure to Kimberley for an
+hour, I succeeded in sending them back to his lines unperceived.
+
+I now possess a splendid stud of saddle-horses. I find it so difficult
+to feed them all, however, that it is my intention to offer them for
+sale next Wednesday. The conditions of sale are the usual ones, but it
+is to be distinctly understood that if any person dares to claim one
+of the animals as his own he will be turned out of the enclosure with
+ignominy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE SOLDIERS' POET.
+
+BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.
+
+  So you've come, Mynheer Kiplin', so you've come:
+  Wot a chap you are to foller up the drum!
+  S'pose yer's gwine to make some verse?
+  Well, there's lots wot does it worse,
+  You'd 'ave made a better Laurrytte than some.
+
+  We 'ave read your latest rimin' in the "FRIEND,"
+  But it's finished up too soon toward the end;
+  But the paper's raither small,
+  Sure it's 'ardly none at all,
+  If 'twere larger now 'twould be the bigger friend.
+
+  Now I arsks yer, Mister Kiplin', ain't yer proud
+  Of the "absent-minded beggars," how they've ploughed
+  Through 'ard ground to "Bobsfontein,"
+  Dorp of late departed Steyn,
+  Ain't yer proud of this great ragged Kharki crowd?
+
+  Glad to see yer, Mister Kiplin' and the "boys."
+  Old Bloemfontein never knew such times--and noise,
+  There's paradin', drillin'--and
+  Every night we gets the band,
+  And there's nothin' now our 'appiness alloys.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A SERIOUS MATTER.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+Horse-stealing is becoming a grave scandal. It constitutes the one
+blemish upon the otherwise excellent military régime that has been
+firmly but unobtrusively imposed. From their grazing grounds, from the
+rail in front of the Club, from the actual hands of Cape boys leading
+them to or from their lines, horses have been stolen with as little
+compunction as though they had been found grazing on the veldt.
+
+In some cases marks have been obliterated and manes and tails cropped
+by the thieves in the endeavour to conceal the identity of the animal,
+and it is our duty to ask that an example shall be made of any person
+found in the possession of a horse not his own, or from which such
+marks or brands have been recently obliterated, or upon which others
+have been recently imposed.
+
+It must be apparent to any man of sense that a horse which is offered
+to him by any person, white or coloured, for a nominal sum, is a horse
+which that boy or person has no right whatever to possess or attempt
+to sell, and any man purchasing under these circumstances must be held
+to be an accomplice in the theft.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It is earnestly to be hoped that, in felling necessary timber for the
+use of the troops, all particularly fine or ornamental trees will be
+spared. This district is sufficiently well wooded to supply otherwise
+all requirements, and depends largely upon its timber for its
+attractiveness.
+
+Mr. Kruger was being sped from the late Presidency when he recently
+visited the front near Gallaiskop and Osfontein, and President Steyn's
+parting remark was "Mind the British don't catch you, or you'll get a
+better place in St. Helena than I." It is hardly necessary now to
+remind the late President Steyn that many a true word is spoken in
+jest.
+
+It is not a little offensive to the ordinary British sense of the
+fitness of things that a native should be parading the Market Square
+in the red tunic of the Soldiers of the Queen. Yet this was to be seen
+yesterday afternoon when the pipes were skirling their martial
+strains, to the delight of all and sundry. The name of the
+regiment--Shropshire--was plainly in evidence on the shoulder strap.
+
+Lord Roberts's entry into Bloemfontein narrowly missed marking another
+of those historical, dramatic episodes such as Cronje's Day afforded.
+The British withdrawal from the Orange Sovereignty Territory actually
+took place on March 11, 1846, the proclamation being dated February
+23rd of the same year. The Queen's soldiers re-entered this town on
+March 13th, only missing what would have been a wonderful coincidence
+by less than forty-eight hours.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION
+
+TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.
+
+In continuation of the Proclamation which I issued when the British
+troops under my command entered the Orange Free State, in which I
+warned all burghers to desist from any further hostility, and
+undertook that those of them who might so desist, and were staying in
+their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations, would not
+be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of their
+having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their Government, I
+now make known to all burghers that I have been authorised by the
+Government of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to offer the
+following terms to those of them who have been engaged in the present
+war:--
+
+All burghers who have not taken a prominent part in the policy which
+has led to the war between Her Majesty and the Orange Free State, or
+commanded any forces of the Republic, or commandeered or used violence
+to any British subjects, and who are willing to lay down their arms at
+once, and to bind themselves by an oath to abstain from further
+participation in the war, will be given passes to allow them to return
+to their homes, and will not be made prisoners of war, nor will their
+property be taken from them.
+
+                                                    ROBERTS,
+                                              Field Marshal,
+        Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.
+  Government House, Bloemfontein,
+        15th March, 1900.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+TREATING OF MANY PEOPLES
+
+     _A Flesh-and-blood Miss Bloemfontein resents my
+     Love-letter._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" of March 20th contained five advertisements for stolen
+horses, one of which described the favourite horse of one of the
+editors: picturesque justice, some will say, for our light and
+trifling attitude toward the growing evil of horse-lifting. The
+editorial of the day, "Greater Britain," was one that I wrote, and the
+note of it was this: "It has been said that each of the preceding
+centuries during a long period of European history has ended in a
+great war. This one which closed the nineteenth century is not, and
+will not become, great, as wars are measured. But it will be recorded
+as phenomenally important in having given birth to Greater Britain."
+
+We had been offering five shillings each for copies of the "curio"
+numbers of March 16th. We now raised the offer to ten shillings a
+copy. A paragraph in the paper stated that a native (negro) police
+force had been established in town, with badges bearing the letters
+"B.N.P." "These police," we said, "have nothing whatever to do with
+white people."
+
+A few words upon the subject of the natives will not be amiss. It will
+be remembered that even as the British troops were entering
+Bloemfontein the negroes were engaged in looting a semi-public Boer
+building. Lord Roberts felt obliged to stop the triumphal advance and
+order his staff to drive the ruffians away. Two or more lords carried
+out the order. After we had established ourselves in the town the
+negroes were included with the white people in an order requiring them
+to have passes when they entered or left the town, and in order to be
+out of doors after nightfall. They deeply resented this, after making
+themselves as obnoxious as they were ridiculous, by their complaints.
+They said that they had always been friendly to the English, and had
+hated the Boers for the way they had maltreated the blacks, but that
+it seemed the English were little better than the Boers.
+
+The truth is that from Capetown to Bloemfontein they had traded upon a
+hatred of their Dutch masters, and, whether this was genuine or
+assumed, they had endeavoured to turn it to their account in every
+way. Everywhere that I found them they were too much impressed by the
+importance which they assumed, and which we too often encouraged. We
+paid them many times what was paid to "Tommy Atkins," and employed
+them in preference to the poor whites. In return they were often lazy,
+often impudent, sometimes treacherous. I know that they were too
+freely welcomed when they ran from the Boer lines to ours, and I also
+know that they sometimes ran back to the Boers with what they had
+learned. The Afrikanders in our ranks and in our employ often knocked
+them down for impudence, and the English were horrified; but I fancy
+the Afrikander knew what he was about in dealing with this especial
+sort of negro that followed the army.
+
+Mr. Gwynne, in this day's issue, wrote a series of parodies of the
+despatches of the correspondents of all the leading London and local
+newspapers. It was the purest fun. It caricatured and exaggerated the
+methods of each of us so cleverly as to make the series altogether
+laughable and yet so as to suggest something recognisable in each
+man's style.
+
+Mr. F. Wilkinson, of the _Sydney Daily Telegraph_, wrote about the
+Australians an article that is here reprinted. A correspondent of
+whose name I am not certain continued from the previous day an account
+of the expedition to the British forces southward of us. The article
+was so interesting and full of local and military colour that I wish I
+could give the author the credit he deserves.
+
+The chief event of the day was the receipt of an angry answer to my
+love letter to Miss Bloemfontein. Even as we read the copy we supposed
+that some wag in the army had tried to perpetrate a joke upon us, but
+Mr. Buxton came in and, finding us reading the letter, said that he
+had received it from a leading man of Bloemfontein, whose talented
+daughter had written it. She was an earnest adherent of the Boer
+cause, and expressed her sincere sentiments in this letter, in which
+she waived aside my protestations of our friendship with something
+painfully like scorn. Her name was given to us in confidence, and we
+published her letter with my reply, all agreeing that as she was
+certain to write another answer, we would give her the last word, and
+then close the episode.
+
+We were able on this day to announce the establishment of a regular
+daily train service to all points south. The country below had been
+cleared of Boers, but the bridge at Norval's Pont was still a wreck,
+and the trains ran over a temporary structure. Sir Henry Rawlinson
+arrived in Bloemfontein and took up his quarters at the Residency with
+Lord Roberts, who on this day announced that he would review the Naval
+Brigade on the following morning.
+
+We published these three informing paragraphs:--
+
+     Note: the price of whiskey is 11s. a bottle, on a rising
+     market.
+
+     A French Canadian member of the R.C.R. was doing sentry-go
+     one night at Enslin (Graspan). The countersign for the night
+     was "Halifax." Presently there came a strolling soldier whom
+     our gallant Canadian promptly challenged.
+
+     "Who go dare?"
+
+     "Friend."
+
+     "Advance, fren, and pace on--and say 'Haversack'--all is
+     vale."
+
+There were many such sentry stories in circulation in the army.
+Another one was to the effect that a Yorkshireman having to halt, and
+demand the countersign of a man he knew very well, acquitted himself
+of his task in these words: "Halt! who goes there. Say 'Majuba,' and
+toddle along--isn't it all blooming nonsense?"
+
+Finally, there was this one other paragraph especially full of the
+local colour of our surroundings--
+
+     A captured Free Stater tried to impress a sense of his
+     importance upon his captor by declaring that he was a Field
+     Cornet. "I don't care if you're a field big drum. You're my
+     prisoner, and you'd better be very civil and come on."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT.
+
+BY F. WILKINSON.
+
+For one very obvious reason war corresponding has not had very much of
+a vogue in past years with Australian journalists; in fact, the
+fighting business altogether has been very much neglected. As a group
+of colonies or a nation--which we hope to be almost immediately--we
+are not old enough to invite anyone else to put up his hands, and we
+are too far away to take more than a languid interest in other
+peoples' scraps. We did send a contingent and a few correspondents to
+the London Show, in '86 I think it was, but we only got there in time
+to return and make ourselves look rather ridiculous. Since then the
+"professional correspondent" might have starved and pined comfortably
+to death for all the work he would be likely to get. He couldn't have
+kept up the lecturing dodge with such long intervals between scraps.
+We didn't even think it worth while to send to the Philippine show,
+although it occurred almost at our very door.
+
+You see, in some of our Australian legislatures we groan under the
+inflictions of what are known as "labour parties," and labour parties
+all the world over have a rooted abhorrence of anything which tends to
+the maintenance of law and order. Labour parties, moreover, are
+generally made up of men who have before their accession to Parliament
+led some big anti-capitalistic agitation and they know what the
+sensation is to find themselves confronted with rifles, and even
+bayonets. Consequently they dislike the military element with a mortal
+dislike. They make a dead set at raw military estimates every year,
+and laugh to scorn the military spirit. From all of which it may be
+inferred that war corresponding with us has not hitherto been one of
+the most lucrative of professions. Rich squatters don't choose it as a
+career for their sons, and poor people have still the Banks and the
+Church and Parliament to fall back upon. Those of us, therefore, who
+for our sins have been sent out of this show, come as mere "rooineks,"
+or "new chums," to use the Australian equivalent. Strange to say, the
+only one amongst us who was also in the Soudan received a mortal wound
+the other day near Rensburg.
+
+There is this to be said, however, in extenuation of our greenness to
+the business, that our early training is of the sort which ought to
+make for efficiency. The Australian pressman, like his cousin over
+here, is a child of the bush. His "beat" covers some thousands of
+square, solid, British miles. One day he is out in the wild West among
+wilder shearers, beside whom the average Tommy is a mere circumstance.
+There is trouble in station sheds, and wild, uncivilised war between
+unionists and blacklegs. Blue metal in chunks buzzes past one's ears
+as thick as Mauser bullets at Magersfontein; railway carriages are
+quickly reduced to ruins, huts and grass fired for miles round; mobs
+of unionists carry havoc on the luckless blackleg and let slip the
+dogs of war--always blue metal. This is the stuff on which the
+Australian pressman is fed up.
+
+Next day he may be sent up to the flooded north: a river has burst its
+banks and submerged some twenty miles of settled country; occupants of
+single story houses find themselves high and dry on their roof-tops,
+others have sought shelter in trees; their household goods float gaily
+downstream alongside dead cattle and horses. Rescue parties in flood
+boats pull frantically from house to house carrying provisions and
+clothing for shivering women and children. These floods occur quite
+frequently, and your pressman soon learns to live for weeks almost up
+to his waist in water. He manages to boil his "billy" in the bottom of
+his boat without springing a leak. He will make excellent "damper"
+with arrowroot and Epsom salts if he can't get flour and baking
+powder. He will ride anything which will go on four legs, and after he
+has been lost on the trackless bush a time or two, he won't always
+travel in a circle.
+
+He has a standing engagement in an annual encampment where 5,000 or
+6,000 troops are concentrated for nine days' continuous training, and
+when general orders are issued beforehand notifying the exact time and
+spot where an engagement will take place, between so-and-so
+representing the enemy, whose position will be indicated by red flags,
+and such and such regiments representing the attacking force, who may
+be distinguished by blue flags. We manage those things better at
+Easter manoeuvres than we do on service. Here, they don't send round
+cards of invitation to correspondents when a fight is going to take
+place. One has to chase round the country after it, fighting staff
+officers on the lines of communication all the way. But that is
+another story. Since our present illustrious Commander-in-Chief has
+taken over the conduct of the campaign we haven't been able to raise
+much of a grumble, and what happened prior to this is forgotten--at
+least for the time.
+
+                                               F. WILKINSON,
+                                        _Sydney Daily Telegraph_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS BLOEMFONTEIN'S ANSWER.
+
+TO MR. ENGLISHMAN--A LOVELESS LETTER.
+
+Come, tall Mr. Englishman, and sit down beside me, but for the love of
+heaven, do not look into my eyes, lest they scorch you with a fiery
+"hate of hate." The blue of mine eyes may be perilously near that blue
+which men have named electric, and such an electric shock of scorn
+would they shoot that you would wish yourself amidst the turmoil of
+war again, some of whose bolts and bombs have taken the lives of our
+fathers, brothers, friends! You will not wonder then that I do not
+like your whole army or any part thereof, although it may have done me
+the great and unwished-for honour of liking me--or you, the conqueror
+of the land, which is mine by the same right as your little island is
+yours--the right of old tradition which is so great a factor in the
+history of nations, and in which our land abounds; the right of
+residence which has been ours since our peacefully ruled and hitherto
+prosperous little Free State was created--the right of love for the
+land of our birth--the right of pride in our despised beaux, with
+their homespun suits and lavish beards and whiskers, who have gone out
+to fight with such bravery for their cause and country.
+
+Surely, Mr. Englishman, you of all men should be able to appreciate
+this factor in them, you who pride yourself on being the bravest man
+of the bravest of living nations. Were this factor missing in them,
+would you not have been here five long months ago? Surely you, I say,
+should be able to overlook such small matters as the bad cut of their
+coats and the length of their beards. You should know that greatness
+does not lie in outward seeming.
+
+Please do not say "Miss Bloemfontein tripped out to meet us so
+enticingly;" say, rather, "little Miss Uitlander," who has, as you
+rightly think, by no means hitherto scorned our homespun youths, and
+to whom we extended a loving hand when she came, and who now, in
+return for this, unnecessarily flaunts your colours in our faces, and
+welcomes you too kindly. Much bitter sorrow was there, oh sir, when
+you entered this loved home of ours; I and my sisters, who felt as
+would your English dames, were another William Conqueror to take their
+island home from them, lay in dumb anguish and writhed when the word
+went forth, "we have fallen into bondage," "our enemy hath us in his
+grasp"--and our cup of bitterness was more than full.
+
+We do cling to our old love, who left us with much misgiving to your
+tender mercies. Mr. Englishman, fain would he have stayed to protect
+us, but that he had his command to go;--and this is another thing
+which you, who think so much of discipline, should be able to
+appreciate. Though for fear of your displeasure we must hide our
+feelings, you are hateful to us, oh slayer of our brothers and taker
+of our home!
+
+We will not forget, Mr. Englishman, and are truly grateful to you,
+that you behaved to us with common courtesy, and stood aside to let us
+pass; but surely you, the politest of polite men, would not take
+credit for that, which should be the birthright of all gentlemen. We
+dwell not in times of Sabine sisterhoods, good sir!
+
+And if little Miss Uitlander bathe you in smiles, and lisp pretty
+nothings into your much-astonished ear, call but to mind that she
+comes from your own "far countree," and has here learned this way of
+welcoming the conqueror.
+
+I am no Boadicea, say you. Oh, sir, you mistake grievously. I would
+smite you with mine own hands, were I able. Did you perhaps not catch
+a glimpse of me in General Cronje's laager, whither I went to share
+the danger with my brother, and cheer him in his arduous task?
+
+True it is that homely comfort abounds in our cottages, and should it
+not be so? Perhaps there was a time too when your stately sister did
+not scorn to keep house, instead of attending theatres, soirées,
+musicales, at-homes. Evidently, Miss Uitlander forgot the divine music
+of Queen's Hall and Covent Garden, when she crowded to do justice to
+the awful and untuneful melodies, to which your English bandsmen
+treated her on the Market Square. But you see "It is so long since she
+left 'home,' and it is sweet to hear those sounds which come straight
+from dear old England." I, sir, stopped my ears with cotton wool (for,
+whatever Miss Bloemfontein is, she is musical, and even had I been
+pleased to see you, I could never have allowed myself to be tortured
+with those fragments of the divine art). Poor Pan! he stood afar on
+the topmost steeple of the Dutch Church, and played his pipes and
+wept, and had you not been so absorbed in "tripping to your gay
+tunes," you might have heard faintly stealing over our ancient towers
+"Heeft burghers t'lied der Vrijheid aan," while the organ within our
+"piously Presbyterian" edifice echoed the anthem, which was caught up
+by the instrument in your exclusively English cathedral, and Miss
+Bloemfontein heard the echo and was comforted.
+
+And now, Mr. Englishman, do you fully realise that I am not pleased to
+see you, that I hate to have you here; I, a real daughter of the soil?
+And if to-morrow I could turn you out, I would do so joyously, while
+little Miss Uitlander would stand by, her lovely eyes moist with
+grateful tears, and whisper, "That is right," or perhaps push you with
+her tiny left hand, while she once more extended her right to my badly
+dressed brothers, as they came over the top of the Bloemfontein Hill!
+
+The gulf between the angry past and the still more angry present will
+never be bridged, Mr. Englishman. You have made Afrikanderdom by
+fighting us, and have awakened in our breasts the knowledge that we
+are of another sort than yourselves. Only now, with the "Schwanenlied"
+sounding in our ears, do we feel what it is to have a country--to be a
+nation!
+
+                                               MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+
+OUR REPLY TO THE LADY.
+
+DEAR MISS BLOEMFONTEIN,--If there is doubt about which young lady it
+is who has made us welcome here, there is none at all about the
+genuineness of your letter and yourself. Its sheets exhale the subtle
+perfume of the mimosa flower, its strong, free writing reveals the
+confidence, health, and high spirits of the graceful rider of the
+veldt! Thank God (and thank you also, my dear) there is no line or
+phrase of resistance to our suit in all your letter but has a tender
+phrasing or carries a compliment--so that we know you do not dislike
+us a tenth so much as you hate the thought of seeming light-of-love,
+of feeling that we have dared to pity you, of fancying we think you
+are to be won for the mere asking.
+
+Sweetheart, that was a clumsy letter of ours if it ruffled your
+maidenly sensitiveness with such misapprehensions. Henry V. was not
+the only one, or the last, of us Englishmen who could war with men
+better than he could woo women. And as Katharine looked through young
+Hal's rough armour into his warm and loyal heart, so we ask you to do
+with us.
+
+Well, well! so it was your cousin, Miss Uitlander, whose azure eyes
+and twining fingers sent me into my rhapsody of love, while you, the
+true Katharine, the real princess, have held back, hid in some leafy
+bower of your pretty capital. Ah, well, it was not her hand that took
+our heart captive. It was not her eyes that slew us. What we loved was
+the essence of your soul and spirit which breathed upon us from your
+park-like seat, from your trees and gardens, from the pretty, happy
+houses of your subjects. It was you we loved, dear neighbour, you
+whom we have admired through all your youth and never quarrelled with
+and never known to be at fault.
+
+As I wrote on Saturday, we still stand aside and look upon your charms
+of peaceful domesticity, all garlanded for your bridegroom. Still,
+too, we see your selfish, scheming guardian of the past fleeing from
+the wreck and ruin into which he has plunged your people. And we see
+your sworn champions in similar flight, leaving you forlorn, deserted.
+It is eminently womanly of you to defend these faithless gallants
+rather than solicit pity for yourself. It is the true maidenhood in
+you which makes you retire to your bower until you have forced us to
+acknowledge your value and earn your love. If we misjudged you and
+fancied you had tripped out to put your hand in ours, it was only
+because we were so eager and so smitten. We like you better as you
+are, shy and modest, proud and pure.
+
+That deft touch of your pen upon the quality of our music--it was--I
+mean to say we find no fault in you for--but, no, we may not be
+disloyal, even to our pipes. It was the best we had to offer, and when
+better comes from home we fancy that even you will cease to barricade
+your pearly ears against it. We shall enjoy hearing Pan set your sighs
+to melody. We promise not to drive him away; he shall ever play your
+songs just as he trills the lays of ever so many fair maidens who
+throng around our Queen, and who remember the chains she has stricken
+from their limbs without for an instant forgetting the traditions
+which still knit each to her past and her kindred in so many far
+lands.
+
+You speak of the "great honour" of our liking you. You extol our
+bravery. You admit our "tender mercies" and our love of order. You say
+you will not forget our courtesy to your people or our modesty. You
+call us "the politest of polite men"--ah, dear little Afrikander, we
+treasure each word in each of those sentences. We cannot help taking
+heart of hope. If you can speak of us so fair to-day, when the
+whispers of your old lover still sound in your ears, what may we not
+expect in time to come? We will not try to hurry your heart, but we
+warn you we shall melt it. For we love you, and there is no selfish
+prompting, no hope of mercenary gain in our affection. We love you
+because you are irresistible, even with your dimpled little hand
+clenched, and, perhaps, partly because of the lightning that flashes
+in your pretty eyes.
+
+                                               JULIAN RALPH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOINING HANDS WITH GATACRE AND CLEMENTS.
+
+On Thursday morning last a small force was despatched by train from
+Bloemfontein to the South, in order to open up the country, to find
+out the dispositions of the enemy between here and the Orange River,
+and, if possible, to join hands with the British forces now operating
+in the direction of Stormberg and Colesberg.
+
+The force consisted of 4 guns and 66 men of the 84th Battery, R.F.A.,
+21 mounted men of Roberts' Horse Bodyguard, 6 Grahamstown M.I., a
+section of the M.R.E., and 2 battalions of Guards (3rd Grenadiers and
+1st Scots), totalling about 2,100 men and 120 horses, besides vehicles
+and mules sufficient to make the force mobile if required.
+
+We moved off in 5 trains, the first being a short "breakdown" pilot
+train in charge of Lieutenant Mozley, R.E., carrying an advanced party
+of 51 Grenadiers under Capt. Clive. Ten minutes after, a full train of
+Grenadiers, carrying in addition Major-General Pole-Carew, C.B.,
+commanding the expedition, and his Staff; and the other three trains
+carried the remainder of the force.
+
+We were in hopes that there would be some parties of the enemy between
+us and the Orange, especially as Edenburg was reported occupied; and
+the country between that and the river ought to have been swarming
+with Boers opposing the advance of Generals Gatacre and Clements. But,
+as it turned out, we had no chance of loosing off even one round, and
+our progress was peaceful and unwarlike in the extreme.
+
+At Kaalspruit we met Lieut. Russell Brown, R.E., who had just returned
+off an adventurous trip per train to Edenburg, which he had
+reconnoitred in the dark when it was full of Boers. After that we
+steamed slowly along, and reconnoitred Kaffir and Riet River Bridges,
+with a view to their occupation if necessary.
+
+As it was quite possible that stray Boers might walk into the
+telegraph offices behind us and read off any messages going through,
+we transferred the instruments to the safer keeping of the detachments
+of Scots Guards we left at the bridges. The disconnecting of wires at
+one of the stations was carried out by a highly distinguished and
+zealous party of Grenadier officers, headed by the C.O. himself, but
+the result was somewhat unfortunate, as messages refused to pass
+through for some considerable time afterwards. Edenburg was
+approached at dusk, but, thanks to a friend who told us that the enemy
+had evacuated it, we had no need to use caution in so doing. On the
+contrary, we were warmly welcomed on coming to a standstill, and found
+a deputation of three ready to hand over the keys of the town and to
+ask for protection.
+
+The General received the deputation, consisting of the Landdrost, Mr.
+Fourie, Mr. Groenwoud and the Clerk of the Council, graciously, but
+demanded, as a guarantee of good faith, that all arms and ammunition
+in the town and district should be given up. This was agreed to, and
+messengers were despatched to the Commandant and two Field-cornets,
+who lived some way off, to come in next morning at 6 and arrange the
+matter with the General. A messenger was also sent to warn the
+Fauresmith commando of 400 to 500 men, which was approaching the town,
+that they had better disperse, as the British were in possession and
+might fire on them if they came too near. The commando, had, however,
+kindly anticipated the purport of this message, and had already melted
+away on its own initiative.
+
+Edenburg is a pretty little town, well supplied with water and
+provisions of all sorts. But its chief possession must be acknowledged
+to be a veritable Don Juan, to judge from the number of affectionate
+letters addressed to him that were found among the budget seized at
+the Post Office. This young man, who shall be nameless, must have
+broken the hearts of numberless charming ladies. Letters from every
+part of the Free State and a large portion of the Transvaal, some
+couched in most amorous language, others upbraiding him for
+faithlessness, all signed by names of the fair sex (mostly without
+the addition of a surname) brought a hot blush to the brow of the
+unfortunate officer whose duty it was to scan their contents. It was
+past 1 a.m. before he had finished his work, but the fair writers may
+rest assured that their missives will all reach their destination in
+time, and their secrets remain locked in the breast of that particular
+Staff Officer.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_(Continued in the number of March 21st.)_
+
+Early next morning the town was awakened by a series of violent
+explosions, which caused several timid people to imagine that a
+serious battle was raging. It was, however, caused by the burning of
+67,000 rounds of ammunition which had been taken from the gaol and
+court house and which were being destroyed by order. Five hundred
+rifles were also taken, all of them Martinis, except twenty-one.
+
+After arranging with Commander Cloete and the Field-cornets van der
+Merwe and Roule the details of handing over the rifles, &c., to their
+districts, the General proceeded on his way, and soon arrived at
+Jagersfontein Road. Here we were met by a Union Jack and patriotic
+inhabitants, but rapidly steamed on to Springfontein, on hearing that
+General Gatacre had crossed the Orange River at Bethulie, and was
+expected that morning at Springfontein Junction.
+
+We arrived at this place at ten o'clock and, to our secret joy, found
+no signs yet of a British occupation. We heard, however, that an
+engine had brought two English officers thither from Bethulie on a
+short visit the night before.
+
+Shortly after arriving mounted scouts of Montmorency's Horse made
+their appearance, and were followed by General Gatacre, who rode up,
+somewhat surprised to find us already in possession. Cordial greetings
+were exchanged between the Generals, and after a short stay we pushed
+on in the direction of Norval's Pont, which we were assured had been
+evacuated by the enemy 24 hours before.
+
+On the strength of this information we left the three rear trains
+behind, and pushed on through rapidly steepening country to Prior's
+Siding. Here we were enthusiastically welcomed by the only
+inhabitants, two Russian Jews, who so far allowed their feelings to
+overpower their pockets as to present the General with a box of
+excellent cigars in honour of the new flag.
+
+Another half hour through a horrid defile brought us to Donkerpoort,
+and at this uninviting station we found the vanguard of General
+Clement's force. These had crossed the Orange River by means of a
+pontoon bridge, flung across the river 2-1/2 miles below the great
+bridge, and consisted of a squadron of Inniskillings, the 4th Field
+Battery, 250 Australians, and some Infantry.
+
+As we steamed slowly ahead, the extended lines of horsemen advancing
+over the plain raised cheer after cheer, and we were moreover honoured
+by a patriotic officer dismounting and taking a historical snapshot
+with the ever-present kodak at the advancing engine. This latter, one
+should add, was adorned by 4 officers sitting just over the
+cow-catcher, who obtained an excellent view of the surrounding
+country. Their admiration was, however, somewhat tempered by the
+knowledge of a widely spread report that at certain places there
+lurked under the line masses of deadly dynamite. Considerable caution
+was at first observed at the culverts; but when the engine-driver
+assured us that dynamite was hidden at one place only, and that place
+known to him, we bade him proceed until within 50 yards of the spot,
+and then halt. When within half a mile of the bridge, we asked whether
+the fatal place was near at hand. Judge of our mingled horror and
+relief when we heard that the miscreant driver had not recognised the
+spot until within 5 yards of it, and had driven unwittingly over it at
+full speed!
+
+Except for a short glimpse a mile back, one cannot, from a train, see
+the bridge broadways on. It was, therefore, difficult to estimate the
+exact damage that had been done as we approached it, even when we had
+walked out as far as we could go, and actually stood over the gap. The
+wreck is terrific; 3 spans and one pier had been blown up and lay in
+the water 100 feet below, connected with the standing part by a steep
+and tangled wreckage of beams, girders, and iron. Three months at
+least must elapse before the bridge can be thoroughly in working order
+again; but a little bird has whispered in the ear of the writer that
+by an ingenious series of connections from bank to bank a very large
+amount of stores will shortly be passing across. Those Burghers who
+refused twice, when ordered, to blow up the bridge, were wise men in
+their generation, for its destruction will mean a much more serious
+loss to the Free State than to the British troops.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+OURS WAS NO BED OF ROSES
+
+     _Kipling's regard for "Tommy Poetry"--Our English as it was
+     set up by Boer compositors._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" was an afternoon paper published at three or four or five
+o'clock in the evening, according as the Dutch compositors chose to
+get it out. We editors went to our tiny editorial room between nine
+and ten o'clock in the morning, and worked until lunch time--one
+o'clock--writing, seeing visitors, correcting proofs, and reading
+manuscripts. What I have called "seeing visitors" mainly consisted in
+turning away private soldiers who came for copies of the paper. Though
+we posted notices that ours was the editorial room, and that papers
+were to be had at Barlow's stationery shop, "Tommy" would insist upon
+coming to us; therefore we gave up a large part of our time to sending
+him away, now yelling at him, now bursting into expletives, and anon
+pleading most politely that we were neither newsboys nor railway
+bookstall keepers.
+
+What I have called "reading manuscripts" was largely the work of
+examining the poetry of this same Mr. Atkins, who, fired by the genius
+of Mr. Kipling, is sometimes a better poet than you would think,
+sometimes a worse poet than you can imagine, but is generally a
+poet--of one sort or another.
+
+We had good "Tommy" poets in our ranks; wherefore, when Mr. Kipling
+came, he insisted that all soldier poetry should be religiously read,
+and the best of it published. He pored over miles of it. At the idea
+of re-writing and improving Tommy's verse he was pained, and when Mr.
+James Barnes, on one occasion, spent half a day in putting a "Tommy"
+poem into Queen's English, Mr. Kipling was righteously indignant, and
+spent an hour in getting it back to Tommy's vernacular. But we are
+coming to Mr. Kipling presently.
+
+The rest of the time of all except the man who wrote the leader of the
+day was spent in correcting the typographical errors of the Dutch
+compositors, who, by the way, could make more numerous and more
+dreadful mistakes in type than ever an intelligence officer made in
+getting news of the enemy. The consequence was that we often took up
+the first paper that reached us from the presses, and with a sigh
+assured each other that it was almost wholly given up to bad verse and
+printers' errors.
+
+At noon during these early days one of us would gather up all the
+proofs that we could get from the printers, and march over to Lord
+Stanley's office to have them censored. He was so considerate and
+liberal that this soon proved a mere formality. I think he must have
+regarded the eccentric but interesting journal as a child of his own,
+or at least as one whose parentage he would be too polite to dispute
+if Lord Roberts claimed it. We used to hear how very much the great
+Field Marshal, also, was interested in it; how eagerly he secured his
+copy every day, and how much he liked all that it contained. A visitor
+at the Residency told us that one afternoon Lord Roberts saw an
+officer reading THE FRIEND, and called to one of his staff: "I see a
+man in there reading THE FRIEND. How is it I have not had my copy?"
+The officer's paper proved to be a copy of an earlier number, so that
+the Field Marshal's wounded pride was healed. But we liked that story;
+we liked it very much indeed.
+
+Our fifth number, published on March 21st, began with Mr. Gwynne's
+hearty leader on Rudyard Kipling, who was expected to reach
+Bloemfontein on that day. Mr. Gwynne also wrote one of his
+characteristic satirical articles on "The Soberest Army in the World."
+Mr. Landon contributed a lively and picturesque narrative of the
+principal feat our despatch riders had performed up to that time, and
+I perpetrated a modest bit of reporting on South Africa's
+attractions--an article of greater interest here and now than it was
+then and for our army readers.
+
+We had made it known that private soldiers would be charged only a
+penny for the paper, the original threepence being demanded solely of
+officers. In this way we hoped to earn a greater profit than by
+shutting out of our trade the humble private, to whom a threepence (a
+"ticky," as it is called in Africa) sometimes appears as big as a
+cart-wheel. But our new plan brought us a lot of trouble--especially
+of the kind you feel when you know you are being done out of something
+and yet cannot help yourself. The fact was that the officers encamped
+at a distance sent in their servants for their papers, and these
+messengers, being privates, only paid a penny for each paper. Then,
+again, the officers were dressed so nearly like the men that the
+newsboys and assistants in Barlow's shop could not distinguish them
+apart, and charged many of the officers the penny of the private. This
+annoyed us, because we were intent upon making as much money as
+possible in order to turn over a handsome sum to a soldier charity
+when we should end our stewardship--for not a penny did we mean to
+keep for ourselves. Mr. Landon wrote a strenuous appeal to the
+officers to help us to get our just dues. To the same paper Mr. A. B.
+Paterson, of the _Sydney Herald_, contributed a very clever bit of
+verse, entitled, "Fed up." He was one of the contributors of whom we
+were most proud--and justly so.
+
+In this day's paper there were seventeen notices of horses
+lost--presumably stolen, but a close scrutiny of all horseflesh was in
+progress, and in the same column with the wails of the robbed was a
+notice of the recovery of twenty-one horses--none of them being the
+same as any of the lost that were advertised for. The Provost-Marshal,
+Major R. M. Poore, on this day announced that every native with a
+horse must carry a certificate proving that the animal was his own. He
+also declared that every person possessing any property of the Orange
+Free State Government--horses, mules, oxen, or anything else--must
+quickly hand it up.
+
+Lord Roberts reviewed the Naval Brigade on the preceding day, and we
+had a report of it showing how splendidly Captain Bearcroft's command
+appeared. The late Admiral Maxse, out there on a visit, witnessed the
+review, and said that it was the first one he had attended since the
+Crimea, when he acted as naval A.D.C. to Lord Raglan. This review gave
+us all one of our rare chances of seeing Lord Roberts, for he went out
+but little, and even at such times hurried directly to his
+destination, returning with as little loss of time. Every man, of
+every rank, saluted him, and he was scrupulously careful to return the
+salute even of the bugler boys. It was said to be surprising to note
+how many men he knew of all ranks, and how watchful and observant he
+was. "You managed that very cleverly," he would say to a man in
+conflict with unruly horses; or he would reprove a soldier for
+untidiness in dress. Nothing escaped his restless eyes.
+
+He wore no decorations of any kind, and I have even heard it said that
+not every coat of his was decked with gilt buttons--though this I
+repeat only upon hearsay. I can testify, however, that no man more
+modest and making less of his rank was in his army. I always saw him
+in plain khaki with that badge of mourning upon one sleeve which gave
+us all a keener thrust in our emotions than even the hardest felt
+losses of comrades and acquaintances which befell us all so
+frequently.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 21, 1900.
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+EDITORIAL BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+To-day we expect to welcome here in our camp the great poet and
+writer, who has contributed more than any one perhaps towards the
+consolidation of the British Empire. His visit is singularly
+appropriate. He will find encamped round the town not only his friend
+Tommy Atkins, but the Australian, the Canadian, the New Zealander, the
+Tasmanian, the volunteer from Ceylon, from Argentine, and from every
+quarter of the globe. He will see the man of the soil--the South
+African Britisher--side by side with his fellow colonist from over the
+seas. In fact, Bloemfontein will present to him the actual physical
+fulfilment of what must be one of his dearest hopes--the close union
+of the various parts of the greatest Empire in the world. His visit,
+therefore, will have in it something of the triumph of a conqueror--a
+conqueror who, with the force of genius, has swept away barriers of
+distance and boundary, and made a fifth of the globe British, not only
+in title, but in real sentiment.
+
+We, belonging to that portion of the Press to which is assigned the
+duty of witnessing and chronicling the deeds which make history,
+extend to the illustrious writer a welcome, sincere and whole-hearted.
+We feel, all of us, that his brush alone can do complete justice to
+the wonderful pictures of war which we have been privileged to see.
+We, who have been with Tommy Atkins on many a hard campaign, have long
+ago come to love him for his quiet, unostentatious courage and his
+patient endurance of hardships; but we feel that Mr. Kipling alone can
+translate to the world the true inwardness of Tommy's character. We
+feel sure that the Mulvaneys, the Learoyds, and the Ortherises will
+welcome him as heartily as we do, and we are hopeful that this fresh
+meeting of Tommy Atkins and perhaps the only man who rightly
+understands him, will be productive of fresh pictures of the British
+soldier.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SOBEREST ARMY IN THE WORLD.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+The force which, under the command of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, left
+Enslin and occupied Bloemfontein will undoubtedly be known in history
+as the "Sober Army." Never before in the history of campaigning has
+there been known such an absence of excess in the way of drinking--and
+eating too, as far as that is concerned. Some people have dared to
+cast aspersions on the British army by insinuating that drunkenness is
+not unknown among its members. They have even gone further and
+declared that officers and men are very fond of their "tot" or their
+"pint" or their whisky and soda. I only wish some of these
+calumniators could have accompanied Lord Roberts' force. They would
+have recanted on the spot, and returned home convinced that the
+British army was not only the finest but the soberest in the world.
+
+Their excessive sobriety and wonderful self-restraint in the face of
+temptation rather tempts one to delve deep down for the psychological
+reasons. I have myself made inquiries, but I must confess that I am at
+a loss for a real reason. My firm belief is that the British soldier
+is so actuated by a deep sense of duty that, having come to the
+conclusion that hard drinking and hard fighting were incompatible, he
+promptly dropped the former and devoted all his energies to the
+latter. It would have been expected that at the end of a long, dusty
+march the men would have, immediately after being dismissed, made a
+rush for the canteen. Nothing of the sort. They sat down to tea and
+coffee and left the canteen waiters kicking their heels doing
+nothing. It is true one or two soldiers have told me that they
+couldn't find the canteen; but the majority of the men chose, of their
+own free will, to ignore its existence, and actually never looked for
+it. But this noble continence, this splendid self-restraint has been
+very nearly spoilt by the folly and wickedness of some of the
+authorities. They actually issued rum to the men at intervals. Now one
+of Tommy's greatest virtues is obedience. He was ordered to drink rum
+and he did it--just as he advanced against a kopje spitting forth lead
+when he was ordered. But the task of swallowing the hateful stuff was
+distasteful in the extreme. I have seen him take his mug and get his
+tot and then look at his officer as much as to say, "Must I really
+take it?" The officer's answering glance was invariably a command
+which poor Tommy could not disobey, and he tossed off the liquor with
+one gulp to get it over all the quicker, and then held his mug upside
+down to show he had done the deed.
+
+One would have thought, indeed, that this wonderful self-restraint
+would be destroyed in the wild rush of joy with which the army was
+filled the night that Cronje surrendered. Not a bit of it. The men
+lying on the soaking ground never touched a drop of alcohol, although
+many would say that the victory of our arms deserved an alcoholic
+celebration. But that night the canteens were as deserted as ever. One
+man, and one man only, fell. He was an officer's servant, and was
+discovered gloriously happy, delightedly drunk. His comrades kept
+hitting and punching him and asking him where he had found the liquor,
+it evidently being their firm intention to destroy it. He refused,
+however, to answer a word until his master found him and, seizing him
+by the shoulder, shook him, and exclaimed with eager face, "Good
+Heavens, Jones, where the devil did you get it?" And Jones answered
+drunkenly to an eager crowd of expectant officers and men, "Meth'lated
+Shpirits, Shir. I'sh found it in waggon."
+
+Whereupon ten eager voices asked--
+
+"Is there any left?"
+
+"No; finished whole blooming lotsh."
+
+And then his comrades gently kicked him for a cur.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+_To the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND,"--GENTLEMEN,--I have read with much
+of interest one article in one of your last issues touching the steal
+at the horses.
+
+As a veteran of the war of 1870, I think that this would be of
+interest towards much of your abonnés if I should write some words of
+my proper experiences.
+
+It appears by the article in the number of THE FRIEND of the 19th that
+the writer desires to carry to the observation of those who themselves
+find in authority, that by their proper negligence he has been forced
+to become that which you other English call jail-bird.
+
+Now I have made the war of 1870. I was dragon. I have suffered the
+same privations and I have smelt the same difficulties on the question
+of horses, but never I not have failed of myself to find without horse
+of war. This without myself to boast.
+
+I not desire to blame the author of this article praiseworthy, who, as
+he appears to wish to himself efface, in myself offering as
+counsellor, but since, as to myself seems that he wishes to hold one
+sale of his animals that it is all this that he has of most imbecile
+of to announce on the roofs his crime.
+
+An officer of dragons in 1870, I was having at the month of the June
+twenty horses of the first quality, grand, strong, majestic animals,
+worthy of to carry one officer of dragons in battle against those
+canailles of Prussians.
+
+At the month of September after Sedan he not me was remaining nothing,
+and I not was having not even the means of me to save in Belgium.
+
+What to do!--Officer French not is able not to render himself. Ah! not
+know I not the anguish of himself to find without horse. What have I
+done? To steal, no! This was indignant of officer. To buy, no! I of it
+not was having not of what. I was aperceiving in the distance one
+horse of officer of the Estate Major. This was the horse of my poor
+friend Gu-gu, evidently killed or gravely blessed. If if not, why not
+was he not, the brave gar, mounted on his horse, directing the flight?
+In one instant I myself was launched thereon without hesitation. To
+save the horse favourite of my poor friend dead Gu-gu was my first
+thought. In rending to his corpse this little service I was rending to
+my patrie one service again more grand. I myself was reserving for one
+death more épouvantable. Then, since that he is possible of to find
+the horses of friends blessed, for what himself to submit at the
+stigma of to be accused of to be thief. More late, when one wishes to
+sell the horses, one himself finds in face of one difficulty
+inextricable, if the proper proprietor himself finds upon the market.
+
+Gu-gu I have found more late in Paris, it is true, but we have eaten
+the good horse together like good comrades.
+
+Agree my compliments most respected,
+
+                                             M. VOL AU VENT.
+
+(The Editors, for obvious reasons, divest themselves of any
+responsibility for the opinions held by our distinguished Gallic
+friend.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"FED UP!"
+
+_The Cavalryman's Growl._
+
+BY A. B. PATERSON.
+
+  I ain't a timid man at all, I'm just as brave as most;
+  I'll take my turn in open fight and die beside my post.
+  But riding round the whole day long as target for a Krupp,
+  A-drawing fire from koppies--well, I'm quite Fed Up!
+
+  There's not so many men get hit--it's luck that pulls us through,
+  Their rifle fire's no class at all--it misses me and you;
+  But when they sprinkle shells around like water from a cup
+  From that there bloomin' pom-pom gun--well, I'm Fed Up!
+
+  We never gets a chance to charge--to do a thrust and cut--
+  think I'll chuck the Cavalry and join the Mounted Fut.
+  But, after all, what's Mounted Fut? I saw them t'other day,
+  They occupied a koppie when the Boers had run away.
+
+  The Cavalry went ridin' on, and seen a score of fights,
+  But there they stuck, those Mounted Fut, for seven days and nights--
+  For seven solid days and nights--with scarce a bite or sup,
+  So when it comes to Mounted Fut--well, I'm Filled Up.
+
+  And trampin' with the Footies ain't as pleasant as it looks--
+  They scarcely ever sees a Boer, except in picture books.
+  They make a march of twenty mile, which leaves 'em nearly dead,
+  And then they find the bloomin' Boers is twenty mile ahead!
+  Each "Footy" is as full of fight as any bulldog pup,
+  But walking forty miles to fight--well, I'm Fed Up!
+
+  So, after all, I think that when I leave the Caval-ree
+  I'll have to join the Ambulance, or else the A.S.C.
+  There's always tucker in the plate and coffee in the cup;
+  But bully beef and biscuits--well, I'm fair Fed Up!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+There appears to be some general misapprehension as to the
+authenticity of the letter written by "Miss Bloemfontein" in our
+issue of yesterday. The Editors wish to state that the communication
+in question was written by a lady, a member of a well-known family in
+this city, and undoubtedly reflects with wit and frankness the feeling
+of many of those to whom the abandonment of this place to the British
+forces has been a bitter disappointment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GREAT RIDE.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+The newspapers of the world published a notice of the surrender of
+Bloemfontein on the evening of Thursday, March 15th.
+
+The Boers had wrecked the telegraph line to the south of the town; to
+the west the field telegraph was useless; yet perhaps not one reader
+in ten millions stayed a moment to wonder how the news had reached
+them.
+
+When Lord Roberts left Doornboom the entire expedition was _en
+l'aire_. Telegraphic communication was at the mercy of the passing ox
+or the malicious passer-by, rain and wind were almost equally
+destructive, and the inevitable breakdown occurred. The wire, aërial
+or earth-borne, was useless in forty-eight hours, and, so far as outer
+communication was concerned, Bloemfontein and all around and within it
+might have been Tristan d'Acunha.
+
+But the London papers published the full account of the surrender on
+the second day after the capitulation.
+
+The manner in which news was sent to the English papers may perhaps
+be of interest. It must be remembered that there was then no
+communication with the south. It was impossible to pick up the cut
+wire north of Norval's Pont. The line from Kimberley to Boshof lies,
+even as we write, in a cat's cradle on the veldt. There was no
+option--the telegrams must be sent through Kimberley and by despatch
+riders.
+
+Perhaps it is truer to say that one or two London papers did so, for a
+certain number relied--and with justice--on the recuperative powers of
+Captain Faussett and his myrmidons of the wire.
+
+To ride a hundred miles across the veldt against time, and against at
+least two other competing riders, through the enemy's country, and at
+a moment's notice, is not the least exciting occupation that can be
+chosen by a light-weight searching for a new sensation.
+
+It combines the certainty of hardship and discomfort with the
+possibility of being shot; and over and above all is the pressing need
+of saving every minute of time.
+
+Three despatch riders set out from Bloemfontein during the evening of
+Tuesday or the earliest dawn of Wednesday. First in order of starting
+was the _Times_ messenger, second that of Reuter's Agency, third came
+the "angelos" of the _Daily Mail_.
+
+From Bloemfontein to Kimberley is, as we have said, a distance of a
+hundred miles. It is best understood by a Londoner by suggesting the
+comparison that he should be compelled to ride to Hereford every time
+he wished to despatch a telegram.
+
+Out from the isolated city the messengers went, making their way in
+the darkness or in the dawn over the red slushing tracks that had
+suffered the steady downpour of the night's rain, till, by whichever
+road they had moved out of Bloemfontein, they met at the battle-ground
+of Driefontein.
+
+From that point onwards the struggle became keen, and the breakdown of
+a horse meant a delay that might perhaps be reckoned in days rather
+than hours. The public that glances casually at the telegrams of their
+morning papers does not often realise the importance of a few minutes
+to the correspondents whose work they are reading. In this case,
+besides the ordinary delay, the lonely riders that were making way
+across the veldt had to spur them on the risk of finding the Field
+Telegraph repaired before they could reach the Diamond City, and the
+cable blocked with messages sent over their heads from Bloemfontein.
+
+Early in the great race the _Times_ rider met with disaster. The horse
+he rode fell, and, though the injury seemed slight enough at the time,
+never properly recovered itself, causing a delay of some hours before
+the next relay could be reached.
+
+But the _Daily Mail_ was still more unlucky. Starting last of all, the
+well-known light-weight who carried the fortunes of the "largest
+circulation of this earth" made his way forward through the fading
+light of Wednesday, gaining rapidly on his predecessors, and,
+confident in the excellent provision made for him, was getting out of
+his mount the last pound of pace, when a cut corner flung him against
+a barbed wire fence, which so terribly lacerated his leg that further
+riding was out of the question.
+
+Binding up his scratches as best he might, he found himself compelled
+to walk back thirty-five miles to Bloemfontein, unable to ride, and at
+the journey's end almost unable to stand.
+
+So the _Times_ and Reuter--each armed with a duplicate despatch from
+the Commander-in-Chief--were left to compete for the contingent
+advantage of getting first into Kimberley.
+
+And now was done a notable achievement. Browning, in his poem, "How we
+brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix," has chosen, by an odd
+accident, exactly the distance which divides Kimberley from
+Bloemfontein; but we can rest assured that the "good news" of the
+capture of the Boer capital sped on as fast as ever went the news
+across the flat plains of Flanders.
+
+Over the grey sage-brush of the veldt, over the high, dry grass, under
+the rare shade of poplar trees, where the horse was watered, along the
+red crumbling road or the mere beaten wheel track where a thousand
+waggons and twenty thousand animals had worn a temporary track, the
+hurrying hoof of the courier's mount lessened the long distance
+between the capital of the O.F.S. and the end of that wire of which
+the other lies in the capital of the world.
+
+In the afternoon of Wednesday three bullets whistled past the rider of
+the Agency, and the newspaper's courier had a similar experience at
+the same spot as he passed a little later.
+
+It soon became obvious that there was no possibility of getting into
+Kimberley in time to send the despatches before the office closed for
+the day, and the _Times_ despatch rider took the latter stages of the
+journey more easily. Reuter's man,[1] however, continued his ride at
+his utmost speed, and actually achieved what will long remain a
+record, travelling the entire distance on three horses in twenty hours
+and twenty minutes.
+
+[Footnote 1: Gilbert H. Stevens.]
+
+The need for such lengthy despatch riding luckily seldom occurs, as
+the expense is one of the heaviest items that can be incurred by
+newspaper representatives on behalf of their papers; only in the very
+exceptional circumstances in which the war correspondents found
+themselves at the capture of Bloemfontein would the enormous
+expenditure be justified.
+
+[Illustration: Who the deuce set this hash up. Find out. RK Proper
+names ought to be capped throughout but it's no use with this staff.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.
+
+THE ELEPHO[A]NT AND THE LARK'S NEST.
+
+A discriminating b[B]oer having laid a nestful of valuable and
+infy[o]rming eggs, fled across the horizon under pressure of necessity
+ler[a]ving his nest in a secli[u]ded spot where it was discovered
+by a disinterested observed[r] who reported the same to an
+i[I]ntee[l]liga[e]nce o[O]fficer. The latter arriving at his leisure
+with a great pomposite[]y said "s[S]ee me hatch![;]" A[a]nd sitting down
+without reserve convo[e]rted the entire output into i[a]n unnecessaru[y]
+omelette. After the mess was removed, the disinterested obso[e]rver
+observed:--"h[H]ad you approached this matter in anu[o]ther spirit you
+might hu[a]ve obtained valuable information." "That," [quote] replied
+the i[I]ntelligence o[O]fficer, "sho[ow]s your ne[a]rrow-minded
+prejudice. Besides I am morally certain that those eggs co[a]me out of a
+my[a]re's nest." "It is now too late to enquire" said the disinterested
+observer, "i[a]nd that is a pity." "But am I not an intelligent
+officer?" S[s]u[a]id the i[I]ntelligence o[O]fficer. "Of that there can
+be no twe[o] opinions," said the disinterested observer. Whereupon he
+was sent down.
+
+Moral. _Do not teach the i[I]ntelligence to hatch [suck] eggs_
+
+_A Corrected "Proof" by Rudyard Kipling._
+
+(_Giving a glimpse of the struggle between the editors and the Dutch
+compositors._)]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
+
+     _A chapter which introduces a Prince, and tells of our
+     Appeal to the whole Army to write for_ THE FRIEND.
+
+
+The next day's issue, that of March 22nd, was the best-looking number
+we had produced. We dropped those little frames on either side of the
+title of the paper which journalists call "ears" or "ear-tabs," so
+that the front page looked dignified and ship-shape, and the title
+read simply THE FRIEND, without its former addenda of "Playing cards"
+and "Cue tips." In place of these we printed the royal coat-of-arms.
+This issue contained a heart-felt eulogy of Sir W. S. A. Lockhart by
+the Field Marshal.
+
+General Kelly in Camp Orders declared that hereafter horse thieves
+would be severely dealt with, and there appeared a notice by Prince
+Francis of Teck, "Staff Captain, Remount Department," that the army
+desired horses of certain ages and a certain height, as well as agents
+to buy them.
+
+This reminds all who were at Bloemfontein how the Prince came and put
+up at the Bloemfontein Hotel, and began to fill up an immense yard
+just on the edge of the town with a marvellous collection of veldt
+horses, all of which, I understood, he succeeded in buying at £25
+apiece, though I had just paid £100 for a pair, and most men were
+giving £40 at the least for every horse. The Prince worked like a
+beaver all the time he was at Bloemfontein.
+
+There went to the stalwart and kindly Prince one day an artist who
+said he desired to surrender two mules which did not belong to him. It
+was not the truth that he desired to give them up, nor was it out of
+politeness that he told the falsehood. The fact was that the army had
+taken his horses and left him a pair of feeble, poorly animated steeds
+of the clothes-horse pattern, which gave out on the long road between
+Poplar Grove and Bloemfontein. At the same time two healthy mules,
+astray on the veldt, evinced a yearning for human companionship, and
+insisted upon intruding themselves upon the company of the artist and
+his Basuto servant while they were preparing lunch. To go on with his
+own weak and sick animals was to invite a loss of locomotive power in
+a country infested with Boers. To make use of the fresher mules was
+the natural and obvious alternative. Therefore the artist abandoned
+his horses and went on with the mules. Arrived in Bloemfontein, he at
+once continued his travels by joining the "bill-sticking expedition"
+of General French over to Thaba N'chu and the region beyond.
+
+"Bill sticking," by the way, was how the officers nicknamed the
+distribution of copies of Lord Roberts' proclamation calling on the
+Boers to lay down their arms and sign a promise not to continue the
+war. When the artist returned to Bloemfontein he was met by friends
+who said that he would certainly be shot if he was found to be using
+animals that did not belong to him. Lord Roberts had grown angry, it
+was said, and had exclaimed aloud that no matter who or what the man
+might be, the next offender in this respect should be shot. It was
+this stentorian cry, and not the still, small voice of conscience,
+that sent the artist to the Prince, to whom he told the truth and made
+formal surrender of the mules.
+
+"And very nice indeed it is of you," said the Prince, "very honest and
+straightforward. I will send some one to get the mules this
+afternoon."
+
+"But, I beg pardon," said the artist, "now everything's all right,
+isn't it? The mules were not mine, and I have surrendered them, and
+there's no trouble to follow?"
+
+"No, indeed," said Prince Francis, "I am much obliged to you. Animals
+are very scarce and we need all we can get; so very good of you to do
+as you have done."
+
+"Well, now," said the artist, "won't you please let me keep the mules?
+The Army stole my horses and left me a broken-down pair. I had to turn
+them loose and take these mules or I should have been killed or
+captured by the Boers. I have nothing else to move on with. I wish you
+would let me keep the mules."
+
+"Really," said the Prince, "I cannot do that. I never heard such a
+proposition in my life. I have no authority to do as you ask. Upon my
+word, this is most extraordinary. Come, I'll tell you what I will do.
+I'll see that you get a pair of animals at the Army price. I can't
+sell them to you or buy them for you, but I can have a pair put aside
+for you to buy of somebody who brings them in to sell."
+
+No one who was not there can form any idea of the extent to which this
+looting or commandeering of horses was then being practised. They were
+stolen not only from in front of the Club--the busiest spot in the
+heart of the town--but from before the headquarters of Lord Roberts,
+and from in front of the hotels. Men were desperate; so many were
+without horses. Sicknesses, slaughter, and overwork had left us with
+less than half the animals we needed.
+
+At about this time an American correspondent who was never guilty of
+taking even an abandoned Boer horse, but who had purchased a fine
+animal of a negro on the veldt for five shillings, became very nervous
+over his purchase. He went to the stable and with the help of his
+servant clipped the animal close, so that it no longer resembled the
+long-haired beast he had bought. Then he went out into the street and
+met a Boer, who accused him of having taken his horse and who exactly
+described the animal in question. The Boer said he would report the
+case to Major Poore, the Provost-Marshal. The now frightened
+correspondent came to my room with his burden of sorrows, and stated
+his case to the company of officers, correspondents, and
+despatch-riders then present.
+
+"The Boer's name is Voorboom," he said, "and he is in earnest. I
+suppose I shall be sent home in disgrace."
+
+At the mention of the name three men spoke up saying that of all the
+rascals in need of a hanging this Voorboom was the sorriest. One had
+seen Boer combatants in Voorboom's house, another had seen Voorboom's
+brother trundling into a clump of bushes an English carriage which he
+had stolen; a third had met Voorboom and his negroes riding far and
+wide gathering up loose horses--English or Boer--which he was
+undoubtedly now bringing to town to sell to the Army.
+
+"Give him an hour in which to leave town or go to jail at Simon's
+Bay," said a Colonel, ending the incident.
+
+Mr. Kipling was in town at last and had promised us his assistance,
+but we could not then know whether this would be great or little; we
+could not have hoped or dreamed that it would prove a quarter or a
+third part of all our work, as it did. On the other hand, we were only
+too painfully aware that very little aid was being vouchsafed us. We
+found ourselves with a great newspaper on our hands, a newspaper with
+a gaping void of terrible dimensions. "Reuter" had promised its
+despatches to us, but these were not allowed on the crowded telegraph
+wires for days at a time, as it proved, and the whole burden was upon
+us, joined to the necessity we felt to do our full duty to our
+newspapers at home--one at least of which demanded a despatch every
+day and four letters a week if possible. The army had been counted
+upon for valuable and voluminous help, and it was practically sending
+us in nothing. Mr. Landon reminds me that within an hour of Mr.
+Kipling's arrival in Bloemfontein he went to him and said (with
+considerable trepidation): "We have put you down as an editor of THE
+FRIEND, and we have announced it." Then Mr. Landon held his breath and
+waited. "Well," Mr. Kipling replied, "I should have been mortally
+offended if you had not. Where's the office? I want to go to work as
+soon as I have finished my grape jam." He did literally go straight
+to work. As he entered our editorial dustbin he sniffed the mingled
+odours of ink, wet paper, and dust, and said, "It's quite like old
+times in India." It was agreed that I should stir up the consciences
+and pens of all our friends and readers in an ink-blast, fierce and
+loud. I did this in the editorial of the day entitled, "The Silent
+Army":--
+
+     Other armies (I wrote), have always been distinguished by
+     brilliant raconteurs. Other armies have always contained a
+     plenitude of wits and humorists. Other armies have been
+     noted for the abundance of funny anecdotes with which chum
+     assailed chum and battalion guyed battalion. Other armies
+     have taken note of the more striking deeds of prowess, of
+     valour and of strategy which have been done among their
+     members; and other armies have boasted poets grave, poets
+     gay, poets rollicking, and poets who dedicated their verses
+     to their mistress's eyebrows.
+
+     Alas! none of these things has this poor army--so poor in
+     wit and literary talent, however rich it be in courage,
+     patience, dogged persistence and proud victories.
+
+     This army is like a sponge for taking what entertainment the
+     sweating editors of THE FRIEND will give it. It is like a
+     barnacle for fastening itself upon us and fattening its dead
+     weight upon this little literary bark. It is like a horse
+     behind our waggon, which was built, like most vehicles, to
+     have its horses in front. It is like the veldt around us in
+     its capacity to swallow any amount of refreshing rain and
+     yet appear as dry in four hours afterwards as if it were the
+     pavement of that place which can only be referred to by the
+     use of one particular anecdote, which is as follows:--
+
+     "If I owned Satandom and South Africa," said a Canadian
+     Tommy at Modder River, "I would rent out South Africa and
+     live in Satandom."
+
+     But we nearly digressed--a sin unpardonable in an article so
+     important as this, written hot upon the impulse of suffering
+     and keen feeling.
+
+     The committee of war correspondents with Lord Roberts' army,
+     who undertook to conduct, for the first time in history, a
+     full-fledged complete daily newspaper published in an
+     enemy's capital two days after the conquest thereof, are all
+     busy men in their own line of industry. They have constant
+     daily work to do, they are trusted by their own newspapers
+     to devote their whole talents and energies to the interests
+     of the public at home. Nevertheless they have turned aside
+     to conduct this newspaper, they are doing so, and will
+     continue to do so to the day the army pushes on and away.
+
+     But in undertaking this task their idea was that they merely
+     had to start the paper and give it a momentum, after which
+     the army would turn to and flood the editorial sanctum with
+     tales of humour, wit, and prowess writ upon sheets
+     numberless as the leaves of Vallambrosa.
+
+     The reader will gather that this has not yet taken place. He
+     will infer that the war correspondents are, like the last
+     rose of summer, left blooming to ourselves. True, two or
+     three generous and gifted souls in the army have come nobly
+     into the breach with contributions; but the breach is nine
+     columns wide--nine columns that persist in emptying
+     themselves as fast as we fill them; in fact, nine columns
+     which become fifty-four columns between each Monday and the
+     succeeding Saturday. It is on this account that when the two
+     or three generous and talented army men flung themselves in
+     the breach, the breach was not aware of the fact--and we
+     have not had the heart to wake it up and notify it that it
+     was being filled, not caring to tell a falsehood even to a
+     silly breach.
+
+     Come, then, ye gentles and geniuses, ye poets, ye
+     anecdotists, ye thrillers and movers with the pen--join our
+     staff, and put your mighty little ink-damped levers to the
+     rock that we are rolling up the gigantic kopje of your
+     thirst for news and entertainment. Your pay shall be the
+     highest ever meted out to man--the satisfaction of souls
+     content. Your company shall include a Kipling. Your readers
+     shall be the bravest, noblest, proudest soldiers who ever
+     served an earthly race.
+
+     You can ask no more. You can ask nothing else.
+
+     But in the meantime we want "copy."
+
+We published also a brief communication respecting the Dutch name
+Stellenbosch. This needs a word of explanation. It had long been
+noticed that whenever an officer was prominently connected with a
+losing battle, or exhibited marked incompetence in any field of
+military work, he got a billet at Stellenbosch, a bowery village deep
+down in the Cape Colony, where was established our base camp of
+supplies. The name therefore attained a deep significance and common
+usage in the army, and to say that a man had been "Stellenbosched" was
+but the ordinary polite mode of mentioning what might otherwise have
+had to be said in many harsher-sounding words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is considered necessary in the interests of the Orange Free
+State, and until arrangements may be made, that the provisions of the
+Customs Convention existing between the said State and the Colony of
+the Cape of Good Hope, and the Colony of Natal, shall be duly
+observed, and the Laws and Regulations appertaining thereto shall be
+enforced as soon as communication between the said Colonies and such
+portions of the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops is restored, and the customary
+commercial relations are resumed; and whereas it is expedient that the
+necessary officers for the control and management of the Customs
+Department of the Orange Free State shall be appointed,
+
+NOW THEREFORE
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint the
+following officers, to wit:--
+
+  _Collector of Customs_--Johannes Henricus Meiring.
+  _First Clerk_--Albert C. Woodward.
+  _Second Clerk_--Frederik Blignaut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A WARNING TO NATIVES.
+
+EXEMPLARY SENTENCES.
+
+It is evident from the sentences inflicted by the Provost Marshal that
+the military authorities are wisely determined to repress all forms of
+lawlessness and unruliness on the part of native boys with a firm
+hand. Take the following three cases by way of illustration:--
+
+No. 1. Boy: 28 lashes for resisting Military Police in discharge of
+their duty while arresting him.
+
+No. 2. Two Boys: 25 lashes each for being drunk and fighting.
+
+No. 3. 27 Boys: 5 lashes each for being disorderly and having no pass
+after 9 o'clock.
+
+At the conclusion of the above cases of the day the Provost Marshal
+called the native police before him and complimented them on the good
+work they had done.
+
+When the British entered Bloemfontein there was general rejoicing in
+the native "location," but it is impossible to insist too plainly that
+the clemency of British rule will not extend to violent, drunken, and
+disorderly persons, whether they be white or black.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS, SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 20, 1900_.
+
+1. _Death of Commander-in-Chief in India._
+
+It is with deep regret that the Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief,
+announces to the Army in South Africa the death of His Excellency Sir
+W. S. A. Lockhart, G.C.B., K.C.S.I., Commander-in-Chief in India,
+which occurred at Calcutta on the evening of the 18th of March, 1900.
+
+Lord Roberts is sure that his own feelings will be shared by every
+Officer and Soldier who has served under Sir William Lockhart's
+command, and more particularly by those who have been personally
+acquainted with him.
+
+After a long and varied Military career, which began in Abyssinia,
+time of the Mutiny, and which included war service in Acheen,
+Afghanistan, Burma, The Black Mountain, Wazeristan, Isazai, and
+finally the command of the Tirah Expeditionary Force, Sir William
+Lockhart was appointed to the Chief Command in India. Possessed of
+exceptional ability, he distinguished himself alike as a Staff Officer
+and as a commander in the field, and by his uniform kindness and
+consideration he endeared himself to all who came in contact with him.
+In the late Commander-in-Chief the Soldiers in India, both British and
+Native, have lost a friend whose only thought was to further their
+interests and promote their welfare, and the Indian Empire has lost a
+trusted Counsellor who, on account of his intimate knowledge of the
+Native races, and his acquaintance with Eastern affairs, cannot soon
+or easily be replaced.
+
+
+2. _Amendment._
+
+With reference to Army Order No. 5 (b) of 4th March, for Captain R. H.
+Hall read Captain R. H. Hare.
+
+
+3. _Telegrams._
+
+The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegram which has been received:--
+
+From Sirdar Khan, Bahadur Casim, Haji Mahomed Khansahib, Kazi Mahommed
+Ali Murshaj. Bombay Mahomedans offer your Lordship, your gallant
+Officers and Soldiers hearty congratulations on brilliant success
+Transvaal, and pray Almighty crown efforts greater success and
+honours.
+
+  By order,
+                      W. KELLY, M. General,
+                                               D. A. General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WEARY TREK.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  On the wild South African veldt,
+  With anthills here and anthills there
+  And holes and ruts, you're inclined to swear,
+  For your mokes will religiously take you o'er
+  These impediments by the score,
+          But you trek, trek, trek.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  With a heart as heavy as lead,
+  For the comrades who have bit the dust
+  Whilst fighting for a cause that's just,
+  With bootless feet and clothing torn,
+  From chilly night to dewy morn
+          You trek, trek, trek.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  There's nothing to do but trek,
+  While your mules half starved and done to death,
+  And yourself ditto and out of breath,
+  You wish to Heaven the war was o'er
+  And you say sweet (?) things of the cunning Boer,
+          But you trek, trek, trek.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GO TO ---- STELLENBOSCH!!
+
+_To the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND," SIRS:--In the course of a lengthy
+experience I have heard many quaint conceits and many hard swear
+words, and have kept a small notebook in which I have jotted down
+anything especially new. I was the unwilling auditor the other day of
+a quarrel between two individuals whose rank and profession shall be
+nameless. The conversation became very animated, and finally one
+exclaimed with savage irony, "Oh, go to Stellenbosch!" Fortunately
+some passers-by interrupted the fracas or else I verily believe blows
+would have been exchanged. Now you, sirs, with your opportunities of
+knowing many lands and varied languages, may perhaps be able to inform
+me where this place is and why the request to go there should have
+caused such fury and such agitation on the part of the individual
+addressed. It will be a relief to the consciences of Her Majesty's
+lieges if the time-honoured "D----" can be relegated to the limbo of
+forgotten oaths in favour of such an apparently innocent expression. I
+write in all innocence, as no man likes to use a phrase, especially
+such a potent one, without understanding its meaning.--
+
+  Faithfully yours,
+                                                     CHIRIOGICUS.
+
+[We believe that the place mentioned was located somewhere in the
+Arctic Regions by the Jackson expedition.--EDS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+LORD ROBERTS'S HEADQUARTERS
+
+     _Like a beehive for industry when Rudyard Kipling went to
+     lunch with the Field-Marshal._
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling was paying visits and getting acquainted with the
+local situation. He had left his wife and family at the far-famed
+Mount Nelson Hotel--the "Helot's Rest," as a statesman had called
+it--with its strange assembly of Rand and Kimberley millionaires, and
+other refugees from the two republics, its army officers, both of the
+invalid and the idle class, its censors, war correspondents,
+sight-seers, and ladies longing to get to the more exciting front.
+
+I first saw Mr. Kipling there, and now found him tenanting a bedroom
+across the passage from my own in the Free State Hotel at
+Bloemfontein. When I went to shake his hand he was in the room of W.
+B. Wollen, the artist, and one of those men who having nothing good to
+say, are never content to stop there, was exclaiming, "Is it possible
+that I have the honour to meet the author of 'The Absent-Minded
+Beggar'?"
+
+[Illustration: _Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, V.C., K.G., K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief._]
+
+"Yes," said Kipling, "I have heard that piece played on a
+barrel-organ, and I would shoot the man who wrote it if it would not
+be suicide."
+
+A man of such broad build and short neck that you do not realise him
+to be of the average stature, wearing a broad-brimmed, flat brown hat
+of Boer pattern, and below that a brown short coat and very full
+trousers to match; a vigorous figure, quick in movement as a panther,
+quicker still in speech; a swinging and rolling figure with head up
+and hat well back out of the way of his sight which is ever thrown
+upward as if he searched the sky while he walked. His face is quite a
+match for his body, being round and broad as well as wide-eyed and
+alert. His eyes are its most notable features, for they are very large
+and open, and each one is arched by the bushiest of black eyebrows.
+They are habitually reflective and sober eyes, but, like a flash, they
+kindle with fun, and can equally quickly turn dull and stony when good
+occasion arises. It is not the typical poet's or scholar's face so
+much as it is the face of the man among men, the out-of-door man, the
+earnest, shrewd observer and the irrepressible hard worker.
+
+It happened that both of us were to pay our respects to the
+Field-Marshal at the Residency on the same day, and both were invited
+to lunch. Of course, Mr. Kipling knew Lord Roberts very well--had seen
+much of him in India, where they had been both friends and mutual
+admirers. We went to the Residency together. There we met a very
+kindly and hospitable young gentleman who asked us who we were and
+offered us a visitors' book in which to record our signatures. To him
+we were presently introduced and found him to be none other than the
+Duke of Westminster, who, as Lord Belgrave had at an earlier stage,
+been with Sir Alfred Milner at the Cape. The Duke proffered us
+refreshment of the coveted sort, which, as we have seen, was quoted at
+11s. a bottle "on a rising market," and then he conducted us to the
+great drawing-room with its strong suggestion of the grandeur of a
+ruler's residence, despite its garish wall-paper and its puckered-up
+carpet.
+
+The whole Residency was like a beehive for industry. In the
+dining-room privates were hammering away upon typewriters, and
+officers were supplying them with copy. We peeped into the large
+ball-room, and lo! it was appointed with many desks at which members
+of the illustrious and aristocratic staff of the Field-Marshal were
+hard at work with pens and ink. Even in the drawing-room, the merely
+ornamental desks and tables were strewn with documents at which far
+from merely ornamental lords were writing.
+
+When lunch was announced we found the dining-hall set with two
+tables--a very long one for the staff, and a very small one at its
+head for Lord Roberts. Mr. Kipling sat with the Field-Marshal, while I
+was placed between Lord Stanley and Lord Herbert Scott at the big
+table. I was not impressed by any unlooked-for excellence in the
+simple meal with which we were served. I had lived better on the open
+veldt whenever I had been able to get at my Cape cart, and the boxes I
+had stored in it. But the flow of wit and the hospitality and courtesy
+that were shown to me would have rendered worse fare beyond reproach.
+
+After the meal Lord Stanley introduced me to the Field-Marshal, and my
+very first words caused those who do not know how great and broad a
+man he is, to think that I had offended Lord Roberts.
+
+"I am very proud to know you, General," I said.
+
+We talked for a few moments of trifling things, merely by way of
+making acquaintance.
+
+"You called him 'General'; you should have said 'Sir,' or 'Lord
+Roberts,'" said those who were concerned about the episode.
+
+"The highest rank and title in the American Army is 'General,'" said
+I; "and in that way Washington, Grant, and all our leaders were
+saluted. Lord Roberts spoke of my being an American. I am sure he
+understands how I came to make a mistake, while, at the same time,
+paying him the highest respect."
+
+Our newspaper showed that we were getting on rapidly with the new
+forces of administration--the outcome, first, of Lord Roberts's brain,
+and, next, of the extraordinary industry at the Residency. That most
+skilful of military railway engineers, Colonel E. P. C. Girouard, who,
+while head of the Egyptian Railways was also restoring our wrecked
+lines and manning them efficiently, announced in our 6th number (March
+23rd), that the daily train to the south would leave at 7 a.m., and
+the train from the south would arrive at twenty-six minutes after
+midnight each day.
+
+The Gordon Club opposite the Cathedral was to be reopened next day.
+The Wesleyan Church announced a parade service for the coming Sunday.
+The Presbyterian Church announced its meetings for the week. Services
+at the English Cathedral were also advertised. The Army Sports began
+on this date. Major Lorimer, of the Cape Police, came with a trooper
+and some despatch riders and was taken on the strength. C. V. F.
+Townshend, A.A.G. to the Military Governor, grappled with the negro
+problem in a warning notice that all natives must be indoors by eight
+o'clock p.m. unless possessed of a special permit, and that dancing
+and drunkenness in the streets would meet with severe punishment.
+
+We published a very informing and authoritative editorial upon martial
+law, which one of the editors was at some pains to secure. I have a
+strong idea that it was written either by General Pretyman or Major
+Poore, but I have no means for making certain.
+
+James Barnes, the distinguished American correspondent, who very
+kindly and with able results, took my place as correspondent of the
+_Daily Mail_ when I was invalided home, wrote for this number a
+comparison between this and some recent American wars.
+
+We led the paper with the full text of Mr. Kipling's poem, only one
+verse of which had reached us a week before.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 23, 1900.
+
+POEM BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+     (Owing to the exigencies of war, we were unable at the time
+     to print more than one stanza of Mr. Kipling's poem, which
+     we now present in its entirety.)
+
+  Oh! Terence dear, and did ye hear
+    The news that's going round?
+  The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law
+    Where'er her sons are found!
+
+  From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack
+    'Tis ordered by the Queen--
+  We've won our right in open fight,
+    The Wearin' of the Green!
+
+  We sailed upon commando
+    To vierneuk our Brother Boer--
+  A landlord and a Protestant,
+    What could the bhoys want more?
+  But Redmond cursed and Dillon wept,
+    And swore 'twas shame and sin;
+  So we went out and commandeered
+    The Green they dared not win.
+
+  'Twas past the wit of man, they said,
+    Our North and South to join--
+  Not all Tugela's blood could flood
+    The black and bitter Boyne;
+  But Bobs arranged a miracle
+    (He does it now and then),
+  For he'll be Duke of Orange, sure,
+    So we'll be Orange men!
+
+  Take hold! The Green's above the red,
+    But deep in blood 'tis dyed,
+  We plucked it under Mauser-fire
+    Along the trenched hill-side:
+  Talana's rush, the siege, the drift,
+    The Fight of Fourteen Days,
+  Bring back what's more than England's rose
+    And dearer than her praise!
+
+  God heal our women's breaking hearts
+    In Ireland far away!
+  An' Mary tell the news to those
+    That fell before this day--
+
+  Dear careless bhoys that laughed and died
+    By kopje and fontein--
+  Our dead that won the living prize--
+    The Wearin' of the Green!
+
+                                  RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+[_Copyright in England and the U.S.A._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MILITARY LAW.
+
+(_Editorial._)
+
+In times like the present when military matters are discussed by all
+classes of society, both by soldiers and civilians, the question of
+the law, by which discipline and law, not only among the troops, but
+also the civil population in the country they occupy are maintained,
+frequently arises, and the terms "Martial Law" and "Military Law" are
+often made use of as if they meant the same thing. It is to explain
+this that the following is written.
+
+"Military Law" is the Law which governs the soldier in peace and in
+war, at home and abroad. It is administered under the Army Act which
+is part of the Statute Law of England, and which, by special
+provision, must be brought into, and continue in force, by an annual
+Act of Parliament.
+
+With an army in the field, certain persons, not soldiers, are also
+subject to the provisions of "Military Law," such as civilians serving
+with the force in an official capacity; persons accompanying the
+troops with special leave, such as newspaper correspondents and
+contractors; persons employed with the troops, such as transport
+drivers; other persons known as followers who accompany the troops
+either as sutlers or on business or pleasure with the permission of
+the commander.
+
+"Martial Law," on the other hand, is only operative in war. It is in
+fact no law at all, and has been accurately defined as the "will of
+the conqueror." The expression "Customs of War" would perhaps better
+define what is meant by "Martial Law," because the word Law conveys
+the idea to most people of an enactment containing a fixed and rigid
+rule which must be obeyed, and which, if disobeyed, will involve
+punishment.
+
+This "Law" or "Custom" is applicable to all persons and inhabitants
+not subject to "Military Law" residing within the foreign country or
+that portion of it occupied by the troops, and also within districts
+under British rule abroad, which, in consequence of riot or rebellion,
+are so declared to be subject to "Martial Law" by proclamation.
+
+It will thus be seen that a commander of troops in time of war acts in
+two distinct capacities. First, he governs the troops by "Military
+Law" only; secondly, in his position of governor of the country he
+occupies, he imposes such laws or rules on the inhabitants as in his
+opinion are necessary to secure the safety of his army, and also the
+good government of the district which, by reason of the war or
+rebellion, may for the time have been deprived of its ordinary rulers
+and the machinery for maintaining order.
+
+For the purpose of administering "Martial Law" or the "Customs of War"
+no rules or regulations are absolutely laid down, but certain customs
+exist among civilised nations which are generally recognised.
+
+At the present time the practice in force is that, when practicable,
+"Martial Law" should only supplement the civil procedure, but when the
+civil Government is absent or, in consequence of war, is paralysed,
+"Martial Law" must of necessity replace the civil.
+
+In administrating "Martial Law" by a Military Court the ordinary
+procedure recognised by "Military Law" is followed. This is done
+because the Military Court would be composed of military officers
+whose training would make them conversant with such procedure, and
+because some uniformity in administrating justice would thus be
+ensured.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FACTS AND OTHERWISE.
+
+We wish to draw the attention of the troops of all ranks to the
+benefits which the use of the Public Free Library offers.
+
+A Branch of the Standard Bank is being opened in Colonnade Buildings
+under the direction of Mr. M. D. Savory, late Manager of the
+Oudtshoorn Branch.
+
+The _Powerful's_ contingent of the Naval Brigade, consisting of
+twenty-nine men and four officers, left by yesterday's train for
+Capetown. Mr. Midshipman Lewin, who is in command, has the honour of
+carrying despatches.
+
+The great want of Bloemfontein just now is some place of light
+recreation and refreshment to which weary soldiers and civilians can
+repair after the labour of the day is ended. It is premature, of
+course, to expect anything so pretentious as the Alhambra or Tivoli of
+London fame, but the resources of the capital of the Orange Free State
+should be at least equal to the provision and equipment of a hall
+where songs and various forms of light entertainment might be
+presented nightly. Already there is talk of an enterprising agent
+proceeding to Capetown with the object of retaining the necessary
+artistes, who may be expected here as soon as the railway
+communication is open to the general public; but for present purposes
+there is sufficient talent amongst our soldiers and sailors and the
+townspeople to tide over the emergency. A committee of amusement with
+a good man as chairman is required, and the rest, with the permission
+of the military authorities, should be tolerably easy. The drums and
+pipes of the Highland regiments continue to do valiant service in the
+market square, but the time is surely come when entertainment on a
+more ambitious programme might be contemplated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PROMOTION OF BINKS.
+
+"Know Binks? Of course. Everybody does--local major, staff something
+at Headquarters of 10th Division--devilish useful chap to know."
+
+Yes, Major Binks; but three short months ago I was only young Binks of
+the Buffers, arriving at Blankfontein to take charge of a Transport
+Company; I had no experience, and no instructions, except to "lick 'em
+into shape," and I felt like the title of a book, "Alone in South
+Africa." Not quite alone after all, for I had Wopples with me; Wopples
+being the servant my old uncle, Major Stodger, had found for me.
+"He'll kill your horses, of course, and lose your kit, but he was our
+mess corporal in the Blazers for fourteen years, and he'll pull you
+through."
+
+After asking many questions and getting no answers, I found a seething
+mass of mules, waggons, and blacks, which turned out to be my company,
+and in the midst of it was a person of evidently some importance, who
+turned out to be the conductor. His natural perimeter was nearly
+doubled by the packets of papers which bulged from every pocket, and
+he was addressing the crowd in a variety of bad languages when I
+introduced myself, not without trepidation, as his new C."C."O. His
+smile was reassuring and patronising. "Oh, that'll be all right, sir;
+we're getting along nicely--but the Major's coming round
+to-morrow--commands the station, he does--and wastes a lot of time.
+Now, if you could offer him a bit of breakfast--"
+
+Next morning the Major rode up; he was a melancholy-looking man with
+an absent manner. Before I could introduce the subject he said he
+would not interrupt me if I were having breakfast; I begged him to
+join me, but he said he never could eat at that hour, but he might as
+well come in--perhaps he might manage a cup of tea. He managed one
+cup, and then another, after which he brightened up a lot and managed
+porridge, fried liver, curried mutton, and half a tin of jam. After
+one of my cigars (also selected by uncle) he rode away, remarking that
+he was glad to find they'd sent up somebody at last who had a grasp of
+things--he felt he could rely on me.
+
+Next day I was appointed his assistant. When I reported myself he said
+he wanted somebody whom he could leave in the office in case he had to
+go out--there was no other definite job for me just then; meanwhile I
+might as well look after the mess. I did so, or rather Wopples did so.
+
+One evening the Major seemed somewhat upset, "Look here, Binks, the
+Brigadier is coming round to-morrow to discuss a defence scheme; he's
+inclined to fuss a lot; I've got to go out myself on duty, but you'd
+better stay in and have a lot of breakfast ready; I think you might
+almost run to a tin of sausages." Next morning the Brigadier rode up
+all alone at full gallop, scrambled off his horse, and began to shout,
+"Come along, come along; mustn't waste time on active service; got
+fifty things to settle to-day! Here's my brigade on this side of the
+river--now tell me at once where every man on the other side is
+posted"--here he fell over Wopples. "Who the deuce!--what, breakfast,
+eh? Well, well, must eat, even on service. I can spare five minutes.
+Come along." He rushed into my tent and spared five minutes. The five
+minutes prolonged themselves to ten minutes, then to an hour and a
+quarter, after which the Brigadier slept so sweetly that I had no
+heart to waken him. About 3 o'clock he woke with a sort of explosion,
+shouted for his horse, and galloped off talking as hard as ever.
+
+Next morning I was appointed his extra A.D.C. with rank of Captain.
+"There'll be a lot of work for you later on," the Brigade-Major said,
+"but no bustle just now; meanwhile you might look after the mess."
+Again we did so. I was left in camp one day when the Brigade had gone
+out to do something--"Somebody must be left in charge, and, by the by,
+have a bit of something ready in case we come back hungry." I was
+reading the advertisement sheets of a paper six weeks old when Wopples
+rushed in. "Lord Upington, sir, staff boss at Divisional
+Headquarters, just a'comin' up the road! _Wot_ a chance it is! Why, if
+he don't know what good living means--well, I'm a Boer!"
+
+Wopples was too much of an artist to overdo things--there was just a
+taste of porridge--not enough to spoil one's appetite, a partridge
+with full complements of bread-sauce and red pepper, marrow-bones with
+hot toast and a nip of whisky, black coffee and cigars; where it had
+all sprung from goodness only knows.
+
+When his lordship departed he said he would not forget me; his heart
+and other organs were so full that he quite forgot to mention the
+pressing business on which he had come.
+
+Next morning I was appointed signalling officer to the Division. I had
+never done a signalling class, and pointed this out to the D.A.G., but
+he said it didn't matter, what they wanted was a really useful man to
+supervise generally the signalling business. Of course, just at
+present there was no signalling as we were on a wire; meanwhile I
+might take over the mess. Before the words were out of his mouth
+Wopples had taken the mess over; he had sacked two black cooks,
+discarded the mess pots in favour of his own, taken the measures of
+the mess stores, and was getting on with lunch. By that evening my
+position as an ornament to the staff was secure.
+
+It was at something drift that we gave our first official dinner; we
+had secured a roomy farm-house with some bits of furniture, so,
+relying on Wopples, we launched into hospitality. And Wopples had
+surpassed himself. There was a haunch of venison which brought tears
+of joy to the five eyes of the three generals who partook of it--no
+mere common haunch, there were several such in camp that night--this
+was a haunch that had been through the hands of Wopples. Then there
+was his extra special _entrée_--but that is another course.
+
+It was a dinner that might be eaten, but could never be described.
+
+Next day I was gently approached by many red tabs. The Provost-Marshal
+said I was just the sort of chap for his department if I'd care to
+come; a R.E. enthusiast told me that a balloon was the only place for
+a real good view of a show and "he'd work the matter for me"; somebody
+on the intelligence said there was a real well-paid billet he'd been
+keeping open on purpose for me; and two of the generals declared
+piteously that they could not get on without my services. The third
+general had not recovered the dinner, but sent a grinning A.D.C. to
+represent him.
+
+After that his lordship shut me and Wopples up together in his own
+room and kept guard outside himself. "We'll take care of you, Binks;
+we'll get you made a local major, and you shall ride the general's
+horse as you've lost all your own. I'll find you a Tommy's blanket, by
+Jove I will! and demme, I'll give you my own second shirt; but I'll be
+shot if you leave our camp, my boy--shot and starved!"
+
+                                                  ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOLDIERS' BATTLES AND GENERALS' CAMPAIGNS.
+
+BY JAMES BARNES.
+
+The writer, an American, who served during the Cuban war, has been
+asked to compare the present heated argument with the late
+unpleasantness in the Antilles.
+
+It is rather difficult to draw any comparisons between this war in
+South Africa and the late conflict in Cuba. It is like comparing two
+games differing in rules and methods, and resembling one another only
+in the fact that they are played with bat and ball.
+
+One of the strange things about the war in the West Indies was
+this--when it was over the world waited for the lesson, and there was
+none in the proper sense of the word. The God of battles must have
+been with America from start to finish; ours was the good fortune; we
+had all the luck. It was a series of miracles. Naval men waited to see
+the great things torpedo-boats would accomplish, and two of the
+much-dreaded machines were sunk by a millionaire's pleasure-craft
+transformed into a gun-boat. Vessels with armoured belts and
+protective decks were set on fire in the old-fashioned way by
+exploding shells igniting their wood-work. Dewey's victory at Manila
+was accomplished without loss of life on the American side, and
+Sampson's victory at Santiago was almost as wonderful--but one man
+killed and a few slightly wounded.
+
+Army experts waited for the results of the use of long-range magazine
+rifles, smokeless powder, and high explosives, yet trenches and hills
+defended by men with Mausers were stormed and taken by men with
+Krag-Jorgensens in their hands in the old-fashioned way--a steady
+advance and a rushing charge to clinch it. Caney and San Juan Hill
+were old-fashioned fights with the exception of the fact that men were
+killed miles in the rear by the straying droves of bullets and never
+saw an enemy.
+
+As in this war the losses did not compare to those of some
+hand-to-hand conflicts of the Rebellion, and many wounds that in the
+old days would have proved fatal, thanks to the merciful Mauser,
+amounted to very little. Perhaps to offer explanation of some strange
+occurrences of the Cuban war would be disparaging to the Spaniards.
+Perhaps the least that can be said is that in the main the Dons were
+shocking poor shots, and they had been so weakened by disease and
+hunger that they had not much fight left in them when it came to cold
+steel and clubbed muskets. The great losses in Cuba were from fevers,
+not from bullets. It is in the conditions and environments that the
+chief difference lies between the war here and the war over there. And
+it is from this present conflict that the world will learn. The
+Philippine war, costly as it was in life and money, was nothing but a
+series of victories over a half-civilised enemy. The interest in it in
+America, strange to say, dwindled to little or nothing after the first
+gunshot in South Africa.
+
+Here was a different state of affairs. Cuba (for Puerto Rico was a
+"walk over") was a country full of dense forests and tangled
+undergrowth, offering a screen as well as a hindrance to the movements
+of an army. South Africa is the greatest defensive country in the
+world, and the Boer is trained by nature and inheritance to make the
+best of it. Yet it took time to teach some of the English military
+leaders to adapt themselves to the new conditions--it was hard for
+them to break away from the traditions of Waterloo and Badajos. The
+Mauser began to correct the old ideas of warfare in a way that it had
+failed to do in Cuba. The prophecies in Bloch's remarkable book were
+fulfilled almost to the letter. Proper scouting in an open country is
+a dead department of military service. How long did we lie at Modder
+River without knowing anything of value of the movements of the enemy?
+A series of kopjes might conceal a few sharpshooters or an army--at a
+mile's distance scouts were under the fire of an invisible foe. A good
+shot ensconced between sheltering rocks discounted four men advancing
+in the open. In Cuba the American troops were harassed by marksmen
+concealed in tree-tops who often fired upon them from the rear, but
+the forces opposed to them in front were mostly infantry, and the
+problem resolved itself into a contest between individual soldiers as
+fighting units. It was a soldiers' conflict.
+
+A war in a country such as we have been fighting over for the last
+five months admits of one thing only--the strategic movements of a
+military genius. The generalship of a great leader is a necessity.
+Bravery is well-nigh wasted and courage almost discounted. Mobility of
+force is essential, forces operating at great distances but under one
+central head are a _sine quâ non_, and in long-range artillery lies
+the preponderancy of power. More and more does the great game
+approximate the moves in a chess problem. It must be admitted that in
+Cuba there were no such scientific movements, and it has taken the
+march of Lord Roberts from Enslin to Bloemfontein to prove the fact
+beyond question that soldiers' battles, where one side is entrenched
+and invisible and the other advancing in attack, are things of the
+past, except in a wooded country or where all preliminary movements
+are concealed. We had soldiers' battles here, but by fighting them
+the lesson has been taught which the world will learn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AN OFFICIAL DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
+
+On Tuesday, March 20th, Lord Roberts entertained the following
+Military Attachés, accredited by the Great Powers to his staff, at
+dinner at Government House:
+
+Colonel Stakovitch, Russia; Commandant d'Amadi, France; Major Esteben,
+Spain; Captain Baron V. Luttwitz, Germany; Captain Slocum, America;
+Captain Hieroka, Japan.
+
+There were also invited the following to meet the distinguished
+guests: Lieut. General Sir H. Colvile, Lieut. General Kelly-Kenny,
+Major General Sir W. Nicholson, Major General Pretyman, Major General
+Wood, Major General Marshall, Major General Pole-Carew, Major General
+Gorden, The Very Revd. Dean of Bloemfontein, The Honble. Mr. J. G.
+Fraser; the Private Secretary; the Military Secretary; Major General
+Kelly, Colonel Richardson, Mr. Justice Hopley, Colonel Stevenson,
+Colonel Viscount Downe, Lieut. Colonel Otter, Captain Bearcroft,
+Lieut. Colonel Ricardo, Colonel H. C. Cholmondeley, Colonel Lord
+Stanley, Reverend H. J. Coney, Lieut. Colonel Byron, A.D.C., Captain
+Lord Herbert Scott, A.D.C.
+
+After the Queen's health had been drunk, Lord Roberts, in a happy
+little speech in which he proposed the health of the foreign Attachés,
+said that he had much regretted while in Capetown not having been able
+to entertain the Attachés, but now he felt some satisfaction at not
+having been able to do it, as he was able to entertain them as
+comrades, while at Capetown they would only have been representatives
+of foreign Powers. He had often been distressed at seeing the Attachés
+undergoing many discomforts on the march. But it had shown him that
+they were officers devoted to their duty, and regardless of all
+discomforts. He had not heard complaint or murmur of discontent at
+their want of comfort, in fact, the only complaint made was one to
+Lord Downe in which Attachés represented to him that he, with a regard
+for their personal safety, had not allowed them to go as close as they
+could wish to the passing line. It had been a great pleasure to see
+them there that night, and he hoped before long to be able to
+entertain them again in Pretoria.
+
+Colonel Stakovitch, the Russian Attaché, replied, saying how pleasant
+it had been for him and his comrades to accompany the British Army on
+their great and successful march. He thanked the Field Marshal for his
+kindness and courtesy to them, and wound up by proposing the health of
+Lord Roberts and his army, to which Lord Roberts made a suitable
+reply.
+
+The band of the Buffs played a selection of music during dinner.
+
+The Austrian Attaché was unavoidably absent, having left on a short
+visit to Capetown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+"OH, HOW GOOD IT WAS!"
+
+     _All Ranks join our Corps of Contributors, and the Oasis of
+     Literature sparkles like a Fountain in a Desert._
+
+
+Generals, colonels, majors, captains, subalterns, privates, war
+correspondents who had not connected themselves with our venture,
+naval officers--all ranks and all sorts, suddenly rushed to our
+support, in consequence of my wail for help, and THE FRIEND took on an
+interest and importance proportionately greater, I think, than that of
+any newspaper then published in the language. Its circulation rose
+among the thousands whereas the largest daily distribution had been
+only 400 copies before the war.
+
+We numbered the paper of March 24th "No. 6," though it was in reality
+the eighth copy we had published, six being the number since we had
+enlarged it to its final size. I marvel at our success as I look back
+upon this number.
+
+Sir William Nicholson, K.C.B., wrote an appreciation of the character,
+life, and work of the late Sir William Lockhart; General Sir Henry E.
+Colvile sent us a double acrostic, which the Dutch ones among our
+eccentric compositors ruined so far beyond repair that it would not
+be just to reproduce its mangled remains; Mr. Lionel James, who had
+come over from the Natal side to further distinguish the staff of the
+_Times_, wrote upon the death of our gifted colleague, George W.
+Steevens. Rudyard Kipling contributed to this number the first of his
+delicious "Fables for the Staff"; a distinguished officer, who shall
+remain nameless in this connection, contributed an article on "Beards
+in War"; and Mr. Gwynne began a series of letters entitled "Is the Art
+of War Revolutionised?" written solely to interest the Army and spur
+its thinking men to respond.
+
+Mr. H. Prevost Battersby, of the London _Morning Post_, was another
+distinguished contributor to this number.
+
+Mr. Kipling now became a regular harnessed member of the four-in-hand
+team that pulled the paper. With pen in hand and pipe in mouth he sat
+at the larger of the two tables in our editorial poke-hole, and
+beginning with a "Now, what shall I do? Write a poem, fill out cables,
+or correct proofs?" would fall to and toil away with an enthusiasm
+born of the long time it had been since he had "smelled the sawdust of
+the ring."
+
+"Oh, how good it is to be at work in a newspaper office again!" he
+exclaimed on the first day, doubtless with recollections of the
+sanctum of the _Allahabad Pioneer_ strong upon him, and the memory of
+the time when the precursors of the "Plain Tales" and of the Barrack
+Room Ballads were demanded of him almost every day, and gave him the
+practice to produce the carefully finished and matured work we are now
+seeing in the novel "Kim," at which he was at work--in the laboratory
+of his mind--even as he sat with us in Bloemfontein.
+
+We wondered at his enthusiasm, and, perhaps, had it not been of his
+doing, we should have resented the impetus it gave us to toil as never
+war correspondents worked before--all day for THE FRIEND and far into
+the nights to catch the mails with our home correspondence. But we
+soon came to see that the same tremendous energy and ceaseless flow of
+wit and fancy were his by nature, and would have found expression as
+well in a tent on the veldt as in that office. He was always while
+with us like a great healthy boy in spirits and vitality, good humour,
+and enterprise.
+
+With us he yelled "Haven't any; go to Barlow's shop around the
+corner," to the Tommies who trod on one another's heels to get copies
+of the paper from us who had not got them. With us he consigned the
+Dutch compositor to æons of boiling torment for the trouble his errors
+gave us. With us he entertained Lord Stanley, who now came, out of
+kindness, at noon every day, to save us the trouble of sending our
+proof-sheets over to him at his office. And from us he insisted upon
+taking all the "Tommy poetry," as we called it, that came to the
+office. When we derided much of it as outrageous twaddle, he praised
+its quality. On this day, I remember, we were belittling a particular
+poem that he was reading, and he called out, "Why, that is splendid
+stuff! Listen to these lines--'Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the
+waves: Britons never, never, never shall be slaves!'" The reader will
+not find this particular poem in this book, though it was put in THE
+FRIEND by our distinguished poetry editor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1900.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by Mr.
+Kipling's leave.]
+
+KING LOG AND KING STORK.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+I.
+
+Certain Boers, having blown up a Bridge, departed in the Face of the
+British Army, which, arriving at that dynamited Place, made Outcry to
+the Gods, saying, "Oh, Jupiter, these Ruffians have blocked the
+Traffic, and we are vastly incommoded. Is there Anything worse than
+the Boer?"
+
+This being reported to the Railway Authorities, they caused a Railway
+Staff Officer to be sent to that Bridge with Instructions to
+facilitate Matters by all means in his Power.
+
+Later on They picked up What was left of the British Army in those
+parts--one dusty Shovelful, and its Lamentations were louder than
+before.
+
+"Ungrateful Wretches," said the Military Authorities; "what would you
+now have?"
+
+And the Remnant of the British with one Accord answered, "Give us back
+the Boer!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COMMANDEERING.
+
+  Our hero was a Tommy, with a conscience free from care.
+  And such an open countenance that when he breathed the air
+  He used up all the atmosphere--so little went to spare.
+  You could hardly say he breathed,--he commandeered it.
+
+  For, nowadays, you'll notice when a man is "on the make,"
+  And other people's property is anxious for to take,
+  We never use such words as steal, or "collar," "pinch," or "shake:"
+  The fashion is to say he "commandeers" it.
+
+  And our simple-minded hero used to grumble at his lot;
+  Said he, "This commandeerin's just a little bit too hot.
+  A fellow has to carry every blooming thing he's got,
+  For whatever he lets fall they'll commandeer it."
+
+  So, at last in desperation, this most simple-minded elf,
+  He thought he'd do a little commandeering for himself;
+  And the first thing that he noticed was a bottle on a shelf
+  In a cottage, so he thought he'd commandeer it.
+
+  "What ho!" says he, "a bottle! and, by George, it's full of beer!
+  And there's no commandin' officer to come and interfere.
+  So here's my bloomin' health," says he; "I'm on the commandeer."
+  And without another word he commandeered it.
+
+                                             ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SIR WILLIAM LOCKHART.
+
+BY SIR WILLIAM NICHOLSON, K.C.B.
+
+Sir William Lockhart's death, as recently announced in Army Orders,
+will be deeply deplored by his many friends in the Army in South
+Africa. It was known that he had been seriously ill last September,
+but he had seemingly recovered when he visited Burma in December. On
+his return to Calcutta in January, symptoms developed themselves which
+caused great anxiety, and, although he telegraphed to the effect that
+he hoped soon to be all right again, the end was not far distant.
+
+Apart from his ability as a soldier and administrator, Sir William
+Lockhart endeared himself to all who had the privilege of his personal
+acquaintance by his charming manners, his genial hospitality and his
+kindness of heart. Born in 1842, he joined the Indian Army in 1858,
+and during the Mutiny he was attached to the 7th Fusiliers. He
+afterwards served with the 26th Punjab Infantry, the 10th Bengal
+Lancers, and the 14th Bengal Lancers. He was employed on the Staff in
+the Abyssinian Expedition.
+
+When the Acheen War broke out he was attached to the Headquarters of
+the Dutch Force, where he made himself extremely popular. It was
+interesting to hear him describe the Dutch method of fighting, which,
+as might be imagined, led to no decisive result. The climate being
+tropical, the Dutch would only attack the enemy in the early morning;
+the rest of the day being spent in camp. The enemy were more active,
+and caused the Dutch much annoyance by frequently disturbing their
+afternoon siesta. As no means of transport were asked for or provided,
+the campaign was of a purely defensive nature, and at the end of it
+things were virtually in the same state as at the beginning.
+
+After remaining in Acheen about eighteen months, Lockhart returned to
+India, where he joined the Quartermaster-General's Department, and at
+the beginning of the Afghan War he was chosen to take charge of the
+line of communications up the Khyber. He afterwards joined Lord
+Roberts' Staff as Assistant Quartermaster-General at Kabul, and for a
+short time acted as Chief of the Staff on Charles MacGregor being
+selected for the command of a brigade. In that capacity he had hoped
+to accompany his illustrious Chief in the march from Kabul to
+Kandahar, but General Chapman being his senior on the staff, it was
+decided, much to Lockhart's disappointment, that he should return to
+India as Chief of the Staff with the troops under Sir Donald Stewart's
+command.
+
+He received a C.B. and brevet Colonelcy for his services in
+Afghanistan, and was afterwards appointed Deputy Quartermaster-General
+for Intelligence at Army Headquarters, where he remained until 1886,
+when Lord Roberts became Commander-in-Chief in India in succession to
+Sir Donald Stewart. He was then sent on an exploring expedition with
+the late Colonel Woodthorpe, R.E., to Chitral and Kafiristan, and the
+admirable report which he drew up was of the greatest value to the
+Government of India in considering what steps should be taken to guard
+the northern passes between the Pamirs and the Peshawar Valley.
+
+On his return to India, Lockhart was offered the
+Quartermaster-Generalship in that country, but he preferred the
+command of a Brigade in Burma, where he greatly distinguished himself
+by his activity in pursuit of Dacoits. His health, however, was
+undermined by continual attacks of fever, and he had to be invalided
+home, where, after a short interval, he became Assistant Military
+Secretary for India at the Horse Guards.
+
+After holding this post for a couple of years, he accepted the command
+of the Punjab Frontier Force, which was offered him by Lord Roberts,
+and in that capacity he commanded a brigade in the Black Mountain
+Expedition under the late Sir W. K. Elles, and held the chief command
+in the Waziristan and Isazai Expeditions. No abler or more sympathetic
+general ever commanded the Punjab Frontier Force; he was beloved alike
+by the British officers and the Native ranks; he maintained the
+traditions of the Force and raised it to the highest standard of
+efficiency; and when he left it he had good reason for regarding it,
+as he always did regard it, as the _corps d'élite_ of the Indian Army.
+
+In April, 1895, the Presidential Armies were broken up and the Army
+Corps System was introduced, Sir William Lockhart being nominated to the
+command of the Forces in the Punjab. In this appointment he displayed
+administrative talents of a high order, his main object being to
+decentralise responsibility and authority, and to diminish office work
+and official correspondence. It was in a great measure due to his
+efforts in this direction that the new system worked so smoothly. When
+he became Commander-in-Chief he kept the same end in view by granting
+the fullest possible powers to the Lieutenant-Generals of the four
+Commands and to the General Officers commanding Districts, and by
+insisting on their making use of those powers to the fullest extent.
+
+In March, 1897, Sir William Lockhart went home, having been advised to
+undergo a course of treatment at Nauheim. Meanwhile, disturbances took
+place along the North-West Frontier, which culminated in an outbreak
+of the Orakzaia and Afridis, and the capture by the latter of our
+posts in the Khyber Pass. In September he was hurriedly recalled to
+India for the purpose of commanding the Tirah Expeditionary Force.
+This is not the place to discuss the operations in Tirah, which were
+much criticised at home. The fact is that the British public had
+become so accustomed to almost bloodless victories over savage enemies
+that they failed to appreciate the extraordinary difficulties of the
+Afridi country, and the advantages to the defence which the possession
+of long-range rifles and smokeless powder confers. Moreover, there are
+no better marksmen in the world than the Afridis, who are born
+soldiers, and the mobility of hardy mountaineers in their native hills
+necessarily exceeds that of regular troops encumbered with baggage and
+supplies.
+
+Anyhow, the result of the expedition fully justified the choice of its
+commander. The Afridis acknowledged themselves to be thoroughly
+beaten; and Sir William Lockhart's tact in dealing with them after
+they had submitted has led to the re-establishment of friendly
+relations between them and ourselves on a firmer basis than before.
+What their present attitude is may be judged from the fact that Yar
+Mahomed, the head of the Malikdin Khels, recently petitioned the
+Government of India to be allowed to raise 1,500 tribesmen for service
+in South Africa.
+
+On the conclusion of the Tirah campaign Sir William Lockhart took
+leave to England, and came out again as Commander-in-Chief in India in
+November, 1898. He died on the 18th of March, 1900. In him, as Lord
+Roberts has remarked in his Army Order of the 20th inst., "the
+soldiers in India have lost a friend, and the Indian Empire a trusted
+counsellor who cannot soon or easily be replaced."
+
+The late Commander-in-Chief was one of the few remaining
+representatives of the Quartermaster-General's Department in India,
+and to the admirable training which that department afforded much of
+his success as a soldier must be ascribed. No better school of
+practical instruction in Staff duties could be desired. Among its
+pupils may be mentioned Lord Roberts himself, Sir Charles MacGregor,
+Sir Herbert Stewart, Sir William Lockhart, and Sir Alfred Gaselee.
+Now, alas! it has been abolished, or, at least, incorporated in the
+Adjutant-General's Department.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE QUARTERMASTER'S YARN.
+
+E. J. K. NEWMAN, LIEUT. R.N.
+
+DEAR MR. EDITOR,--The following lines were written by me on board the
+mail steamer, about two young soldiers now serving with the army:--
+
+  'Twas on the deck, that around our ship, from the mast to the
+     taffrail ran,
+  I saw alone, in a chair (not their own), a tall young girl and a man.
+  Her hair was light and fluffy and swarthy and dark was he,
+  And I saw the coon, one afternoon, a-spooning that girl quite free.
+
+  So I spotted a Quartermaster bold as he went from the wheel to tea,
+  And I asked that Jack, if upon that tack, the passengers went to sea.
+  "Lord love yer honour, we often sees that, the stewards and the
+     likes of us;
+  There's always couples a-spooning there, but we never makes no fuss.
+
+  "If you look around, you'll see, I'll be bound, each day at a
+     quarter to three,
+  A tall young fellow with curly hair and a girl in black, quite
+     young and fair, That's another couple," says he.
+  "And every night, I assure you it's right, straight up on this
+     deck they'll come
+  And spoon around, till it's time to go down. One night 'twas a
+     quarter to one."
+
+  "Now it suddenly struck me early one morn, this might be a
+     serious thing.
+  Perhaps they loves, these two little doves, and has offered
+     them the ring.
+  So I leaves them alone in the world of their own; and this
+     'twixt you and me,
+  I hope I shall, by each little gal, to the wedding invited be."
+
+  LATER.
+
+  Then the Quartermaster brushed away a tear with his horny hand,
+  The last couple now have had a row, and don't speak, I understand.
+  'Tis not a fable, she won't sit at his table As she used to do of old;
+  But has taken up with a married man, At least, so I've been told.
+
+                                                        OLD SALT.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SECOND RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.
+
+DEAR FRIEND,--I suppose that General French and his lot think they
+relieved Kimberley? Well, that's all right, and in spite of his name
+being forrin, he's a good chap; so, as Billy the Sailor says, let's
+make it so. But I should like to know where would French be now if it
+wasn't for Billy and the Yank?
+
+Now, you being an up-to-date paper, we thought you might like to have
+an account of the battle which hasn't ever yet appeared in any paper
+in the world, yet, as our Adjutant would say, was the most
+strategically important part of the whole blooming show.
+
+It was me and Billy and the Yank. Billy's a sailor--says he was
+leftenant in the Navy, and I really believe he might have been--he
+couldn't have learnt to ride so badly anywhere else, and how he faked
+himself through the riding test is a miracle--then his langwidge is
+beautiful. The Yank's a Yank; you can tell that by his langwidge, too,
+and me being an old soldier (12 years in the Buffs and discharge
+certificate all correct), I was made No. 1 of our section; our No. 4
+was an Irishman we left behind at Orange with a broken head, all
+through fighting outside the Canteen.
+
+Well, when French left Modder, February 15th, we hadn't a horse among
+the three of us fit to carry his own skin; so there we was left. Our
+troop leader said he hoped to Heaven he'd seen the last of us, but all
+the same he gave us a written order, correct enough, to catch up the
+squadron as soon as possible. There wasn't much doing all day, barring
+a bit of cooking, but that evening we was sitting round the fire when
+an M.I. chap comes round and says he's heard there'd be free drinks
+for the Relief Force in Kimberley, and perhaps our pals was drinking
+'em now. That was the first time our Billy really woke up all day.
+"Free drinks," sezee; "that's my sailing orders." Me and the Yank
+didn't mind, so we sounds boot and saddle to ourselves in the dark,
+and off we slips without a word to nobody. My horse seemed cheered up
+by the day's rest, but before I'd gone half a mile I found I got the
+wrong horse by mistake! and you'll hardly believe that both Billy and
+the Yank had made mistakes too! Lor', how we did laugh! but there,
+there ain't no accounting for horses in the dark.
+
+We each had our own notions of the road; the Yank swore he was
+tracking the big English cavalry horses; Billy was steering Nor' Wes'
+by Nor' on some star or other; and I didn't want to argufy, so I just
+shoves on a couple of lengths and marched on the Kimberley flashlight.
+
+We was going a fair pace too ("making six knots"), and had done near
+two hours, when all of a sudden we comes over a kopje right on to the
+top of a bivouack, fires and all.
+
+"Let's get"--"Go astern"--"Sections about"--and we did so, back behind
+the kopje, linked horses, and crawled up again on our hands and knees.
+
+"First thing," says I, quoting our Adjutant, "is to kalkulate the
+numbers of the enemy."
+
+"Twenty thousand," says Billy, who always did reckon a bit large.
+"Make it hundreds," says the Yank, sneering--"and I wouldn't mind
+betting a pint myself that there was the best part of two dozen of
+'em."
+
+"Next point," says I, "who are they?"
+
+"I bleeve they're Highlanders, after all," says Billy; "see the way
+they're lowering whisky out of them bottles."
+
+"Well then," says the Yank, "you'd better ride up and say you're the
+General, and they'll drop the whisky and run."
+
+"Highlanders," says I, "don't care a cuss for Boers nor Generals, but
+say you're the Provost Marshal and they won't stop running this side
+of Kimberley."
+
+"Those men, sir," says the Yank, "air not Highlanders. Billy's eyes
+was took with them bottles and got no further. Those men don't wear
+leg curtains, nor even loud checked bags. They air Boers." And by
+Jove he was right.
+
+"Well then," says I, getting back to point three, "what's their
+position?"
+
+"Straight there," says the Yank. "Mostly lying on their stummicks,"
+says Billy.
+
+"My friends," says I, "if your Adjutant should hear you now he'd break
+his blighted heart. Look here, there's General French lowering free
+drinks in Kimberley, ain't he? There's the British infantry at Modder,
+ten miles back, ain't they? And there's twenty thousand Boers plunk in
+the middle, ain't they? That means, as Adjy would say, General French
+is busted. Vaultin' ambition! Another orful disaster!"
+
+"My friends, we must reskew General French."
+
+"General be blowed!" says Billy; "let's reskew the whisky."
+
+"Well, bein' agreed on reskewin', wot's our plan of battle? A frontal
+attack is always to be depre--well, something that means it's a bally
+error." "Take 'em on the starboard quarter, then."
+
+"But the first principel of tactics is to mystify and mislead the
+foe."
+
+So far the Yank had been lying rather low, but now he chips in--
+
+"Say, chum, you've pegged it out straight there, and if it ain't
+jumping your claim, I'll carry on the working." He did know a bit, the
+Yank did, and we'd fixed up the job in no time. He'd a bag of about a
+hundred loose cartridges he'd been carrying for days, and in two
+minutes he'd a nice hot glowing fire right down in a cleft behind the
+kopjy where it didn't show a bit. "Now boys," says I, taking command
+again, "that bag of cartridges on the top of that fire will make as
+much musketry noise as a brigade fits of joy. We'll let them have a
+few real bullets bang in the middle to help out the illooshun. We're
+three full battalions advancing to attack, and mind you let them hear
+it; not a word till the first cartridge pops off, and then all the
+noise you know."
+
+We extended to fifty paces. Billy said it would come more natural if
+he was the Naval Brigade, and we puts him on the right. The Yank
+wanted to be the "Fighting Fifth," it reminded him somehow of fighting
+Stonewall Jackson down South; and the old Buffs was good enough for
+me, and I took the left. When we'd fixed our places up nicely and
+charged magazines, the Yank slips back to our fire and plunks the bag
+of cartridges down in the middle. Then we waited what seemed like a
+year.
+
+"Bang!" from the fire.
+
+"At 'em, my hearties!" roared the Naval Brigade; "broadside
+fire--don't lay on the whisky--well done, _Condor_!"
+
+"Steady the Buffs," says I; "volley firing with
+magazines--ready--fixed sights--at that fat old buster next the
+fire--present--Fire!" and sooting the action to the word I let the old
+buster have a volley in the fattest part.
+
+The Fighting Fifth didn't make much noise, but was shooting straight
+enough.
+
+Those cartridges went off so quick, once they'd started, that I knew
+they couldn't last long, so I gives 'em one more file of my magazine
+and then whistles on my fingers, "Cease fire!"--pop went the last
+cartridge on the fire--"Who's that silly blighter firin' after the
+whistle goes?--take his name, Sergeant-Majer--Now, Buffs, fix
+bayonets--prepare to charge!"
+
+"Avast heaving, full speed ahead and ram them!" yells the Naval
+Brigade. But the Boers didn't wait for that--what with the dark, and
+surprise and noise, let alone a few real bullets, they had gone for
+their horses and were moving hard.
+
+"Now then, Lancers!" I holloared, "round our left flank and pursue
+them to the devil!" That was just enough to prevent them turning their
+heads for the first mile or so. Then our brigade reforms and went down
+the hill to tally up the loot. There was half a dozen cripples, none
+of them bad, half a dozen knee-haltered horses, a pot of stew on the
+fire, and half a dozen black bottles. The Fighting Fifth, who was a
+kind-hearted chap in his way, turned over the wounded, gave them a sup
+of water, and tied them up with bits of their own shirts. The Naval
+Brigade had sweated through everything it had on, barrin' its rifle,
+just out of pure excitement, and it went for the bottles like a
+cartload of bricks. Blessed if they weren't _Dop_![3] "Never mind,"
+says the Naval Brigade, "if the quality ain't up to Admiralty pattern,
+we'll have to issue a double ration"--and he did--so help me!
+Meanwhile the Buffs had collected the horses and picked out a nice
+little chestnut for myself. After that the Brigade fell out and
+enjoyed itself.
+
+[Footnote 3: Cape brandy, also known as "Cape smoke."]
+
+But we couldn't waste too much time, so after half an hour we changed
+saddles, packed the _dop_ in our wallets, and hoisted the Naval
+Brigade on board. The whole way to Kimberley he was fighting the
+_Condor_ against the combined land and sea forces of all
+creation--even the Yank laughed fit to burst. I do believe Billy might
+have been a commander--one can't learn langwidge like that, even in
+the Navy, under a longish time.
+
+Well, we fetched Kimberley about reveille after falling off our horses
+now and then, and we gives the Sergeant-Major half a bottle to look
+pleasant. Up we goes before the troop leader, who looked a bit glum at
+his own written order, but cheered up when I hands over three spare
+Boer horses we'd brought along.
+
+"If I hear any more of this damfoolishness," sezee, "I'll hang the lot
+of you; so you'd better take care that nobody knows of it." He's
+almost as hard as the Adjy.
+
+Well, that's why we don't say what Regiment we belong to. But just to
+give the devil his jew we don't see why General French gets all the
+telegrams from the Queen and Lord Mayors--and we ain't even had our
+chocolate served out yet.
+
+But this is the truth--Billy and the Yank'll both swear to it.
+
+  Yours truly,
+                                                 NUMBER ONE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+1.--_Infantry._
+
+Since the days of bows and arrows the art of war has been gradually
+developing. The arquebus followed the silent bow, and perhaps it may
+be said that this change was the most revolutionary change ever
+experienced in the history of warfare. But the arquebus could not
+effectively prevent the opposing forces from coming to close quarters,
+and therefore the strong man with a thorough knowledge of the use of
+the _arme blanche_--be it pike, sword, or spear--was the mainstay of
+their armies. With the successive introduction of the matchlock, Brown
+Bess, and the host of old muzzle-loading rifles, up to the time when
+the Snider rifle came into use, still the same conditions of fighting
+remained. By the same conditions I mean the following:--
+
+(1) The enemy, when firing at an effective range, was visible to the
+naked eye of his opponent.
+
+(2) Even when concealed behind cover the smoke of his rifle easily
+disclosed his position.
+
+(3) Neither the accuracy nor the rapidity of fire was sufficient to
+make an attack across open ground by a slightly superior force
+impossible.
+
+The introduction of the Martini-Henry completely altered at least the
+third of these conditions, but owing to the fact that no European war
+of great importance was fought with Martini-Henrys, the change was not
+brought home to military theorists. It is true that the Turks fought
+the Greeks with the Martini and the Gras rifles, but the war was not
+serious, and the Greeks never held even their entrenched positions
+with sufficient tenacity to bring home to the world the fact that an
+advance across the open towards an enemy under cover was becoming more
+and more impossible.
+
+But smokeless powder and the long range rifle brought with them
+changes which do not appear to be properly understood. In the first
+place, it may be laid down as an axiom of warfare that the area of
+effective rifle fire (and indeed of any fire) is restricted by the
+areas of vision. During the present war it has become evident to those
+who have studied the question, that the dangerous zone of fire with
+modern rifles is not, as was at first supposed, within the 1,000 yards
+range, but within 1,500 or even 1,600 yards.
+
+To advance in the open against an enemy, even when that enemy is not
+under cover but simply lying on the ground, involves one of two
+alternatives. Either the advancing force is annihilated by the time it
+gets to within 500 yards of the enemy, or it is forced to lie down
+1,500 yards away or less and return the enemy's fire. But the latter
+alternative produces a state of things which has never been known in
+the history of war. Both the advancing and the expectant forces are
+put out of action. Neither can advance and, what is more serious
+still, neither can _retire_.
+
+This contingency opened up an entirely new field of tactics. The
+general who can, with a smaller force, succeed in putting out of
+action, at least for the time being, a greater force of his opponent,
+is more likely to win his battle. In the future, the curious sight
+will be seen of regiments or even brigades lying flat on the ground,
+doing little damage to the enemy and suffering little loss, and yet
+being as useless to their general as if they were snoring in their
+barracks at home. Perhaps this is too sweeping, for their presence in
+front of the enemy will have the advantage of containing him, but in
+the open, across which an enemy has to advance, a containing force of
+a proportion of one man to five of the enemy is quite sufficient.
+Therefore the use of a brigade to contain a brigade would be a waste
+of material. Even those of us who have followed closely and carefully
+all the stages of the campaign do not yet perceive the magnitude of
+the changes involved by the use of modern rifles, but they appear to
+me to be so radical that instead of describing them as fresh
+developments, I would prefer to give an affirmative answer to the
+title of this article.
+
+But there yet remains to be discussed the question of the _arme
+blanche_--the bayonet, the weapon with which our gallant army has won
+so many of its victories. I have heard not a few officers declare that
+this war will be known in history as the last war in which a British
+soldier carried a bayonet. But is the discarding of the bayonet to be
+one of the results of the use of the new rifle and the smokeless
+powder? When fighting against an enemy who does not carry it, the
+force which is armed with a bayonet has a tremendous moral
+superiority. In the present war, there have been one or two
+cases--one, particularly, at Slingersfontein--where the Boer has made
+a frontal attack on a prepared position held by us. The attacks have
+always been made along the tops of kopjes which afforded excellent
+cover for a stealthy advance. The obvious way to meet such attacks was
+to wait until the enemy came close enough to allow the use of the
+bayonet, and this was done with great success at Slingersfontein. So
+that it may be laid down that in cases where one only of two opposing
+forces is armed with the bayonet, it is obviously to its advantage
+that the enemy should in attacking come to close quarters.
+
+It is, equally, to the manifest advantage of the defending force, if
+unarmed with the bayonet, to prevent, with heavy rifle fire, the
+enemy from being able to use the bayonet. But in my humble opinion,
+the bayonet will not be discarded for a long time. In the first place,
+the best tactician in the world cannot always prevent, even with
+modern rifles, such things as surprises, and small bodies of men might
+still, even under the new conditions, be able to get unperceived into
+close quarters with the enemy. But the greatest reason for its
+retention is that night attacks are still possible, and in night
+attacks the bayonet is undoubtedly the weapon to be used. The very
+mention, however, of night attacks opens up a long vista of discussion
+and arguments which I do not wish to raise. I am aware that there are
+many prominent soldiers who will have nothing to say to night attacks
+and condemn them lock, stock and barrel, but they can never be
+eliminated from the already long list of the contingencies of warfare.
+Until something is mooted which will render night attacks absolutely
+impossible, so long will the bayonet be retained.
+
+But perhaps the most radical changes effected by the use of the long
+range rifle will be in purely regimental organisation. A company now
+extends for the attack over a space of over half a mile. The ordinary
+complement of officers assigned to a company can never hope to control
+the whole of it. What is the remedy? And how are we to bring up
+ammunition to the firing line, or carry away our wounded from it? Can
+a regiment extended for the attack eight paces apart act as a
+regiment, or in the future is the company to be the biggest infantry
+unit in action? All these questions spring from the experiences of the
+present campaign, and it is to be hoped that they will be answered by
+those whose experience in the many engagements against the enemy will
+give value and force to their words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FROM ENSLIN TO BOBSFONTEIN.
+
+BY H. PREVOST BATTERSBY.
+
+Received orders at 10 a.m. to proceed at once to Ram Dam and to join
+the main column as soon as possible. Requisitioned for transport
+immediately and supplied at 6 p.m. with about four dozen small
+dilapidated hair trunks, misnamed mules, which looked as if they
+required three square meals rolled into one, and a fortnight in bed!
+No self-respecting cat would have looked at them twice, even cold on a
+wooden skewer!
+
+Made a disastrous stand at 8 p.m., as we succeeded in losing our way
+in the record time of fifteen minutes, thanks to having no guide and
+to a flighty and uncertain young moon, which insisted on playing hide
+and seek at the most awkward times. However, we struck the wire at
+last, not the barbed variety fortunately, and had brief periods of
+comparatively smooth going, variegated by such trifling mishaps as a
+broken trace, falling mule, or mule and harness so mixed up that we
+couldn't distinguish which was harness and which was mule and
+requiring careful sorting out! Veldt stones were also somewhat
+inconvenient, as they vary in size to anything above or below a
+Pickford van. However, it was a fine night and the mules almost seemed
+to warm to their work, racing along in great style at fully three
+miles an hour on a smoothish bit of road and appreciably downhill!
+
+What rapture to be out on the starry veldt and to have left that
+Enslin "News"--the transport lines--miles (five and a doubtful bit)
+behind us. Shortly afterwards the moon again appeared, and we
+proceeded to negotiate a very promising nullah with gently sloping
+sides. Full speed ahead and up we go, but, alas! the latter part of
+our programme was somewhat disarranged, like Labby's furniture at
+Northampton, owing to the fact that buck waggons and mule transport
+are not adapted to racing through a truckload of sand of uncertain
+depth but of certain difficulty! However, "man the wheels and shove
+behind" was the natural sequence of events, and when the mules ceased
+pulling in every direction except the right one from sheer exhaustion,
+a few judicious cracks of the sjambok, together with a few different
+languages, mostly bad, and up we eventually did go.
+
+A wide stretch of perfectly flat veldt lay before us, and we shortly
+lost both moon and wire simultaneously. Some one suggested "follow the
+track": valuable advice, but difficult to carry out, as there happened
+to be about fourteen of them, and all in different directions.
+Pleasant predicament to be in: 1 a.m., cloudy sky, and lost on the
+anything but trackless veldt! Feel about as comfortable as the man who
+was going to be hanged at 8 a.m. Finally decided to proceed at right
+angles, and return our wrong way if necessary, and succeeded in
+finding that precious wire at last. Persistency is the road to
+success, but what about an old hen sitting on a china egg?
+
+Moon on the wane, but reached Ram Dam at 3 a.m., and all of us
+surprised and delighted to get there, as it would have very shortly
+been a case of the "light that failed!" Ram Dam itself looks like a
+remarkably _low_ Thames somewhere near the Isle of Dogs, but glad to
+get anywhere, and ready to eat or drink anything.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+G. W. STEEVENS.
+
+BY LIONEL JAMES.
+
+(_With an Original Verse by Rudyard Kipling._[4])
+
+[Footnote 4: Copyrighted in England and America, used here by
+permission.]
+
+  Through war and pestilence, red siege and fire,
+    Silent and self-contained he drew his breath.
+  Too brave for show of courage--his desire
+    Truth as he saw it, even to the death.
+
+                                       RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+There is a pretty little cypress grove nestling under the shadow of
+one of the Ladysmith defences. A peaceful oasis--green where the land
+is parched and dry. It is God's acre. Before shaking the dust of
+Ladysmith from off my feet for ever, I turned my pony's head towards
+the green. The little animal seemed to know the way, and well he
+should, for the melancholy journey to the cemetery had been frequent
+during the latter period of the siege. I tied the pony to the rail and
+passed in under the shadow of the cypresses. The interior of the
+enclosure was one stretch of new-turned earth. The turf seemed all
+exhausted. The dainty cemetery of three months ago had now the
+appearance of a badly harrowed field. In places a rough cross marked
+the last resting-place of the victims of war and pestilence, a few had
+the names just scrawled upon a chip of wood; the majority lay
+unnamed--the price of Empire keeping: a nameless grave!
+
+I passed down the clay trodden pathway. The brief legends
+ran--Egerton, Lafone, Watson, Field, Dalzel, Dick-Cunyngham, Digby
+Jones, Adams--but why name them? They were all men whom three months
+ago I had called my friends. Then I found the spot for which I
+searched--a plain wooden cross inscribed G. W. Steevens, and a date.
+What an end--six feet of Ladysmith's miserable soil! It was too cruel.
+My memory carried me back to the brave companion and upright colleague
+who was gone, and to the manner of his death--the man who had raced
+with the Cameron Highlanders for Mahmoud's zareba; who had stood with
+his hands in his pockets when it seemed that it must be but a matter
+of minutes before Wad Helu swallowed up Macdonald's Soudanese brigade.
+The man who had scorned death on Elandslaagte's crest lay there a
+victim to pestilential Ladysmith. If the spare frame had been as stout
+as the heart which it contained, that miserable rat-hole could not
+have brought about the end. Poor Steevens--how he strove to live! For
+a month he lay and fought the battle for life. And then when all
+seemed well, and we looked for the day that we should have him back
+again, he quietly faded under a relapse.
+
+Doctors could do no more, and at four in the afternoon of the fatal
+day it was evident that the end was near. Maud, who had nursed him
+with a devotion unsurpassed, was deputed to break the news. He came to
+the bedside and suggested that Steevens should dictate a wire to his
+people at home. The patient looked up suddenly, and in a moment was
+conscious of the sinister purport of the request. The conversation
+which ensued was something of the following:--
+
+"Is it the end?"
+
+Maud nodded assent.
+
+"Will it be soon?"
+
+Again Maud nodded assent.
+
+Steevens turned wearily, and remarked, "Well, it is a strange sideway
+out!" Then there passed over his face an expression which plainly
+read, "I will not die!"
+
+He turned to Maud and said, almost gaily, "Let's have a drink."
+
+Maud opened a new bottle of champagne and poured out half a glass.
+Steevens sipped it, and noticing that Maud had no glass, remarked,
+"You are not drinking!"
+
+He seemed better after the wine, and when the last message was
+dictated he was still struggling for life; but the disease had the
+upper hand, and he sank into unconsciousness which was never broken
+until he passed away in the evening.
+
+We buried him at midnight. As we took him down to the cypress grove,
+it seemed that the enemy paid tribute to our sorrow, for their
+searchlight played full upon the mournful cavalcade as it wound into
+the open.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SHOULD BEARDS BE WORN IN WAR?
+
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 23, 1900_.
+
+DEAR SIR,--A distinguished General Officer--who is also an exceedingly
+clever man--was issuing orders on one occasion. "I have no wish," said
+he, "to interfere with the time-honoured Custom which ordains that
+heroes may be dirty; but, until they become heroes, I see no reason
+why they should not try and look like soldiers. The troops under my
+command will, therefore, shave until they arrive at the actual front."
+
+This witty sentence provides me with an admirable text for a sermon on
+a subject very near my heart. Our troops have, indeed, proved
+themselves heroes. Whatever may be the opinion expressed now and
+hereafter upon many things in the conduct of this war, upon one thing
+there can be no dissentient voice--I refer to the splendid heroism of
+our troops. Yes, sir, they are heroes. But why, oh! why do they not
+try and look like soldiers too? Why should the erstwhile smart
+Guardsman, the dandy Highlander, the dapper Horseman, adopt the facial
+disguise of a poacher out of luck, or rather--for the beard is not a
+good one--of a member of the criminal classes previous to the Saturday
+evening's ablutions? Surely soap can be purchased, razors ground, and
+water heated.
+
+It is universally admitted that one of the chief duties of a soldier
+is to be smart in his appearance, and the fact that on active service
+there may be some difficulty is surely no excuse for its neglect. In
+all other periods of the world's history shaving was looked upon as
+one of the chiefest necessities in time of war. Napoleon's Old Guard
+shaved, as is well known, throughout the entire retreat from Moscow;
+there was not a hair upon the faces of Hannibal's legions the day
+after the famous crossing of the Alps, while Caesar's well-known
+order, "Ut barbas tondeant," must be familiar to every schoolboy. I
+might come down to our own times and quote the Queen's Regulations,
+but I refrain from doing so lest I should be accused of priggishness.
+
+It is, I do not hesitate to say, horrible to me to see the unkempt
+appearance of those who might be--and are at other times--the
+finest-looking troops in the world. I feel inclined to say, in the
+words of Scripture, "Tarry ye at Jericho until (and after) your beards
+be grown."
+
+I hope, sir, you will forgive this somewhat lengthy letter, but the
+subject is, as I have said already, very near my heart. No one ever
+has looked well in a beard, and no one ever will, and until our
+officers recognise this fact and set an example of spruceness for
+their men to follow, the army in South Africa must remain an eyesore
+to all who share the opinions of
+
+  Your obedient servant,
+                                                   FIELD OFFICER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+I VISIT MISS BLOEMFONTEIN
+
+     _And I also here discuss that irreconcilable maiden, Lord
+     Stanley, and our own behaviour._
+
+
+We published in the next issue, No. II, of March 26th, a letter by
+"Miss Uitlander" (pronounced in that country "Aitlander"). It was as
+genuine a production of the young womanhood of the town as that of
+"Miss Bloemfontein" had been, and it would have been wholly to our
+liking had it been as exceptional and bold a bit of work as the other,
+for it was, naturally, very pro-English. Suffice it to say that it
+answered and contradicted the Boer sentiments with vigour.
+
+[Illustration: _Miss Bloemfontein._
+
+(_A Portrayal of a Type, by Lester Ralph._)]
+
+This reminded us that we were to enjoy no more communications from the
+sprightly and talented Miss Bloemfontein. Most gallantly we had
+resolved to allow her the last word and there end the correspondence;
+but she had remained silent, leaving us with that "last word" which
+we, like simpletons, had never doubted that she would claim as hers by
+right of her womanhood. She was laughing at the predicament in which
+she had abandoned us, for she was wide awake at all points.
+
+She had done me the honour to ask me to call upon her and--in this the
+laugh was on my side--then had repented of it. She repented because,
+in my reply to her communication, I had addressed her as "sweetheart"
+and had called her "dear." It had happened that when she wrote to the
+paper she let a few close friends into the secret, and these, when
+they read my lover's terms addressed to her, made haste to twit her
+upon the publicity of these verbal caresses, so that from
+rose-and-pearl she became peony red and hot of cheeks, and not nearly
+as desirous of seeing me as before my second letter saw the light.
+
+However, I went to her home and found it very prettily appointed and
+comfortable, with an admiring family gathered around their girlish
+idol who had been to London, and who sang sweetly, played the piano
+deftly, and seemed to have read at least a little upon many subjects.
+She was, I should say, seventeen or eighteen, a pure blonde, still
+very girlish both in face and figure. I spent a pleasant hour in her
+company, and an English officer who called there at the same time
+endeavoured to persuade her to make up a party for afternoon tea at
+his regimental camp near the town. But her mother had announced that
+she could not bear to walk in the streets and see the British soldiers
+disfiguring the once hallowed scenery of the place, so it was perhaps,
+no wonder that Miss Bloemfontein declined to take afternoon tea with
+those enemies.
+
+"I will not do anything to encourage or recognise their presence," she
+said.
+
+"When your mother is not looking, I am going to whisper something to
+you," I remarked. "Now is my time. It is this: You are a little
+fraud; you are no Boer at all."
+
+I intended to continue by explaining that a girl so clever and well
+read, and who lived amid such refined surroundings, could not possibly
+sympathise with the rude and ignorant people of the veldt. But she
+suspected that I meant something different.
+
+"You mean because I am a Jewess," she said.
+
+And then came the most comical closing of this very peculiar episode.
+She, who elected herself to be the champion of the Boers, was a
+Jewess, and I, who wooed her supposed sisterhood as an English adorer,
+am an American.
+
+Ah, well, little Miss Bloemfontein, I was at least genuine in standing
+up for liberty, justice, and the highest principles of good
+government. They are the prizes that are guarded by my flag as well as
+by the one which floats over your town. And if you were as earnest in
+your sympathy for the Boers it was either because you had been
+deceived by them as to the causes of the war and the issues at stake,
+or else it was because your loyalty to the friends of a lifetime
+outweighed all else. May we not, then, part here with mutual esteem
+and respect?
+
+In this number we published two contributions by Mr. Kipling, a second
+one of the "Fables for the Staff" and some "Kopje-book Maxims." All of
+us tried to assist at the framing of these maxims, but, though we
+suggested two or three (Mr. Landon being the most fertile at the time)
+Mr. Kipling shaped them all in his own way and with a readiness and
+ease which excelled any work of composition that I have ever seen done
+by any writer in all my experience. It was said of him three or four
+years ago that he was then writing too much, but it will always seem
+to us that his difficulty must be in restraining himself, and in
+publishing only the best that wells from his mind.
+
+Another peculiarity that we noticed was that he would, by preference,
+carry forward two or three manuscripts at once and would write, now at
+one, and presently at another. The "Kopje-book maxims" reveal this
+breadth and variety of his mental processes to whoever is able to
+understand the fine shadings of the meanings of them all, and to those
+who can comprehend the fact that they were literally "dashed off" hot,
+like sparks under a smith's hammer. If these mere playthings of his
+pen, done as part of our merry and careless morning's work, were
+forced to stand as specimen products of the methods of this master
+writer, an injustice to him would follow. The point is that his
+methods are the same, and his mind works with similar freedom and
+celerity, at all times, and at whatever he does; at least so far as we
+were able to judge. But what he wrote for THE FRIEND was finished and
+published on the instant without the after-polishing and refinement of
+the flawless work which has made him world-famous.
+
+In this same number we printed an interesting forecast of the future
+of the Free State by Mr. Fred J. Engelbach. An officer sent us a
+jocular account of the amazingly plucky work being done by the
+Ordnance Survey--and particularly of one feat by Major Jackson, R.E.
+We also published, from my pen, a short warning to the soldiers not to
+drink the water out of certain wells which had for years been known to
+contain the germs of enteric. I learned the fact during my visit to
+my "sweetheart," Miss Bloemfontein, and as I look back, now, upon
+that paragraph I almost shudder to think how little we dreamed that in
+a few weeks 7,000 men of our force would be down with that dread
+disease.
+
+I have referred to the fact that Lord Stanley came every day at noon
+to overlook what we had done. I would ask for nothing more amusing
+than to have heard his gossip at the Residency upon the manner in
+which he found THE FRIEND to be conducted and produced. The truth was
+that we had finished everything for the day, except the interminable
+proof-reading, by the time he reached what the country editor
+grandiloquently refers to as "our sanctum sanctorum." In consequence
+he always caught us just as we were looking up from our desks and
+taking a deep breath of relief.
+
+We who have been bred in this profession may not realise just what
+applause is to an actor, or what there may be to a mariner in the
+movement and breath of the ocean; but we fully realise that journalism
+is perhaps the only calling that men find as full of fun as it is of
+hard work. The company of bright minds, certain to be sanguine and
+optimistic, the excitement produced by unexpected news, the rush to
+prepare it most attractively and against time, the thousand
+unpublishable conceits and views and arguments that leap to the mind
+and are discussed in council, the freaks and blunders of the reporters
+and contributors--all these elements are in the cup of joy that a
+journalist drinks off every day.
+
+Therefore when Lord Stanley came he was certain to find us merry and
+voluble and prankish. He may have imagined that we must perforce be
+grave--we to whom was given the high and almost religious right to
+speak for an empire and an army, and to conduct a British organ in so
+delicate a situation as was ours among the Boers--neither offending
+them nor giving them a chance to find a flaw in the practice of our
+principles. Grave enough was that part of our work which we meant to
+be so.
+
+Serious in its strain upon us and important in its effort to rest and
+inform and recreate the soldiers, was most of what we did. But it is a
+habit of the journalist's mind and a result of his work that he shall
+be or become a philosopher, viewing the world as it is, no matter how
+differently he may present it to a duller and more conservative
+public.
+
+Therefore Lord Stanley found us declaiming soldier poetry, writing
+nonsense verses, drawing caricatures of one another, telling stories,
+behaving like men without a care on their minds. We realised that he
+must be shocked at us--and we voted that he behaved very well under
+the circumstances. He usually came in with a quick step and an air of
+business. We delayed him with chaff which he seemed always at a loss
+to understand at first. He got at our bundles of proof-sheets and he
+applied himself to them most gravely. By and by he began to catch the
+contagion of our spirits, his eye wandered from the sheets, he
+wavered--he began to join in our talk. "Is there anything else--or
+anything you are in doubt about?" he would ask. He believed us when we
+answered him, for he knew that we understood what not to publish. In
+that mutual trust and confidence there grew up a relation between us
+and himself which was dearly prized by us, and which we hope he
+esteemed as highly.
+
+Once he told us that there had been complaint of a mock-speech by the
+German Emperor which some one had written among a lot of pretended
+cablegrams avowedly fanciful. Once he declined to publish a mild
+attack of mine upon Mr. Winston S. Churchill for finding fault with
+our army chaplains. At another time, upon the ground of prudence, he
+threw out an article upon our treasonous colonists which we copied
+from an Afrikander exchange. Apart from these slight exercises of his
+power he passed all our work, though it was as big in bulk as the
+"Newcomes" and "Vanity Fair" rolled together--300,000 words--ten
+columns a day for nearly thirty days!
+
+I have called the censor's office a "hole in a wall," but our
+_sanctum_ was not half as neat or presentable. Whoever has carried the
+collecting mania into the study of country newspaper offices has
+noticed how one never differs from another. The greasy smell of
+printer's ink, the distempered walls stuck over here and there with
+placards and the imprint of inky fingers, the gaping fireplace, the
+bare, littered floor, the table all cut on top and chipped at the
+edges, the bottomless chairs with varying degrees of further
+dismemberment, the "clank--clank" of the press in the next room--these
+are the proofs positive of genuine country newspaper offices the world
+around--from Simla to Bismarck, Dakota, and back again. And the office
+of THE FRIEND was like all the rest.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1900.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here with the
+author's permission.]
+
+THE ELEPHANT AND THE LARK'S NEST.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+II.
+
+A discriminating Boer, having laid a Nestfull of valuable and
+informing Eggs, fled across the Horizon under pressure of necessity,
+leaving his Nest in a secluded Spot, where it was discovered by a
+Disinterested Observer who reported the same to an Intelligence
+Officer. The Latter arriving at his Leisure with a great Pomposity
+said: "See me hatch!" and sitting down without reserve converted the
+entire Output into an unnecessary Omelette.
+
+After the Mess was removed, the Disinterested Observer observed: "Had
+you approached this matter in another spirit you might have obtained
+Valuable Information."
+
+"That," replied the Intelligence Officer, "shows your narrow-minded
+Prejudice. Besides I am morally certain that those Eggs come out of a
+Mare's Nest."
+
+"It is now too late to inquire," said the Disinterested Observer, "and
+that is a pity."
+
+"But am I not an Intelligence Officer?" said the Intelligence Officer.
+
+"Of that there can be no two opinions," said the Disinterested
+Observer. Whereupon he was sent down.
+
+MORAL. _Do not teach the Intelligence to suck Eggs._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Copyrighted in England and America, and used here by
+permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+(_With suggestive help from Perceval Landon._)
+
+
+HORSE.
+
+Two Horses will shift a Camp if they be dead enough.
+
+Forage is Victory; Lyddite is Gas.
+
+Look before you Lope.
+
+When in doubt Flank; when in force Outflank.
+
+
+FOOT.
+
+Take care of the towns and the Tents will take care of themselves.
+
+Spare the Solitary Horseman on the sky-line; he is bound to be a
+Britisher.
+
+Abandoned Women and Abandoned Kopjes are best left alone.
+
+Raise your hat to the Boer--and you'll get shot.
+
+
+GUNS.
+
+The Dead Gunner laughed at the Pom-pom.
+
+"I Bet I killed 'Eighty,'" roared the 4·7.
+
+"I have buried my three," snapped the Lee-Metford.
+
+"It is well to keep your hair on; it is Better to take out your
+Tompion."
+
+A shell on the Rand is worth ten on the veldt.
+
+There are ninety and nine roads to Stellenbosch, but only two to
+Pretoria. Take the other.
+
+(_Kopjeright in all armies and standing camps._)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS UITLANDER REPLIES TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+DEAR MADEMOISELLE,--I pray that you will excuse me for venturing to
+set you right upon one or two matters which I noticed in your reply to
+Mr. Ralph. Miss Uitlander did, indeed, with joy and pride, trip out to
+meet Mr. Englishman, though, as a matter of fact, she is as much Miss
+Bloemfontein as yourself. In reality, your correct name is Miss
+Free-Stater. But that is a trifle which may pass. The "loving hand"
+you boast of having extended to us has long since been covered by an
+iron glove, the weight of which we have daily been made to feel, and
+to that you must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+face. His coming meant freedom--the sweetest thing in the world--to
+us. You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled your
+oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You threw white
+feathers into the carriages as they passed you by. You loudly bemoaned
+your fate as a woman and longed to don masculine garments to aid your
+beaux in exterminating the hated English. Could we remember a "loving
+hand" then?
+
+You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us to live
+beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back to the sea. "The
+hated English had never been wanted and would not be allowed to stay."
+And since you continue to make no secret of your hatred, the same
+remedy is now in your own hands. But it will be difficult to find a
+spot where Mr. Englishman is not _en evidence_.
+
+To use Mr. Chamberlain's famous phrase, "There is a point where
+silence is weakness." That point has been reached. You seem to forget
+that you simply and generously, of course, gave away your town and
+State without the faintest shadow of a cause, to the nation who never
+had the remotest idea of coming near you or troubling you. You were
+eager to cross arms with the most powerful nation in the world,
+knowing as you must have done, deep in your sensible mind, that you
+would lose in the fray.
+
+You hint at our ingratitude. How about your own? Had it not been for
+England your land would never have had a place in the existence of
+South African territory from the days of long ago.
+
+Who has helped to uphold the dignity of your land? Mr. Englishman.
+
+Who has helped to fill your coffers, public and private, with wealth?
+Mr. Englishman.
+
+Who has been the chief spirit of commerce within your gates? Mr.
+Englishman.
+
+And whom has it been your greatest pride to imitate in manner, in
+dress, and in speech but Mr. Englishman?
+
+Nay, had he withdrawn his patronage as he might have done, your land
+would have collapsed like a bubble.
+
+Mr. Englishman is too valuable a factor in the world's history to be
+easily discarded.
+
+Yours is thus the debt of gratitude.
+
+You speak hastily when you gibe at the "awful and untuneful melodies"
+with which Mr. Englishman deigned to soothe your heaving breast; and
+would lead one to suppose that you had ever been used to the most
+exquisite of public music, when in truth your town has scarcely ever
+been privileged to listen to such. Its own band in the days that are
+past can hardly compare favourably with even the recent melodies which
+compel you to close your ears with cotton wool, and even your musical
+ear must have been satisfied had you listened to the band and music at
+Government House a few nights ago. But doubtless the cotton wool had
+not been taken out.
+
+I beg leave to contradict your statement that Miss Uitlander would
+"push" Mr. Englishman out of your land while welcoming your brothers
+back to their country. Miss Uitlander has discovered too certainly the
+real truth of your "loving hand" ever to trust in it again. And if you
+could so joyfully turn Mr. Englishman out of your borders, rest
+assured Miss Uitlander would most certainly accompany him. She does
+not, as so many have done, paint one colour one day and another the
+next. And if Mr. Englishman only waits a little longer he will win not
+only the country but yourself as well.
+
+                                                  MISS UITLANDER.
+
+(With this final word from the fair Miss Uitlander, who has been
+discussed, yet has not before spoken for herself, the Editors decide
+to end this interesting series of letters.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAPE MARKETS.
+
+Market slightly weaker this morning. Sales: Bantjes Deeps, 11s. 6d.;
+Benons, 43s.; Mains, 43s.; Randfonteins, 60s.; Vogel Deeps, 27s. 3d.;
+Wit Deeps, 45s.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+II.--_Artillery._
+
+"When a battery comes under rifle fire it becomes worse than useless,"
+once said a well-known foreign military expert. And if this statement
+is to be accepted, as we accept Euclid's axioms, then indeed I should
+be inclined to say that the art of war has become revolutionised
+completely. But having seen G Battery at Magersfontein practically
+silence at a range well within 1,500 yards (I believe at one time it
+was only 1,200 yards) a strong force of the enemy's riflemen firing
+from good cover on an undulating plain, it becomes apparent that the
+military expert's dictum is incorrect. I cite the instance of G
+Battery because, perhaps it is the best known in the operations in the
+Western Frontier, but I could, if necessary, give twenty cases where
+both Horse and Field Batteries have worked magnificently and
+effectively under a galling fire.
+
+At the same time I do not wish, for a moment, to lay it down as one
+of the rules of modern warfare that guns can be worked with impunity
+within 1,500 or even 2,000 yards of the enemy's rifle fire, for the
+danger of being put out is so apparent that it needs no demonstration.
+But artillery must have a good "position." Batteries cannot be hidden
+behind boulders as infantry soldiers can. Gunners must have an open
+field and more or less a commanding point from which to lay their
+guns. This necessity--a necessity to which no other arms are so
+completely subjected--has entailed, during the course of the present
+war, the risk of whole batteries being under rifle fire. Before the
+introduction of the long-range rifle, there were but few instances
+where guns, in order to take up proper positions, were forced to come
+under effective rifle fire. Now, however, we have to face this risky
+possibility. And in this respect, and this respect only, can the use
+of the modern rifle be said to have made any change in the rules of
+war laid down for the use of artillery.
+
+The present campaign, if viewed from the point of view of the
+artilleryman, is an abnormal one. Field and horse batteries have had
+to face what has been practically siege artillery. In Natal we have
+been outranged by the use, by the Boers, of guns of great calibre and
+no mobility. We have faced the difficulty--and successfully too--by
+bringing on to the field naval guns of equal calibre to the enemy's.
+And, although we have been surprised at the rapid way in which the
+Boers have shifted their heavy guns, I still dare to think that we can
+move our 4.7 guns with greater rapidity. My intention, however, is not
+to discuss the use of the naval large calibre guns in field
+operations. Such a discussion would be outside the scope of this
+article. I prefer to look upon their use in this campaign as an
+abnormal episode--which, perhaps, may never again occur in civilised
+warfare, except in case of sieges.
+
+Artillery in operation in the field is represented by Horse and Field
+(Howitzers and ordinary) guns. Now what lessons have our artillery
+learnt from the engagements of the present war? That is the most
+important question, and I propose to answer it to the best of my
+ability, feeling and hoping that my answer will induce abler answers
+from other pens.
+
+It is impossible, in discussing the uses and abuses of any particular
+arm, to dissociate that arm from the whole to which it belongs. A
+complete modern force should consist of a proper proportion of horse,
+foot, and artillery. The three form the whole, the perfect machine.
+The parts must fit into each other as the cogs of one wheel fit into
+those of another. In the war of the future infantry will be used for
+two purposes--to contain the opposing infantry, and to hold positions
+seized by the mobile portion of the force, be it cavalry or mounted
+infantry. There will be very little preparation by the artillery for
+infantry attack, for the simple reason that I am convinced that
+frontal attacks are things of the past. Not the modernest of modern
+artillery, lyddite, melinite, or whatever high explosive is used, can
+by frontal concentration move or weaken infantry sufficiently to
+destroy their defensive power against an infantry attack.
+
+There will, therefore, be in the next war between European or
+civilised military Powers grand artillery duels between the opposing
+artillery, while the mounted force of one is trying to outflank the
+other. The obvious necessity, therefore, is the highest development
+of the most mobile portion of the artillery--the R.H.A. Flank
+movements must necessarily be the tactics of the future. Battles will
+be, as they always have been, won by strategy, but for modern strategy
+and modern tactics the great necessity will be the greatest mobility
+of the greatest force. But the British Army, as it certainly possesses
+the finest material for infantry in the world, also possesses, I feel
+sure, as fine an artillery as any. I am not talking now of guns, but
+of the men who work them. In attempting to outflank an enemy with the
+mobile portion of his force, the general of the next war will find his
+flanking movement met by the mobile portion of his opponent's army.
+The result is to be either a return to the old cavalry charges against
+cavalry or an artillery duel. The latter, I believe, will be the case.
+The cavalry of the future will be a mixture of the mounted infantry
+men and the cavalry men, and as such will be able to stop with rifle
+fire any attempts at the old-fashioned charge, and the verdict will be
+pronounced by the gunners. Then, indeed, will the better-trained,
+better-equipped, better-handled horse artillery be able either to
+drive back the attack and so save the whole situation, or to force in
+the defence and win the whole battle. Wherefore it would appear to me
+that we should improve and improve our horse artillery until we have
+the best guns, the best gunners, and the best organisation in the
+world. I know we have the best material.
+
+Exactly the same thing applies to the Field Artillery, which I, for
+one, would like to see done away with. That is to say, that the
+distinctions between Horse and Field Artillery should be removed. I
+would give a heavier gun and a better gun to the Horse Battery, and
+make the Field Battery men mobile. This would give us an uniform
+artillery, in which the mobility of the Field guns would be increased
+and the range of Horse guns improved. After all, the difference in
+weight of a Field and a Horse gun is not so great. We must be prepared
+to provide some means of moving it more rapidly. The advantages of
+this change appear to be self-evident. The quick and rapid movement of
+artillery is bound to be the great factor in future battles. We are
+making our infantry men mobile, every day; why not do the same with
+the artillery? If we can bring up a gun of equal calibre to that of
+the enemy, the issue will be to the better-manned, better-handled gun.
+To be able to rapidly throw a great force on any given point of the
+enemy's line is to ensure victory in infantry tactics. The same thing
+applies, surely, to the artillery. Why have a slow and a rapid moving
+artillery? Why not make the whole of it capable of rapidity?
+
+This campaign has been the first between two civilised nations where
+high explosives have been used in the bursting charges. I have made
+careful inquiries from Boer prisoners as to its effect, and the only
+conclusion that I have come to is that veracity is not a virtue of the
+burgher. Some have spoken of the bursting of a lyddite shell as the
+most terrible experience they have ever had, and have compared its
+action to that of an earthquake. But I must confess that on pursuing
+my inquiries further I have generally found that these vivid
+portrayers of its awful effects have been attached to some hospital in
+the rear. The prisoners taken at Paardeberg were singularly divided
+as to its destructive power. Albrecht is said to have declared that
+it was a pure waste to drop a lyddite shell into soft ground, and to
+have admitted that on rocky ground it had a most demoralising effect.
+On the whole, however, I am inclined to say that the effect of lyddite
+is certainly not as great as we expected, and I cannot help thinking
+that time-shrapnel well burst and well aimed is more dreaded by the
+Boers than lyddite shells.
+
+And now I am going to tread on delicate ground. We have all our little
+idiosyncrasies, and gunners are not without theirs. They will have
+nothing to say to the Vickers-Maxim. "It is a toy and not a gun," I
+have heard many a gunner declare. But I contend that we have never
+used it properly. Lord Dundonald's galloping Maxim was intended to
+accompany cavalry. Why not have a galloping "pom-pom"? It can be
+brought into action with great speed, it has a great range, and
+everybody will agree that it is a most accurate gun. It would have
+been most useful against the Boers when they fled from Poplar Grove,
+and its effect upon a battery coming into action is not to be
+despised, as the gallant T Battery will testify from their experiences
+at Driefontein. Again, its use on kopjes held by cavalry pending the
+arrival of infantry would surely be beneficial. It has a demoralising
+effect; even more so than a percussion shrapnel, and our enemy in the
+present campaign is particularly susceptible to demoralisation when
+operating in open ground.
+
+One of the difficulties with which the artillery in the present
+campaign has had to contend has been to find out the extent of our
+infantry advance for which they are preparing with a bombardment. As
+the Mauser and Lee-Metford render early cover necessary for infantry,
+it has come about that our infantry, while seeking to render itself
+invisible to the enemy, has succeeded in making itself almost entirely
+invisible to our supporting artillery. On many occasions our artillery
+has ceased fire long before it was necessary, because it became
+impossible to tell how far our advance extended, for no artillery
+officer--and rightly so--will run the risk of inflicting damage on his
+own infantry. The remedy for this state of things has yet to be
+discovered.
+
+In making public opinions such as these--the opinions of a mere
+layman--I should feel inclined to make some kind of apology, knowing
+as I do that they are liable to be read by men whose whole life is
+devoted to the practice as well as the theory of the use of artillery
+in the field, were it not for the fact that I am optimistic enough to
+believe that my remarks will provoke criticism. I am aware that the
+British officer is not much given to rushing into print, but I am also
+convinced that he will not sit tamely by when heresies are propagated.
+If, therefore, the views I have enounced are unsound and unpractical,
+it is his bounden duty to contradict them. And in doing so he will
+probably contribute his own views, which will undoubtedly receive far
+greater attention, from the fact that they are set forth by men
+actually serving in the field, than if they are kept back till the end
+of the war, when a successful issue will probably bring with it apathy
+on the part of those in whose hands rest the destinies of the British
+Army.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE NEW MACHINE GUN.
+
+Rarely, if ever, in the annals of the Ordnance Survey has the British
+Government sent out a fully equipped Survey Section, for the purpose
+of reconnaissance duty, previous to the present war. During the march
+from Modder River to Bloemfontein, they have had plenty of scope for
+displaying the special training received, necessary for successful
+sketching, surveying and reconnoitring an enemy's position.
+
+At Paardeberg a very successful and complete sketch to scale was made
+of the Boers' laager by Major Jackson, R.E., who, whilst exposed to a
+hot fire every day and within 800 yards of the enemy's trenches, and
+where men were falling every minute, nevertheless completed the whole
+sketch within four days.
+
+This part of the warfare, where you walk well within the enemy's
+firing line with only a revolver, the Boers continually sniping and
+potting, no cover, and no chance of a "kick or hit back," makes you
+feel as though you would like to charge into their midst, get hand to
+hand, and at least have one shot or hit, in return for the compliments
+and salutes they pay you. But no, you must stand still in the open,
+coolly go on with the sketching, and not mind the bullets, even if
+they take a leg off the plane table or knock the pencil out of your
+hand. The only thing that is to be feared seriously is the rain, and
+that may make the ink run, spoil the sketch, and cause a lot of
+trouble and annoyance.
+
+The Boers may "knock spots off you," but the sketch is the principal
+thing; another R.E. Surveyor may be obtained, but not another plan,
+until probably too late for practical use.
+
+Presumably the burghers mistake the tripod and plane table (used for
+the purpose) for a new kind of machine gun, or some other deadly
+weapon, from the way in which they bang away when it is erected, and
+it does, no doubt, surprise them when they find it does not spit fire
+and lead, and probably they put it down as a "Rooinek" risking a
+snapshot at close quarter; but they are very restless "sitters" and
+resent the intrusion of Mausers, although never asked to pay for a
+proof in advance--proof positive of a neglected education.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ADVICE TO AN OFFICER ON GOING TO THE WARS.
+
+  'Twas well remarked by Mack-Praed,
+    In wise and witty lay,
+  "We're known to be extremely brave;
+    So take the sword away."
+
+  Aye, let the sword and feather go,
+    Bright belt and glitt'ring braid;
+  Assume a sad and grub-like hue,
+    For battle or for raid.
+
+  No more in steel the warrior gleams,
+    In scarlet cuts a dash;
+  The hero now may scarce permit
+    His eagle eye to flash.
+
+  For glint and gleam and flash and flare
+    Will all afford a mark;
+  The better plan, in modern days,
+    Is just "to keep it dark."
+
+  We ask no more that you shall shine;
+    Be dull if you would win.
+  I mean, of course, in outward show--
+    Lucidity within.
+
+  For "slim's" the word now most in vogue
+    (That's "sly," if read aright);
+  From head to heel be dull and dim,
+    Your brain alone be bright.
+
+  It is no joy that you should smash
+    Your head against a wall;
+  "We're known to be extremely brave,"
+    So pray be wise withal.
+
+  Be lion-mettled--as you were;
+    But not too proud to scout;
+  And if the foe is right in front,
+    Why, go a mile about.
+
+  Go forth in strength of intellect,
+    Shining with all your wit;
+  So shall you baulk the wily foe--
+    Unhit, shall make a hit.
+
+                              E. T.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OUR VERY MIXED PUBLIC
+
+     _A Study of Tommy Atkins, the Inscrutable--Our Dutch
+     Compositors Arraigned._
+
+
+The lady who signed herself "Miss Uitlander" was also kind enough to
+write for us an article on "Tommy in a Lady's Eyes." It was clever.
+She said that Tommy walked the streets looking as if he always had
+walked them--and that was true. It is also true that Tommy did
+everything else in the same way. Wherever you put him or he found
+himself he uttered no comments or exclamations, but at once adapted
+himself to the situation. During the seven months I was with him I
+never could fathom the operations of his mind. Sometimes I suspected
+that he had none; at other times I envied him the kind of mind he had.
+
+Our lady reporter said that Tommy "loves to make an impression on the
+feminine heart--but, alas! his khaki uniform does not suit him. Like
+country, like dress. We now see ourselves as others see us, a
+khaki-coloured people in a vast khaki-coloured land." Of the officers
+she said, "their amiability, patience, and high breeding are a treat
+to come in contact with in a country such as this, where Jack is
+considered as good as his master; in his own estimation, a very good
+deal better."
+
+"Bloemfontein is khaki-mad," she concluded; "Tommy is everywhere. The
+shops overflow with him--and _how_ he spends his money! It will be an
+object-lesson to those who, a few short weeks ago, were sure that
+England was on the verge of bankruptcy. The streets abound with him.
+The place is a beehive of soldiery, and never again will be any other,
+I most fervently hope and trust."
+
+I copy this bit of a long article because it brings strongly to mind
+and in full swing and colour the daily scenes in the streets of
+Bloemfontein. Whenever we ran out of THE FRIEND office to the hotel or
+the printing works or the Club, we saw the same endless parade of
+soldiers up and down the pavements, the same motley cavalcade of
+mounted men in the streets. At the sound of drums we all ran out--for
+civilisation was far away, and the natural man was welling up strong
+in us--to see a regiment marching in, or out--or, too often, to view a
+funeral procession leading a poor bundle of the dust of a hero
+strapped upon a gun-carriage.
+
+In the shops we found a wall of soldiers before every counter. They
+were in swarms like flies in all except the drinking places. There
+they could not go; poor fellows, to whom a drink would have seemed so
+much more than to us, who could have it whenever and wherever we
+wanted it.
+
+I will say again, here, as I have said elsewhere once before, that
+though we underwent more danger than many of the soldiers (who were
+not sent, as we were, into every battle), and though we endured
+hardships sufficient to break many strong men, we correspondents had
+this advantage over the rest--that, no matter how light was the
+marching-kit ordered for the troops, we were usually followed by our
+carts, and when these came up with us, we had abundance--and some
+luxuries.
+
+It was my good fortune to be able to replenish the larder of one
+regiment more than once when, between battles, it entertained a
+general or the Commander-in-Chief. We in Roberts's and Methuen's army,
+were never criticised for living as well as we could, but there is a
+story current in army and war correspondent circles to the effect that
+the hero of Omdurman severely rebuked certain correspondents for
+living on a scale which provoked the envy of the officers, and
+demoralised them. One correspondent of the little mess that was thus
+criticised--a man who drank very little himself--is said to have
+utilised one camel solely to carry the champagne with which he
+entertained his friends among the officers. I do not say what I might
+have done had this story been told me earlier, but, as it was, I had
+no camel, and the champagne that kind friends sent me from England
+never reached me.
+
+My stores consisted of poultry in tins, puddings, jams (how good those
+Cape jams are, by the way; they should have a great sale in all
+civilised parts), tinned vegetables, bully beef and bullier tongue and
+ham, preserved fruits, biscuits, figs, cigarettes, cigars, and a
+little most evanescent whisky.
+
+But to get back to the streets of soldier-burdened Bloemfontein; how
+surely, as we assembled in the corner by the office, did the soldiers
+recognise their poet and friend. He looked at all of them in general,
+but all of them stared at him in particular. They passed the word
+from rank to rank, "There's Rudyard Kipling!" and then marched on,
+leaving their eyes on his face while their bodies passed along, until
+it looked as if they must dislocate their necks before they had their
+fill of seeing him.
+
+He was like a comrade when he talked to a private, and talk to them he
+did. Jack tar, Colonial, regular, and Pathan, he talked to all alike.
+
+"How are you getting on? Is your camp all right? Near here? Where was
+your last fight?" So he both introduced himself and set them talking
+and at ease--all in a breath.
+
+But, as I have said, "Tommy" is inscrutable. I stepped one day into a
+German tobacconist's across the street from, and farther along than,
+the Club, and found it packed by soldiers who were being served by an
+insolent German with a portrait of ex-President Steyn in his coat
+lapel.
+
+"Take that picture out of your button-hole," said I. "What do you mean
+by wearing a thing like that when you are under British rule, and have
+been both protected and generously treated?"
+
+"I vill vear vot I shoose," said he.
+
+I made a mental promise to see that he did not wear that emblem much
+longer, and then turning to the soldiers I said, "Men, did you not see
+what this man is wearing? Why do you spend your money on a man whose
+sympathies are with the Boers? Give his shop the cold shoulder, and he
+will soon see that he is making a mistake."
+
+The appeal was in vain. The men instantly began to look very
+uncomfortable. They rolled their eyes up to the ceiling or pinned
+their gaze on the floor. No one said a word or even shot a glance of
+approval in my direction. They did not care. Tommy does not
+care--never cares--about anything, apparently.
+
+I tried to keep my promise. Search was made for that tobacconist, but
+he never served behind his counter after that visit of mine. He saved
+the military the trouble of sending him to Capetown.
+
+Lively days were those for rebels and irreconcilables. The men who had
+most ardently furthered the cause of the Bond and the Transvaal war
+party, and who had the indecency to loiter in the town, were quickly
+weeded out and sent to the Boer prison camp near Capetown. If we could
+not always tell who were our friends, these mischievous wretches were
+worse off, for, ofttimes, their old neighbours, tired of the war and
+awake to the folly of keeping it up, pointed them out to the military,
+and retailed their nauseous histories.
+
+"I feel a little like a lieutenant of Fouché," said one correspondent
+to me. "I had pointed out to me a former editor of one of the local
+papers whose pen was used with vitriol and who did as much as any man
+to degrade and spoil this little country. I was told that he is still
+talking angrily and abusively of us, and I was indignant. I mentioned
+the case to a prominent military officer and in three hours the man
+was a prisoner on his way to Capetown. I feel as if I was living in
+Paris in the French revolution--very creepy and uncomfortable. I shall
+keep my discoveries of such rascals to myself after this."
+
+In this number mine was the leader entitled, "Do we Spare the Rod too
+Much?" A friendly visitor, whose signature "L. D.-J." unfortunately
+fails to recall his full name to my mind, wrote a very interesting
+sketch called "Towards War," which shows with fidelity to the truth
+how the mere process of going to war prepares one for the war itself.
+Mr. Landon wrote the first true account most of us saw or heard of the
+mishap at Karree Siding, where four of our officers were shot, on
+March 23, while riding over the country on a search for forage. Lieut.
+Lygon, who was one of the killed, was an intimate and beloved friend
+of Mr. Landon, who mourned him deeply and most lovingly looked after
+his burial and the proper marking of his grave. Death had come too
+close to all of us far too often, but never quite so close to any one
+of us as in this instance.
+
+Mr. Gwynne's thoughtful essays on the revolutionised science of war
+produced a first reply in this number, from an officer competent to
+discuss the subject. General Sir Henry Colvile wrote with much good
+humour twitting us for the blundering of our compositors, who had made
+a botch of the double acrostic he had so kindly sent us some days
+before. The fact that we were as much to blame as the compositors he
+managed, with extremely clever wording, to make us feel, though he did
+not say so. Those compositors!--were ever men so badly served as we
+were by them? They doubled our work, and though we corrected every
+error they made they often spoiled our efforts at the last by failing
+to carry out our corrections. They were so ingenious as to spell
+struggle "strxxlg," and then to insist that it should appear so in THE
+FRIEND. They invented the new rank of "branch colonel" to take the
+place of brigadier-general or lance-corporal, I cannot remember which.
+I used to think they made this trouble on purpose, for I knew that
+some were Dutch and all had been with the Boers before we came. And
+when secret pro-Boer circulars and incentives to disorder were found
+to have been printed in the town, I had a sneaking suspicion that I
+could guess who were the printers.
+
+We cut the Gordian knot of one of our troubles in this number by
+reducing the price of THE FRIEND to one penny to men of all ranks
+alike.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1900.
+
+BY THE EDITORS.
+
+_To Correspondents._--Please do not write on both sides of your letter
+sheets when you contribute to THE FRIEND.
+
+It's all right to take a kopje on both sides, but you should not send
+it in on both sides.
+
+Some of the Editors are sufficiently profane already.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONCERNING ACROSTICS.
+
+BY MAJOR-GENERAL SIR H. E. COLVILE.
+
+SIR,--"We don't hexpect hart and we don't hexpect hacting, but yer
+might jine yer flats."
+
+It is perhaps too much to expect that the gentleman who sets up the
+type of THE FRIEND should know the usual structure of a
+double-acrostic, or that he should trouble himself with such details
+as my punctuation and spelling; but he might have let my lines
+continue to scan and retain some germ of meaning; and, even if he did
+not realise that the _proem_ was intended for verse, he might have let
+it stand as English prose. His statement that "according to the
+writer" the answer gives "the most appropriate cognomen," &c., is
+interesting, as anything must be that falls from his stick. It further
+reveals a wealth of imagination of which his previous efforts gave us
+no hint.
+
+                                                  H. C.
+                                    Writer of the Double Acrostic
+                                              in Saturday's issue.
+
+_Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900._
+
+(Please don't shoot the Editors, they are doing their best.--ED.,
+FRIEND.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TOWARDS WAR.
+
+BY L. D.-J.
+
+The crowded platform at Waterloo, the groups of men in great-coats
+gathered round figures in ulsters with travelling rugs upon their
+arms; the long train with its dirty painted boards above the carriages
+inscribed "Aldershot," "Basingstoke," "Southampton"; the last joke,
+the last catchword, the last farewell grip of parting hands; the
+sudden remembrance of need of newspaper or sandwich; the bustle and
+hurry of railway officials, servants, late voyagers, or later friends,
+thronging the platform from refreshment-room to bookstall: these tell
+little to the observer of war and its alarms. Only at either end of
+the platform where the great doors of the baggage-brakes yawn upon
+piles of valises, beneath whose white-painted rank, name, regiment,
+the bold initials "S.A.F.F." catch the eye, guarded by soldier
+servants, field-service cap on right eye, uniform hidden under
+collared great-coat; or on the racks of the compartments, where
+curiously shaped tin cases cover the cocked hat or the helmet, and
+where, showing through a bundle of canes, golf-clubs, and polo sticks,
+is seen the clumsy brown leather shape of a sword case, is there a
+hint of military significance, a clue to the tension of the thronged
+faces, taking a farewell under circumstances not of the ordinary.
+
+The Saturday afternoon in December, yellow and dull under the bitter
+black frost which has gripped the heart of the land, as the ill news
+has gripped the heart of the people, which comes to round off a week
+whose despatches have announced the disasters of Stormberg,
+Maghersfontein, Tugela, the threefold defeat on hill and plain and
+river--is no day for cheerful leave-taking. Although every lip is
+silent on the subject of the morning's news, latest and worst of all;
+although the spoken word is all of a brilliant campaign, a stroke of
+luck, a speedy and safe return, there looms before each mind the
+coming list of casualties, the thought of war's inevitable chances,
+the possibility that here and now are some who may never be seen again
+firm-footed on a metropolitan causeway, whose trick of a smile, twist
+of a moustache, and cock of hat upon forehead must become a slowly
+dimming memory through the remnants of a life.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The fire blazes against the frosty draught in the hall of the
+Southampton Hotel. Baggage is piled upon baggage half-ceiling high in
+every corner. Hungry men are hurriedly moving along the corridors
+towards the dining-room, in their travelling suits of tweed or serge.
+At two or three tables family parties are dining together for the last
+time; the women silent, quiet-eyed, smiling but momentarily at the
+sally of light-hearted youth, a sigh ever held in suspense behind kind
+lips and white teeth. The writing-room holds a group of scrawling men,
+finishing final letters, re-iterant of parting phrases, enforcing last
+injunctions, expressing forgotten behests. And at the foot of the
+stairs stand two officers in uniform, both in peaked caps, one
+military, one naval, with white bands upon their sleeves. They are the
+Embarking Staff Officers; they are the first visible sign of war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Grey fog upon the waters, grey fog hanging round the sheds upon the
+wharves, a grey transport with red funnels, towering above the levels
+of water and quay. Cranes rapidly sling guns, wagons, cases, with
+creak, shout and thud over the grey bulwarks. Lines of uncouth figures
+in grey great-coats, and blue red-banded sea-caps, pass
+sight-protected rifles from hand to hand up the steep gangways and
+along between rows of boxes and baggage to the armoury. The saloon is
+filled with lunching officers, their friends and relatives. The last
+toast is lifted in silence to the last lips; and eyes looking over
+brim of wine-glass are eloquent of more than speech is master of. The
+harsh clang of the warning bell, speaking full-voiced the words of
+Destiny, transfers to the grey quay groups of dispirited, saddened
+women, and of men stern-eyed and holding between their teeth and
+under the cover of moustache or beard, minute bleeding portions of
+their inner lips.
+
+On the promenade deck, gay in a scarlet jumper, over-weighted a little
+by his large khaki-covered helmet, leans upon a stanchion a very
+junior subaltern. His boyish, hairless face is blue with the cold
+frost-fog, he is biting very rapidly and nervously at the end of a
+cigar that went out ere half its length was smoked. Looking up at him
+from the wharf below, a group isolated from other groups holds a tall
+lady clad in furs, heavily veiled, her handkerchief peeping from her
+muff, and one arm resting heavily upon that of a grey-haired military
+man, while son and daughter, or nephew and niece, perhaps, gather
+protectingly to her side.
+
+There is still delay. The gangways are removed, but still the hawsers
+hold. The cold compels the watchers on the wharf to take a few
+hurried, swiftly-turned paces up and down its length. The voyagers
+stamp upon the deck, or beat a furtive arm across a swelling chest.
+But they do not turn even for a second from contemplation of that
+shore they may never see again.... A whistle blows, there is the sound
+of a cable slipping through the water, the lady in the furs comes
+hastily forward, puts up her veil a little way and tries to shout. The
+youthful subaltern leans out perilously over the side. The words come
+faintly up.... "Goodbye! Rex.... God bless you!... I know I shall see
+you again...." The lady beats her hand desperately upon her muff, and
+dabs her handkerchief unknowingly against her veil....
+
+The band aft is playing "Auld Lang Syne," a stretch of greenish water
+spreads between ship and shore, a few half-hearted cheers are rising
+through the grey fog, and the sound of a melancholy chapel bell in the
+distant town tells of a half-forgotten Sabbath.... The subaltern's
+eyes no longer see things clearly, and the handkerchief he waves as
+answer to those fluttering along the grey length of the quay is heavy
+and damp....
+
+So we come a little closer to the realities of war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lights flicker and gleam in the dark shade of the poplar trees
+fringing the platform. There is a hush over those who hold space upon
+the gravel before the station-master's office. In the darkness it is
+difficult to see who one's neighbour may chance to be. But voices
+betray the presence of the P.M.O. and half a dozen officers from the
+Field Hospital behind the church. At the other end of the platform lie
+the sinister stretchers of a bearer company laid out in an
+interminable row. Up to the line comes the low melancholy whistle of
+the armoured train....
+
+All day from far beyond the ring of hills that cages the camp upon the
+plain has come the dull booming of heavy guns. There has been a battle
+and there have been losses: this we know. The approaching train is
+bringing in the wounded from the scene of action, but who they may be
+who suffer we have yet to learn. As the light comes round the bend
+above the water-tank, there is a stir among the waiting groups. A
+command rings out, and is followed by the shuffle of feet as the
+bearer company stands to its stretchers. The train glides slowly,
+looming up in its solid armoured squareness between the goods sheds
+and the rolling-stock upon the sidings. It draws into the little
+colonial wayside station with a flash of its headlight that renders
+the platform darker than ever. The form of its commander drops from
+the rear carriage, with its maxim-portals, and its loop-holes for
+rifles, all sliding by dim and grey and sinister. In a low voice he
+tells the P.M.O. "six killed, fourteen wounded. I have brought down
+eight." "Any officers?" questions some one in the background. "Jones
+is killed, and Spindrift missing," comes the response, "and young
+Michael is here, shot in five places." ...
+
+Lanterns swing back and forth, the doctors get into the carriage,
+there is a low, subdued murmur of voices from within; a breath of some
+antiseptic comes from the interior; a groan is audible. Then the
+Bearer Company marches slowly along the edge of the platform. Four men
+enter with their stretcher, and after a painful lapse of time, the
+lanterns swing again, the group stands back a little, and slowly,
+carefully, feet foremost, the first wounded man is brought out, and
+lowered upon his stretcher to the ground. While his blankets are being
+arranged there is time to see him indistinctly: a bandage round his
+head with a dark, tell-tale patch soaking through it, a pale face with
+closed eyes and a pale moustache disarranged across his mouth. Last
+night we dined and drank together. Now, as he is borne off out of
+hearing, the medical officers whisper, "poor chap, there is no hope
+for him; he cannot last the night."
+
+Gradually the armoured train disgorges its unhappy load, the
+stretchers receive their burdens, the marshalled procession goes
+slowly over the line towards the hospital, the medical officers in
+close attendance, and the engine pushes and pulls its bullet-proof
+trucks back through the night to fetch another cargo.
+
+War and its horrors are with us now, and are scarcely so terrible
+after all. Our gradual approach has softened them or possibly hardened
+us--who shall say which?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KARREE SIDING.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+There has been so much misrepresentation of the facts connected with
+the unfortunate incident at Karree Siding on the 23rd that the
+following brief description of what actually occurred may be of
+interest.
+
+A military camp had been formed at the Glen--the point at which the
+railway crosses the Modder River, thirteen miles north of
+Bloemfontein--on the previous day, and Colonel Eyre Crabbe, of the
+Grenadier Guards, had been appointed commandant, with his adjutant,
+Lieutenant Edward Lygon, as his staff officer.
+
+Forage was scarce, and it became necessary to collect a small amount
+from the neighbouring farms. Colonel Crabbe, accompanied by Colonel
+Codrington of the Coldstream Guards, Lieutenant Lygon, Captain
+Trotter, and one orderly, set out after luncheon on Friday for this
+purpose, and, moving out in a northerly direction, visited three
+farms, and then, finding themselves close to the railway office at
+Karree Siding, entered the telegraph room at that place and found that
+the instruments had been removed.
+
+On riding out from the station they saw on a ridge to the north four
+mounted Boers against the sky-line, and Colonel Crabbe, calling out
+"Come on, let us round them up," set out at once in their direction,
+followed by Colonel Codrington and the others. A slight protest was
+made against the danger of the attempt.
+
+The Boers had ridden away to the west, but were still in sight, and
+they were seen attempting to double back over a slight rise in the
+ground strewn with boulders that scarcely deserves the name of a
+kopje.
+
+Believing that the enemy had ridden over and away, the small party
+moved on and divided at the base of this fold, Captain Trotter and
+Lieutenant Lygon moving off to the right, the two Colonels and the
+orderly keeping to the left.
+
+The Boers, however, leaving their horses at the back of the rise, took
+up positions behind the rocks, and opened a well-aimed and constant
+fire upon our men. Colonel Crabbe, whose horse had fallen at the first
+shot, was struck through the forearm and thigh, Colonel Codrington
+received a bullet as he lay on the ground attempting to return the
+fire, and the orderly was wounded in the ankle. Meanwhile firing on
+the other flank continued for two or three minutes, until Lieutenant
+Lygon, who had dismounted and was running forward to gain the cover of
+an anthill, was shot through the heart. Death was instantaneous, even
+Captain Trotter being unaware of it until he turned round, receiving
+at the same moment an expanding bullet through the elbow.
+
+Thus the whole of the small force was now either dead or wounded, and
+Colonel Crabbe surrendered. The Boers instantly came down into the
+open, and, expressing their regret, did all they could to dress the
+wounds, Captain Trotter undoubtedly owing his life to the tourniquet
+applied to his arm.
+
+The wounded men were afterwards carried by the Boers with great care
+to Mr. Maas' farm, and the news was sent back to the Glen by a Kaffir.
+
+Lieutenant Lygon's body was borne back on the following morning, and
+was buried near the small white kraal a hundred yards to the east of
+the railway bridge. The funeral, which took place at sunset on
+Saturday, was most impressive, the entire battalion attending the
+voluntary parade and lining the path between the camp and the grave.
+
+Little comment is needed. Clearly the virtue that runs to a fault has
+here been to blame. The same unquestioning pluck that impels an
+officer in leading his men on the field of battle prompted this
+careless enterprise, with the miserable result we have recorded. We
+have lost--and the loss is the loss of the whole force--one of the
+best and most popular of our younger officers, and of the other
+casualties one at least may prove more serious than was anticipated;
+but at least it is a compensation to remember that, however
+unfortunate the issue, the quiet pluck and discipline of the army have
+been once more tried and not found wanting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DON'T.
+
+_Advice to Looters._
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+Don't call on the Provost Marshal with a couple of live chickens on
+your saddle bow.
+
+Don't attempt to carry off a grand piano on an ammunition waggon; it
+might be noticed.
+
+Don't cook sheep's kidneys ostentatiously in camp; you may be asked
+where you found the sheep.
+
+Don't load your horse with flannel petticoats when carrying a message
+to a general; flannel petticoats are not a part of military equipment.
+
+Don't swagger about camp with an air of repletion when the force is
+subsisting on quarter rations.
+
+Don't try to stuff a pillow into your helmet; it only spoils your
+appearance and gives the show away.
+
+Don't "pick up" anything with the broad arrow on it.
+
+Don't steal a horse from the Club railings when its owner is having a
+whisky and soda; it is distinctly dangerous.
+
+Don't "steal" a horse at all, but let it "wander into your lines."
+
+Don't drive a flock of sheep across the pond of the Headquarter Staff;
+they might delay the Commander-in-Chief and make him angry.
+
+Don't wear a bunch of false hair in your hat; it was never served out
+to you.
+
+Don't carry ladies' silk stockings in your wallets; they won't fit
+you.
+
+Don't shout out in camp, "Who's stolen my silk umbrella?" People might
+ask you where you got it from.
+
+Don't avoid ostentatiously the Provost Marshal as he rides along;
+greet him kindly and openly and perhaps he will not suspect you.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SMALL AMMUNITION.
+
+At Colesberg, in one of the numerous cavalry fights, an old Boer was
+held at mercy by a lancer who had his lance ready to strike. "Moe nie!
+Moe nie!" cried the old man, which, being translated, means "Don't,
+don't!" The lancer, however, didn't understand Dutch, and replied, "I
+don't want your money, I want your life," but the renewed appeal was
+too piteous, and the old man was taken prisoner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+"VIVE LA COMPAGNIE"
+
+     _Four Correspondents Dine the General, the Governor, and
+     Rudyard Kipling, and Produce_ THE FRIEND _as well_.
+
+
+"Alles zal recht komen" were the words of the late President Brand,
+true friend of the English, which were graven on the pedestal of his
+statue before the doors of the Residency. We repeated them in new
+"tabs" beside the heading of our paper on March 28th, with an amended
+English translation facing them: "All has come right."
+
+"All shall come right," we said, in our editorial, "was the motto of
+the late Orange Free State. What a prophet was he who conceived it,
+and how quickly has come the fruition of his prophecy! All has come
+right."
+
+We published an appreciative editorial upon Sir Alfred Milner, who had
+come on the previous day upon a visit to Lord Roberts. It was written
+by Mr. Landon. Mr. Kipling contributed more "Kopje-Book Maxims," and
+bore a heavy hand in the production of an amusing column, entitled,
+"The Military Letter Writer."
+
+This was the way that column came into being. Mr. Landon, Mr. Kipling,
+and I were in the poet's bedroom when Mr. Landon produced a model
+letter-writer which he had found somewhere. I take great credit for
+the phrase "found somewhere"; it might, with any other man than Mr.
+Landon, be so full and rich in meaning. The book professed to be a
+sober guide to the young and the ignorant in the paths of epistolary
+literature; therefore it was bound to be supremely funny. We screamed
+over what Landon read to us out of it.
+
+Said Mr. Kipling: "Let's write some model military letters," and, as
+was his wont, he seized a pencil and paper and began to write No. 1,
+reading as he wrote. He urged us both to contribute, and Mr. Landon
+tried with much good intent, while I wished to do so, but could not
+begin to keep pace with the poet. Instant collaboration is almost
+always impossible, especially where the inspiration comes to one man
+who is seized by it, and begins to give it expression before his
+companions can match their minds with his. Therefore Mr. Kipling went
+on and on, and Mr. Landon took the block and pencil and wrote as Mr.
+Kipling talked. Thus were produced letter No. 1 and the italicised
+introduction to No. 2; the rest Mr. Landon arranged and edited out of
+his book.
+
+The column was pieced out at the end with No. 3 of Mr. Kipling's
+"Fables for the Staff," which was, therefore, hidden in a bottom
+corner of the page--a stroke of genius on the part of those whom we
+anathematised collectively in the singular number as "The Dutch
+Compositor."
+
+Mr. Buxton had been called away to Capetown just after Mr. Kipling's
+arrival, and my associates, hag-ridden by the confusion and annoyances
+consequent upon the lack of a practised head to the little
+institution, had thrust upon me the honour and hard work of what may
+be called the managing editor's place. Thenceforth it was my duty to
+deal with the gnomes in the dust hall, the retiring and reticent
+cashier in another building, and the inmates of the Home for Boer
+Compositors, otherwise known as the office of the late unlamented
+_Express_. When I saw the genius of the Master thrust to the bottom
+corner of the paper, or made grotesque by mis-spelling and exhibitions
+of "pi," I felt that I alone was to blame, and hid myself and vowed to
+produce better results if I had to set up the type myself.
+
+From an able major of Engineers we received for this number a
+confident and well-studied reply to Mr. Gwynne's articles on the
+effects of the war upon military science.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: The Dinner of the 28th of March 1900 At Bloemfontein.
+
+_1st page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: _2nd page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: MENU.
+
+  Tomato Soup.
+
+  Boiled Salmon.
+  Parsley Sauce.
+
+  Fricassee of Chicken.
+  Braized Ox Tail.
+
+  Roast Sirloin of Beef.
+
+  Roast Turkey.
+
+  Salad.
+  Potatoes.
+  French Beans.
+
+  Cabinet Pudding.
+  Blanc Mange.
+  Jellies.
+
+  Anges a Cheral.
+
+  Cheese. Coffee.
+
+  _3rd page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: Alles zal recht komen.
+
+_4th page of Menu._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This was the day upon which Mr. Landon, Mr. Gwynne, Mr. James Barnes,
+and myself were to entertain at dinner Sir Alfred Milner, Lord
+Roberts, and Rudyard Kipling. The _menus_ had been printed under the
+eye of Mr. Landon, and were very distinguished examples of plain
+typography. As twenty-four were to be used, we gave twelve each to Mr.
+W. B. Wollen, R.I., and to Mr. Lester Ralph, war artists with the
+army, requesting these able friends to do their best to produce on
+each guest's _menu_ a picture illustrative of some exploit or leading
+characteristic of the recipient. A very notable series of drawings
+resulted--so notable that the Field-Marshal, whose own card showed him
+in the act of receiving the Keys of Bloemfontein, asked to see them
+all. When, toward the end of the repast, each man wrote his name
+on every _menu_, you may be certain those bits of pasteboard bearing
+the simple words, "The Dinner of the 28th of March, Bloemfontein,
+1900," leaped high in value, and in the jealous pride of every man who
+had one.
+
+That was a dinner! An affair as unique and as singular an episode of
+war as--as, let us say, THE FRIEND itself. Beside the great General,
+the High Commissioner, and the Poet of the Empire, we had with us
+General Pretyman, Military Governor of the town; General
+Forestier-Walker, the courtly commander of the Lines of Communication;
+the gallant, debonair Pole-Carew; the redoubtable flashing-eyed Hector
+Macdonald; the polished Sir Henry Colvile; Colonel Otter, the leader
+of the men with the maple-leaf; Lord Stanley, diplomat and censor;
+Lord Kerry; Colonel Girourd, binder of new Empire-fractions with
+threads of steel; Colonel Hanbury Williams, the High Commissioner's
+right hand; Colonel Neville Chamberlain, veteran at Empire
+building--and then our comrade-historians of the pen and pencil, W. B.
+Wollen, R.I., Lester Ralph, H. F. P. Battersby, A. B. Paterson, H. C.
+Shelley, and W. Blelock. We had invited Lord Kitchener, but he was
+away at Prieska. On his return he expressed his regret that he had not
+participated in this historic gathering. Excepting Lord Kitchener,
+whose field of endeavour was so ably represented, only Mr.
+Chamberlain, of all the great empire builders of the day, was missing.
+
+We dined at the railway station, because it had the largest room and
+best cook in the new colony.
+
+I hear the band outside. I see a carriage roll up, and Sir Alfred
+Milner springs out, spare-framed and visaged like an eagle. The
+Field-Marshal follows him, precise in movement, gentle of mien but
+erect and firm as steel, with long usage of command resting as light
+and firm upon him as if he was born with it. I see the two leaders
+halt and urge one another to take the lead, but Lord Roberts is the
+firmer and will not go first. Again at the door of the dining-hall the
+two great men halt and dispute with pantomimic gestures, each anxious
+to honour the other. When the toasts came, and Mr. Landon told Sir
+Alfred Milner that he was to be toasted first, the High Commissioner
+exclaimed, "It's absolutely wrong." Mr. Landon replied, "I am under
+orders. I must obey Lord Roberts," for the Field-Marshal had already
+been consulted. All the others are in the room, under the flaming flag
+and the huge paper roses. We dine--better than at the Residency--upon
+several courses and with good wine a-plenty.
+
+I see my handsome and gifted colleague, Mr. Landon, rise to toast the
+High Commissioner. What's this we hear? He is welcoming the Viceroy as a
+brother in journalism, a newspaper man like ourselves. Up rises the man
+who lives in the heart of care and the furnace of dissension--pale,
+grave, concentrated, like one who thinks of but one thing and has but
+one thing to do--and that a thing gigantic. He replies that it is true
+that he was once a writer like ourselves; that he enjoyed those days;
+that he made delightful friends and spent glad hours in them; that he
+has had much to do with the gentlemen of the Press in Capetown, and that
+his relations with all have been without a flaw. After that he speaks
+but little of the heart of care where his official bed is laid, or of
+the furnace blasts of treason and of discord round his chair at the
+Cape, but, with unassumed modesty, calls our attention to the military
+magician across the table and to what he has done.
+
+It is Mr. Gwynne who rises next--one of the very best-equipped war
+correspondents with the British forces, both as a campaigner and a
+critic of war, and high among the best as a writer. It is fitting that
+he should introduce the Field-Marshal, for he is liked and trusted by
+his distinguished guest, who has discovered, I fancy, that under the
+correspondent's khaki beats the heart of the soldier.
+
+Lord Roberts replied that he was very proud to be the guest of the war
+correspondents. He liked to have them with him, and he was glad when
+they criticised whatever was amiss, for he profited by reading what
+they said. Turning to us, the Field-Marshal remarked, "You share all
+our hardships and exposure. All the troops do not engage in every
+battle, but you go to all, so that you experience even more danger
+than most of us. May I call you 'comrades'?"
+
+I remember that he spoke earnestly of the work Sir Alfred Milner was
+doing, and credited that statesman with the most difficult task of any
+man who served the Empire. One other bit of his address I recall--a
+mere phrase, but a remarkable one: "The gentlemen I command--my
+gentlemanly army."
+
+It was my good fortune to introduce Rudyard Kipling--a delicate as
+well as a proud task, because I knew that fulsome praise, or even the
+most honest appreciation, would make him uncomfortable. I remember
+that I spoke of the narrow compass of Shakspere's renown in his day,
+and the world-wide fame of a man like Kipling in these days of
+multitudinous newspapers and telegraphs and cables.
+
+"Gentlemen," said the poet, "you remember the story of the artist
+Whistler in Paris. An admirer came to him and said: 'Master, you and
+Velasquez are the greatest exponents of the art of painting.' 'True,
+true,' said Mr. Whistler, 'but why drag in Velasquez?' (A pause.) In
+all sincerity I ask you why need you drag in Shakspere? There is not a
+name in all literature more disheartening to those who try to do a bit
+of earnest work at writing. There is not a thought, an emotion, a
+picture, a bit of description that has not been written before--and
+written much better than we can write it--by William. We found a
+volume of his works in the office of THE FRIEND. Take war. In 'Henry
+V.' you will find all that can be written--all the glory and all the
+shame, all the valour and the sordidness, the excitement and the
+pomp--you will find it all in 'Henry V.' better than any one can write
+it now. In all sincerity, then, I ask you, why drag in Shakspere?
+
+"I propose to you to-night, gentlemen, the health of the man who has
+taught the British Empire its responsibilities, and the rest of the
+world its power, who has filled the seas with transports, and the
+earth with the tramp of armed men, who has made Cape Town see in Table
+Bay such a sight as she never saw before and, please God, will never
+see again; who has turned the loafer of the London streets into a man,
+and called out him who led our fathers to Kandahar, and who knew not
+what he did; who has made the Uitlander of South Africa stand shoulder
+to shoulder with the boundary rider of New Zealand, and taught the
+men of New South Wales to pick up the wounded men who wear the maple
+leaf--and all in support of the mother-country. Gentlemen, I give you
+the name of the Empire-builder--Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger."
+
+After the great guests went home a dozen or fifteen of us remained and
+enjoyed an impromptu little sing-song, when this to me touching and
+singular incident occurred. General Pole-Carew came to me and said,
+"Your son Lester should go home and to bed. He is in a high fever. I
+know what it means, for I have had it six times. Look after him well."
+My son was then in the thirteenth day of an attack of enteric, about
+which he had said not a word to any one. In that condition he had
+drawn the pictures on the _menus_ of Lord Roberts, General Pole-Carew,
+General French (who could not come), Lord Stanley, General Colvile,
+Colonel Otter, Mr. Kipling, and others. Lester, on hearing what the
+General had said, declared it was no news to him and, after thanking
+the General, went home and to bed. There, until we could get him to a
+hospital, Mr. Kipling nursed him with consummate skill and the
+gentleness of a woman; interesting and, to me, precious memories of a
+world in which some of us find too few of such suggestions of the
+better world to come.
+
+In this "Free State Hospital," with the ministrations of the matron,
+Miss Young, and her devoted lady nurses, the same strong essence of
+unselfishness made the siege of sickness a period of pleasure.
+Generals, colonels, correspondents and all of the salt of the army
+went there often to cheer the patients--one of whom was Mr. Oppenheim
+of the _Daily News_.
+
+We four private men, who gave this dinner in our own name to our own
+friends, have been a great deal criticised, but it is a noticeable
+fact that the only critics are the men who were not invited to the
+feast.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+No. 10] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+GOVERNMENT NOTICE.
+
+Notice is hereby given that, communication with the Cape Colony having
+been restored, the Laws and Regulations of the Customs Convention have
+been put into force by virture of the proclamation of Field-Marshal
+Lord Roberts, dated the 20th instant, and that from and after this
+date Government Notice, No. 106, published in the "Gouvernements
+Courant" of the 27th October, 1899, by which the Customs dues on
+provisions and merchandise were temporarily suspended will be
+considered null and void, in so far as those portions of the State now
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops are concerned.
+
+  By order
+            J. H. MEIRING, Collector of Customs.
+                       Customs' House, Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is necessary that all State and private property in the
+South African Republic and the Orange Free State shall be protected
+from wanton destruction and damage,
+
+NOW THEREFORE;
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby give notice that all persons
+who, within the territories of the South African Republic or the
+Orange Free State shall authorise or be guilty of the wanton
+destruction or damage or the counselling, aiding, or assisting in the
+wanton destruction or damage of public or private property (such
+destruction or damage not being justified by the usages and customs of
+civilised warfare), will be held responsible in their persons and
+property for all such wanton destruction and damage.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Twenty-sixth day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
+
+              ROBERTS,
+                     Field Marshal,
+             Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SIR ALFRED MILNER.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+The High Commissioner of South Africa left Bloemfontein after the
+mercifully abortive conference on June 6th of last year. Yesterday he
+re-entered the town. The interval has been for some a time of hard
+fighting, for all a time of anxiety, and amid the enthusiasm of his
+welcome to the capital, his strong confidence during the darker days,
+his unswerving fidelity to the high ideal of his Imperial work, must
+be in the minds of all.
+
+His entry into Bloemfontein, the capital of one of the two colonies
+destined to fall into line with the progress of United South Africa,
+is an occasion that will be recognised by the historian of this war as
+closing one "swelling act of the Imperial theme."
+
+Half--perhaps more than half--of Lord Roberts' work has been done; the
+greater part of Sir Alfred Milner's task lies still before him. In
+welcoming him within its walls Bloemfontein does not forget that long
+after the transports have sailed with the last of the troops of the
+expedition, the High Commissioner will still be confronted with a
+gigantic work, requiring alike foresight, tact, and strength of will.
+And Bloemfontein, like the rest of the Empire, is well content to
+leave in the hands of Sir Alfred Milner the solution of the problem
+upon the right interpretation of which the fortunes of this enormous
+federation must depend.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"DRIVING THE OX."
+
+  Sing they who will of the Yeomen Imperial,
+    Gillies, Scouts, "Tigers," and bold C.I.V.;
+  Others may hold to more usual material,
+    Horse, Foot, and Rifles, and Artillerie.
+  But there's a corps with its name writ in History--
+    Bold they as lions and steadfast as rocks--
+            Gaily we'll troll our song,
+            Slow as we stroll along--
+            Trickle and roll along--
+                    Driving the Ox!
+
+  But when the war-cloud frowns thicker and lowereth,
+    When the quick-moving battalions are met;
+  Not where the soft-hissing bullet most showereth,
+    Not in the forefront our places are set.
+  Still drive we on, though a day's march in rear we be,
+    O'er veldt and vlei, with the mud to our hocks--
+            Still will we push along,
+            Nor sadly hush our song,
+            Though we don't rush along,
+                  Driving the Ox!
+
+  Fill, then, a cup to the Beeves of Her Majesty,
+    Long in the rear may their colours be seen!
+  Heavy their loads, but their hearts light as anything,
+    Doing strong work for their country and Queen.
+  What though they jeer who sweep by with the mounted troops?
+    Treat we as nought all their jibes and their mocks.
+            Though ne'er a fight we'll see,
+            Cheerful and bright we'll be,
+            We're a grand sight to see,
+                  Driving the Ox!
+
+                                 "OLD MAN."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here by
+permission.]
+
+THE PERSUASIVE POM-POM.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+III.
+
+A Field-Artillerist passing a newly-imported Pom-pom overwhelmed it
+with Contumely, saying, "What has a Gunner to do with an Unqualified
+Sewing-machine?"
+
+To this the virtuous Mechanism returned no answer, but communicated
+these Atrocious Sentiments to a fellow Pom-pom in the Opposing Army
+which, later, catching the Field-battery crossing a Donga, gave it
+Ten-a-penny for two Minutes to the Confusion of all concerned.
+
+"Alas!" said the Field-artillerist as he watched his Leg disassociate
+itself from the Remainder of his Anatomy, "Who would have thought that
+an Implement officially rejected by the War Office and what is more,
+damned by Myself, could have done so neat a Trick?"
+
+MORAL. Do not condemn the Unofficial. It hits hard.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MILITARY LETTER WRITER.
+
+FORMS AND MODELS.
+
+BY TWO OF THE EDITORS AND THE AUTHOR OF A GUIDE TO POLITE LETTER
+WRITING.
+
+No. I.
+
+(_From a General of Division unshaven for eight days who lost his
+horse, which he had lately commandeered from a subaltern of transport,
+after having dined not wisely but too well at a Cavalry Camp, five
+miles from his own tent, to which he was conducted through a
+rain-storm by an inebriated signaller, to Captain Vanderbyl of the
+Ninety-Third Field Hospital, given by voluntary subscriptions, of
+which the larger part remain to this day unpaid, so that the hospital
+is without bandages, lint or beds, whom he suspects of being accessory
+to the animal's disappearance._)
+
+RESPECTED SIR:--
+
+It is with deep pain that I take my pen in hand to trespass on your
+valuable time, but the imperative needs of the case must be my
+justification.
+
+Twelve happy hours ago I was the proud, and I may add, the lawful
+possessor of a bay mare, off fore foot white, white blaze and snip,
+near hind pastern marked by heel rope, unshod in front and ear nicked,
+which I think I left with a man with two heads but that may have been
+on account of the sherry and bitters and she was tied up to the
+railings because my boy forgot the blanket and I borrowed one from the
+hospital but anyhow I know that when I came out she was a lousy mule
+and the saddle cost £6 10s. at the Army and Navy Stores and I may as
+well tell you at once if you have tried to dispose of it that they are
+marked all over with my name and rank. Therefore, Augustus Burstem,
+General of Division presents his compliments to Captain Vanderbyl and
+everybody in the camp knows the mule is yours and besides your boy was
+seen grooming her at the back of your tent this morning. I want it
+back by bearer.
+
+  Yours sincerely,
+                  AUGUSTUS BURSTEM,
+                                     General.
+
+
+No. II.
+
+(_From a saddle-chafed officer of the Staff with Evangelical
+convictions and a rooted distaste for Scouting, who has just come off
+a 10 days' march on quarter rations and has lost half his transport
+and 7 men by advancing in close order upon the white flag to his
+General, who has a taste for horse-racing and profanity and a good
+seat across country, seventeen and a half hours after his return to
+camp, and seventeen and one quarter hours after the General had
+expressed his (the General's) opinion upon his (the Captain's) facial
+peculiarities, mental attainments, moral rectitude, birth, parentage,
+and probable future._)
+
+MY DEAR SIR,--
+
+I have been much perplexed for some days, in consequence of a growing
+conviction--which has indeed been deepening for some weeks--that we
+are each of us conscious that we have made a mistake in becoming
+engaged. I believe you have this conviction, as I am obliged to
+confess I have. Now it is infinitely better that we face it at once. I
+would gladly be convinced that we have not been mistaken; and if I am
+wrong in believing that this thought has been in your mind as well as
+my own, pray forgive me for having misjudged you. How else can I
+account for the depression which seems to rule you when in my company,
+and for the apparent relief which parting seems to bring you? Now,
+will you do yourself and me the justice to ask yourself seriously
+whether or no (I) have at all correctly gauged your feeling? If so, I
+would wish to release you, for your own sake as well as for mine. It
+really seems that we have each discovered that our ideals are not to
+be found in each other. If so we shall respect each other none the
+less in future years that we had the courage to confess to each other
+that we have been mistaken. Kindly write when you are sure of the
+answer which you are sending.
+
+  Faithfully yours,
+                                                WALTER.
+
+It is interesting to note that this and the following letter are taken
+literally word for word from a well-known "Letter-writer." Thus we see
+the adaptability of these invaluable helps to the epistolary art. It
+will not be necessary to suggest the original suggested circumstances
+of this correspondence.
+
+
+No. 3.
+
+THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.
+
+DEAR WALTER,--I have taken a few days to sift my thoughts on the
+subject of your last. The conclusion that I have come to is
+practically the same as yours. I have no blame to lay on you; on the
+contrary, you have been most kind and considerate in all things. No
+doubt, without intending it, we have been both mistaken; and although
+we have honestly tried to be all to each other, yet that mysterious
+something which is perhaps best expressed by the word "affinity" has
+been lacking. So, without in the least losing my respect for
+you--rather it has increased--I accept the proposal contained in your
+last, viz., that our engagement should cease.
+
+  Sincerely yours,
+                                     B. I. TUMEN, Genl.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+UNITED WE STAND.
+
+BY TROOPER G. SIMES, F SQUADRON, ROBERTS' HORSE.
+
+  Who are these hasting with speed o'er the ocean,
+    Meeting together in one common cause,
+  Proving by deeds and a whole-souled devotion,
+    Their love for our Flag and contempt for the Boers?
+
+  These are the oversea sons of one mother,
+    Some bred in sunshine and some bred in snow;
+  Meeting together as brother with brother,
+    One common kindred 'gainst one common foe.
+
+  Bright sunny land in the far-off Pacific,
+    Fit habitation for men such as these,
+  Proving their birthright in battle terrific,
+    Sons of the Mother though bred overseas.
+
+  Grand snow-clad land on the stormy Atlantic,
+    Home of our brothers who fight with us here--
+  Proving by deeds most high-souled and romantic
+    Their love for their country we all hold so dear.
+
+  This be our comfort and this be our beacon--
+    Blood that was shed has but bound us together,
+  No power can conquer, no quarrels shall weaken
+    The Rose and the Maple, the Wattle and Heather!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TEN-A-PENNY'S.[8]
+
+[Footnote 8: "Ten-a-Penny" was a soldiers' nickname for the Pom-pom.
+"The ----y Doorknocker" it was christened in the Highland Brigade. The
+word "Pom-pom" came first into use immediately after the battle of
+Modder River.]
+
+A certain General has breathed vengeance against two of the Editors of
+THE FRIEND, threatening to put them in his guard-room if he finds them
+within his lines. They are not afraid of him, but prefer to admire him
+as of old. They scorn his threats but will welcome an invitation to
+lunch.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A linesman describing the arrival of the Guards Brigade at
+Bloemfontein after they had covered 41 miles in 22 hours: "An' they
+come in the last mile like a lot o' bloomin' Park hacks, steppin' 'igh
+an' dressin' most particular."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A French waiter at a Parisian café recently heard the news of
+Kimberley's relief, and observed joyously: "Bon! Fashoda finds itself
+avenged. Behold, ze English again in the consommée, for ze French are
+in Kimberley!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Look here! You get away from this antheap. This is my antheap. There
+are plenty around, and you find one for yourself." The hail of Mauser
+bullets from the kopje was pretty heavy, and the nearest antheap at
+least fifty yards away, so the other Grahamstown man disputed the
+uitlander theory of his comrade, and insisted on staying. "Confound
+you, get away I tell you; your big feet are drawing the fire; if you
+don't I'll break your neck." "You shut up," said the other, "this
+antheap is as much mine as yours, besides if you talk of breaking
+necks, well----" There appeared to be no further conversation, but the
+officer observed the two men suddenly arise and a hot set-to followed.
+The fire was too hot for immediate inquiry, but after a prolonged
+round one man was knocked down, the other drew him behind the disputed
+shelter, and resumed patient firing at the enemy.
+
+Later a request was made for orders regarding the possession of
+antheaps by irregulars.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A well-known scout returning from Kimberley last week was taken
+prisoner at Modder River by a party of eight Boers. He was sent in
+charge of two burghers to the Boer camp near Brandfort. On the way the
+Boers off-saddled and their horses strayed. Leaving their prisoner
+alone with their guns and ammunition, which they had laid down, they
+went after the horses. Here was an excellent opportunity. Both Boers
+were at his mercy, but it looked too much like murder, so awaiting
+their return, the scout, who could speak the Taal, appealed to them
+to let him go, telling them that he could easily have shot them, but
+the war was nearly over, and he would not take men's lives in that
+way; further, that it would greatly inconvenience him to be taken
+North, and he might be able to put in a good word for them soon, if
+their farms should be in danger. After an hour's palaver they agreed
+to give him a show, and told him he could go. They then escorted him
+to the river and showed him the road to Bloemfontein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PONT FILLED WITH BULLION.
+
+This is the story of two men who, unarmed, and without a guard brought
+£25,000 in bullion from Capetown to Bloemfontein, through a country
+still seething with dangers of war. The men were L. L. Michell,
+general manager of the Standard Bank of South Africa, and W. Munro du
+Preez, formerly of the National Bank of Harrismith, now teller of the
+Standard Bank's new Bloemfontein branch, which opened to-day in the
+building on Market Square, formerly occupied by the Café Royal and
+later by the Military Post Office.
+
+They left Capetown on Thursday a week ago, with twelve boxes of
+specie, each one of which weighed eighty pounds. For six days they
+lived, ate, and slept on those boxes. Their only holiday was at
+Naauwpoort, when they paid a high compliment to six A. and S.
+Highlanders by putting the boxes in their charge and going out to
+stretch their legs. For hundreds of miles the train ran through
+desolate karoo in which a band of train robbers would have stood a
+fair chance of success. At Colesberg the twelve heavy boxes were
+piled out again on the platform and into the ladies' waiting-room and
+the weary bankers stretched out on them, for the night.
+
+There was to have been a military guard for the gold at Norval's Pont,
+but somehow the guard did not connect. The bank men found themselves
+stalled at a broken bridge, with the choice of trusting their bullion
+to a thin wire rope slung across the broken spans, or putting it on a
+pont that formed a rope ferry across the river. They chose the pont.
+
+The train from Capetown reached Orange River at 2 o'clock on Tuesday
+afternoon. The train on the north side of the river had to wait until
+7 o'clock for the gold.
+
+The transfer across the river was the most interesting part of the
+journey. Messrs. Michell and du Preez deny that their interest had
+anything of anxiety in it. They trusted the twelve sweating volunteers
+who wandered wide from the train to the pont with its 960 pounds
+avoirdupois and 25,000 pounds sterling. Du Preez walked at the head of
+the volunteers and Michell at the tail. The volunteers seemed to be
+walking all over the country.
+
+So the twelve boxes were finally slammed into the guard's van on the
+north side of the river, and the bank manager and his teller clambered
+in on top of them. If there was a military guard on the train they
+didn't have the comfort of knowing it. They had been told that all the
+Boers were giving in their arms and that the country through which
+they rode was thoroughly pacified, but then, as du Preez said, "when
+you are travelling with twelve boxes of bullion you can't be dead sure
+of anything."
+
+When the train reached Bloemfontein on Wednesday, the boxes were
+taken at once to the vaults of the National Bank of the Orange Free
+State, and the two men, wearied by their six days' vigil, went at once
+to bed, and to sleep.
+
+Mr. Michell, who manages the Standard Bank affairs in all parts of
+South Africa, is only temporarily in Bloemfontein. Mr. D. Savory,
+formerly of the branch bank at Oudtshoorn, will be manager of the
+Bloemfontein branch. Mr. A. S. D. Robertson, formerly in the branch
+bank at Ceres, will be accountant, and Mr. du Preez will be teller.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+WE LEAVE "THE FRIEND" TO SEE A FIGHT
+
+     _The Thirteenth Number, produced by Mr. James Barnes of New
+     York._
+
+
+The last of the dinner was still in our mouths, the last words in
+answer to the toasts had not been spoken five hours when, at daybreak
+on the 29th, we were all, except Mr. James Barnes, on the way to the
+battle of the Glen (or of Karree Siding, as it is sometimes called).
+Mr. Barnes most kindly remained to take entire control of THE FRIEND,
+which is to say that he undertook the work of four men, and had as his
+only assistant a bright young American journalist from Philadelphia,
+Mr. Joseph W. Jenkins. This young gentleman had worked hard and
+gratuitously for us from the first as the gatherer of the news of the
+little capital, and very fertile and versatile he proved.
+
+Mr. Bennet Burleigh took Mr. Kipling to the fight in his Cape-cart,
+and they started out with more style and comfort than an Oriental
+general swaying on the cushioned howdah of his elephant charger. But
+the course of a day in war is as uncertain as that of love or as the
+nature of the white men, and, early in the day, the Poet of the Empire
+was under a hot Mauser fire. Far from being nervous or regretting the
+experience, he seemed to feel only the tingle of the excitement. If
+you could get him to refer to it you saw that he rejoiced to have felt
+the breath and heard the weird, low song of the leaden rain.
+
+For myself I had such an inglorious escapade as no man would care to
+dwell upon who was in a war to get the best or the worst, but not to
+be incapacitated by what could have happened at home. In a word, I
+went into a wire fence off the back of a frightened racehorse, and was
+obliged to go on to the battle, belated and with both fore-arms torn
+into strips, not to speak of injuries which must stay by me as
+mementoes of the day so long as I live.
+
+Mr. Barnes's number of THE FRIEND was a good one. His editorial, "As
+to the Future," was very vigorous, and must have pleased Sir Alfred
+Milner, who did us the honour to say that he valued the paper as a
+most efficient arm of the effort to pacify and reconcile to their fate
+our neighbours of the Free State. He suggested to me that we should
+address ourselves more directly to the Boers, and always with a view
+to impressing them with our magnanimous intentions, and the benefits
+and advantages of enlightened British rule. It was his suggestion,
+also, that all articles calculated to encourage resignation on their
+part should be duplicated in the Taal language, and this wise plan we
+began at once to endeavour to follow. We succeeded but feebly, because
+we did not know the Taal ourselves, and we could not trust the
+majority of the sometimes "slim" ones among the few who were able to
+perform the work of translation creditably.
+
+In this number of the paper Mr. Barnes published No. 4 of Mr.
+Kipling's "Fables for the Staff," and the poem by Mr. Kipling on
+Perceval Landon's birthday. "A Realistic Comedy," by an anonymous
+writer, the third of Mr. Gwynne's articles on the art of war, and a
+bit of a brief correspondence between the army telegraphists and Mr.
+Bennet Burleigh were also in this entertaining number.
+
+Mr. Barnes was exceedingly well liked by all who knew him in the army,
+and was much sought as a companion, for his unvarying good humour and
+for such a fund of anecdotes, songs, and imitations as was possessed
+by no one else of our acquaintance. I think the best of his anecdotes
+of his own experiences in the war was concerning the Boer losses at
+Driefontein. The British had found more than sixty bodies, and knew
+that fifty other Boers had been killed. (I will not say that these are
+the exact figures, but they give a just idea of the actual losses of
+the Boers.) Nevertheless, when Barnes questioned a Boer prisoner taken
+at that battle, the man said that his force had suffered a loss of
+only eight killed.
+
+"Then who is it that gets killed by our bullets in all these fights?"
+Barnes asked. "We fight you, and after each battle we see the dead
+being carried off; we find other dead on the field, and we see the
+loose mounds of earth under which you have hastily buried others. Who
+are these dead men?"
+
+"I don't know," said the prisoner, "our commandant said we only had
+eight men killed at Abraham's Kraal (Driefontein)."
+
+"I understand," said Barnes. "He must know how many you lost. But we
+saw over sixty dead bodies where you had been fighting. Whose bodies
+do you suppose they were? Not Boers, of course, but still, they
+belonged to some people who had been shot. There seems to be in South
+Africa a mysterious race of people who follow you around in this war
+and persist in getting in the way of our bullets. I should think you
+would warn them of their danger, or give orders for them to stop
+coming to all the battles. They may have wives and children who mourn
+them; at all events, they are not needed as filters in all the rivers,
+or for starting informal cemeteries all over the veldt as they have
+been doing ever since the fighting began. I wonder what people they
+are."
+
+"I don't know. We only lost eight," said the Boer.
+
+"And we buried sixty," said Barnes. "Really you ought to find out who
+these bullet-stoppers are, and warn them not to be always getting
+killed by us who have no quarrel with them and are only trying to
+shoot Boers."
+
+Another of Mr. Barnes's tales is of that awful daybreak massacre at
+Maghersfontein. Mr. Barnes was forging ahead to learn what had
+happened when he met three men in kilts dashing over the veldt, away
+from the battle.
+
+"Here," Mr. Barnes cried, "who are you? Where are you going?"
+
+"Oh, mon," said one of the poor unnerved chaps, "we are a' that's left
+o' the ---- ----."
+
+In defence of themselves against some inconvenience which Mr. Burleigh
+had complained, some telegraphers of the R.E. Corps declared that the
+staff in Bloemfontein "performed seventeen hours last Sunday in order
+to remove pressure produced to a great extent by work other than
+military. Whilst every other arm of the service had been enjoying a
+brief and well-earned rest, our portion has consisted of at least
+twelve hours' hard work at the instrument, cooped up in a room reeking
+with a pestilential atmosphere which has, in several cases, produced
+violent vomiting.
+
+"After all, we can nurse to our breasts the satisfaction that our
+gallant Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to specially thank the
+much-despised corps for the indispensable services rendered by it."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 11.] BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1900. [Price One Penny
+
+GOVERNMENT NOTICE.
+
+By order of his Lordship the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the
+British Forces in South Africa, it is notified that Quit Rents on
+Farms should now be paid in to the Receiver at the Landdrost's Office.
+Amounts not paid on or before the 31st May, 1900, are liable to be
+doubled.
+
+                                     JAMES A. COLLINS, Landdrost.
+                Landdrost's Office, Bloemfontein, March 26, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[9]
+
+[Footnote 9: Copyrighted, used by the author's permission.]
+
+VAIN HORSES.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+IV.
+
+A Cavalry-horse of indubitable Valour, carrying a complete Wardrobe
+Office and Housekeeping Apparatus on his back, met by chance a Boer
+pony of unprepossessing Exterior.
+
+"My ungroomed Friend," said the Horse, "let me draw your attention to
+my Master's portable Bath, Umbrella, Typewriter, Hair Brushes,
+Dressing-case, and complete Service of Plate; also to my own spare
+Shoes and cold Collation for the next Week. Few I opine enjoy such
+luxurious appointments."
+
+"They are indeed _fin de siècle_ and _non-plus-ultra_," remarked the
+ewe-necked Son of the Veldt, "but You must excuse Me for I see my
+Master approaching. He does not use Hair-brushes, and I have neither
+spare shoes nor curry combs."
+
+"Then I must trouble you to return as my Prisoner," said the Horse.
+
+"On the contrary," replied the Child of the ungrassed Kopje; "it is a
+condition and not a theory that confronts us. Let me draw your
+attention to my scintillatery heels."
+
+So saying the Unkempt Equine departed in a neat cloud of Dust, from
+the Centre of which his Master scientifically shot the Cavalry Horse
+in the Abdomen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BIRTHDAY GREETING.[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: The birthday of Mr. Perceval Landon. Copyrighted, and
+used here by permission.]
+
+(29th March.)
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  Tell the smiling Afric morn,
+    Let the stony kopje know,
+  Landon of the _Times_ was born
+    One and thirty years ago.
+
+  Whisper greetings soft and low,
+    Pour the whisky, deal the bun,
+  Only Bell and Buckle know
+    All the evil he has done.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS.
+
+In accordance with the public notice printed in this journal, a
+meeting of war correspondents was held yesterday afternoon at the Free
+State Hotel, Bloemfontein, when the arrangements for a concert to be
+given in the Town Hall "in aid of widows and orphans" were discussed.
+Messrs. Bennet Burleigh (_Daily Telegraph_), Pearse (_Daily News_),
+Maxwell (_Standard_), and Haarburgher, were appointed members of the
+Executive Committee with power to add to their number, and it was
+decided that the proceeds of the concert should be divided equally
+between the London and Bloemfontein funds. The date, which remains to
+be fixed, will probably be Friday of next week, and the prices of
+admission 5s., 3s., and 1s., the latter for soldiers in uniform.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A REALISTIC COMEDY.
+
+I haven't often been really defeated, but I felt very like it that
+Black Monday.
+
+My convoy consisted of self and Jimmy (my subaltern), two conductors,
+100 native drivers, about 500 oxen, and 40 waggons. We were hundreds
+of miles from the front so had no escort, and were fifteen miles from
+anywhere. The country was simply a succession of kopjes as like each
+other as a pair of ammunition boots, the map was much too small a
+scale to be of any use, and our native guide had lost the way!
+
+We ought to have struck water about dawn, after trekking all night,
+but there wasn't a sign of it. The heat was awful as we toiled our
+dusty way between those glaring kopjes, until about noon we sighted a
+stagnant dam, half full, and we went for it like savages, men, oxen
+and all.
+
+It must have been absolute rank poison. In a couple of hours two men
+were writhing on the ground, a score more, blue and shivering, were
+feeling touched, and the whole lot were thoroughly funked. It was just
+like a native cholera camp in India, and to those who have experienced
+that I need say no more.
+
+We sent out our most useful men on our best horses, to hunt the
+country, five miles round for a farm or well; we started fires to boil
+water and worked our wretched little filters for all they were worth.
+Jimmy and I had a bottle of chlorodyne apiece, but they were empty in
+an hour or so and our whisky was finished soon afterward. I had meant
+to trek again as soon as it got dark, but before the sun touched the
+horizon all our scouts were back--not a drop of water anywhere! Had
+there been any, I doubt if we could have got to it--half our oxen were
+incapable of moving and the blacks were simply off their heads. But I
+noticed that our chlorodyne, either by its own power, or by the belief
+they put in it, had really done good. So I made up my mind to a night
+there and called up one of the conductors.--"Take the native guide and
+bring me two of the best horses you can find--ride straight on for all
+you are worth--find a farm--offer them any sum to send on this note
+of mine to Viten Siding for a doctor and medicines--bring back any
+drugs they've got and brandy or spirits--come back as hard as you
+can."
+
+Then we settled down to the most ghastly night I've ever spent; we
+walked the bed cases up and down--don't know what good this is but had
+seen it done in India--put on mustard poultices till we fairly took
+the black's skins off--and knocked down a few who were howling about
+the camp in sheer panic. I don't know what I should have done without
+Jimmy, but even his chaff couldn't keep the poor devils amused. About
+midnight I had a bad turn myself and Jimmy put me to bed, but it wore
+off, and I fell into a nightmared slumber. Just before dawn I awoke;
+Jimmy was brewing coffee and whistling: "When we are married."
+
+"How do you feel?" he said.
+
+"Perfectly fit again. Any dead?"
+
+"Only two, but they were sick before. All the lot in blue funks
+still."
+
+"Conductor back?"
+
+"No." Then we strained our eyes in the direction where he had
+disappeared.
+
+I remember wondering dreamily why Jimmy whistled so damned out of
+tune, and whether any of us would ever get out of this death-trap,
+when we saw a speck far up the road. Jimmy stopped in the middle of
+"Dolly Day Dreams," spilt his coffee, and dashed off up the road.
+
+The conductor had killed his own horse and the guide's; had found a
+farm ten miles away; had sent on my note but Doctor could not arrive
+till to-morrow; there were no drugs at the farm, but he'd brought us
+two bottles of Dop[11] and four loaves of fresh bread done up in a
+brown parcel!
+
+[Footnote 11: Cape Good Hope brandy.]
+
+A crowd of niggers were hovering round as near my tent as they dared
+come, hoping to catch an inkling of the news, and I could tell from
+the tone of their low mutterings that they expected nothing good. For
+a moment I was badly defeated.
+
+Then a Heaven-sent inspiration seized me--"Well, Brown," I said,
+raising my voice, "So that's the chlorodyne is it?"--I seized the big
+brown-paper parcel--"It's five o'clock now; tell every Jack man in
+camp he's to fall in here sharp at six for a dose of chlorodyne."
+
+The conductor stared at me; I suppose he thought I was mad.
+
+"Don't you hear," I cried; "go off at once, and don't let anybody
+interrupt us while we have breakfast." And I managed to give him the
+faintest wink--in another minute I heard him shouting my order through
+the camp.
+
+"Jimmy, let's make chlorodyne." Jimmy grinned. "Collis Browne's is the
+best," he said; "twenty drops for an adult."
+
+Then he started whistling again while we shut up the tent and went to
+work.
+
+"Small bottles are no use," I said, "must have wholesale manufactory;
+we'll find that demi-john."
+
+We started with two tins of condensed milk--to give it a bit of
+body--and a tin of Van Houten's cocoa made a grand colouring. Two big
+spoonfuls of red pepper, "to ginger it up." "Must mix our flavour,"
+said Jimmy, "or they'll recognize the brand"--so in went Bengal
+chutney and strawberry jam. We were rummaging out our grocery
+box--"Sardines ain't much use, nor cheese, nor Danish butter; but
+here's a bottle of the nastiest pickles I ever tasted, let's give them
+the juice of that; they won't believe it's medicine unless it tastes
+bad."
+
+"My tooth powder is nasty enough," said Jimmy, "Carbolic something,
+and warranted to do no harm--in it goes."
+
+The two bottles of Dop were chucked in as a finish and the mixture was
+nasty enough for anybody--rich brown, creamy, and fiery hot.
+
+Jimmy had entered heart and soul into the business.--"None's genuine
+without the label," he cried, and rushed at our small stationery box.
+"Hullo, sealing wax, here, you find a cork and seal it up; these cards
+will do for labels. Some of these niggers can read and write, so we
+must play the game right through. If they spot us we're done. Now,
+men--Genuine Chlorodyne--for coughs, colds, &c.--every three hours
+till the pain ceases; to be well shaken before taken. And another
+label--To O.C. No. 2, General Hospital, Viten Sideing,--On H.M.
+Service--free--franked. Dirty the paper a bit to show it's come a long
+way--then when we throw the jar away they'll see it's genuine."
+
+"They don't have chlorodyne in our hospitals," I suggested.
+
+"Go to blazes! the niggers aren't cute enough for that. But look here,
+old chap, you look a bit cheap; we'll resurrect you to start with. I'm
+afraid you'll have to take some, but I'll make it as small a dose as I
+can."
+
+Then I lay down huddled up in a corner. The opening tableau was ready,
+and we rang up the curtain, or rather the tent-flap. Jimmy was as
+serious as a judge: "All present, conductor? All right; where's that
+medicine got to? Oh, there; now then, anybody got a corkscrew?" A hum
+went up from the figures squatting round. Jimmy held up his hand:
+"Quiet there, the captain is very bad; I must see to him first." He
+lifted my drooping head and forced a spoonful of the filth between my
+teeth.
+
+I heaved a sigh, patted myself below the belt, rolled my eyes open,
+and stood up, fully recovered!
+
+Astonishment mingled with applause!
+
+We selected a hulking, big brute as the next victim. He was palpably
+shamming; he spluttered a bit over his dose, but took the cue from me:
+patted himself, rolled his eyes, and was recovered.
+
+Genuine plaudits.
+
+"Next," said Jimmy. It reminded me of the brimstone and treacle at
+Dotheboys Hall.
+
+Applause gave way to regular hilarity, and the blacks were soon
+ragging each other on the faces they made.
+
+"This is the biggest thing of modern times," said Jimmy as the last man
+went off grinning and spluttering. "Talk about faith-healing--well,
+either it's an absolute fact, or else we two are the leading medical
+stars of the new century."
+
+Then Jimmy and I shook hands, and he tried to whistle "Dolly Day
+Dreams" again, but couldn't manage it for a minute or two.
+
+There were a few real bad cases still, but they all pulled through.
+
+Then we served out to the men the best rations we could raise and a
+bit of 'baccy apiece. They cooked away with a will, filled themselves
+out with breakfast, lay down beneath their wagons, and went to sleep.
+
+Jimmy and I went to sleep too. At sunset we inspanned and made the 10
+miles to the farm early. Our doctor met us there.
+
+But I shall never hear "Dolly Day Dreams" again without thinking of
+bare veldt, black faces, and chlorodyne.
+
+                                             ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE "N.C.O."
+
+  There's some one in the Army that I'd like to write about,
+    For it's seldom that he gets his share of praise;
+  He's as gallant as most lions and you can always hear him shout,
+    Through the rattle of the battle now-a-days.
+
+  When we read in all the papers of the Comp'ny officers killed,
+    We don't stop to think who has to take their place;
+  But if we knew, our hearts with admiration would be filled
+    For the N.C.O. with grim and grimy face.
+
+  His language on the barrack square, ain't quite what it should be,
+    And it's probable he likes his whack of beer,
+  But there's nothing like that voice of his, and never yet will be
+    To steady the young soldier when he's feeling "Bullet-queer."
+
+  He's ahead in all the rushes, he's the last one to retire,
+    And in battle's got a joke for every one;
+  He doesn't seem to mind a damn, when under Mauser fire,
+    And he don't forget the wounded when the day is fought and won.
+
+  Then, Mr. Rudyard Kipling, here's more work for you to do,
+    You've sung of gallant "Tommies" and their deeds,
+  Just write about their N.C.O.'s and give them all their due,
+    For good N.C.O.'s are what the Army needs.
+
+                                                     C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY. H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+III.--_Cavalry._
+
+The "Art of War," which, I must confess, is but a feeble equivalent
+for the _art militaire_ of the French, covers strategy and tactics. In
+discussing the duties of any particular arm in warfare it is obvious
+that the discussion must necessarily deal with tactics rather than
+strategy, which, I take it, will not undergo any great change as long
+as human nature remains subject to its present limitations. But the
+arm which I am now discussing has been and will be in the future even
+more the chief instrument used by a general who wishes to carry out
+big strategic movements. Wherefore cavalry must, above all things, be
+mobile, ready to move at the shortest moment, prepared in every
+respect to carry out quickly the ideas of the commander.
+
+The "strategic arm," as the cavalry has been styled, has been called
+upon, during the present campaign, to face difficulties which have
+been almost unknown in former campaigns. First and foremost it has had
+to operate against an army of mounted infantry, more mobile than
+itself. Waterless plains, heat, and short rations, have been
+difficulties which in Europe would be absent. Foreign criticisms on
+the operations of our cavalry in the present campaign are based on
+false premises, inasmuch that their authors assume a plentiful supply
+of water, an equable climate, an easy transport, and a fair amount of
+supplies. They have not taken into account the fact that our cavalry
+have had to cut themselves off from all supplies in what, for all
+practical purposes, is a howling desert, for the English horses have
+steadily refused to touch the veldt-grass. If there is one criticism
+on the operations of our cavalry which can in any sense be justified,
+it is that in many cases we have made it an objective of our movements
+to charge the enemy. By doing so, we have perhaps sacrificed
+opportunities of outflanking the Boers for the illusive chance of
+proving the efficiency of the _arme blanche_ on an enemy, whose only
+weapon is a rifle. I once heard a distinguished cavalry officer
+declare that it was his conviction that in a two-mile race, starting
+fair, the Boer, mounted on his little African pony, would outpace our
+troopers riding a big English horse and carrying an equipment which
+reminded him of the picture of Father Christmas. But as over two
+million people have at different times criticised the weight of
+cavalry equipment, and nobody, except the Boer, has given us a remedy,
+we may leave this portion of our subject to lecturer--the U.S.
+Institute.
+
+The great question which will have to be answered in the near future
+is whether the mounted force of an army is to be cavalry or mounted
+infantry. To my mind there can be no doubt about the answer. The
+mounted forces of the future will be cavalry, and in much greater
+proportion to infantry than at present. The great force of mounted
+infantry which we have raised in the present war is intended to cope
+with an army of Mounted Infantry opposed to us. Whether they will ever
+be used again is doubtful. But what certainly will be the case is that
+the cavalry of the future will have to know how to shoot, and must be
+provided with something better than a carbine to shoot with. And
+practically they will then be Mounted Infantry with an _arme blanche_.
+"Shock tactics" will have to give place to long-range firing, and the
+cavalrymen of the future will be seen digging and holding trenches,
+holding kopjes, and _repelling with rifle fire the advance of the
+enemy's Cavalry_. This indeed will be a revolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MY HORSE OFFERED FOR SALE
+
+     _Kipling at last writes something that pleases the Boers--A
+     Predikant's letter._
+
+
+In the paper of March 30th we offered as complete and--you may be
+sure--as unique a newspaper as it was possible to produce. It
+contained the fresh news of the world, and it was at the same time
+full of the atmosphere of the army and the battlefield; of the
+outpourings of men who had laid down the sword and rifle to take up
+the pen. I wish I could reproduce the entire paper, but after all it
+was like many that followed, and to reproduce them all would make a
+book too cumbrous to handle and too full of warlike and military
+subjects to interest at least half of the public. Practically the
+entire first page was given up to proclamations, and looked like a
+miniature hoarding hidden under miniature posters. These crowded over
+into two columns of the second page, which also contained the still
+swelling display of advertisements of lost horses and horses for sale.
+Among the latter was this--
+
+     FIRST-CLASS HUNTER FOR SALE.
+
+     Julian Ralph desires to sell his blooded hunter
+     "Rattlesnake," a superb horse with noted pedigree. He is in
+     splendid working condition (_aside--has caused his owner to
+     wear a casing of lint, and to walk with difficulty on a
+     heavy stick_.) The horse can be seen at the Red House behind
+     the Dutch Reformed Church.
+
+The italics in the above advertisement are inserted here, and were not
+in the newspaper. They suggest what novel forms advertisements would
+often take if the advertisers always truthfully explained why they
+wished to part with their property.
+
+W. A. Koller, the town clerk, notified all residents to call upon him
+and make a true statement of the _bonâ fides_ of all their possessions
+in horseflesh. Captain P. Holland-Pryor, A.A.G., requested every
+burgher who had not given up any Government horse in his possession to
+do so without delay. Truly, the horse occupied a large share of
+interest and attention--much larger now that we were in need of horses
+than when they had come in abundance from every corner of the earth.
+
+We published a remarkable address to the Free Staters by the Rev. A.
+A. Van der Lingen, once a candidate for the Presidency. He asked them
+if it was right for them to assail the peaceful territories of the
+British when thousands of their kith and kin are enjoying a full and
+perfect measure of equality and justice. He demanded to know "what you
+think seriously, in your own minds, will become of you if you
+prosecute the war and lose." The "old soldiers of Bloemfontein"--it
+seems there were eight retired veterans--cheered the Field-Marshal
+with an address.
+
+[Illustration: _Julian Ralph and his horse "Rattlesnake._"]
+
+Our five-guinea competition for the renaming of the Colony went on
+apace, and we recorded a great day of sport among the men of the Sixth
+Division, who enjoyed the band of the Buffs and the pipes of the
+Seaforths, Gordons, Black Watch, and Argyle and Sutherland
+Highlanders. Major the Honourable Robert White directed the sports
+with greater success than had attended anything of the kind among our
+troops on this side of Natal.
+
+The soldiers still filed into our bare and dirty quarters asking for
+the paper, and one of them complained that it was not sent out to his
+camp, and that he had to come in and get it.
+
+"Canadian, aren't you?" Mr. Kipling asked, "from out on the wheat
+belt?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why, man, then what are you talking about? You'd ride in to Winnipeg,
+twenty miles, to get a paper if you were at home."
+
+Mr. Kipling on this day wrote a tribute to General Joubert, whose
+death had just been made known to us. Hours after he wrote the poem,
+when tired of waiting to see the proof, he walked over to the
+printing-office, broke in by way of a window, and set up the last line
+of it at one of the printers' cases. What the printers thought of him
+we never knew, but he never forgot that the first bit of paper he
+picked up from the floor of the editorial room, when he was looking
+for something that had fallen from the table, was a violent attack
+upon himself in a piece of a Free State newspaper.
+
+The only bit of all our work that our compositors saved was this poem
+to Joubert. That and a portrait of the late firebrand, Borckenhagen,
+were the only ornaments they deemed worthy to decorate their
+composing-room walls.
+
+There were at least two English-speaking men among them. I grant to
+them the benefit of the doubt whether my reflections should extend to
+them also.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+_(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+  No. 12] BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 1900. [Price One Penny
+
+LORD ROBERTS AND THE LATE GENERAL JOUBERT.
+
+LORD ROBERTS' TELEGRAM OF SYMPATHY.
+
+                                                    BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+_His Honour President Kruger, President of the South African
+Republic, Pretoria._
+
+(Clear the line.) I have just received the news of General Joubert's
+death, and I desire at once to offer my sincere condolence to your
+Honour and the Burghers of the South African Republic on this sad
+event. I would ask you to convey to General Joubert's family the
+expression of my most respectful sympathy in their sad bereavement,
+and to assure them also from me that all ranks of Her Majesty's forces
+now serving in South Africa share my feeling of deep regret at the
+sudden and untimely end of so distinguished a General who devoted his
+life to the service of his country and whose personal gallantry was
+only surpassed by his humane conduct and chivalrous bearing under all
+circumstances.--ROBERTS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GENERAL JOUBERT.[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by
+permission.]
+
+(Died March 27, 1900.)
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  With those that bred, with those that loosed the strife,
+    He had no part whose hands were clear of gain;
+  But, subtle, strong and stubborn, gave his life
+    To a lost cause, and knew the gift was vain.
+
+  Later shall rise a People, sane and great,
+    Forged in strong fires, by equal war made one--
+  Telling old battles over without hate,
+    Not least his name shall pass from sire to son.
+
+  He shall not meet the onsweep of our van
+    In the doomed city where we close the score;
+  Yet o'er his grave--his grave that holds a Man--
+    Our deep-tongued guns shall answer his once more!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_(Editorial.)_
+
+DEATH OF GENERAL JOUBERT.
+
+No words of ours are needed to supplement the telegram of Lord ROBERTS
+and the three stanzas by Mr. RUDYARD KIPLING, which we print to-day,
+upon the news we have received of General JOUBERT'S death. We feel
+that we are but giving expression to the feeling of every man in the
+army of occupation in expressing our most sincere regret in hearing of
+the sudden decease of the great leader of our enemy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: Copyrighted; used here by permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+V.
+
+A General, having offered libations to Fortuna, went out to fight a
+Battle in the course of which his Frontal Attack developed into a Rear
+Guard action, and his left Flank became a Modulus of varying
+Elasticity for several hours, owing to his right Flank having wandered
+towards the Equator.
+
+The Enemy seeing these Inexplicable Evolutions, were so overcome with
+Amazement that They retired in large Numbers and left the General a
+complete Victory.
+
+A week later, the General, learning from the Reports of his Staff that
+he was a Heaven-born Strategist, diligently read a Book and gave
+Battle upon the lines therein laid down.
+
+After this he was never seen to smile but frequently heard to murmur:
+"If I had only trusted my bally Luck instead of a bally Book, I should
+not be now travelling first-class to Stellenbosch."
+
+MORAL.--Invention is a good servant, but the Letter killeth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BRAVE CANADIAN.
+
+                                      BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 28th_.
+
+DEAR SIR,--In answer to a paragraph appearing in your paper of a past
+date under the heading of "Acts of Bravery performed during the War,"
+allow me to quote one which I witnessed at Paardeberg on the morning of
+Cronje's surrender on February 27th. Every one knows of the gallant
+display made by the Royal Canadians on that never-to-be-forgotten
+morning, and how, as daylight broke, they had again occupied their
+trenches, leaving sixty killed and wounded on the field. As the sun came
+up behind the kopjes, revealing once more to Cronje and his men the
+exact position of our trenches, they opened a heavy fire upon them, and
+woe to the man who was indiscreet enough to show his head and shoulders
+over the earthworks! Between the trenches and the Boer position lay
+Canadian dead and dying. About 5.30 a wounded man about five hundred
+yards away was seen to be trying to make for our trenches under a heavy
+fire, but was at last observed to fall. Now and then, between the
+volleys, he was seen to wave his hands as if for assistance. Suddenly
+from the left of us a form was seen to climb the earthworks in front of
+our trenches, jumping down to make straight for the place where the
+wounded man lay, about ninety yards from the Boer trenches. Utterly
+regardless of the scathing fire which hissed about him, he ran on, and
+at last reached the wounded man and tried to lift him, but it was too
+late, for the poor fellow had breathed his last. Seeing it was of no
+avail, his would-be rescuer walked back over the ground he had covered,
+and although bullets whistled around him and tore up the ground in every
+direction, he coolly regained his trenches with a pipe stuck between his
+teeth. I have since ascertained his name was Private Thompson, of the
+Royal Canadians, and although I do not know whether his case is one
+_recommended_ for distinction or not, still I have never during the
+campaign seen a case of such coolness and pluck as that displayed by
+Private Thompson. Considering the galling fire that swept the distance
+of four or five hundred yards which he covered in his endeavour to reach
+the wounded man, also his close proximity to the Boer trenches, it seems
+marvellous that he ever lived to get within four hundred yards of him,
+not to mention getting back without a scratch. His case is one of the
+most deserving of recognition, coming, as it does, from amongst the
+ranks of the gallant Canadian Volunteers, by whose side we have fought
+and marched since we left Graspan, and than whom a jollier or pluckier
+lot of boys never lived.
+
+                                ONE OF THE GORDONS WHO WAS THERE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE EMPIRE'S DEFENDERS.
+
+BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.
+
+  See, they come marching over the plain,
+  Cheerfully bearing their wounds and pain,
+  Soldiers and sailors alike to the work,
+  Never a man of them doing a shirk.
+  These are the men that you owe a debt;
+  England, remember it; never forget.
+
+  Scorched and parched 'neath the broiling sun,
+  Not a word of complaint, work _must_ be done.
+  Wounded and shattered, bespattered with blood,
+  Drinking of water akin to mud.
+  These are the men you owe a debt;
+  England, remember it; never forget.
+
+  Ponder it well in your leisured ease,
+  These, the soldiers of lands and seas,
+  Building the Empire hour by hour,
+  These, the foundation of all thy power.
+  These are the men whom you owe a debt;
+  Empire, remember; you dare not forget.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SILENT ARMY.
+
+BY A. E. C.
+
+  The Silent Army 'as its work,
+  Duties that it cannot shirk,
+  Six days a week; then there's kirk
+      For us in the Silent Army.
+  There's guards ter mount, fatigues to do,
+  Bread ter make an' meat ter stew.
+  If yer think there's time ter write to you,
+      Well! strite! yer must be barmy.
+
+  Yer says yer owns as we can fight,
+  Able to read, but not to write;
+  We tries to fly our own kite,
+      Us chaps in the Silent Army.
+  We're glad enough ter git your print,
+  Glad enough when bound with lint,
+  Y're dull if yer can't take the 'int;
+      Indeed! yer must be barmy.
+
+  It isn't always that us men
+  Finds the time to use a pen,
+  For we've work to do, sir, when
+      We are in the Silent Army.
+  We 'as our duties to attend,
+  Food to cook and clothes to mend;
+  Arsk Kiplin', he's the sojers' friend--
+      The friend of the Silent Army.
+
+[The hint has been taken as far as the hospitals are concerned. They
+get THE FRIEND on application.--THE EDS.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GRUMBLES FROM THE RANKS.
+
+  That a soldier's life is a merry one
+    Is what some people say,
+  But when you're on short rations,
+    Well, it isn't half so gay;
+  And you can't "live fat" in Bloemfontein
+    Upon a bob a day.
+
+     _Grumble No. 1._--This is a recognised fact with bread at
+     1s. per loaf, tea at 6d. per cup, and sugar at 1s. 6d. per
+     lb.
+
+  If you've had a present sent from home,
+    You can take the tip from me,
+  It's been "commandeered" by somebody,
+    And it's one you'll never see,
+  So as each mail arrives you ask,
+    "Where can that parcel be?"
+
+     _Grumble No. 2._--Almost every man has a complaint to make
+     regarding the non-receipt of parcels despatched from home.
+
+  Then when you see the water-cart,
+    You rush up for a drink,
+  You're going to get a "quencher,"
+    At least, that's what you think;
+  But it's only there for ornament,
+    And you're threatened with the "clink."
+
+     _Grumble No. 3._--According to some authorities, the
+     soldier, like the camel, can go for lengthened periods
+     without water. The soldier himself thinks otherwise.
+
+  By night we had to stand the cold,
+    By day we stood the heat,
+  And we got lots of duty,
+    But not too much to eat;
+  We had two biscuits daily,
+    Some tea(?) and half-cooked meat.
+
+     _Grumble No. 4._--Some one having said that eating was a
+     habit, it was decided that several experiments should be
+     tried. The first (half-rations) having proved an unqualified
+     success, should be followed by another of a more exhaustive
+     nature. Tommy suggests that this one (no rations for a
+     fortnight) should be tried upon the officers.
+
+  We're rugged in appearance,
+    Of a tint distinctly brown,
+  We're bearded and we're dirty,
+    As well as broken down:
+  So why the dickens don't they send
+    Our kit-bags from Capetown?
+
+     _Grumble No. 5._--This is what we would like to know.
+
+                                                    PLUNGER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+GENERAL POLE-CAREW IN WAR
+
+     _A Visit to his Headquarters, and a Feast of "Tommy"
+     Poetry._
+
+
+At this time--on the very night before this, if recollection serves me
+right--I went up to the quarters of the Staats Artillerie, and there
+found General Pole-Carew in his headquarters. It was always like a
+breath of new life to see him, to hear his vigorous views on the war
+he believed in conducting against the Boers, and to note how
+thoroughly he was the master of all the information of value that
+could be obtained wherever he was.
+
+His headquarters--remember he was the dandy of the army as well as one
+of its shrewdest and bravest men--was a bare-walled building that a
+monk would have considered cheerless. The dining-room, where his
+guests were received, was not as attractive as any dining-room in any
+Tommy's barracks at home. It contained a little table heaped with
+papers and a large table set with kitchen knives and forks, enamelled
+iron mugs, and sparklet bottles by way of combined service and
+ornament. I stayed to dinner of beef and potatoes, bread and butter,
+and whisky and water, and sat next to Colonel Crabbe, of the
+Grenadiers, with his arm in a sling from his second wounding in the
+war. A brave and gallant company was there--of beaux sabreurs and
+veterans who took life as it came and enjoyed its every phase.
+
+Two titled ladies had been the last guests of that mess. I wonder what
+they thought when they realised how their idols of the Guards were
+living. And what they would have thought had they farther realised
+that these officers were really feeling up to their knees in clover,
+being vastly better off than they had been at any time in the previous
+five or six months. When they were enjoying the serious phases of
+campaigning--out on the veldt in tents, or oftener still with no
+shelter at all--the ladies would have found them just as spirited and
+gay--except that no ladies could ever have found them at all or
+ventured where they were.
+
+Those men of the Guards have long been called the "London Pets" and
+"stay at homes" and "feather-bed soldiers," but they very quickly
+lived down their nicknames in South Africa. There nobody petted them;
+they had no beds (or even tents) between Modder of evil memory and
+Koomati Poort some six or seven months distant, in time, nor did they
+manage to get sent home--or want to do so, either. Lord! what brave
+chaps they are! and what fighters! I saw them fight at Belmont, at
+Modder, and at Maghersfontein, and I know. Through all the killing and
+wounding and sickness, the forty-four miles of marching in one spell
+of twenty-two hours, the half-rations, the tropic heat and the intense
+cold, the officers were ever jocular and spirited. One said to me, as
+he pointed at Maghersfontein Kopje, "Set a brewery up on top of that
+and my regiment will take the place in a romp." But the most
+characteristic anecdote I have to tell of one of these West-end London
+dandies is told by himself in a letter he sent to me: "It is cold and
+wet here now. I have got a bad attack of lumbago, and it took me ten
+minutes to straighten up and get on my feet when I woke this morning.
+I went off on outpost duty, and some Boers began sniping at my men
+until we could not put up with it any longer, when I gave the order to
+rush over to where they were and do them up. The devils ran away
+before we could kill them. I am sorry you are down with that leg. You
+should be here, enjoying all the fun."
+
+We published the sixth of Mr. Kipling's fables in this number, among
+scores of articles most interesting there and then, but not repeatable
+to advantage here and now.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 13.] BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1900. [Price one penny.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: Copyrighted; used here by permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+VI.
+
+An Intelligence Officer, meeting a strayed Kaffir without visible
+Means of Subsistence, reprobated him for a Spy and Forthwith cast him
+into Jail, where he languished for two Days.
+
+At the Expiration of his Incarceration the Kaffir fell into the hands
+of a Discerning Colonial who filled him with Cape Smoke and engaged
+him in idle Persiflage for three Hours.
+
+"My Word!" said the Colonial when the grateful Son of Ham had
+departed, "that Ethiop is full to the back Teeth of most valuable
+Information! Let us give him a new Coat and a Pound of Tobacco."
+
+"On the Contrary," said the I.O., "He is a Wastrel and a Stinker. He
+cannot reply to Direct Questions and habitually contradicts himself."
+
+"That," said the Discerning Colonial, "is just It! I am about to act
+upon his Inaccuracies."
+
+This the Colonial did with great Success, and wiped up Seven of the
+Enemy advancing up a Spruit in the Cool of the Evening.
+
+On reporting his Achievement, the Intelligence Officer reported the
+Colonial for supplying the Kaffir with Illicit Liquor.
+
+MORAL. Oh Cæsar!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING, PERCEVAL LANDON, AND A. H. GWYNNE.
+
+_Various._
+
+You cannot argue with a Shell, a Mule or a Press Censor.
+
+The nearer to the Press Censor the further from Truth.
+
+(N.B.--This is generally guaranteed by the Press Censor.)
+
+It's a wise Field Marshal that knows his own Generals.
+
+It's a long front that has no turning.
+
+"A shell in time saves nine," as the 4'7 said when it opened on the
+sniper.
+
+"Heaven helps those who help themselves," as ----'s Horse said when
+they found the poultry yard.
+
+Providence and the Company Officer have a great deal to look after.
+
+Between two rivers, drink Modderietly.
+
+It's always the next shell that will do the trick.
+
+Five under cover is fifty in the open.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PRICES IN BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+  When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,
+    When you've tackled your last bit of armoured "duff,"
+  Then you put your bally pipe on, and you puff and spit and blow,
+    And you realize half ration ain't enough.
+  You go into the market and you purchase lots of grub
+    Off the farmers whom friend Steyn has done a scoot from,
+  And when you ask the price of it, that's where you cop the rub,
+    For it takes away your breath just like a pom-pom.
+
+    Duke's son, Cook's son, all of 'em want their scoff,
+      Fifty thousand horse and foot struggling to get some grub,
+    Each of 'em doing his country's work, and each being _done_ in turn,
+      If you want to buy things in Bloemfontein you must pay! pay! pay!
+
+  When they charge a "bob" for hair-cut and a tanner for a shave,
+    It makes you say things that you didn't ought,
+  And the 'umble loaf of "rootey" costs a tanner, or a bob,
+    Is this the kind of sympathy they're taught?
+  There's a luxury called butter that Tommy likes to buy,
+    And he'll have it if he's got the oof, you bet,
+  But three bob a bloomin' pound makes a hole in Atkins' pay
+    'Cos he ain't paid C'lonial wages (not just yet).
+
+    Clerk's son, Grocer's son, son of a Haberdasher,
+      All the Gents in Khaki chucking their pelf away,
+    Each of 'em's done his country's work,
+      It's hard to be done in turn,
+    If you want to buy grub in Bloemfontein you've to pay! pay! pay!
+
+  When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,
+    When you lay yourself out flat and go to sleep,
+  Then you dream of home and mother and some glorious feasts to go,
+    And you wake up, pray, and find you've done a weep;
+  For you've dreamt that bread and butter's gone up 3d. more in price,
+  (These loyal (?) folks charge really what they choose, sir),
+  Then you say, "Well, roll on, England," where there ain't no
+       bloomin' lice,
+    And where there's many a cheap and comfy booser.
+
+    Merchant's son, Cook's son, sons of the plebs galore,
+      Rushing, in ragged Khaki, anxious to spend their brass,
+    Each of 'em's done his country's work, but the extra bob a day
+      Don't go far in Bloemfontein, where you've always to pay! pay! pay!
+
+                                               "BLOBSWITCH."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SONS OF BRITAIN.
+
+BY W. BLELOCH.
+
+  When the bugle call to battle sounds
+    Afar in the land of our birth,
+  In the cause of race and Queen to fight,
+    We rise from the ends of the earth.
+      Wherever the battle may be
+      We rally by land and by sea
+      To join in the fight of the free,
+  And our foemen have Britons to face.
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again
+    Fill up the ranks with men,
+    Who'll fight! who'll die!
+      Whose battle-cry:
+    "True Britons we remain."
+
+  We are sons of Britain every one
+    With pride of the blood of our race,
+  And we'll carry Britain's story on
+    As our fathers did in their place.
+      Whatever the work to be done,
+      We seek a full share, every one,
+      And fighting till victory's won
+  Of the burden and glory we claim,
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again, &c.
+
+  The glorious deeds her great have done
+    Are ours, whether Saxon or Celt,
+  As heirs of their name and fame we come
+    From snows and from bush and from veldt.
+      Our honour we'll ever keep bright,
+      By holding the front of the fight,
+      And jealously guarding the right
+  For our sons and their sons again.
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again, &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ORANGE PEEL.
+
+It may interest our friends at the Cape to know that a certain doctor,
+who lives not 1,000 miles from the Paarl--and who came on ambulance
+business to the Free State--was very busy on his arrival here, giving
+it out as the news of the day that "officers of the English Army were
+busy with sjamboks driving Tommy off the boats as Tommy did not want
+to fight." This statement was made in the Bloemfontein Club before
+several witnesses and is quite authentic.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE BRAVEST DEED."
+
+It was at the battle of Abraham's Kraal. The Boers had fled from a
+position which we now occupied. They, in their flight, had to cross
+the open veldt to another kopje three-quarters of a mile from the
+first. We fired volley after volley into their huddled masses. My old
+friend standing by me noticed a wounded Boer trying to escape. He
+immediately dashed out amid a perfect hail of bullets, caught the
+escaping Boer, threw him across his shoulders and dashed back to
+cover, the bullets falling all round him. Unscathed himself, his
+burden was shot to death.
+
+  Private A. J. HARD,
+          N.S.W. Mounted Infantry, Australia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DEAR SIR,--The bravest deed I witnessed while with the 6th Division
+was the following:--
+
+It was at Paardeberg on Sunday, 18th February, about 5 p.m. We were
+watching a hill overlooking Osfontein farm-house, when some of the
+enemy were seen to enter the garden surrounding that house. So an
+order was given by Second Lieutenant Romilly for No. 1 section of the
+above-named company to advance and try and drive them out. We
+commenced the advance by short rushes, meanwhile the enemy sending
+down a few shots. We succeeded in getting to within four hundred yards
+of the house when a perfect hail of bullets came, both from the house
+and hill. Then the order came to retire, as the fire was becoming too
+hot to attempt to get any closer. It was during this retirement that
+what I saw happened. One of our men, Pte. Driscoll, was shot in the
+back, and down he fell, badly hurt, when Second Lieutenant Romilly,
+on seeing him fall, at once knelt down and dressed his wound, doing it
+as coolly as if on a drawing-room floor. After doing this, with the
+help of Pte. Brown of the same Company, he hurried the man back to
+safer quarters, having to go a distance of over four hundred yards
+before being out of danger. The bullets fell all around them quite
+thick. How they managed to escape is quite marvellous, as several
+bullets went through their clothing, and one, as I heard the officer
+say, went between his lips--a close shave indeed!
+
+Whether any recognition will be forthcoming for the above gallant
+deed, I cannot say, as there were none of those who occupy higher
+positions to testify as to its correctness; but the men certainly
+deserve something for so brave a deed.
+
+  I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
+                             AN EYE-WITNESS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+OUR LOSS AND THE ARMY'S
+
+     _The Departure of Mr. Kipling, leaving_ THE FRIEND _vigorous
+     with the Impetus he gave it._
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown on the night of April
+1st, in the same train that bore away Sir Alfred Milner, Colonel
+Hanbury Williams, and Colonel Girouard. The High Commissioner had been
+declared to be leaving a day or two later, but started at once in
+order to avoid giving the Boers notice to prepare mischief.
+
+Of the happy days of boyish delight we editors spent with Mr. Kipling
+many brought incidents too trifling to be noted here, yet which went
+to fill a heaping loving cup of pleasant memories. "Heavens!" he once
+exclaimed, "how good it is to be with men who are doing things!" There
+was, for instance, the day when--as the reader may have perceived--two
+poems bore a note of merely suggested complaint from the sick in the
+hospitals. That note struck Mr. Kipling's sensibility, and he and Mr.
+Landon and I seized armsful of FRIENDS and set out upon a tour of the
+hospitals--then far too numerous in the public and semi-public
+buildings of the place. Mr. Kipling went ahead and distributed the
+papers, and we followed and whispered who he was to the sufferers in
+the cots. I never shall forget the look that came in each man's eyes,
+or how every one of them who was able raised himself upon an elbow to
+stare after the poet as he passed from room to room.
+
+"God bless him," they said; "he's the soldier's friend."
+
+And surely a blessing proceeded from him, in response to that which he
+received, for, at the knowledge of his presence, a new vigour and a
+sense of delight, such as they had almost forgotten how to feel, came
+to the sufferers. He had nothing of the theatrical about him, made no
+speeches, conversed in hushed tones, halted nowhere, posed not even to
+the slightest extent--but went on with doctor or nurse through the
+wards, listening and looking. I think that Mr. Landon and I were more
+conscious of the reflection of his fame than was he from whom it
+proceeded.
+
+At one stage of our adventure we determined to cross from one hospital
+to another, over some intervening gardens. What an unsuspected
+wildness lay among those walled enclosures in the confines of a
+nation's capital. Little hills, little rivers, marshes, precipices,
+walls on the edges of tiny cliffs! It proved a better feat for Italian
+cavalrymen than for a stout poet, a man with a game leg and arms in
+lint, and a third one who did not know it, but who was already
+poisoned with fever germs. However, we had set it for ourselves to do,
+and we did it--without any more serious mishap than a kick in the
+equatorial region which I bestowed on the poet in dropping over a
+wall.
+
+Mr. Kipling had other experiences with hospitals when we were with him
+and when he was by himself. He was qualified to testify as he did
+before the Commission that looked into the manner in which the care of
+the sick and wounded was bestowed.
+
+While I was in Capetown I heard a story of an adventure of his, in
+which the parts played by him and by the hospital people were
+eminently characteristic of both. To begin with, he discovered that
+there were no bandages in a certain hospital! The reader imagines that
+such a state of things must have been most extraordinary--but it was
+not. Why should we conceal facts or mince words if we are earnestly
+endeavouring to probe our own weaknesses and mend our faults? I knew
+of hospitals without cots, without sheets, without pillows, without
+measuring glasses, without thermometers. These "hospitals" must have
+been little more than mere surgeons and staffs, for they applied to
+the Red Cross people for nearly everything--except medicines--which is
+required in the care of the sick. Thus Peter was robbed to pay Paul,
+for Tommy's "comforts" were swallowed up in getting him his
+necessaries. This was the case in Kimberley after the relief of the
+town, and it was again the case in Bloemfontein. But to return to
+Capetown. There Mr. Kipling discovered a hospital without bandages, in
+desperate need of bandages, in a city containing stores of bandages on
+sale in many places.
+
+Mr. Kipling mentioned to an acquaintance that he was going to supply
+that establishment with bandages, and this acquaintance, who was
+connected with the _Daily Mail's_ "Absent Minded Beggar Fund," at once
+offered to pay for all that Mr. Kipling would buy and take to the
+hospital. A cart was quickly loaded with bandages, and then Mr.
+Kipling was told that under the army rules the hospital authorities
+could not receive supplies from a private individual. "Well," said he,
+"I will dump the packages on the pavement before the door, and then
+tell them to come out and clear up the litter. They will get them into
+the building that way without tearing any red tape, I hope."
+
+He drove off with the bandages, I am told by the gentleman who footed
+the bill, but how the supplies were smuggled in I have never heard. I
+suspect that the rule against receiving supplies from civilians got a
+great many wrenches and fractures. But for civilians such as at least
+one Red Cross Commissioner of my acquaintance, Heaven only knows what
+these hospitals, that consisted of little else than a corps of men,
+would have been able to do. I asked my friend how it could be possible
+that an arm of the Government of Great Britain could find itself in
+such helpless and pitiable plights, and he replied that red tape was
+the root of the evil. Nobody dared to buy a measuring glass or a
+pillow-case or a cot for fear that his enterprise might bring him a
+reprimand and his bill might be repudiated. The hospitals had made
+demands outmeasuring the supplies, or the supplies had not come up
+from the Cape, or to the Cape from London. If private generosity was
+not appealed to circumlocution must be resorted to by means of
+requisitions which would be slowly forwarded to London and there
+passed upon. By this means the supplies would reach the front within
+three months after the patients were dead--provided that all should go
+smoothly with the circumlocution machinery.
+
+Mind, I know how extraordinary, excessive, and sudden were the demands
+made upon the Medical Corps after such a shocking affair as the Sunday
+fight at Paardeberg and during the enteric epidemic at Bloemfontein. I
+am in no position to say that any one was blameable or that better and
+ampler means of caring for the disabled could have been arranged. But
+let us not deny the facts or try to deceive any one with regard to
+them. That is no way for an earnest and ambitious and healthy people
+to meet an unpleasant situation.
+
+On the contrary, that is the very way to make certain of a worse
+"breakdown" of the hospital service in the next war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 14.] BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+A SONG OF THE WHITE MEN.[15]
+
+[Footnote 15: The poem by Rudyard Kipling which we publish in this
+issue was written some time ago to be read at a dinner in Canada and
+then published in the _Toronto Globe_. It has never been read in
+public, and it has never before been published. Like all his poems and
+writings, it is for all time--as good next year as to-day and always
+excellent in all seasons. It is copyrighted in England and America,
+and used here by Mr. Kipling's permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  Now, this is the cup the White Men drink
+    When they go to right a wrong,
+  And that is the cup of the old world's hate--
+    Cruel and strained and strong.
+  We have drunk that cup--and a bitter, bitter cup--
+    And tossed the dregs away,
+  But well for the world when the White Men drink
+    To the dawn of the White Men's day.
+
+  Now, this is the road that the White Men tread
+    When they go to clean a land--
+  Iron underfoot and levin overhead
+    And the deep on either hand.
+  We have trod that road--and a wet and windy road--
+    Our chosen star for guide.
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread
+    Their highway side by side.
+
+  Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold
+    When they build their homes afar:--
+  "Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons
+    And, failing freedom, War."
+  We have proved our faith--bear witness to our faith,
+    Dear souls of freemen slain!
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men join
+    To prove their faith again!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+(_Editorial._)
+
+Mr. Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown last night to
+rejoin his family and, presently, to sail with them to England.
+Believing that the arrangement of terms of settlement with the people
+of the Boer Republics will be the next important work for the British,
+he desires to be in London, there to speak and write for such a finish
+to the war as he deems best for Britons and Boers, for Africanders,
+for intending new settlers, for the future quiet and prosperity of
+South Africa, and for the honour and glory of the Empire.
+
+The editors of THE FRIEND bade him God speed and knew, when they
+wished him health, prosperity, and a long life, that there is not a
+man in the British Army or man or woman in the Empire in whose name
+they could not have warmly and sincerely repeated their own hearts'
+utterances.
+
+Mr. KIPLING came to the editorial rooms of this unique journal with an
+offer to assist us War Correspondents who are in charge, but he
+quickly and easily led us in the clearness of his views upon the
+paper's policy, in the wealth of talent he lavished upon its columns,
+and in the enthusiasm with which he collaborated with us. He evidently
+enjoyed this brief return to his old profession--as what man would not
+who ever fell under its exciting and fascinating influence? We do not
+doubt that he found an added and a powerful charm in the peculiar
+conditions under which we work--upon a journal created by and for a
+conquering army and published in a conquered capital.
+
+But it is of the pleasure we have known in being co-workers with him
+that we would write if it were fit that we should share our emotion
+with the public. Pleasure would be a trifling word to use were we to
+let our emotions flow. Honour and Pride were better terms, expressive
+of our stronger feelings.
+
+We can congratulate the friends of THE FRIEND that they shall read his
+work again in these columns before he sails for home. They have not
+lost him, but we have lost his company, we who knew his genius so well
+yet could not conceive it possible that to his talent he joined a
+personality so rich in varied charms as we have found it. For we have
+learned that he is sweet to the core, lovable, magnetic, modest, and
+sincere. He has the crystal frankness and the tireless enthusiasm of
+ever fresh and unsullied youth. Great as our readers know him to be in
+literature, we know him to be even greater as a man.
+
+Good luck to RUDYARD KIPLING, always, everywhere, to the end--and,
+then, to eternity.
+
+                                                  J. R.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE LATE COLONEL HON. G. GOUGH.
+
+BY BENNET BURLEIGH.
+
+And thou also hast gone over to the majority! To God's rest, most
+honest English gentleman. I saw thy bier go by but the other day in
+the streets of Bloemfontein. They gave thee, rightly, a soldier's
+funeral, and for love of thee many sorrowed and followed afoot to
+God's acre. Troopers with arms reversed were thine escort, our band
+played the "Dead March in Saul," and behind thy coffin, covered with
+the Union Jack and set upon a gun-carriage, walked that British
+Paladin, Field Marshal Lord Roberts, accompanied by a long concourse
+of all ranks--comrades of thine, men of distinguished service.
+Veterans and juniors were there, and besides these, for further token
+of the affection and esteem in which thou wert held by all who knew
+thee, a throng of the rank and file of the army.
+
+All was as it should be, for we had come to say our English "Goodbye;
+God be with thee." Sprung from the loins of a race of soldiers, thou
+wert all a true soldier should be, tender, brave, and true, a
+gentleman above gentlemen.
+
+It seems but a breath or so that I was wont to meet thee almost daily
+in London at the War Office. Lord Wolseley will miss thee, for he will
+never find a better Military Secretary than thou. Thy courtesy was
+uniform to all, thy frankness beyond question, as was thy readiness to
+do kindnesses; whilst thy fidelity to thy Military Chief was to thee a
+sacred duty.
+
+Cheery and pleasant, Gough of the 14th Hussars was a "beau sabreur," a
+man who inspired friendship and commanded respect. I could recall many
+incidents in all of which thou acquitted thyself like a Gough. There
+was the morning of Abu Klea in the Soudan, after the night of alarms
+that found thy fortitude undisturbed. I stood beside thee by the screw
+guns when the Dervish bullet smote thee upon the head and thou wert
+felled to earth as with the blow of a hammer. None who saw thee as
+thou lay unconscious doubted but that thou had been killed outright.
+Even when we learned that thou survived we held to the conviction that
+to the weight of such a stroke thou must succumb. But thou recovered
+and we rejoiced. Yet such a blow must have left its impress.
+
+None can ever know how in secret thou must have stoically suffered,
+for thy patience was as afore, unwearied, thy fondness for work and
+duty as untiring, and thy Christian spirit as unbounded. We, thy
+friends, thank thee for thy life of gallant bearing, thy sympathies,
+thy uncomplaining bearing of burdens.
+
+I deplore that I was not permitted to meet thee again in thy new
+office, a member of the Staff here in South Africa, serving under the
+worthiest of leaders, the chivalrous Field Marshal, Lord Roberts. Thou
+art in God's hands, most excellent Gough. There mayst thou abide. So
+let it be.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR FREEDOM'S CAUSE.
+
+BY TROOPER G. SIMES, ROBERTS' HORSE.
+
+  Not with vain boastfulness, careless, unheeding,
+    Left we our homes and prepared for the fray.
+  Sadly we answered our wives' gentle pleading,
+    Hearing the summons we turned to obey.
+
+  Not for the worth of the Rand's golden treasures,
+    Neither dominion, nor riches, nor power,
+  Ever had moved us to leave city pleasures,
+    Ever had held us together an hour.
+
+  'Twas not for this that we turned to assail you,
+    'Twas not for this that we entered the strife.
+  Loud though your country with tears may bewail you,
+    Can she blame us for this waste of young life?
+
+  What we have asked of you that we have given.
+    Down in the South you may live and be free.
+  When we have gained that for which we have striven,
+    Then we will come and will share it with thee.
+
+  Freedom you value but hoard as a miser;
+    Freedom we value but offer to all.
+  But of the conflict now sadder and wiser,
+    Blame you not us, but yourself, for your fall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE CENSOR AS AN EDITOR
+
+     _Finding us without a "Leader" for the Day, Lord Stanley
+     writes one._
+
+
+"The Friend" of April 3rd began its reading matter with a leader by
+the Censor. When he came to look over our proofs on that day he
+learned that we had not been able to find time to write an editorial.
+The value of a series of leading articles calculated either to inspire
+the army or to pacify or instruct the Boers had been newly impressed
+upon us by Sir Alfred Milner, and had, without doubt, been discussed
+at the headquarters of the Field Marshal.
+
+"I will see if I can write one," said Lord Stanley, and, seating
+himself by the smaller table, where pens and paper were at hand, he
+began and finished the editorial here reproduced, without even one of
+the "false starts" which even we who are most practised so often make;
+and, so far as I recollect, without more than two or three erasures of
+words. This gave me a new view of the capabilities of our censor--a
+view in which he appeared more than ever the fittest man in all the
+army for his exacting post.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+  Mr. Ralph,
+  Mr. Scull, of Chicago,
+  Mr. Buxton, of _The Friend_
+  are the 3 men behind the Censor.
+  Mr. Pearse, _Morning Post_.
+  Mr. Bennett Burleigh, _Daily Telegraph_.
+  W. B. Wollen, R.I.
+  Mr. Maxwell, of the _Standard_.
+  Mr. Melton Prior.
+  Mr. Rennet, of "Laffan's Bureau."
+
+_Lord Stanley Censoring Reports of a Battle. Photographed by Mr. H.
+Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."_]
+
+Perhaps the reader will see at this date and stage of the discussion
+over the lessons of the war that the practical, and with him wholly
+original, words spoken by Lord Dundonald in London on December 15th,
+were in some measure anticipated by Lord Stanley in this editorial.
+Both these noblemen set the same high value upon the services of the
+men of England without regard to class. Lord Dundonald said they would
+fight when called upon, but the best of them would not willingly or
+comfortably undergo the exactions of long-sustained military
+discipline. Our Censor was, at that time, for making their service an
+instantly ready organised source of strength to the Empire.
+
+Though there is little to republish from the columns of THE FRIEND of
+that day, the newspaper was a very complete and excellent collation of
+news of South Africa, the war, and the world. On this particular day,
+April 3rd, we published one of Mr. G. W. Steevens's artistic letters
+from the Natal front, taken from the _Daily Mail_; we copied an
+important article on the lessons of the war written by Mr. Amery for
+the _Times_, and altogether the army found the number very readable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 15.] BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+A LESSON LEARNED.
+
+BY LORD STANLEY.
+
+This war, with the opportunity it has offered to all branches of the
+service to see how the military machinery works when running at high
+pressure, must teach not only those who are out here superintending
+and running the machine, but also those at home who are paying for its
+running, many a useful lesson.
+
+That the machine has worked smoothly nobody for one minute will
+assert--but it certainly has run sufficiently smoothly to show that,
+with some alteration which experience alone could suggest to be
+desirable, our military engine may very easily be made as perfect as
+those of the Continental Powers are popularly supposed to be.
+
+But it is not our intention to show what failings have been
+discovered, and what lessons in manoeuvring--in transport--in
+equipment--are required to be learned. Our object to-day is to
+congratulate ourselves that one lesson at least which had to be
+learned has been partially learned--and that is that England must look
+not to one class or two classes of men for her soldiers and sailors,
+but must be able to draw upon all sorts and conditions of men, the
+rich alike with the poor, when she has to defend her honour at home or
+abroad.
+
+The first part of the lesson has been learned, and men of all ranks in
+life are vying with each other in their desire to serve their country
+in any capacity, however humble. This is good, but the lesson has not
+been entirely taken to heart yet. It will not do for England to have
+to wait for an hour of danger before these men come to the front. They
+must always be there at hand when required, and it behoves the
+Government at home to so legislate as to make permanent in the ranks
+of our army those classes of men who are now in it temporarily.
+
+Conscription may be a nasty pill for some to swallow. But what is in a
+name? Let us call it universal service, and let us ask our fellow
+countrymen at home to be prepared to emulate the example of those who
+are on service here and to be ready at all times and in all places to
+guard and defend the national flag--the symbol of British prestige and
+integrity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+POOR OLD CRONJE.
+
+  Driven from pillar to post,
+    Battered with shot and shell,
+  Knowing full well his cause was lost,
+    When the last of his burghers fell.
+  Surrounded on every hand,
+    He and his Army lay,
+  Determined to make a final stand,
+    Like a wounded stag at bay.
+
+  When the British guns belched forth,
+    The burghers held their breath,
+  And down in the trenches deep they hid
+    From these Messengers of Death.
+  But the British had the range,
+    And their lyddite and shrapnel fell
+  Into their trenches till they thought
+    We'd opened the gates of hell.
+
+  Then Cronje had enough,
+    And a message came to say
+  That he and his army surrendered,
+    And this on Majuba Day:
+  The day that the Boers held
+    And rejoiced with might and main,
+  The day they laid their arms on the veldt;
+    The day they'll ne'er hold again.
+
+  For Cronje's day is done,
+    The despot's rule is o'er,
+  Their hell-fire on the Women
+    And the Red-cross is no more.
+  For under escort he jogs along
+    With never a word to say;
+  He and his army four thousand strong
+    All bound for Table Bay.
+
+  And Cronje can pray as long as he may,
+    Till his poor old knees are sore;
+  But it seems Lord Roberts has found the way
+    To outwit the wily Boer,
+  And St. Helena is his quarters
+    Till the Transvaal War is o'er.
+
+                         JAS. L. WATSON,
+                          _1st Scots Guards._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE.
+
+Below we give a translation of a Dutch proclamation issued by Sir
+George Cathcart nearly half a century ago. The Capetown _Argus_ says
+that it shows a marked similarity to Lord Roberts' recent proclamation
+explaining the cause of the present war, but this we confess we are
+not so certain of, as that the proclamation is of interest in and for
+itself.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+By His Excellency Lieutenant-General the Hon. George Cathcart,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope in South
+Africa, and Territories and Dependencies thereof, and Vice-Admiral of
+the same; and Her Majesty's High Commissioner for the execution and
+adjustment of affairs of the Territory in South Africa bordering on
+and annexed to the Eastern and Northern Boundaries of the said Colony,
+and Governor of the Orange River Territory, &c., &c.
+
+Be it hereby made known to all leaders and people of all classes and
+nationalities within Her Majesty's borders of the Orange River
+Territory that I have come amongst you to offer equal rights and
+justice to all in the name of Her Majesty. I have come not to make
+War, but to settle all disputes and to establish the blessings of
+Peace.
+
+I therefore instruct and command all of you to remain quiet, every one
+of you in your own territory, and to await my judgment and decision.
+
+I have with me a sufficient number of troops of the Queen to command
+obedience, and to punish severely and punctually any Leader, Class, or
+Tribe who would dare to resist my lawful authority.
+
+All loyal subjects of Her Majesty will be prepared to join me, if I
+deem it necessary to call upon them for co-operation against any
+stubborn culprits.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+Given under my Hand and Seal, at Graham's Town, this 15th day of
+November, 1852.
+
+  GEORGE CATHCART,
+         Lieut.-General, Governor.
+
+  By order of His Excellency the Governor,
+                  WM. F. LIDDLE,
+                             Secretary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+OUR CHRISTENING COMPETITION
+
+     _I declare the Original War ended and a New One
+     begun--Enteric's ravages._
+
+
+"The Friend" of April 4th contained a column of offers of a new name
+for the Orange Free State in response to our promise of a five guinea
+prize to the propounder of the most suitable new title for the
+country. We published a ballot form for use by our readers in voting
+for whichever five of the proposed names they preferred. All our
+readers were asked to vote, and it was to be our part to discover what
+person was the earliest to send in either the five most popular names
+or the greater number of them. This gave us such an addition to our
+labours that I suspect we were all as sorry as I know that one of us
+was for having gone into this gift enterprise.
+
+I was the author of the "leader" of the day upon "The End of the War."
+In this I said that the war first planned by the Boers was already
+over and won by the British. That was a war of extermination of the
+British in Natal and the Cape, which two colonies were to be the scene
+of the fighting, and to be captured by the Dutch. "It was to be
+fought out on British soil to the damage of British property and the
+slaughter of such British as did not flee from their homes. That war
+ended quickly in a complete failure. Now," I continued, "another
+struggle is going on to settle whether the two races are to live in
+peace together, whether the Boers are to continue to obstruct modern
+progress, and whether white men who live in South Africa are to enjoy
+white men's rights and white men's liberty."
+
+We published an interesting review of the life of the late Sir Donald
+Stewart, who had just died in England.
+
+Mr. Landon wrote an editorial requesting the editors of the
+mischievous Capetown organ of the Bond, _Ons Land_, not to send their
+wretched paper to our office, and he added that if we could have our
+way no such publication would exist.
+
+Mr. Gwynne was the author of the witty paragraph on "How History is
+Made."
+
+Enteric, the ravages of which were assuming extraordinary proportions,
+now began to exact attention from our contributors. One of these wrote
+recommending the transfer of enteric patients to a building put up as
+a retreat for lepers six miles away, at Sydenham. He argued that it
+was "not fair" to mass the fever patients in the buildings of
+Bloemfontein. I cannot have seen this article at the time, or it would
+have been either left out or answered by me with a modest suggestion
+that the "unfairness" might possibly be in allowing those of us who
+were well and strong to remain in the hotels, all of which, together
+with as many dwellings as were needed, could, perhaps, be turned into
+hospitals. To leave the fever-stricken men out in rain-soaked tents
+set up on muddy ground, where the most ordinary demands of nature had
+to be met at a risk of death--if this could be avoided, this was the
+unfair thing. I would have proposed that the sick soldiers and the too
+vigorous pro-Boers of Bloemfontein change places, putting our enemies
+in the tents, if such a course were possible.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 16.] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1900.   [Price One Penny.
+
+TO THE INHABITANTS OF BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+There is a great want of bedsteads for the use of the sick and wounded
+in the various hospitals here.
+
+An appeal is hereby made to the charity of the general public. All who
+can possibly spare any single bedsteads with mattresses and pillows
+complete, are earnestly requested to communicate with Colonel
+Stevenson, Principal Medical Officer, Maitland Street, who will
+arrange to receive them. Labels, with name and address of owner,
+should be affixed to each bedstead lent, so as to ensure its return
+when no longer required.
+
+  G. T. PRETYMAN,
+             Major-General,
+                         Military Governor.
+  April 3rd.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+WHEREAS: it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that the Railway Service shall be resumed in the
+aforesaid Republic as far as circumstances permit,
+
+NOW THEREFORE,
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I.,
+G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the British
+forces in South Africa, do hereby appoint Lieutenant Colonel Edouard
+Percy Cranwill Girouard, D.S.O., Director of Railways, South African
+Field Force, Administrator of the State Railways in such portions of
+the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be occupied by
+British Troops. And I do hereby order that the Railway and Railway
+Telegraph Services shall be resumed in the portions of the aforesaid
+Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of March, 1900,
+under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange Free State,
+subject to such alterations as may from time to time be notified, and
+to the requirements of the army.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Thirtieth Day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+              ROBERTS, Field-Marshal,
+                      Commanding-in-Chief British Forces
+                                                  in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE RUSSIANS CAPTURE LONDON."
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, Thursday, received Friday.
+
+Kruger is reported to have proclaimed the annexation of the Free State
+to the Transvaal.
+
+It is also reported that he is circulating a proclamation that England
+is in dire straits, the Russians have occupied London and proclaimed
+it Russian territory (Reuter).
+
+It is painful to think that Lord Roberts is totally unaware that he is
+fighting for a country that has ceased to exist, that St. Paul's is
+now a Greek Chapel, that the Thames is called the Temsky River, that
+our beloved Queen is a prisoner at Moscow, and that Lord Salisbury is
+already trudging on the weary snow-bound way to the mines at Kara, in
+Siberia.
+
+Why do you laugh?
+
+To us it seems awful!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAUGHT BY THE BOERS.
+
+After three weeks spent in "bluffing" the Colesberg Boers, by holding
+various kopjes with a half company at the bottom, I found myself one
+fine February morning seized with a sudden attack of "Mauseritis," and
+so forced to watch the rest of a disastrous rear-guard action without
+taking part in it.
+
+My company and one other, having spent a very cold night on a kopje
+N.W. of Rensburg, came down at 5 a.m. to find our other companies "not
+lost but gone before" to Arundel, and a sudden and unexpected Boer
+cross-fire brought on the aforesaid "attack." From 6 to 8 I lay
+watching little puffs of dust in the immediate vicinity, caused by our
+men returning the fire, as a lot of the Boers had followed us up and
+were lying down about 300 yards from me.
+
+At 8 our fire stopped, and up galloped batches of the ragged
+ruffians, the first two pointing Mausers at me and asking, "Rooinek
+wounded?" My answer, "Yes," seemed to relieve them, and they jumped
+off their horses, and quickly relieving me of carbine and belt (the
+only things they took) galloped on. At intervals of ten minutes all
+sorts and conditions followed them with, "Good morning, old chap," and
+they seemed very sorry at seeing me wounded. At 10, four of them,
+under the guidance of a commandant, carried me in a bit of sacking a
+mile to Rensburg Station, to the "Station Commandant's" Room, and I
+spent a happy day till 5 p.m. with 11 of our men, all air prevented
+from coming in by our inquisitive friends, the enemy, who "held" both
+doors and windows with great success, making the place a regular Black
+Hole.
+
+They seemed quite happy, just standing still, staring at us, and never
+uttering a syllable, though they would do anything we asked. At last,
+after hours of waiting, they moved us to a coachhouse close by and
+"dressed" us. We stayed there till 5 the next day, and had many
+interesting talks with them. One old man gave us a blessing, with "I
+wish Chamberlain was here to see you now." Their sole idea was that
+Jos. C. and Rhodes were entirely responsible for the war. Many such
+questions as "Were you compelled to fight?" &c., were asked you, and a
+small box of "sparklets" cartridges was a source of much wonder. My
+next move was to an empty store in Colesberg, where Hofman (of the
+Cape Parliament) had a Russian-German and Dutch Ambulance combined
+(one of his men had been fighting against us and now, covered with Red
+Crosses, helped to carry us about). I stayed there a week, having
+devoured more figs and grapes than ever before.
+
+All the English ladies and the Dutch Minister in particular brought us
+fruit, and I should like to thank them personally. Only the Dutch
+people were allowed in to see us, and were very keen on getting our
+buttons and badges as keep-sakes.
+
+They turned us out of the field hospital one night at 9, and we were
+jolted along in buck-waggons till 5 the next morning, then a halt of 5
+hours, and at last we got to Norval's Pont at 5 p.m., after the worst
+journey I ever hope to have. It was quite a treat seeing trees again,
+as some of the country we passed through was really pretty. Our
+ambulance train consisted of layers of stretchers, one above the
+other, on a large "bogey" truck. At Springfontein, we were entrusted
+to a German ambulance, from Hamburg, covered with crosses, doctors,
+nurses and patient helps, but they were very kind to us.
+
+We got news daily from the station telegraphist, Mr. Fryer, and Mr.
+Shipp, also employed on the station, till the escape from Pretoria put
+an end to our visitors. The hospital was half full of Boers, and they
+seemed perfectly happy sitting still the whole day long doing nothing,
+but smoking hard. Two engines were always left ready for emergency,
+the line being 100 yards away, so sleep at night was a matter of
+difficulty. Just when I was hoping we should be relieved, they moved
+us under the safe keeping of a Bloemfontein policeman in a gorgeous
+blue uniform to the Volks Hospital here, passing through hundreds of
+sleeping burghers in the station. Here we languished in the utmost
+comfort, till the famous Tuesday when little black specks on the veldt
+and the arrival here of "Bobs" made our scarce-believing eyes quite
+certain that we were no longer Boer prisoners.
+
+                                                  ANON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ENTERIC FEVER.
+
+BY AN ARMY SURGEON.
+
+No disease causes such havoc in modern campaigns as typhoid or enteric
+fever, and it becomes the duty of every one having authority to
+impress this fact upon the men committed to their charge. More
+especially is this duty imperative when troops are on the march, for
+many a valuable life is thrown away by the want of the strong hand of
+a wise discipline. When thirsty, men will drink anything, and it is
+here that good may be done. It is reported that one regiment on the
+march recently made the use of water-bottles a matter of drill, the
+word of command being given every hour for a mouthful of water to be
+drunk. As a result, men arrived in many cases at their bivouac with
+some water still left from their morning supply, without being one
+whit more thirsty than their neighbours.
+
+Typhoid in the vast majority of cases is waterborne, and hence the
+greatest care should be taken to avoid any dubious pan or pool. The
+only real preventative of this disease is to boil all water used, and
+although this may be impracticable on service, surely discipline will
+prevent the drinking of doubtful water. No medical observer can help
+wondering why more men were not inoculated on their way out from home.
+The inoculation does no harm, its pain is a small matter, and its
+utility in modifying the severity of the disease is now well
+established. Take a case in point: two officers in the same regiment,
+one aged 31 and the other 24, contracted the disease on the same day
+from the same source. On the usual lines, the younger man should have
+had the worst attack, and yet, although physically the weaker, he
+recovered and his senior died. The younger man had been inoculated but
+the other had not! Some will say that it was the senior's kismet, but
+let that pass. The campaign is now well begun, and it is not too late
+even now to furnish supplies of lymph to Medical Officers for use with
+their units.
+
+The disease now so rife is marked by an absence of abdominal symptoms
+and may, in its early stage, be overlooked. It is during this period
+of uncertainty that harm may be done by a solid diet, and it is safer
+by far for any one suspecting himself to be suffering from influenza
+or other vague disease to restrict himself for a few days to a milk
+diet. Then if the febrile condition passes off, no harm is done, but
+it is to be feared that few will take this amount of trouble over
+themselves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+FOOLED BY THE BOERS
+
+     _British Leniency and Credulity abused Past Endurance._
+
+
+For several days THE FRIEND had been publishing this short but
+imperative announcement:--
+
+NOTICE.
+
+From to-day (inclusive) all civilians must be in their homes after 8
+p.m., unless provided with a SPECIAL PASS allowing them to be out.
+
+The Police have orders to arrest all persons breaking this rule.
+
+N.B.--This does not refer to civilians who are in the employ of the
+British Government, who will have a pass to this effect. By order,
+
+            B. BURNETT-HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant,
+                       Asst. Provost Marshal to Military Governor.
+      Government Buildings, April 1st, 1900.
+
+This notice was but one of many of the signs we gave forth that we
+were being fooled by the tricky Boers, and that at last we were
+compelled to admit it. Far back at De Aar I had seen how
+constitutionally unsuspicious was the average army officer, how
+certain he felt that, because he would not himself stoop to deception
+and treachery, no one else could miss the ennobling contagion of his
+example; how set he was upon carrying leniency and magnanimity to
+unheard of lengths, even with an enemy which neither practiced nor
+appreciated such treatment.
+
+Back in the days at De Aar the Boer spies were thick among us,
+pretending to have horses or forage for sale, but in reality watching
+us, and making daily reports to the enemy. Even then I begged my
+friends among the officers to observe what was going on, and to take
+steps to keep all Dutch-speaking men out of our slenderly guarded
+great storage camp of supplies. But the typical officer said then, as
+he said afterwards for months, "Oh, there's nothing to worry about.
+These people are our friends." And the occasional wide-awake
+non-typical officer ground his teeth and whispered, "Lord! Lord! how
+we are being played with! They know everything about us at every hour,
+in every move--and we not only know nothing of them, but are being fed
+up with lies."
+
+Far from merely keeping the Dutch out of our camps, we engaged the
+people of the country as transport drivers and waggon hands, and
+even--it used to be said--let them find their way into our corps of
+scouts and regimental guides. We demanded that they should know the
+Taal lingo and the country, and the result was that when we marched
+into a Boer village or hamlet we saw our own people hobnobbing with
+the residents, and asking, "Where's Piet? How's Billy? How have all of
+you been getting on?"--hail-fellow-well-met with these alleged
+"loyalists," who were among the most tricky, shuffling hypocrites I
+have ever met in any of my travels. On and on we went, never knowing
+anything of the Boers, and the Boers always thoroughly informed about
+us.
+
+Everywhere the slimy, slippery ranchers and tavern-keepers and
+merchants welcomed us with the heartiest speech, and always were we
+fooled by it. They had been born in the country, half the people or
+more in all that great region were out "on commando," no man except a
+pro-Boer or a born Boer could have been where we found these
+double-faced people, with their Judas-like pretence of friendship. It
+was self-evident that they must have been siding with our enemies. Had
+they been for us when our backs were turned, the Boers would have
+offered them a choice between joining their fighting forces or losing
+their property and their right to stay in the land. Capetown, Durban,
+and Port Elizabeth were crowded by the refugees who had taken an open
+stand for the British side, and been obliged to leave their homes.
+Nothing of this needed telling; it was indisputable, it was logical,
+it was common knowledge.
+
+At last we came to fighting battles that were surprises--to meeting
+Boer forces where we were told there were no Boers. When, at Modder
+River, Mr. Knox, of Reuter's, and I saw a large force of Boers ahead,
+and rode back to tell our friends in the army what we had seen, we
+were informed that what we announced was ridiculous. There were only
+"three hundred Boers within a dozen miles," and these would be quickly
+dislodged by our Ninth Lancers. We were to meet the Boers at
+Spytfontein, miles and miles ahead. Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes
+we began one of the chief battles of the war, against the largest
+force that had up to that time opposed our army.
+
+The next day saw us in the village of Modder River, welcomed by the
+men of the place, whose shops and taverns had been preserved in the
+very midst of the Boer army by--by what shall we say? It must have
+been either by the force of comradeship with the Boers or by
+miraculous and Divine intervention; one or the other, for there is no
+explanation of the phenomenon outside of these two alternatives. Did a
+single man from that village manage to cross the drift and warn us
+that six miles of trenches were ready to be filled by Boers when we
+should reach there? And why did no single individual among all these
+"friends" do us that service? Our guides and others rode far forward,
+and were gone for hours. What did they see or find, and why did they
+not discover the facts?
+
+We were fooled! fooled!! fooled!!!
+
+Without martial law in force behind us, as it should have been in
+force from Capetown to Kimberley, at the very beginning of the war,
+without maps of the country, surrounded by malignant enemies, who were
+the more dangerous in that they declared themselves friends. Knowing
+nothing, but betrayed in everything, we stumbled on--into Modder
+battle, up against Maghersfontein Kopje--fooled and tricked and played
+with for months on end.
+
+We caught one of two men who fired at us from beneath the white flag
+at Belmont. The other one our soldiers killed, but the one we
+caught--what of him? The quicker he was hanged and left hanging on top
+of a high kopje the sooner would have ended the contempt of the Boers
+for our methods, and the sooner would have come the end of the war.
+But I never was able to learn that he was treated otherwise than were
+the rest of our prisoners.
+
+When we came to a village like Modder River, where the Boers had been
+entertained and assisted in bridge-destroying and trench-digging, did
+we _reconcentrado_ the little population? What a lesson to the
+disloyal, what a strength to our arms that would have been! We did
+nothing; we left them in their homes; we found them with Boer warrants
+for pay for forage on their persons; we saw them slipping to and from
+our camp at night, while by day they loitered around our headquarters
+and told us how loyal they were. Fooled were we--to the brim, up to
+our eyes, past all understanding.
+
+Lord Roberts came, and the Boers tried the same old tricks. It is true
+that he maintained the same mistaken course of leniency--making war as
+light as possible for the Boers while they heaped its terrors upon
+us--but this mischievous, war-prolonging policy was so unvarying from
+Capetown to Bloemfontein that I always suspected it to have been
+ordered from home--perhaps by whoever it was that "preferred unmounted
+men" to catch the De Wets of the veldt. I cannot believe that Lord
+Roberts fought England's enemies in India in that way, or that he is
+blamable for that policy in South Africa. He was fooled, however, but
+not as others had been, nor did he evince the same fondness for being
+victimised as did certain of his subordinates. From the outset he took
+all ordinary precautions against treachery and double-dealing, and he
+was the first general to insist that the coloured native (very often a
+Boer spy) should be kept under supervision and should be at least as
+orderly, civil, and well behaved as white men were required to be.
+
+It was while we were at Bloemfontein that the Boers presumed too much
+upon our credulity and trustfulness at last. They did this by the most
+barefaced and wholesale act of hoaxing ever practised upon a modern
+army. We sent out our forces, small and large, over the whole southern
+half of the Free State, distributing Lord Roberts' promise of
+protection to all who surrendered their arms and signed an agreement
+to fight us no more. Gaily and trustingly our troops went here and
+there, and everywhere the people came out to meet them in apparently
+the same cordial spirit of goodwill. As they handed in their
+grandfathers' old elephant rifles and whatever other fire-arm curios
+had been thrown aside in their garrets, they assured us that they were
+sick of the war, that they had been tricked by Steyn, that they had
+only fought to prevent the Transvaalers from confiscating their cattle
+and perhaps to save themselves from being murdered. It was a beautiful
+spectacle of erring brotherhood repentant--for those who enjoy being
+played upon and laughed at.
+
+Even while the old junk was being brought to the railway we began to
+hear that wherever, in isolated cases, a man had honestly given up his
+Mauser and signed the British papers he was being plundered and
+persecuted by his neighbours, most of whom were still either fighting
+or awaiting orders to resume hostilities. My printers told me of
+friends whom they believed to have been shot for failing to take part
+in the hoax, and for seriously giving up the contest.
+
+And at Ladybrand the "friendly" and "repentant" Boers, who had been
+giving tea and entertainment to General Broadwood to hold his force
+until the enemy could capture it, fired on him from the very houses in
+which he had been drinking tea, when he got wind of the trap and
+slipped away--to Sanna's Post.
+
+The air began to fill with rumours of murder and pillage, the veldt
+again resounded with the hoof-beats of fighting commandos. We had the
+affairs at Reddersburg, Wepener, Karree Siding, Sanna's Post. We found
+that we were brushing our coatsleeves against those of active enemies
+in Bloemfontein--men who were apprising the enemy of our army
+movements and plans, who were even said to be slipping out at night,
+armed sometimes with messages and sometimes with Mausers.
+
+Thus the Boer cunning over-reached itself. It was the biggest hoax,
+the climax of the long course of hoaxing. It was the first time it had
+been practised upon Lord Roberts, but I also believe it was the last
+time as well.
+
+This was the meaning of the notices that now began to appear in
+different forms in THE FRIEND: that the Army was to be fooled no
+longer by mere lies and Iscariot handshakings. This was the purport of
+Lieutenant Burnett-Hitchcock's command that we should all carry
+passes; of Town Clerk Koller's order for all the Free Staters to give
+an account of their horses with proofs of ownership; of General
+Kelly's command that all troops "when out in positions" (around the
+town and elsewhere) "should invariably entrench themselves ... being
+careful that their flanks are secure"; of Lord Roberts's warning that
+our "friends" and others were to be held responsible in their persons
+and property for all wanton destruction of or damage to public or
+private property, which meant railway-wrecking principally.
+
+The Army at last was tired of being fooled.
+
+The editorial of the day was conceived in the same spirit of
+resistance to a farther continuance of the experiences of the Army in
+the past. It was headed "British Leniency," and was, I am almost
+certain, written by Mr. Gwynne under "inspiration."
+
+     What about British leniency and long-suffering? (the writer
+     asked). Let it be remembered we are still an army on active
+     service fighting a vigorous enemy. There are people to whom
+     British magnanimity has always and will always spell
+     weakness. We cordially welcome and will gladly receive our
+     new fellow-subjects. We shall not make our welcome depend
+     upon whether they fought against us or not. Those who stood
+     in the enemy's trenches and fought bravely for what they
+     considered to be their liberty will soon be convinced that
+     their struggle was prompted by men who knew not liberty, and
+     that Great Britain will extend to them a degree of freedom
+     which they never knew before. But--and let us here emphasise
+     the "but"--we will have no half measures. We do not ask the
+     newly-conquered Free Staters to take up arms against their
+     kinsmen now fighting against us, but we do ask and shall
+     maintain, with sternness, if necessary, a strict and rigid
+     neutrality on the part of those who have promised it by
+     oath. Let all take to heart this decision, that while Great
+     Britain will remorselessly punish all and any who interfere
+     with those who claim her protection, so will she as sternly
+     and severely bring heavy punishment on those who misuse her
+     tolerance and leniency.
+
+     The great extent of country through which the British army
+     has to operate has made difficult to afford that adequate
+     protection to those who have laid down their arms, convinced
+     that they were risking their lives uselessly. In some cases
+     these men have been molested and ill-treated by the enemy.
+     Full punishment will be meted out to those who have been
+     guilty of such acts. We have shown an example of leniency
+     and tolerance towards rebels, taken with arms in their hand,
+     which we did expect would have been followed by those who
+     direct the affairs of our enemies, and we shall exact of the
+     two Presidents a full and complete reparation for acts of
+     cruelty and inhumanity committed by those under their
+     control.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 17.] BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1900 [Price One Penny.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+The following Military Officers are hereby appointed Justices of the
+Peace for the District of Bloemfontein during pleasure:--
+
+Major-General G. T. PRETYMAN, C.B., Military Governor.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel C. V. F. TOWNSHEND, C.B., D.S.O., Assistant to
+Military Governor.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel B. E. B. LORD CASTLETOWN, Special Service Officer.
+
+Major R. M. POORE, Provost Marshal.
+
+Captain W. A. J. O'MEARA, Chief Intelligence Officer.
+
+Captain P. HOLLAND-PRYOR, D.A.A., General.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Fourth Day of April, 1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+                            ROBERTS, Field Marshal,
+                   Commanding-in-Chief British Forces in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN.
+
+BY FRED EYRE, YORKSHIRE GREEN HOWARDS.
+
+  Far in a land so distant,
+    Out on the battle-field,
+  Raising the lance or carbine,
+    Or a sharp-edged sword they wield.
+  There lie the British Soldiers,
+    Fighting for home and Queen,
+  Marching by day, and by night as well,
+    Hard times are often seen.
+
+  Weary they tramp for their Country,
+    Marching when only half fed;
+  He'll rest where he can when they're halted,
+    Without sheet or blanket or bed.
+  Dreams of sweet home and of childhood
+    Will pass through his weary brain,
+  Restless he'll lie till morning,
+    Then he'll move on the march again.
+
+  But what of his wife and baby,
+    That he's left far behind at home?
+  Where is their love's protection?
+    Where is his heart to roam?
+  Urged on by a stern Commander,
+    Pushed by a Sergeant there,
+  Bullied by bits of Lance Corporals,
+    No wonder the poor soldiers swear.
+
+  Now then he's fighting like blazes,
+    The artillery guns loudly boom,
+  His rifle comes up to his shoulder,
+    And another brave Boer meets his doom.
+  Crack! crack! 'tis the brave soldier's music,
+    His spirits rise up--he can feel,
+  It's this music that raises his spirits,
+    And makes them as fearless as steel.
+
+  He is fighting for Queen and for country,
+    For his dear little baby and wife,
+  He knows that the foe must be beaten
+    And for this end he'll risk his dear life.
+  At last the day's fighting is over,
+    The wounded and dead lie around,
+  All now is quiet and peaceful,
+    From the guns we can hear not a sound.
+
+  But his poor wounded comrades lie moaning,
+    And gasping for life's loving breath,
+  But the great God of Love calls their spirits,
+    And they're clasped in the cold arms of death.
+  All things seem so strange and so dreary,
+    As sadly he gazes around,
+  He heaves a deep sigh and a tear dims his eye,
+    As he lies on the cold sodden ground.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEVO!
+
+  But still we are here, what is left of us,
+    Noble and brave to be seen,
+  We've proved ourselves brave British soldiers,
+    _And willing to die for our Queen_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOKES TO BURN.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND.--SIRS,--Is it true that a certain
+cavalry general, on finding good grass for his horses for the first
+time at Koodoesrand, exclaimed, "By Jove, this will supply a
+long-veldt want"?
+
+That, to remind the burghers of the disgrace of Bloemfontein's fall
+into British hands, President Kruger has changed the name of the
+Transvaal capital to "Oomfontein"?
+
+That the landdrost has caused to be written on the gates of Kroonstad,
+"Nil sine Laboere"?
+
+That the Welshman called Mr. Kruger's son "ap-Paul" and the son's
+father "appalling"?
+
+That the man who said that President Steyn "showed no signs of
+stayin'" when we got near Bloemfontein was shot on the spot by his
+rear-rank man?
+
+That "The Gay Lord Treks" and the "Manoeuvres of Steyn" will be acted
+in London in the winter?
+
+That, in view of the late change of political opinion of the chief
+Bloemfontein newspaper, its name is to be changed to "Our Mutual
+Friend"?
+
+An early answer to some of these important questions will oblige,
+
+  Yours truly,
+             H. ATTER.
+                     Glen Siding, O.F.S., March 30th.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY TEMPERANCE.
+
+BY CHAPLAIN T. F. FAULKNER.
+
+A most interesting meeting was held at the Town Hall on Monday evening
+in connection with the "Army Temperance Association," an organisation
+which owes its existence to the efforts and personal interest of
+Field-Marshal Lord Roberts which, as one of the speakers on the
+platform so rightly said, are always exercised in everything which is
+to the benefit of the British soldier. As, therefore, there are at
+present with our troops at Bloemfontein the President and Founder of
+the Association, two members of the Executive Committee, and many
+hundreds of members, it was a happy conception to call a meeting of
+those interested in Temperance work under the auspices of the
+Association, and one which commended itself to the approval of the
+Commander-in-Chief, who, in spite of many things which daily press
+upon him, readily consented to preside and speak at the meeting.
+
+Much is due to the energy of the Rev. Canon Orford for arrangements
+made, and the kindness of residents in the city, all of which tended
+greatly to the success of the meeting. Disappointments were
+inevitable. Sudden movements and the exigencies of the service robbed
+us of the company of many who would otherwise have been present, and
+we missed the promised help of the band of "The Buffs."
+
+On the platform were, besides the Commander-in-Chief and his personal
+staff, the Very Rev. the Dean; the Venerable the Archdeacon; Mr.
+Meiring, of the Customs, Mr. Falck, of the Post-Office; the Revs. T.
+F. Faulkner, F. B. N. Norman-Lee, and H. T. Coney, Chaplains to the
+Forces; Captain A. H. Webb, R.A.; Mr. Goddard, and R. Grindel, Esq.,
+2nd Coldstream Guards.
+
+Lord Roberts in his address expressed his great pleasure in being able
+to preside, and sketched clearly and briefly the history of the
+beginning of the Association in India, its rapid growth in spite of
+antagonism, its ultimate and acknowledged success, and eventually its
+introduction into England, where now it can boast of a branch in
+almost every regiment and depôt in the kingdom. He particularly
+emphasised its being a _temperance_ and not only a "total abstainer"
+society, and lastly pointed to the work done by the troops under his
+command during the past few weeks as an evidence of what can be done
+by temperate, or in this case almost entire non-abstaining, men, than
+whom (he said) he had never seen any to march better, endure
+privations more contentedly, or to be better behaved.
+
+Mr. Lodge followed with an excellent song, admirably sung, which
+promptly elicited an "encore," which he kindly granted.
+
+Rev. T. F. Faulkner then gave a short address about the principles of
+the Association and how they might affect and be affected by the
+exigencies of the march, and expressed the feeling of gratitude and
+pleasure which all A.T.A. members must share at the interest shown in
+their undertaking by the clergy and citizens of Bloemfontein.
+
+A treat was then accorded to the audience in two songs sung by Miss
+Fraser, who most willingly responded to the vigorous appeal of our
+soldiers. Such singing by a lady we had not heard for a long time,
+and the men were not slow to detect the high order of Miss Fraser's
+powers. The Very Rev. the Dean gave a warm welcome as temperance
+workers in the name of those in Bloemfontein who had the work at
+heart, and spoke of the encouragement to them which such a meeting
+afforded.
+
+An amusing song by Capt. Webb, R.A., also loudly encored, formed a
+pleasing contrast in the programme. Mr. Lodge and Miss Fraser were so
+good as to sing yet another song each, much to the delight of our
+members. Two short speeches by Mr. Grindel and Capt. Webb on the
+subject of the Association's worth and object and the members' duties
+in connection with it, brought the programme to a close save for the
+few graceful words spoken by Rev. F. B. N. Norman-Lee, in expressing
+the thanks of the meeting to Lord Roberts for his presence, and to
+those who had, by their kind help, conduced towards the success of the
+meeting and the pleasure of those who had attended it. The Rev. H. T.
+Coney, who had taken an active part in getting up the meeting, proved
+himself an excellent accompanist. The National Anthem closed the
+proceedings.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_The same by Another Contributor._
+
+The presence of the Field Marshal, who may be called the father of the
+Association, attracted many who, perhaps, have not been identified
+with the movement. All who attended were repaid by getting a sight of
+the man of the hour in South Africa, and listening to his speech of
+introduction. In well-chosen words he gave a brief outline of the
+founding of the Association, its growth from the Total Abstinence
+Association first founded in India, and the gradual broadening of its
+scope and purposes. He told of the influence of the A.T.A. in the
+army, how it was free from prejudice and sectarianism, and he pointed
+out to the soldiers the advantages of joining. Every member was known
+to his commanding officer, and for important posts men were often
+chosen because of this membership.
+
+The soldiers who filled the body of the hall dwelt on every word that
+fell from the lips of the man they loved. When he spoke of the "Army
+it was now his great honour to command," the Field Marshal showed his
+depth of feeling in his voice. He was proud to be the leader of "the
+best-behaved army in the world"; he spoke of the splendid way in which
+the troops had marched, of how uncomplainingly they had endured the
+hardships of the campaign and how well they had fought. In a
+half-joking manner he spoke of them as having all been members of the
+A.T.A. Modder River water was all they had to drink, and sometimes
+little of that. In a graceful way the Field Marshal thanked the people
+of Bloemfontein for the interest shown by their attendance, and he
+expressed his gratitude to Miss Fraser and Mr. Lodge for voluntarily
+helping the success of the meeting with their songs. Constantly the
+soldiers interrupted the speech with applause, and when Lord Roberts
+had concluded, it was some time before it died away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VOICES FROM OVER THE SEA.
+
+BY G. SIMES, OF ROBERTS'S HORSE.
+
+  Though thirteen thousand miles of foam
+    Divide us from the land
+  That bred our sires, yet we their sons
+    With you united stand,
+  And in this year of warring strife
+    From over all the earth
+  We haste to help the grand old land
+    That gave our fathers birth.
+
+  From inland plain, from mountain height,
+    From city and from coast,
+  From divers ends of all the earth,
+    From the dear land we boast
+  Our proud descent; and never where
+    Our language may be spoken
+  Shall the strong tie that binds us to
+    Our mother land be broken.
+
+  All round the world we live in lands
+    Thy enterprise has won,
+  And when the day with you is past
+    With us the rising sun
+  Brings light to carry on the work
+    Bequeathed to us by Thee;
+  We make and shape an Empire that
+    Extends from sea to sea.
+
+  The same clear head, the same firm tread
+    And independent air
+  That made all other men seem mean
+    Who with thy sons compare;
+  The same cool, prudent common-sense
+    And strong decision that
+  Conquer with the tools of peace
+    Or weapons of defence.
+
+  Nor Greece, or Rome, or France, or Spain
+    Had at their highest hour
+  One-half thy Empire, half thy wealth
+    Or world-embracing power,
+  And not to any race that lives
+    In History's wondrous story
+  Has ever been vouchsafed on earth
+    Such universal glory.
+
+  And we thy sons as much as those
+    Who stay at home with thee,
+  All seedlings planted far away
+    From the ancestral tree,
+  Breed true and show in branch and sap
+    The same old sturdy merit,
+  And plant our British customs in
+    The lands that we inherit.
+
+  And now from all your distant lands
+    With haste we come to show
+  We do not wait for you to ask
+    Our help against the foe,
+  But gather round thee pleased to have
+    The opportunity
+  Of proving to the world in arms
+    Our splendid unity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+BY MR. LIONEL JAMES.
+
+I.
+
+Events have followed each other during the last week in such rapid
+succession that it is impossible to give more than a short epitome of
+the engagements at Karree Siding and Waterfall Drift. The cavalry
+reconnaissance to Brandfort showed that there was a considerable
+concentration of the enemy in that town, and as the Intelligence
+Department had information that a large force of Boers, re-equipped
+and remounted, had come down from Kroonstadt, it was deemed necessary
+to occupy the clump of kopjes in which Karee lies.
+
+The enemy forestalled this move, and on 27th March the hills round
+Karee were reported held. As both flanks of the Karee position
+presented ground over which it was possible for cavalry to work, a
+plan of operations was made by which it was hoped that our occupation
+would result in the capture of the enemy's advance guard.
+
+With this object a Cavalry division under General French, a brigade of
+Mounted Infantry and an Infantry division under Lieut.-Gen. Tucker
+concentrated at Glen on April 28th. On the following morning the
+Cavalry made a detour round the right of the enemy's position, the
+mounted Infantry under Lieut.-Col. Le Gallais making a similar
+movement round the left. The object of this operation was obvious. The
+mounted Corps were to be prepared to come into action at the rear of
+the Boer position as soon as General Tucker delivered his Infantry
+attack.
+
+At 10 a.m., having received heliographic communication from Gen.
+French, Gen. Tucker put his division in motion--he advanced it across
+the four miles of plain leading to the foot of the range of kopjes in
+echelon of battalions, Gen. Chermside's Brigade on the right, General
+Wavell's on the left. The position which he essayed to attack, in the
+vicinity of Karee, may be roughly termed three parallel ridges with a
+stretch of valley between each.
+
+Contrary to all expectation, the first ridge was found unoccupied and
+the infantry advanced without opposition, until the leading battalion
+(Lincolns) reached the foot of the second parallel. Here they were
+fired into by a patrol, which itself fell back at once. Under cover of
+a few rounds from the guns which came into action on the left of the
+advance, the second range was occupied. Beneath this lay the plain of
+Karee, a flat of about 2,000 yards, the station standing in the
+centre.
+
+At first it was not evident that the third parallel of hills was held.
+But as the Norfolks, Lincolns, and six companies of the King's Own
+Scottish Borderers scaled a considerable kopje which commanded the
+left of the final parallel, shrapnel was burst over them from a field
+gun which appeared to be in the valley below. The rest of Chermside's
+brigade, covered by a few of the C.I.V., were pushing across the open.
+The mounted men and two companies of the K.O.S.B.'s advanced to within
+200 yards of the final position before the enemy declared their
+presence by opening fire. The reception which the advanced line
+received from the marksmen lining the hill east and from individuals
+ensconced in the bushes on the slopes of the hills was so sharp that
+the line was checked and part of it forced to retire. The three field
+batteries then came into action against a high tableland kop which
+formed the right of the held position, the advance remaining checked
+the while.
+
+A battery was detached to aid the right, as the K.O.S.B.'s were
+suffering from a well-directed and well-ranged shrapnel fire. This
+battery was not able to come into action, as the teams were unable to
+bring the guns up the slope of the position chosen. But three of
+Wavell's battalions were brought across the open and an assault was
+attempted on the main kopje.
+
+Matters practically remained at a deadlock until four p.m., when the
+sound of French's guns was heard in the rear of the enemy's position.
+Three shrapnel burst on the nek connecting the left and centre of the
+Boer position. The Mauser fire stopped as if by magic, and the enemy
+vacated. The whole line then advanced and occupied the enemy's
+position, the latter retreating across the plain in the direction of
+Brandfort, taking their guns with them, which they unlimbered at
+intervals to shell the cavalry.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RICOCHETS.
+
+Lady Edward Cecil and Lady Charles Bentinck are here on a visit.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An amusing incident occurred the other day at the Glen. An officer of
+one of the Guards Battalions, whose name resembles that of the
+station, was found bathing in the Modder by a flying sentry stationed
+there to prevent the men from bathing. The sentry knew his duty, and
+unceremoniously ordered the delinquent to come out of the water,
+whereupon the gallant captain, in all his nakedness, approached the
+bank and indignantly asked the man, "Can't you see I am an officer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+DR. A. CONAN DOYLE CONTRIBUTES
+
+     _And this suggests a few remarks about the much-discussed
+     Treatment of our Sick._
+
+
+The editorial in the number of April 6th was written by me, with the
+assistance of Mr. Kipling, who aided me in phrasing concisely and with
+force the declaration of British principles in the body of the
+article. The manuscript was set up and "proved" while he was with us,
+and then was sent to the Residency in order that the authorities might
+look up some one capable of translating it into the Taal language. It
+was the first of our editorials to be printed, like Lord Roberts's
+proclamation, in both tongues. In English it was entitled, "to the
+People of the Free State," and this line was paralleled in our columns
+with this counterpart in Taal:
+
+AAN HET VOLK VAN DEN (? ORANJE) VRIJ-STAAT.
+
+Dr. A. Conan Doyle, who has since written so excellent a book upon
+"The Great Boer War," had recently arrived in Bloemfontein, and
+enjoyed his first welcoming dinner with the editors of THE FRIEND at
+the Free State Hotel. He took a keen interest in our strange newspaper
+venture, and willingly wrote for us when we asked him to do so. The
+ringing, sturdily-phrased article, "A First Impression," which
+appeared in this number of April 6th, was by him.
+
+But he came at the head of the Langman Field Hospital, and was, at
+first, busy in establishing that most excellent, much-needed
+institution on the cricket-ground; then busier far in looking after
+the enteric patients who passed under his care in numbers startling to
+record. It fell to me to write a notice of his arrival, in which I
+said--and from my heart--"We welcome him to the British Army. We had
+hoped to welcome him to the staff of THE FRIEND, but, in view of the
+humane and philanthropic work which busies him night and day, we
+cannot betray such selfishness as to express any disappointment over
+this loss.
+
+"So true a talent as his compels him to write, whether he will or no,
+and he has promised us a thought or an observation, now and then, out
+of his golden store. Perhaps at the end of the war he may give to the
+world a companion book to his undying 'White Company.' If it is called
+the 'Khaki Company,' and deals with the exploits of Englishmen of
+to-day, there will be, thank God, no lack of deeds of valour as
+stirring, courage as calm, and warfare as enthusiastic as he found to
+electrify the pages of the earlier work."
+
+[Illustration: A first Impression
+
+It was only Smith-Dorrien's brigade marching into Bloemfontein but if
+it could have passed just as it was, down Piccadilly and the Strand it
+would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck which we
+were unloading and watched them, the ragged bearded fierce-eyed
+infantry straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who could
+conceive who has seen the prim soldier of peace that he could as
+quickly transform himself into this grim virile barbarian. Bulldog
+faces, hawk faces, hungry wolf faces--every kind of face except a weak
+one. Here and there a reeking pipe--here and there a man who
+smiled--but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little forward,
+their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute. Baggage
+waggons were passing, the mules all shin & ribs, with the escort
+tramping beside the wheels.
+
+_A Page of Dr. Conan Doyle's "Copy."_]
+
+All who were in Bloemfontein spoke as highly of the Langman Hospital
+as I have done, and in the same--even in a more ardent manner--had we
+all praised the Australian Field Hospital, which we got to know
+before Lord Roberts took command. Especially did we exalt these
+institutions in our mind, because of the way in which we contrasted
+them with the outfits of the R.A. Medical Corps. We could not then see
+why it was that private individuals and colonies should surpass the
+richest nation on earth in their equipments for the care of the sick
+and wounded, or why the richest nation on earth should have to rely on
+these outside establishments, and beg of the Red Cross agents and of
+the people of South Africa for the means to complete the equipment of
+her own field hospitals.
+
+It is not a pleasant subject. It does not force itself into a book
+upon "the brighter side of war" by reason of any especial harmony with
+that title. But it suggests a story which England needs to know--which
+England must wish to know if she means to keep her place among the
+fighting powers by the only means by which that status can be
+maintained--which is the stopping of every source of weakness and the
+reform of every evil in her army. As I said when I was urged to
+testify before the Commission which inquired into the subject, I did
+not study the matter when I was with the army. I was conscious of the
+general belief that the hospital service did not meet the demands of
+the situation either after the awful losses at Paardeberg, or, later,
+when enteric claimed between 5,000 and 7,000 victims at Bloemfontein.
+
+Death was thick in the air. Nearly every correspondent and officer
+counted more friends who were sick than he had known to be wounded or
+killed in battle. The rains had set in. The veldt was like a marsh.
+The nights were bitterly cold. The dead in their blankets pursued us
+in the streets of the town and on every ride we took upon the veldt.
+My concern for my son took me daily to the Volks Hospital, where the
+doctor and nurses said that enteric in Bloemfontein took on so mild a
+form that they should "consider it a lasting disgrace to have a
+patient die of that disease," and yet every time I went to that
+hospital I heard from other visitors how many were the deaths in the
+army hospitals. I heard, too, how bad were the sanitary arrangements,
+how inefficient were the often untrained "Tommy" nurses, how dreadful
+were the risks the patients were obliged to take (in some field
+hospitals) in obeying the commands of nature.
+
+Now that I have returned to England I have had a high official of the
+Medical Corps say to me, "It was known beforehand that the service
+must break down in war because it was undermanned; it was never made
+familiar with its work, it had too few reserves to draw upon; when it
+was distended by the sudden and extraordinary demands of war it had to
+grow on paper, but not in fit and proper _personnel_ or _materiel_."
+
+Here, then, is the basis for what must, sooner or later, be exposed to
+all the nation. Knowing that things were amiss, and that they could
+not have been otherwise, the people need not wait two or five years
+for all the facts, or for the creation of a mis-applied "sensation."
+Let them doggedly and firmly insist that the loudly promised reform of
+the army shall be certain to include the establishment of a properly
+trained, equipped, and proportioned R.A.M.C., and that the lingering
+prejudice of the regular army officer against this most useful,
+economic, and essential corps shall vanish before the will of the
+people as stubble is swept up by a prairie fire.
+
+Mr. Gwynne wrote the obituary notice of Archibald Forbes, Mr. Fred W.
+Unger wrote a descriptive article called "The Inexpressible Veldt,"
+and we were rejoiced once again to publish a contribution in verse by
+Mr. A. B. Paterson, of Sydney.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 18. BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1900 [Price One Penny.
+
+TAKEN FROM THE OFFICE OF "THE FRIEND."
+
+Monday or Tuesday, a pair of Field Glasses, a pair of Wire Cutters,
+and Leather Pouch. Please return same and claim reward.[16]
+
+[Footnote 16: The victim of this bold theft out of our sanctum was Mr.
+James Barnes, our occasional contributor and assistant.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The time by which Civilians have to be in their houses is extended to
+9 p.m. on Sundays, to enable them to return from Church.
+
+              B. BURNETT HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant,
+       Asst. Provost-Marshal to Military Governor.
+  April 6th, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THAT V.C.
+
+BY A. B. PATERSON.
+
+  'Twas in the days of front attack,
+    This glorious truth we'd yet to learn it,
+  That every "front" has got a "back,"
+    And French is just the man to turn it.
+
+  A wounded soldier on the ground
+    Was lying flat behind a hummock;
+  He proved the good old proverb sound,
+    "An army travels on its stomach!"
+
+  He lay as flat as any fish,
+    His nose had worn a little furrow,
+  He only had one frantic wish--
+    That like an ant-bear he could burrow.
+
+  The bullets whistled into space,
+    The pom-pom gun kept up its braying,
+  The four-point seven supplied the bass;
+    You'd think the Devil's band was playing.
+
+  A valiant comrade crawling near
+    Observed his most supine behaviour
+  And crawled towards him, "Eh! what cheer?
+    Buck up," says he "I've come to save yer!"
+
+  "You get up on my shoulders, mate!
+    And if we live beyond the firing,
+  I'll get a V.C. sure as fate,
+    Because our blokes is all retiring.
+
+  "It's fifty pound a year," says he,
+    "I'll stand you lots of beer and whisky."
+  "No," says the wounded man, "not me,
+    I won't be saved; it's far too risky!
+
+  "I'm fairly safe behind this mound,
+    I've worn a hole that seems to fit me,
+  But if you lift me off the ground
+    It's fifty pound to one they'll hit me!"
+
+  So off towards the firing-line
+    His mate crept slowly to the rear, oh!
+  Remarking, "What a selfish swine!
+    He might have let me be a hero!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FREE STATE.
+
+BY MESSRS. KIPLING AND RALPH.
+
+The British have come to stay.
+
+Our students of political economy have taught us that the constitution
+and laws of the old Free State were as nearly perfect as any that
+could be framed for a democracy.
+
+The basis of the British Government is that of an enlightened and
+progressive democracy.
+
+It is therefore certain that British rule will not bring any violent
+or revolutionary changes to the conditions under which you citizens
+have been living.
+
+What are British principles?
+
+The absolute independence of the individual, so long as he does not
+interfere with his neighbour's rights.
+
+Prompt and equal justice, before the Lord, to all men.
+
+A natural and rooted antipathy to anything savouring of military
+despotism, in any shape or form.
+
+Absolute religious toleration and freedom of belief for all peoples.
+
+Prompt and incorruptible justice to all men in every walk of life.
+
+The right of every man to make his home his castle.
+
+In view of these things and of the unalterable fact that the country
+has passed under a new rule, why should burghers hesitate or delay in
+making friends with the new situation?
+
+We are your friends. We have never felt unfriendly toward you; for
+even in war we realised that you were deceived by unwise and selfish
+leaders.
+
+Let us, then, repeat the new motto of the Free State, printed at the
+head of the newspaper, "All has come right," for we are certain that
+as soon as your people realise what is to be the new rule under which
+you are to live, you will know and acknowledge that the right has
+prevailed, and that never again shall you stand in fear of a military
+oligarchy like the Transvaal; or of tyranny or injustice in any form.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A FIRST IMPRESSION.[17]
+
+[Footnote 17: Copyrighted. Used here with the author's permission.]
+
+BY A. CONAN DOYLE.
+
+It was only Smith-Dorrien's Brigade marching into Bloemfontein, but if
+it could have been passed, just as it was, down Piccadilly and the
+Strand it would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck
+which we were unloading and watched them, the ragged, bearded,
+fierce-eyed infantry, straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who
+could conceive, who has seen the prim soldier of peace, that he could
+so quickly transform himself into this grim, virile barbarian? Bulldog
+faces, hawk faces, hungry wolf faces, every sort of face except a
+weak one. Here and there a reeking pipe, here and there a man who
+smiled, but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little forward,
+their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute. Baggage
+waggons were passing, the mules all skin and ribs, with the escort
+tramping beside the wheels. Here are a clump of Highlanders, their
+workmanlike aprons in front, their keen faces burned black with months
+of the veldt.
+
+It is an honoured name that they bear on their shoulder-straps. "Good
+old Gordons!" I cried as they passed me. The sergeant glanced at the
+dirty enthusiast in the undershirt. "What cheer, matey!" he cried, and
+his men squared their shoulders and put a touch of ginger into their
+stride. Here are a clump of Mounted Infantry, a grizzled fellow like a
+fierce old eagle at the head of them. Some are maned like lions, some
+have young, keen faces, but all leave an impression of familiarity
+upon me. And yet I have not seen irregular British cavalry before. Why
+should I be so familiar with this loose-limbed, head-erect, swaggering
+type; of course it is the American cow-boy over again. Strange that a
+few months of the veldt has produced exactly the same man that springs
+from the western prairie. But these men are warriors in the midst of
+war. Their eyes are hard and quick. They have the gaunt, intent look
+of men who live always under the shadow of danger. What splendid
+fellows there are among them!
+
+Here is one who hails me; the last time I saw him we put on seventy
+runs together when they were rather badly needed, and here we are,
+partners in quite another game. Here is a man of fortune, young,
+handsome, the world at his feet, he comes out and throws himself into
+the thick of it. He is a great heavy-game shot, and has brought two
+other "dangerous men" out with him. Next him is an East London farmer,
+next him a fighting tea-planter of Ceylon, next him a sporting
+baronet, next him a journalist, next him a cricketer, whose name is a
+household word. Those are the men who press into the skirmish-line of
+England's battle.
+
+And here are other men again, taller and sturdier than infantry of the
+line, grim, solid men, as straight as poplars. There is a maple-leaf,
+I think, upon their shoulder straps, and a British brigade is glad
+enough to have those maples beside them. For these are the Canadians,
+the men of Paardeberg, and there behind them are their comrades in
+glory, the Shropshire Light Infantry, slinging along with a touch of
+the spirit of their grand sporting colonel, the man who at forty-five
+is still the racquet champion of the British army. You see the dirty
+private with the rifle under his arm and the skin hanging from his
+nose. There are two little stars upon his strained shoulders, if you
+could see them under the dirt. That is the dandy captain who used to
+grumble about the food on the P. and O. "Nothing fit to eat," he used
+to cry as he glanced at his menu. I wonder what he would say now? Well
+he stands for his country, and England also may be a little less
+coddled and a little more adaptive before these brave, brave sons of
+hers have hoisted her flag over the "raad zaal" of Pretoria.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MODERATE DRINKER'S LAMENT.
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_From the Household Brigade Magazine._)
+
+WITH APOLOGIES TO RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  When you've done your meat and jipper--when you've 'ad your go o' beer--
+    When your duff 'as filled the corners of your shape--
+  P'raps you'll kindly spare some sympathy, and drop a silent tear
+    For a gentleman in khaki at the Cape.
+  'E's an absent-bodied beggar--as it's needless to relate--
+    An' 'is most frequented pub'll fail to find him,
+  For 'e doesn't get a chance to chalk 'is drinks up on a slate
+    'Cause 'e's left Three-thick and Drug-'ole far behind 'im.
+
+  _Lime-juice mixed with water the colour of mud
+    (Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),
+  Bully beef and rooty, and where shall we find a spud?
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  Now we falls in of a mornin', an' we knows there's work to do
+    Simultaneous with the risin' of the sun;
+  We can see 'em on the kopjes, and their numbers isn't few,
+    An' it's more than rather likely there's a gun.
+
+  When we get within "fixed sights" it's ten to one the blighter's gone,
+    And an absent-bodied beggar we shall find 'im,
+  For 'e mounts 'is 'orse an' offs it when 'e finds us comin' on,
+    An' e' never leaves a drop o' drink be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Pile arms! Lie down! Now let the Transport come!
+    (Am I 'ungry and thirsty? Wait till I let you see!)
+  Bully beef and rooty, and somebody's pinched my rum.
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  There's a chap called Wilfrid Lawson as is always on the squeak,
+    An' 'e turns the liquor question inside out;
+  But a bloke can do a gallon--if the tiddley's fairly weak--
+    Without actually going on the shout.
+  But the absent-bodied tippler feels a temporary check
+    When 'e tastes a kind of something to remind him,
+  There's a Boer up the river with a stone around 'is neck
+    'As a filter what old Cronje's left be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Fill mine! Mine too! (Smells like a bloomin' drain!)
+    Fill at the nearest water, spite of the M.F.P.
+  Bully beef and rooty, and something's give me a pain,
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  Don't you fancy I'm a-grousin'. You can look me in the face
+    An' judge if I'm a coward or a cur,
+  When I tells you 'ow I scrambled up each blood-an'-thunder place
+    Without any 'esitation or demur.
+  Still, your absent-bodied comrade's got a thirst what's run to waste,
+    And 'e'll show you in the future, when you find 'im
+  Back in Wellington or Chelsea, as 'e's not forgot the taste
+    Of the beer what 'e's at present left be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Wayo! 'Ere's luck! Drink to your sweet-'eart dear
+    (Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),
+  Wait till the war is over, then for the pint o' beer,
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+LOOT AND LURID CRAZES
+
+     _A chapter in which we also tell of a modest Prince and a
+     gallant Adventurer._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" contained notices of Kruger sovereigns and Transvaal
+pennies for sale, of Boer rifles and saddles, but none of the postage
+stamps of the former Free State or the newly surcharged ones in use by
+the Army. Though Transvaal pennies fetched twenty-five shillings and
+were in great demand, the real enthusiasm of collectors was for
+postage stamps, and officers and others were busy as bees buying
+stamps and having them erased to make them the more valuable.
+
+South Africa is as bare and barren a place for collectors, and even
+for the modest traveller who wishes for merely one trifling souvenir,
+as can be imagined. The war provided some trophies in the way of
+shells and Mauser rifles, but outside these there was nothing except,
+perhaps, the empty ostrich eggs to be found in every Boer house--and
+also to be found everywhere else in the civilised world.
+
+The most coveted war trophies were: first, the Transvaal and Free
+State flags; second, the extraordinary waistcoats worn by a few Boers,
+and covered all over with cartridge slits or pockets made especially
+to hold the Mauser "clips" of five cartridges each; third, old Dutch
+Bibles illustrated by quaint woodcuts, and fourth, Boer rifles.
+However, even the war trophies were few and hard to get, and the
+singular energy of collectors expended itself in the gathering of new
+and old postage stamps, at which generals, colonels, and Tommies
+busied themselves, and a well-known London man of my acquaintance
+cleared a profit of £300, still reserving for himself a handsome
+collection.
+
+The name of Prince Francis of Teck no longer appeared in THE FRIEND
+beneath the demand he had been making for horses. I remember that the
+circus-ground he had pre-empted for the safe-keeping of his stock was
+now full of animals one day, half-empty the next day, and full again
+on the third, as he bought and distributed his live stock. I want,
+before I forget it, to tell how some of us editors entertained him
+without having the vaguest idea who he was.
+
+He was invited to dinner at the Free State Hotel by Mr. Landon, who
+saw him seated and then introduced him to the rest of us, but in so
+indistinct a manner that we did not catch his name. We simply saw in
+our company a handsome and stalwart young officer of imposing stature,
+and evidently profound good-nature. We all conversed upon the current
+topics of the day and place, and one of us, I remember, had occasion
+to differ with our guest, diametrically, upon some point--doing so as
+bluntly, though not at all rudely, as men were apt to do in such a
+place and at such a time--when the extra and more elaborate
+formalities are apt to be laid aside for future use at the Mount
+Nelson Hotel, and later in the routine of life at home.
+
+After dinner our guest suggested that he should enjoy a chat and smoke
+in our company elsewhere than in the noisy dining-room, so we invited
+him to Mr. Kipling's bedroom, which was larger than Mr. Landon's or
+Mr. Gwynne's or mine. We spent a very pleasant hour in freest
+converse, one of us being prone upon one bed and rolling around on it
+pipe in mouth, while our guest lolled upon a cot beside the chest of
+drawers, and the others held down two chairs and looked after the
+distribution of the cigarettes and the less dry refreshments at our
+command.
+
+We were not able, by any means, to agree with some of the propositions
+of our guest, but he accepted our views in a spirit of good-humour, or
+of a desire to learn what we had seen and studied. He talked a great
+deal about horses, and about the fertile ingenuity of the native horse
+trader, as well as of his own ability to defeat him at his wiles--but
+we took no hint from this. When he had gone we asked Mr. Landon, "Who
+was that? We did not catch his name."
+
+The largest advertisement in the paper was that of Murray Guthrie,
+Esq., M.P., whose address just then was "the Railway Station." He was
+most generously giving up his time to the receipt and distribution of
+those parcels for the troops which were now beginning to come from
+England in great and little packing-cases, and large and small bundles
+numbering enough to be reckoned by the car-load.
+
+[Illustration: _The Capitulation of Bloemfontein._
+
+_From a painting by Lester Ralph._]
+
+We had received the news of the killing of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil in an engagement with Lord Methuen's force, and
+Mr. Gwynne wrote a spirited leader in honour of the Frenchman's
+memory.
+
+We heard some interesting details about the capture of Villebois,
+which I think have never been published. His commando threatened
+Boshof, and when our force began to attack the kopje where he was
+lodged our second shell killed him. He was not the only nobleman in
+his commando, for among the prisoners we captured one was a Russian
+prince and another was the Comte Breda, a Frenchman, like his leader.
+Another prisoner was a stalwart Englishman named Simpson, whose long
+beard was braided to keep it out of the way when he was shooting.
+Physically, he was the most splendid specimen of manhood our soldiers
+had seen in the Boer ranks. Lord Methuen ordered a military burial,
+and commanded Colonel Higgins of the Third Welsh Borderers to obtain a
+fitting tombstone. The English general attended the funeral, which
+took place in Boshof cemetery. "General" Villebois was buried in a
+blanket, but this was covered by the Union Jack when the body was
+solemnly borne to the grave between the lines of the men of the Loyal
+North Lancashire Regiment. No chaplain officiated, but none of the
+formalities of a complete military service were omitted. The Comte
+Breda made a little speech at the close, thanking the British for
+their courtesy and kindness. After that our own dead were buried in
+the same little cemetery.
+
+The affair provoked great and deep discussion, and so many British
+officers were displeased by what Lord Methuen had seen fit to do that
+THE FRIEND was at pains to try and clear the air of the false
+impression that one brave general had not a right to honour another
+in this soldierly way. We also pictured Villebois as he appeared to
+us, a knight of ancient pattern, a restless, gallant warrior, who had
+political reasons for wishing to keep himself in the mind of his
+people while waiting for the ripening of his plans. The line on his
+gravestone, "died on the field of Honour," was originally written "on
+the field of battle," and was ordered to be changed at the last
+moment. This phrase also angered many British, who, presumably,
+thought that a grand monument had been set up over the unfortunate
+Frenchman. In fact, the stone only cost ten pounds when dressed and
+inscribed, and in a country where such things fetch twice their value
+here.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 19.] BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+COL. DE VILLEBOIS-MAREUIL.
+
+BY MR. H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+     (_The following message has been received by F.M. Lord
+     Roberts from Lord Methuen: "Arrangements have been made for
+     the burial of Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil this evening with
+     military honours."_)
+
+A short, well-built, admirably proportioned man, with quick,
+expressive eyes, and an open, frank countenance was the late Colonel
+de Villebois-Mareuil. He was a soldier, and a gallant soldier, from
+the top of his close-cropped head to the soles of his daintily-shod
+feet. Wherever there was war, or the possibilities of war, de
+Villebois-Mareuil was on the spot ready to fight for whichever side,
+in his eyes, appeared to have the greater claims on justice. Impulsive
+to a degree, he was often drawn to conclusions for which he could
+never give logical grounds. The picturesqueness of the Boer side of
+the war, the presence of old Huguenot names among those of the Boer
+leaders, the imagined wrongs of the two Republics, were quite
+sufficient to attract the generous and emotional Frenchman into the
+struggle. And once in the struggle, he gave the whole of his energy to
+it. Not content with drawing the sword for the two Republics, he
+wielded a charming pen on their behalf. Some of his letters to the
+Paris _Liberté_ prove that if the world has lost a gallant soldier, it
+has also lost a brilliant war correspondent.
+
+To us English, imbued as we are with a full appreciation of everything
+which appears manly or sporting, the figure of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil is particularly sympathetic. We overlook his
+somewhat illogical defence of what appears to us the gross injustice
+of the Transvaal's dealings with Englishmen, and we only see a gallant
+Frenchman fighting and laying down his life for a cause which he
+espoused with the warmth of a generous nature. There is something
+touching in a sentence of his which appears in one of his letters from
+South Africa. "When I came here I believed I was going to the
+sacrifice." Gallant, generous, chivalrous soldier: May God rest his
+soul!
+
+Over his grave we forget that he fought against us, and we think only
+of the gallant soldier. A British bullet laid him low, but a British
+General lays him to rest with full military honours.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BALLADE OF TEN-A-PENNY.
+
+BY J. H. M. A.
+
+  Kopjes are steep, and the veldt is brown--
+    (Utterly true, if you pause to think)
+  Biscuits are done and your luck is down;
+    "Modder" is not an inspiriting drink
+  (Dead Boers' taint, and defunct mules stink).
+    Better the sound of the screaming bomb,
+  Excitement and hurry of Hell's own brink--
+    Alas! for a tune on the gay Pom-pom.
+
+  "Action front!"--And the guns are round,
+    Teams go back with the chains a-clink.
+  We're reaping the storm that the scouts have sown
+    (The sun gets red and the clouds are pink).
+  "Show for the lyddite, that's all"--you think
+    (Frenchmen would shrug, with a _sacré nom_),
+  When out in the dusk, in the half of a jink,
+    Suddenly singeth the brisk Pom-pom.
+
+  "Pom-pom-pom"--and the shells have flown;
+    "Bang-bang-bang"--without rise or sink--
+  Accurate sameness to half a tone--
+    Whizzing one-pounders--don't stop to think--
+  Open the ranks like a "spieler's" wink.
+    This is a speedy and frolicsome bomb,
+  Do not despise it, but do not shrink,
+    This is a nerve-test, this swift Pom-pom.
+
+  ENVOI.
+
+  Oom, when you sit in the dark and think,
+    After the war, and your nights are long,
+  Bitterness sweeten of cups you drink
+    With a memory sad of your sweet Pom-pom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HOW THE CALF WAS AVENGED.
+
+BY LEONARDITE, 82ND BTY., R.F.A.
+
+It happened about the time of the Paardeberg affair, or, to be exact,
+at 12.10 a.m. on the 22nd of February, 1900, our battery (the 82nd
+R.F.A.) had throughout the day catered diligently and well for the
+tastes of Cronje and his followers. They had breakfast betimes in the
+shape of shrapnel (unboiled), liberally and impartially distributed to
+all and sundry within the laager; luncheon, tea, and supper followed
+in due succession, each consisting principally of the same palatable
+diet, flavoured at intervals with the celebrated Lyddite sauce. This
+same is noted for its piquancy and marvellous power of imparting
+elasticity to the lower extremities (gouty and dropsical people please
+copy).
+
+We returned to camp that night pretty well tired out, and hungry
+enough to eat "beef" (troop horse, isn't it?), and wondering what our
+good Poulter, the battery _chef_, had prepared in the shape of
+grub--we had fought all day on a couple of "Spratt's gum-hardeners."
+As we neared the camp a most appetising odour smote our olfactory
+nerves. "Beef stew," says our No. 1, who has a wonderful nose for
+odours. "Garn," retorts Driver Jones, who loves a joke; "more likely
+an old goat that's 'scorfed' the inside of one of 'Redfern's trenches'
+(this is a battery joke); too strong for beef." Well, by this time we
+had arrived, and some one who knew said it was veal, and that Mason,
+our Mason, Mason the mighty hunter and what-not, had commandeered it.
+
+Presently arrived the cooks and camp kettles, and we settled down to a
+good "buster." When nothing was left but empty pots and vain
+longings, we lit our pipes, and the aromatic fumes of our Boer's Head
+_cabbagio_ were wafted heavenwards, our veracious raconteur related
+how he had captured the calf. How our pulses throbbed and our blood
+rose to fever heat as he told how he tore away his game from under the
+very horns of its enraged mother; and how, with the calf on his back,
+he had been chased five miles and over a big kopje strewn with
+boulders as big as an A.S.C. waggon, and finally, seeing no other mode
+of escape, had hurled the animal (the calf, not its maternal relative)
+from the top of the kopje, and in sheer desperation had leaped down
+after it, breaking his fall by alighting on its body.
+
+Bidding us good-night, he left us to imagine what he would have broken
+had he alighted off its body.
+
+Feeling the spirit of contentment hovering o'er us, we prepared to
+turn in. The guns had previously been unlimbered and were ready for
+action, with their muzzles pointing to the enemy. Formed up in rear
+were the six gun limbers and six ammunition waggons, each with its
+team of six horses still hooked in in case of any emergency. In
+addition were the horses of the single riders, tied by their headropes
+to different parts of the carriages, making a total of somewhere about
+a hundred horses.
+
+Well, we had comfortably settled down and were enjoying our first
+sleep when the sentries were startled by a most unearthly noise from
+the vicinity of the camp. It sounded like a dyspeptic groan from a
+more than ordinarily cavernous stomach. The horses pricked up their
+ears and the sentries clutched their carbines tighter as they peered
+into the darkness. Suddenly came the sound again--a mournful,
+melancholy, hair-raising sound. Like a flash the whole battery of
+horses, as though acting on a signal, stampeded into the night, taking
+the waggons with them; over sleeping men they went, stopping for no
+obstacles, overturning guns in their mad career, and heading straight
+for the enemy's trenches. The outposts, thinking the Boers were trying
+to break through the lines, opened fire at nothing. The Boers,
+thinking they were attacked, did ditto. It was a perfect pandemonium
+for a few minutes. The spiteful spit-puff of the Mauser and sharp
+crack of the Lee-Metford, the whole blending with the cries of the
+injured and the shouts of the men who were trying to stop the
+runaways, made an impression that few who witnessed the scene will
+ever forget.
+
+We had several more or less severely injured, lost about thirty horses
+and one waggon, besides several that were overturned and smashed.
+
+All this damage was caused by the lowing of an old cow who had
+wandered through the camp seeking her lost offspring.
+
+MORAL.--Hanker ye after the fleshpots, commandeer ye not, but buy!
+buy! buy!
+
+NOTE.--Wanted to know--_vide_ the Press report of Paardeberg
+action--Since when has the 82nd Battery, R.F.A., become a mule
+battery?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'ORSE OR FUT?
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_A Song of the Household Brigade._)
+
+  I.
+
+  It ain't a fatigue to see him,
+    'E's a taller than usual man,
+  As 'e struts down the road 'e's as smart as be blowed,
+    And 'is swagger would stop Big Ben,
+  'E's a fair take-in for the ladies,
+    For of course it's a maxim trite
+  When a cove's in the Guards, why it's just on the cards
+    'E's a bit of the best All-Right.
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+      Whether 'e wears a 'elmet,
+          Or 'airy 'at on 'is nut,
+  When all's done and said, 'E is 'Ousehold Brigade,
+          Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+          (_Shouted ad lib._): THAT'S RIGHT
+          Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+  II.
+
+  O' course 'e's fond of 'is lady,
+    'Is lady she doats on 'im,
+  And it's princip'ly that what's the cause of 'er 'at,
+    With its feathers and twisted brim.
+  When 'e takes 'er out of a Sunday
+    She says, "What a lovely sight!
+  "Oh! there isn't a doubt, But I'm walking about
+    "With a bit of the best All-Right."
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+        And when 'e looks in promisc'ous
+            'Taint often the door is shut,
+  For she's fond of a mash, with a curly moustache,
+             Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+             (_As before_): That's Right
+             Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+  III.
+
+  And then, when the war-clouds gather,
+    On Service 'e goes away;
+  And it's "Goodbye, Sal, God bless you, my gal!"
+    And the woman is left to pray.
+  Then whether it's toil and 'ardship,
+    Or whether it's march and fight,
+  'E's a joker, we know, As is certain to show
+    'E's a bit of the best All-Right.
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+        Whether it's sword or bayonet,
+            Whether it's lance or butt,
+  'E's bound to go large When they're sounding the Charge,
+            Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+            (_As before--only more so_): That's Right!
+            Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HAS THE WAR JUST BEGUN?
+
+The Cradock Dutch newspaper, the _Middellandsche Afrikaander_, says:
+"Our English contemporaries are greatly mistaken in thinking that the
+war has now virtually ended. The Republicans are now going to act on
+the defensive, and now one can expect a deathly struggle. The war has
+now lasted nearly six months, and, however much we desire it, there is
+no prospect of peace as yet."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+IN THE SHADOW OF SANNA'S POST
+
+     _We try to Name the New Colony, and describe the Kornespruit
+     Fight._
+
+
+Our ten thousand readers had been invited to send in their suggestions
+for a new name for the Free State, and then to express their opinions
+upon the names thus suggested. The first person to have sent in the
+name preferred by the greater number of readers was to receive five
+guineas, and perhaps the honour of naming a new colony of the greater
+Empire. The names suggested by the Army and the Bloemfontein readers
+of THE FRIEND were as follows:--
+
+     Alexandra, Adamantia, Albertia, Altruria, Atkinsdom,
+     Aurania, Brand State, Brandesia, British South Africa,
+     Britannia, British Colonia, Brandsland, Buckland, Burghers'
+     State, Central Colony, Centuria, Campania, Carnatia,
+     Cameraria, Chamberlainia, Cecilia, Crucipatria, Colonia,
+     Cisvaal, Closer Union, Conquered Territories, Crown State,
+     Centralia, Capricornia, Cilionia, Concordia, Diamond Colony,
+     Diadem State, Empire State, Esicia, Empressland, Frere
+     State, Fonteinland, Fonteinia, Freer State, Frereland,
+     Federalia, Filia State, Federaldom, Grassland, Gariep
+     Sovereignty, Guelfland, Helenia, Immigratia, Imperial Orange
+     Colony, Imperia, Jubileeland, Kandaharia, Khaki State,
+     Khakiland, Kopjesia, Lanceria, Leonida, Marchland,
+     Mimosaland, Malaria, Milneria, Midland, Middle Colony,
+     Mid-South Africa, Modrieta, New Ireland, New Alexandria, New
+     Victoria, North Cape Colony, New Albion, New Era, New
+     Canada, New Colony, New Rietana, Northern Province, New
+     Gualia, New Victoria, New Edward's Land, New Egypt, Orange
+     State, Orange, Orangia, Orangeland, Orange Colony, Orange
+     Sovereignty, Provincia, Pasturia, Pastoria, Queen's Free
+     State, Robertsland, Rietania, Robertesia, Robertsin,
+     Robertina, Robertonia, Robertshire, Roberterre, Roberton,
+     Robertsdale, Robertsia, Robiana, Robermain, Reconquered
+     Land, Regina Land, Stellaland, Stellarland, Sylvania,
+     Suzerainia, Steyn's Folly, Salisbury, Tableland, Trans
+     Garep, Transgarepian Territory, Trans Orange, Uitland, Union
+     Era, United British Empire, Union State, U.S. South Africa,
+     Victory, Victorialand, Victoria Robertsia, Victoriafontein,
+     Veldtland, Veldt.
+
+The voting closed on April 7th, and on April 9th we announced that the
+name Brandesia, honouring a late President of the State, an upright
+man and a friend of Great Britain, had secured by far the greater
+number of votes. Taking the whole vote, and separating from it the
+votes for those names which were formed upon or out of the name of
+Roberts, it was seen that the desire of the Army to honour its Chief
+was stronger than the expression of the Free Staters in remembrance of
+President Brand. But "Brandesia" secured the most votes, and Mr. P.
+Johnson, whom we were not able to discover afterwards, won the five
+guineas. Private W. Cooper, H Company, 5th Regiment of Mounted
+Infantry, won the two-guinea prize for guessing nearest to the five
+names that secured the greatest number of votes. Now that the
+Government has named the country "The Orange River Colony" we see that
+whoever sent in the name "Orange Colony" really deserved the most of
+whatever credit goes with guessing blindly.
+
+Coming upon Mr. James' clear and accurate account of the Corne Drift
+(Kornespruit or Sanna's Post) ambuscade reminds me of how the heroic
+survivors of that red-hot fight drifted back to town, drifted into the
+hotel dining-rooms--actually drifted into my bedroom in the case of
+Colonel Pilcher--and I missed the chance at the time of looking at
+them with eyes that saw the hell they had been through; without the
+understanding by which I could measure their pluck.
+
+There had been a fight at the Waterworks, and we had been beaten, and
+had suffered a shocking loss of men and guns--that was all that most
+of us knew on the Sunday that followed the fighting on Saturday, March
+31st. Afterwards I saw a score of the dare-devils who had squeezed out
+between the fingers of Death's clenched hands, and I made the fight my
+most serious study in the war--but I missed the chance of seeing it
+for myself, and then I lost the glow of knowing what I looked at when
+I saw the survivors come in.
+
+Mr. Gwynne went out to the scene and caught a glimpse of the end of
+it. As there are few living correspondents better equipped to judge
+events in war, and as it is the pride of more than one general to
+obtain his views and accounts of the actions he witnesses, I will
+quote a bit of his editorial of April 5th, in which he touches upon
+the Sanna's Post affair: "Perhaps never in the history of British
+campaigns have our soldiers shown more splendid courage, more dogged
+resistance and greater coolness. General Broadwood has covered himself
+with glory by the masterly way in which he extricated his little force
+from a veritable death-trap. And who is there who can pay adequate
+tribute to the behaviour of our gunners, and the gallant band of
+British soldiers who held off a greatly superior force under most
+difficult and trying circumstances?"
+
+It was while Mr. Gwynne was at the scene that a Boer suddenly appeared
+and advanced toward him unarmed like himself; indeed, Mr. Gwynne
+believes the man was a war correspondent. The two talked of the fight:
+"Your people showed wonderful courage," said the Boer; "we thought we
+had bagged your whole force. I am bound to say that had the Boers been
+in such a tight place they would have surrendered."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BOER PLANS AND VIEWS.
+
+     "_The following is a literal translation of a genuine Boer
+     document recently discovered. It has been forwarded to us
+     for publication by an officer of the Intelligence
+     Department, to whom we tender our best thanks._"
+
+OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRESENT WAR.
+
+BY CAPTAIN I. D.
+
+(_A Translation._)
+
+In order to form an opinion on the manner of operations of both
+hostile parties, at present or in the future, it is necessary, as far
+as possible, to endeavour to obtain an understanding of the different
+properties and conditions of both belligerents.
+
+From a physical point of view, the Boer stands far above his enemy in
+respect to bodily strength and perseverance.
+
+He inherits from his Teuton ancestor a quiet and patient nature,
+coupled with a strong frame, which makes him less liable to be
+affected by troubles and loss of spirit under the continued strains
+which are inseparable from the campaign, while the Huguenot blood
+which flows through his veins continually gives him fresh power and
+energy, which is much in his favour in a final attack; further he is
+filled with an unlimited faith in his God and the assurance of the
+righteousness of his cause, which fills him with superhuman strength
+and lion-like courage.
+
+Open-air life has given him a clearness of sight, and perseverance
+which is probably without equal in the world's history, while his
+monotonous life is the cause that he, though a lower member of the
+force, can act independently. By lack of discipline and organisation,
+his movements are sometimes clumsy, which, however, tends to his
+benefit in an uneven field, and taken altogether are little to his
+detriment, as he is not bound by special rules respecting formation or
+otherwise. In contrast, the British troops are (notwithstanding there
+may be many brave soldiers found among them) on account of their
+organisation and equipment, &c., little adapted to keep up their heads
+against the mental and bodily strain of a continued and wearisome war.
+
+They are mostly obtained out of cities and towns, which leaves much to
+be wished for in their clearness of sight, steadiness of arm, and
+power of self-reliance, while the discipline, organisation, rules and
+directions to which they must hold weaken them more, so that they are
+merely tools, standing under their officers' commands, of a fighting
+machine. The officers in many instances are young and without
+experience, and mentally and bodily unfit to fulfil their serious and
+responsible duties, chosen to be officers not for their ability, or
+natural talent, but because they are sons of the noble, or of the
+respected of the land.
+
+It is, however, not intended here, by any means, to throw the blame on
+the valour of the officers or men.
+
+When the nature of both armies is considered, one comes to the
+conclusion that the British troops all gain an advantage in an attack
+on equal ground, if a strong force is used in it, while the Boers will
+obtain one in case there are fewer attackers brought into the field.
+The English will benefit by defending, especially if time be given
+them to build defences, and also where towns and camps must be held.
+
+Over hilly and uneven ground the Boer has by far the best chance to
+attack, while in an eventual defence he has everything in his favour,
+and is practically not to be got at.
+
+The British authorities have apparently too much trust in the result
+of their Artillery. It is plain that they cherish the idea that it
+will have a demoralising effect on the Boers, and therein they have
+fortunately been mistaken. They did not calculate that the effect
+could not be so great on scattered troops, and that the result cannot
+be equal to the expenditure and difficulties of transport. On the
+other hand, the Artillery of the Boers necessarily has a powerful
+result on troops which, like the British, are formed in close order,
+notwithstanding, according to the ideas of the writer of this, enough
+use is not made of "black gunpowder" with a view to find the distances
+by trial shots with that powder, to be afterwards followed by
+burstable shells with "time fuse" to produce great destruction.
+
+As the ground is mostly soft, shells which burst on impact, so-called
+percussion shells, cannot mostly be used with favourable results,
+except under special circumstances. To bombard camps or towns
+"cordite" or "melanite" should not be used, as both explosives contain
+no inflammable properties, which are so necessary to set houses,
+waggons, forage, &c., on fire.
+
+The greatest care should be taken that the mounted Boers should not be
+exposed in the open plain to the attacks of the enemy's cavalry,
+unless they are protected by quick-firing Maxim-Vickers guns and
+shells, seeing that the British Cavalry have a great advantage at
+short distances in the use of lances, swords and pistols.
+
+It is highly desirable that the Boer commandos should not be
+accompanied by many commissariat waggons laden with provision, tents
+and other things, as they tend to hinder them, and prevent their
+executing quick movements.
+
+In calculating the chances in this war, it has always been considered
+that the Boers have their greatest advantage in being independent of
+commissariat transport, and although provision must be made to be in
+touch with certain points with the necessary provision for the
+commissariat, these, notwithstanding, must be viewed as items
+wherewith, considering the great interests at stake, too much care is
+not needed to be taken.
+
+On this ground the British troops are far ahead of the Boers, on
+account of their proper organisation, and it is indeed to be regretted
+that a like department has not been established, especially as the
+Boers would be specially fitted for it, and have up to this time made
+so little use of their talent in this direction. Herein a serious
+instance is brought as an example, namely, the fact that the English
+troops could retreat in order from Dundee, without its being directly
+known. Also the disaster at Elandslaagte must be ascribed thereto,
+where small isolated troops, consisting of a mixed commando, were
+surrounded in positions not advantageous to their mode of warfare,
+and, even had our troops at that place been in a defensible position,
+they were "not in touch" with other troops, who could hasten to their
+assistance.
+
+As to plans which are reckoned to be the best to obtain the victory
+for the Republican arms, it is an axiom that the deeper one penetrates
+into an enemy's country, the more one's power is weakened by the
+necessity for keeping up communication, but there is an exception to
+every rule, and this war at the present time makes the exception. The
+Boer forces strengthened their resources, instead of weakening them,
+by their invasion of Natal and of the Cape Colony. A great proportion
+of the inhabitants of these Colonies are friendly, and they will thus
+always keep communication open, even when they take no active part in
+warlike operations. Taking this as granted, the conclusion is arrived
+at that the whole design of the Republican commanders should be to
+push their troops as far as possible, until they reach a war basis or
+boundary line.
+
+Our Governments employ too many troops for Bechuanaland and Rhodesia
+without obtaining benefit therefrom. A picked commando of 1,000 men
+would possibly be sufficient to keep control over Mashonaland, while
+1,500 at Mafeking would suffice to cut off the Bulawayo division, and
+in that case the troops which are now occupied about Mafeking and
+Kimberley could be better employed and with likelihood of good
+results, by being pushed South. If a sufficient number of men are left
+behind to dispute an eventual sortie from Kimberley and Mafeking,
+there is little benefit obtainable in the investment of towns which
+probably can hold out six or eight months. As long as they are well
+watched they cannot do much harm.
+
+Much more could have been gained in Natal immediately after the
+Imperial troops were surrounded at Ladysmith, by sending a strong
+commando at once to the "Town Hill" at Pietermaritzburg, and if that
+commando was not strong enough to offer resistance, on retirement it
+could have broken up the railway, and thereby the siege of Ladysmith,
+which is now being prosecuted, would have been a shorter and less
+troublesome task.
+
+It appears that the Boer forces have not directed their attention to
+making a series of attacks in the night. For such a purpose their
+troops are specially adapted, and the result on the enemy would
+certainly be terrible, as the loss of sleep would weary them bodily as
+well as mentally. A certain number of men could be picked to trouble
+the enemy every night; for instance, 500 men at Ladysmith, 100 at
+Mafeking, and 250 at Kimberley, without doing that injury to the
+Republican troops which would tend to weaken the command of British
+officers, and make the men grumble and dissatisfied, even if the
+number in killed and wounded was not especially great. There should
+also be, when British troops are marching, a division of picked
+sharpshooters to be used in attacking them on the flanks, without much
+damage to the Republican troops, while doing much damage to the enemy.
+The killing of a mule or ox belonging to a waggon or gun necessitates
+delay and inconvenience.
+
+Under ordinary circumstances, this war will necessarily continue some
+time, possibly even over a year, and seeing that there is such a
+number of burghers commandeered, it would be well if the authorities
+could arrange a plan to relieve them, say, for instance, ten in each
+month per hundred. Some men of every commando will be desirous to
+visit their relations in case of sickness, or to rest, or to attend to
+private matters. When not relieved it may be that the men may become
+listless and dissatisfied; while the force will not be appreciably
+weakened by the absence of 10 per cent., such a rule would be pleasing
+to the burghers, and in every sense satisfying to their officers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+BY LIONEL JAMES.
+
+II. _Corne Drift._
+
+The outline of the history of Colonel Broadwood's column appears to be
+as follows: When Colonel Pilcher made his dash for Ladybrand, the
+place was found teeming with the enemy. In fact, when the Landdrost
+was carried away, fire was opened on the abducting _cortège_ from the
+very garden gates of professed loyalists. The whole country-side was
+so disturbed that it was time for the little column holding Thaba
+'Nchu to fall back upon Bloemfontein. Information was despatched to
+headquarters and reinforcements urgently asked for. When commenced,
+the march from Thaba 'Nchu became virtually a pursuit. The enemy were
+reported on the flanks and rear of the column all through Friday,
+March 30.
+
+On Friday night the column arrived at a camp this side of the Modder,
+about two miles distant from the Waterworks. The actual rear-guard was
+not into camp until after 2 a.m. on Saturday. So anxious was Colonel
+Broadwood for the safety of his column that he determined upon a start
+before daylight. At 6 a.m. the enemy opened on the camp with rifle
+fire. The order was immediately given for the force to stand to their
+horses, and in a quarter of an hour the head of the transport column
+was leading out of camp. At 7 a.m. "U" and "Q" batteries R.H.A. moved
+off in battery column, following the transport. Roberts' Horse, in
+fours, moved parallel to them on their left.
+
+About three miles from the camp the road crosses a drift known locally
+as Corne Drift. The approach to this drift is peculiar. The actual
+crossing practically lies in the apex of a triangle, the two sides of
+which are formed by a railway embankment under construction and a
+bush-grown donga. Opposite the drift is a farm-house and some rising
+ground commanding, not only the drift itself, but all the approaches.
+This drift the enemy had occupied before daylight, and here they lay
+in ambush for the advancing column.
+
+Their dispositions were most perfect, as the head of the column
+marched right into their arms, and they were able to take possession
+of the transport without a warning shot being fired. When "U" Battery,
+which was leading, arrived at the drift it found that it was
+surrounded by dismounted enemy. The spokesman called upon the gunners
+to surrender. They told the drivers that they might dismount and keep
+their coats. The surprise was absolute. Major Taylor commanding the
+battery managed to warn "Q" Battery. Then the ruse was "up"--as soon
+as the enemy saw this they opened fire from all their points of
+vantage. From the rising ground, from the cover of the donga and from
+between the wheels of the captured guns and waggons. As soon as the
+firing opened, the teams of the captured battery stampeded and added
+to the general chaos of the moment.
+
+Under a blaze of fire, four guns of "Q" Battery and one of "U" trotted
+clear, and came into action about a thousand yards away at the tin
+buildings which are destined to be the Corne Drift Railway Station. A
+few seconds later Roberts' Horse rallied upon them. But here the
+nucleus of the front was formed which saved the whole force from
+disaster.
+
+The carnage was ghastly for a few minutes, but as the gunners stood
+devotedly to their pieces and Roberts' dismounted troopers commenced
+to keep down the fire, Broadwood was able to form dispositions by
+which to extricate the force. This was done--the British cavalry were
+sent to clear the flank of the donga and, covering each other, the
+mounted infantry corps were able to withdraw after the remnants of the
+batteries had fallen back.
+
+The action of the gunners was magnificent. In the face of a bitter
+short-range fire they stood to their pieces until, of the five gun
+groups, there were only ten men and one officer left unscathed to
+serve the guns. Then with dilapidated teams and manual haulage they
+dragged the battery out of action, only to come into action again when
+Broadwood strained every nerve to regain the baggage and the guns. And
+even while this action was taking place the relieving division was
+only four miles distant. It was a sad yet brilliant affair. Sad that
+the column ever fell into the ambush--brilliant in the manner in which
+the force was extricated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS.
+
+_A Recipe._
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+  The man what writes a poem
+    In praise of our Tommy A.'s
+  Ain't got no call to study
+    Their manners, nor talk, nor ways,
+  'E's only to fake up something
+    What's Barracky--more or less--
+  And civilians don't know as it's rubbish and so
+    The Ballad's a big success.
+
+  Don't 'ave no truck with the drill-book--
+    You might get a bit at fault,
+  It's best to confine your attentions
+    To simple commands, like "'Alt";
+  For a 'aporth of 'Industanie
+    And a pennorth of Sergeants' mess
+  (Though the meanin's all wrong) is enough for a song
+    To make it a big success.
+
+  If you wants to say anything coarse-like,
+    Well, say it out plain, don't 'int,
+  And fill each line with expletives
+    As don't look pretty in print--
+  If you sneers at the "Widow of Windsor,"
+    And laughs at 'er soldiers' dress,
+  And connects the word "'Ell" with an orficer, well,
+    Your ballad's a big success.
+
+      _Take the slang of the camp
+      (What's easy to vamp)
+    And some delicate soldier wheeze,
+      Call the Guard-room the "Clink,"
+      And describe any drink
+    As a "Fall in" or "Stand at ease";
+      Then you mix the 'ole lot
+      And you serve it up 'ot;
+    From ingredients sich as these
+      Form that singular salad
+      A Barrack-room Ballad
+    In Rudyardkiplingese._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THEY WANT MORE OF TOMMY.
+
+BY W. T. R.
+
+Being among a group of Australians the other day, I noticed them
+watching the Guards drill, and, as they seemed to be interested, I
+thought it a good opportunity of getting their ideas of Thomas Atkins.
+With the object in view, I engaged one of them in conversation. I
+ventured a remark on the drill.
+
+"Oh, yes, they drill all right," said the Australian, "but you see
+they get a bit too much of it, I think; I mean as regards the
+goose-step business. You know, we Australians," he went on, "never
+have too much of that. It may give a man more steadiness in marching
+on parade, but we don't have many show parades during the year,
+Queen's Birthday being the most important."
+
+"How often do you drill there?" I asked.
+
+"Well, you see--of course I'm speaking of New South Wales. There we
+have about twenty-five half day drills during the year. These take
+place on a Saturday afternoon. Out of these they take sixteen and give
+us an encampment at Easter. It is at this encampment that we receive
+the most good as regards learning our work. I was almost forgetting
+the annual Musketry Course, when we get through our firing. Of course,
+we have plenty of firing practice on our other parades as well."
+
+"How did you chaps come to be sent to Africa?" I asked.
+
+"Oh! we all volunteered," he replied, "and a great job they had of it
+in selecting the men to come. So many wanted to come and so many were
+disappointed, and I can tell you that if they would only send them,
+there's thousands who would come. Why, to give you an idea of it, do
+you know there are men in the ranks who are worth thousands, and some
+of the highest families are represented in the war in the ranks?"
+
+"How do you get on with the soldiers from home?"
+
+"Oh, we get on first-class; but what we would like is more opportunity
+of mixing with them and becoming better acquainted. You see, there's
+so much work to be done that we don't get a chance to mix together.
+Down at the Modder where we did get a bit chummy, Tommy would have
+done anything for us. He would have given us the shirt off his back if
+we'd wanted it, and we can't help liking him, as the song used to say,
+because you can't beat him down. No matter in what circumstances you
+find him he's always in a good humour and ready for what's coming
+next. You can see him in rags that used to be in khaki, and you can
+see him just after he has received his kit-bag and he's always the
+same. He seems to have plenty of money and spends it just as readily
+as if he had the Bank of England behind him. But I think if you want
+to see him in one of his happiest moments, you want to look at him
+when he is carrying a bag of bread and other treasures out of
+Bloemfontein."
+
+"Then you Australians rather like Tommy?" I said.
+
+"Like him? Of course we do. We've fought alongside of him, and what we
+want is more of him--that's all. You know, we want to show the world
+that we are all one, no matter what part of the world we Britons come
+from, and we're going to do it, too."
+
+I was very pleased with my new-found friend and his outspoken way, and
+glad to have got rid of an idea that the Colonials didn't take well to
+Tommy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A COMPLETE NEWSPAPER
+
+     _Full of matter which is no longer a tenth as interesting as
+     it was there and then._
+
+
+Number 21 of THE FRIEND, dated April 10th, was a splendid number for
+Bloemfontein, and for the time, yet there is nothing to reproduce
+except an Australian's trooper's poetic salute to the eucalyptus, or
+gum-trees, that he recognised as fellow inhabitants of his distant
+land, whence they have been sent to cheer the waste places of
+California, the American Plains, and all South Africa.
+
+Three solid columns of the paper were justly given up to Mr. Kipling's
+exposure in the London _Times_ of the treacherous element of the Cape
+population, and its relations with those neighbours who are honest and
+loyal subjects of the Queen and with the army. Two columns of
+"Reuter's" despatches from abroad, one column of similar telegrams
+from South African points, and a notable leader by Mr. Perceval Landon
+on Mr. Kipling's article, made up the contents of the reading page.
+
+Mr. Guthrie, M.P., now required two columns of the paper in which to
+announce the cases and parcels he had in hand for the soldiers. The
+railway had just delivered to him five truck-loads of those most
+welcome necessaries and luxuries sent out from home.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 21.]  BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+     The Field-Marshal Commanding in Chief having decided that
+     twenty Railway Trucks are to be placed at the disposal of
+     the tradesmen of Bloemfontein for the conveyance of food
+     necessaries, it is requested that those wishing to take
+     advantage thereof will communicate with the Director of
+     Supplies at his office at the corner of Green Street and
+     Douglas Street, between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. on
+     Wednesday and Thursday next, 11th and 12th inst.
+
+     As the amount of truck accommodation will be divided by the
+     Director of Supplies among the various applicants, a
+     statement of the Supplies required as a first consignment
+     must be submitted. When the statements have been received an
+     allotment will be made among the applicants.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OLD FRIENDS.
+
+  Gum trees! Here in the Dutchman's land?
+    (You'll lie of a kangaroo)
+  Seen them?--Yes--Well, I'll understand
+    The truth when I see them too.
+  Lord!--There they are, by the old brick wall,
+    Shiny and green and high,
+  Best of the sights we've seen at all
+    Is this, to a Cornstalk's eye.
+
+  Back, by the creeks in the far-off plains;
+    Over the ranges blue;
+  Out in the West where it never rains;
+    We whispered "good-bye" to you.
+  We left you alone on the high clay banks,
+    On a fringe round the dry lagoon,
+  Where your white trunks gleam by its empty bed
+    In the pale, soft summer noon.
+
+  It's carry me back to the Castlereagh,
+    Or pack me along to Bourke;
+  On the Wallaby-track to the west of Hay--
+    Wherever there's sheds or work.
+  It's cattle on camp or colts to brand;
+    It's brumbies about the Peel--
+  It's all we've here of our own good land,
+    And this is the way we feel.
+
+  Oh, hurry the show, and give us a lead,
+    And march us beyond the Vaal,
+  For the lambing's near, and the ewes will breed
+    And it's close up time to "tail,"
+  And we've shearing them, and the wool to load,
+    And the ships are at Circ'lar Quay--
+  So loot it along the red Veldt road,
+    A sight for Oom Paul to see.
+
+  And when we are back on the Murray lands,
+    Or up in Mouaro hills,
+  You may collar the Fonteins, and Drifts, and Rands,
+    And the Boers will pay the bills.
+  But we'll be back where the gum-tops wane,
+    Or the Myall hangs and droops;
+  With a good veranda round the house,
+    And none of your dirty stoops.
+
+  So hurry it up, for we've work to do
+    In a far better land than here.
+  We will swap the veldt and the parched Karoo,
+    For the plain and ranges clear.
+  But we'll never forget, in the days to come,
+    The friends that we've left behind--
+  For the Dutchman who planted yon tall, white Gum
+    Was a little bit more than kind.
+
+                                    J. H. M. A.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BRAVE YOUNG HIGHLANDERS.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--In your Saturday's issue an
+appreciation of the R.A.M.C. appears, in which the _Morning Post_
+correspondent speaks of their services as stretcher-bearers at
+Magersfontein with the Highland Brigade, whereas the R.A.M.C. has
+furnished no stretcher-bearers to the Highland Brigade, the whole of
+this dangerous work having been done by the Regimental bearers, and
+"A" Company Volunteer Ambulance (King William's Town), and as this
+company--consisting principally of mere striplings--has "faced the
+music" right through, and kept shoulder to shoulder with the veterans
+of the Highland Brigade, they surely should be credited with the work
+they have so gallantly performed.
+
+  Yours very truly,
+                                     BRITISHER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+FALSE HEARTS AROUND US
+
+     _Where only the Women were frank--The art of the War
+     Artist._
+
+
+Miss Bloemfontein was not alone in disliking to recognise the presence
+of the British army. Her mother was not the only person who could not
+bear to see Englishmen marring the scenery of the pest-ridden little
+town. Even while the tricky among the people joined in singing
+"Soldiers of the Queen," one man in the crowd turned to a war
+correspondent and said, "You English are strutting about very proudly
+and confidently, and think you own the country, but when you go away
+from here you will be sniped at from every bush and spruit wherever
+you show yourself."
+
+I took a little walk up past the English Cathedral one day and saw a
+woman seated upon her front _stoep_, sewing. "Good morning," said I,
+"do you speak English?" She rose and glared at me with scorn in her
+eyes. "No," said she, "but I hate the English."
+
+A little girl ran out of a doorway a few houses farther along and
+called to me, "Mister, mister! Please wear the red, white and blue,"
+and she pinned a knot of the British and American colours on my coat
+lapel.
+
+"What sort of a lady is it who lives in that house?" I asked; "she
+says she hates the English."
+
+"Oh, she is Dutch," the little girl replied; "almost everybody here
+hates you."
+
+I turned a corner and went down a side-street. Two young women in a
+doorway beamed upon me. I was out to study the town and the people, so
+I halted and engaged them in conversation. One was married, and her
+husband, who was of English stock, had cleverly managed to be away
+when the war broke out, after which he found it impossible to return
+and join a Boer commando as he would have had to do, being only a poor
+working man.
+
+"We are on the police books as English sympathisers," said one of the
+women. "We have had to be very careful, as we were warned that if we
+gave further offence we would be punished. What happened was this: You
+see the town is full of Germans, who have been most bitter against the
+English. We went to the railway station when some English prisoners
+were being sent to Pretoria. As the train moved off we waved our hands
+to them and wished them better luck. A German saw us do it, and
+reported us to the authorities, so we were taken up and examined, and
+had our names put in the 'black-book.'"
+
+A score of the honest people of the town who had been avowedly true to
+their English blood, which was by no means the case with all the
+British Uitlanders, told me that they suffered petty persecution all
+the time until the town was captured. Note what "Miss Uitlander" said
+in her reply to "Miss Bloemfontein" in THE FRIEND of March 26th:--
+
+     The "loving hand" you boast of having extended to us has
+     long since been covered by an iron glove, the weight of
+     which we have daily been made to feel, and to _that_ you
+     must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+     face. His coming meant freedom--the sweetest thing in the
+     world--to us.
+
+     You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled
+     your oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You
+     threw white feathers into our carriages as they passed you
+     by. You loudly bemoaned your fate as a woman and longed to
+     don masculine garments to aid your beaux in exterminating
+     the hated English. Could we remember a "loving hand" then?
+
+     You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us
+     to live beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back
+     to the sea. The hated English had never been wanted, and
+     would not be allowed to stay. And since you continue to make
+     no secret of your hatred, the same remedy is now in your
+     hands. But it will be difficult to find a spot where Mr.
+     Englishman is not _en evidence_.
+
+Such was Bloemfontein to those who saw into its heart and knew its
+temper. Some of us conquerors saw a little way behind the garlanded
+curtain the false-hearted pretenders of friendship drew down before
+our faces, but for what now seems a long time the Army fed itself upon
+the honeyed lying of those people who had not the courage or honesty
+to play the part of open enemies to the last. As for Tommy Atkins, he
+seemed oblivious of everything but that which he enjoyed--which was
+simply to walk about the town spending his money, and taking insults
+and bouquets equally as a matter of course, just as they happened to
+come.
+
+Let the reader note two things of the first interest, and of great
+human and historic value. The persons who did not come out and pretend
+to be our friends were the women. The part of the population that did
+not join in singing "Soldiers of the Queen" was the feminine part. The
+only person who openly and plainly espoused the cause of the Boers was
+Miss Bloemfontein--a woman. The only person who answered her and
+proudly asserted her loyalty to Great Britain was Miss Uitlander--a
+woman.
+
+Everywhere in every war it is Lovely Woman who fans the flames, who
+urges on the fighting, who charges the men to win or die, but never to
+give up; who nurses the hatreds of the strife to her breast and keeps
+them hot. Everywhere it is the civilised and the savage woman who does
+this, and only the half-civilised have made a contrary record, for I
+am told that in one strife there was an exception. That was "the
+Mutiny" in India, where the ayahs and other Indian female servants
+stuck to their posts in the British households, and played no part in
+the awful affair.
+
+But in the great Civil War in America it was the women who kept the
+strife in progress fully a year and a half, if not two years, after
+their husbands and brothers realised it was useless, and that the
+North must win. "Go, and do not come back while there is a Yankee
+alive!" they said to sweethearts, sons, and brothers. So has it ever
+been in times of war. The women, roused from their quiet lives and
+excited by the animosities which develop war and the horrors which go
+with it, remain undisturbed by the considerations which cause men,
+with their wider interests and experiences, to waver in their faith.
+And among the savage peoples of the earth it is, as a rule, the women
+who garnish war with its most fearful accessories. The bucks and
+braves do the fighting, the women follow after them to torture the
+wounded and mutilate the dead.
+
+Think you that this is a terrible indictment of a sex? Do you see in
+this nothing but the anger and the cruelty that lie on the surface?
+Then you are to be pitied, for the moral of these reflections is that
+in womanhood are treasured the faith which inspires mankind, the
+convictions that nerve our arms in a world which progresses only
+through strife, the enthusiasm which not even the hell of war can
+destroy.
+
+The leader of April 14th was my own, entitled "Mr. Lecky on the War."
+Again we had a complete newspaper full of the too-often delayed or
+strangled Reuter despatches, which told us of other wars, in Ashantee
+and the Philippines, of the Queen's visit to Ireland, of the Prince's
+narrow escape from an assassin, and of all that was going forward in
+our own little contention with the Boers.
+
+This number was singular in containing no original verse. It did,
+however, contain something more full of sentiment, and, if possible,
+more unexpected and foreign to war; to wit: a notice of a wedding:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MARRIED.
+
+     By special license, on the 11th inst., by the Rev. Franklin,
+     at her father's house, Alexandra Cornelia, youngest daughter
+     of W. H. v. B. Van Andel, Orphan Master, to Arthur M. Stone,
+     eldest son of the late T. C. Stone, Esq., from Folkestone,
+     England. No cards.
+
+Orange-blossoms might, possibly, be looked for in the Orange State,
+but blended with the bandages and laurels of war they seem peculiar.
+One cynic asked us, when he read the wedding notice, "Is this
+prophetic of concord, or is it merely strife breaking out in a new
+place?" He was a soulless man. I am sorry I have quoted or noticed one
+so deficient in feeling, poetry, humanity, and sentiment.
+
+In furtherance of the knowledge that the Army was tired of being
+fooled, and growing weary of the upstart behaviour of the too often
+treacherous negro natives, we published a notice by Assistant
+Provost-Marshal Burnett-Hitchcock: "No pass is sufficient for a native
+to pass through the outpost lines unless countersigned by a Staff
+Officer, and it should state where and whence the native is going."
+Other rigid restrictions upon the freedom of the negroes are enforced
+by this order.
+
+The same energetic officer also forbade the selling of any article
+within the town by hawkers and camp sutlers, under a penalty of fine
+on conviction. This was in order to protect the local tradesmen from
+army competition--including those who barricaded their shops when the
+Boer combatants fled from the town, lest we should loot their stores
+of goods, who then calmly told us they put up the barricades because
+"the Boers were such thieving scoundrels," and who, now that they knew
+our temper only too well, regaled us with accounts of how, while they
+were in commando, they had fought us at Belmont, Graspan, Modder, and
+a dozen other places.
+
+We published on this day an article by Mr. H. Owen Scott on "The War
+Artist of To-day," in which he, a photographer, seriously extolled the
+work of the camera as compared with that of the genius and training of
+the true artist. We hoped the real artists thus relegated to a
+subordinate and vanishing place would enliven our columns by their
+replies.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 22] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The Bands of the 12th Brigade will play in the Market Square this
+evening between the hours of 4 and 6.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CIRCULATION OF "THE FRIEND."
+
+The present circulation of THE FRIEND is 4,750 copies daily.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WE APOLOGIZE.
+
+In our modest way as Editors of quite the most extraordinary newspaper
+on earth, we endeavoured to publish yesterday, with due credit to the
+_Times_, for which it was written, Mr. Rudyard Kipling's masterly
+article "The Sin of Witchcraft." We may as well acknowledge here and
+now that though THE FRIEND is declared to be edited by a committee of
+war correspondents, it is, in fact, the daily product of a struggle
+between the correspondents and their printers, the latter being the
+more numerous, and, we sometimes fear, the more in earnest in their
+determination to keep the paper unique. This results in a paper which
+is often as great a novelty to the Editors as to the public, being
+like Shakespeare's soldier in "The Seven Stages of Man," "full of
+strange oaths," and words of which we never heard, as well as ideas to
+which we never gave birth.
+
+With this by way of preface, will the _Times_ accept our apology for
+not crediting it with Mr. Kipling's article, will it believe us that
+we really did write in the "credit" after the article, and will it
+commission its correspondent with this Army to go to our printing
+works and reason with our printers from "the devil" upwards?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.
+
+BY H. OWEN SCOTT.
+
+     The present campaign has undoubtedly commenced a new era in
+     the history of illustrated journalism, which change has been
+     brought about by a new school of war artists, whose method
+     is camera work, and whose aim is to faithfully produce the
+     actualities demanded by a picture-loving, yet critical
+     public.
+
+     The artistic value of this means of illustrating is becoming
+     more and more realised every day, and will prove an
+     effectual factor in crowding out the old-fashioned war
+     artist who draws on his imagination.
+
+     The only excuse for artists of any description being at the
+     front is their capacity for reproducing true and vivid
+     impressions of what they have seen.
+
+     This is where the importance of the new school is at once
+     apparent, and as long as the men practising this art are
+     honest and do not attempt to foist "faked" work on the
+     public, their efforts are bound to be acceptable and of
+     artistic value.
+
+     In speaking of camera work as an art and the individuals
+     adopting it as artists, I do not include the persons who
+     simply press a button and expose yards of film, regardless
+     of subject, but the few who make pictures intelligently and
+     pay as much attention to composition and lighting as a
+     painter would when commencing a fresh canvas. The camera is
+     not going to destroy the painter--and I say painter
+     advisedly--as no black and white artist is any good unless
+     he is a painter, and has a keen appreciation of colour
+     value. Nature is teeming with colour, and unless this is
+     felt how can it be suggested in line?
+
+     Why does Rembrandt stand out as the greatest master of
+     etchings? Simply because his etched works suggest colour,
+     and it is this power of suggesting colour that placed
+     Charles Keene head and shoulders above all other black and
+     white men. The power of selection of subject is not
+     developed in all artists to an equal extent, but there is
+     always room for such men as Melton Prior, W. B. Wollen,
+     Lester Ralph, and a few others, whose work will always be
+     looked for as representing actuality.
+
+     If the two schools of artists mentioned work with the full
+     knowledge of the limitations of their mediums, there will
+     always be a place for both.
+
+     The mechanical draughtsman is dead. He has been killed by
+     the camera.
+
+     How would it be possible in Fleet Street or De Aar, quietly
+     sitting in a little room with a north light, to give a true
+     impression of Cronje's surrender, or of that wonderful
+     sight, the approach of the captured army, like a cloud of
+     locusts, over the expanse of veldt at Klip Drift?
+
+     If ever the surrender at Paardeberg is painted, it must be
+     done by a man who saw it.
+
+     I shall never forget the defeated General's arrival, or the
+     solemnity of it: this giant, broken sulky, his career
+     finished. Everything was shown in the man, and shown in a
+     way no imagination could possibly conceive.
+
+     I was privileged to view a sketch of Cronje leaving our
+     camp, the work of Mortimer Menpes. It was a vivid slight
+     impression. True, yet the economy of means--a few lines
+     wonderfully placed--was wonderful, showing the artist a
+     great master of technique. Now, talented as he undoubtedly
+     is, he could not have imparted such a feeling of actuality
+     to his work if he had not been present and studied his
+     subject with the greatest attention. The long-haired,
+     velvet-coated gentleman of Bond Street is not the man to
+     depict the incidents of war, or to put up with the hardships
+     of a great march, and I am perfectly sure that the success
+     of a war artist depends on physique. He is required to
+     tackle his subject quickly and vigorously. Trickery does not
+     help actuality, straightforward manly work being absolutely
+     necessary to the war artist of to-day.
+
+     (We are sure that if the men in this Army who are engaged as
+     artists or who feel strongly and lovingly the relation of
+     true art to war, to photography and to the refinement of
+     mankind--if these will take the trouble to answer this
+     letter, we shall have a rich correspondence.--EDITORS,
+     FRIEND.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+THE END APPROACHES
+
+     _We arrange to retire from our posts, but still possess the
+     enterprise to start a Portrait Gallery._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND," No. 23--actually the 25th number we had
+edited--contained a notice that Mr. Kipling had sailed for England on
+the previous day (April 11th), and we were doing our utmost to get rid
+of our offspring, to find some one to adopt it.
+
+As long ago before this as when Sir Alfred Milner was with us in
+Bloemfontein, we had made known to him and to Lord Roberts, through
+Lord Stanley, that the employers of certain ones among us were
+complaining of our expending part of their time and our energy upon
+this outside work. I am certain that no interest with which any of us
+were connected suffered the least slight or injury, for the result of
+our labour of love for Lord Roberts was simply that we worked twice as
+hard--and learned twice as much of what was going on as those
+correspondents who held aloof and let the whole burden fall upon us.
+My employer, Mr. Harmsworth, uttered no sound of criticism or
+complaint, by the way, and the only word about THE FRIEND that
+reached me from the _Daily Mail_ was a cablegram wishing us success.
+
+We were all tiring fast. I was lame with an injury which kept laying
+me up, and otherwise my condition was such that for weeks I had not
+been able to partake of any food except milk and soda water. I owe a
+great deal for moral and physical stimulus to Dr. Kellner, ex-mayor of
+Bloemfontein and head of the Free State Hospital, whose services to
+the British army should not be allowed to pass into history without
+his receiving some substantial honour and acknowledgment from this
+government. He told the noble matron, Miss Maud Young, and her nursing
+assistants (when they gave notice that they wished to leave at the
+outbreak of the war) that he "never heard before that politics had
+anything to do with the care of sick and wounded men," and up to that
+standard of duty he worked on with them as enthusiastically under the
+Union Jack as he had under the four-colour flag.
+
+I did not know how ill and dispirited I was until one evening I went
+to the room of my assistant, Mr. Nissen, of the DAILY MAIL, and heard
+through his closed window in the Bloemfontein Hotel the sound of a
+banjo. It is a purely American instrument, and the plunk-plunk of its
+strings made my heart leap. I threw open the window and heard in nasal
+tones, affected by a Yankee colleague for the purpose of his song, a
+sentiment like this:--
+
+  Oh, I want ter go back to Noo York,
+    Ther "tenderloin's" ther place,
+  Where the men are square and the women are fair
+    And I know evurry face.
+
+  I want ter go back to Noo York
+    Ter hear Gawd's people talk.
+  Yer may say what yer please
+    Only just give ter me
+  My little old Noo York.
+
+I felt like shouting, "fellow citizens, them's my sentiments."
+Suddenly I, too, wanted "ter go back ter Noo York"--with London as an
+alternative. I had not known it or felt it before, but that song, as
+new to me as any that will be written five years hence, touched the
+button that produced a nostalgia which Heaven knows I had good reason
+to feel without any such additional or peculiar incentive.
+
+Mr. Landon was also very ill of what I took to be a slow African
+fever. We laid the facts before the authorities, and suggested that
+our colleague, Mr. F. W. Buxton, now back at work with us, was able to
+promise that the accomplished staff of the _Johannesburg Star_ would
+gladly take THE FRIEND off our hands if its members could be passed up
+to Bloemfontein on their way to Johannesburg. They were all receiving
+salaries though nearly all were idle; the owners had suffered
+grievously by the closing of their establishment at the outbreak of
+the war, and they certainly deserved well of the British Army.
+
+With this view our military editorial chiefs coincided, and Mr. Buxton
+busied himself in arranging for the coming of the editors, reporters,
+and printers, and the transfer of the little Organ of the Empire to
+their charge.
+
+This number of April 12th began with a leader on "The Queen in
+Ireland," and this was followed by a play upon the society notes of
+other papers, written by Mr. Gwynne. Our prolific soldier-poet, "Mark
+Thyme," contributed two sets of verses, and once again we published
+the news of the world, like any genuine newspaper at home.
+
+On this day we printed our first "alleged" portrait, No. 1 of a series
+of pictures of the notable characters in town. We selected Mr.
+Burdett-Coutts as the leading figure in this gallery, and made a most
+modest announcement that we had secured the portrait and were able to
+present it to our readers.
+
+I am quite certain that never before in the Free State had a newspaper
+published a portrait made on the spot and of a newly arrived visitor.
+There were in the Free State no means for doing such work. But such is
+the non-thinking habit of the human race that not a soul questioned
+what we announced, or asked how the feat was accomplished. It was
+declared to be, in a way, like Mr. Burdett-Coutts, and every one took
+it for granted that there was nothing THE FRIEND and its editors could
+not do if they tried.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+By kind permission of Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B., the massed
+bands of the 6th Division will play on the Market Square from 4 to
+5.30 p.m. on Easter Monday.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOCIETY'S DOINGS.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+A most successful dinner was given by ---- Battery on Saturday night.
+The A.S.C. awning was most artistically arranged between two buck
+waggons and was decorated with much taste, the junior subaltern having
+attached to it the fashion-plates and pictorial advertisements from
+_The Queen_. The "Maggi" soup was pronounced a success, and it was
+evident that the battery _chef_ had put his heart into the work. A
+somewhat unpleasant incident occurred soon after dinner, which put
+rather a damper on the evening's hilarity and dispersed the party. An
+order had come for one of the ammunition waggons to go into
+Bloemfontein to fetch ammunition, and the sergeant, wholly without
+malice prepense, hitched his horses to one of the sides of the
+dining-room and removed it suddenly. We are glad to say that the
+collapse consequent upon this manoeuvre, although very disagreeable,
+produced no injury, and the company was able to leave sound in limb
+but swearing strange oaths.
+
+---- Horse, always to the fore, whether bullets are about or the
+scarcely less dangerous glances of female eyes, entertained at tea
+yesterday a great number of guests of both sexes. It is a pity,
+however, that their camp is so far out of town, for most of their
+gentlemen guests were obliged to walk home, having "lost" their
+horses.
+
+The Naval Brigade gave a _soirée musicale_ on Monday night, which was
+perhaps the most brilliant affair of the season. The proverbial
+hilarity of sailors induced in their guests a corresponding feeling,
+and songs, toasts, speeches made the time pass merrily enough. A new
+game, the details of which we hope to give in a further issue, was
+played with great success. It is called "Hunt the Tompion." At the
+beginning of the evening Captain Bearcroft, R.N., gave a most
+instructive and bright lecture on the "New Tactics--Horse Marines."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A "small and early" was given yesterday by the Royal Diddlesex
+Regiment. Dancing went on briskly until a transport mule came and died
+in the extemporised ball-room, causing two ladies to faint.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A _conversazione_ was given by the A.S.C. in their camp within the
+immediate confines of the town. The novel subject, "When will the War
+end?" was chosen for discussion. The arguments, which were often of a
+highly intellectual grade, were punctuated by sniping from trees and
+bushes on the kopje side. Two of the attendants who were distributing
+the choice and light viands to the guests were shot. True, their
+wounds were slight, yet the incident interrupted the even tenor of the
+_conversazione_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOCIALISM IN VERSE.
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+  Now, I always was a 'ardly-treated bloke,
+    I'm a martyr to my cause, as you may say--
+  I used to own a barrer and a moke,
+    And I'd sometimes earn a thick-un in the day.
+  But them Socialists they comes along our court,
+    And they says as 'ow all things should common be,
+  So, to 'elp the cause on quicker, I goes off and lifts a ticker,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.
+
+  Well, for that I 'ad to do a bit o' time,
+    Though I argued it afore the majerstrit
+  As I'd done it out o' politics, not crime;
+    But the cuckoo couldn't understand a bit.
+  So I says when I 'ad left the bloomin' jug,
+    "I must strike a bigger blow to set us free;
+  I must play a nobler game." So I forges Rothschild's name,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.
+
+  Now, living in a 'ouse acrost the street,
+    There used to be a very tasty gal;
+  She'd curly 'air and dainty 'ands and feet,
+    And was married to my very dearest pal.
+  'E says to me, says 'e, "When you're our way
+    Step in, old cull, and 'ave a dish o' tea."
+  Thinks I, "My dooty this is." So I offs it with 'is missis,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to 'er than me.
+
+  But I won't be beat by any bloomin' lor,
+    To 'ave my rights, I tell yer straight, I'm game;
+  And, once I gets outside this prison door,
+    I'll strike another blow in Freedom's name--
+  The lor and all its engines I defy,
+    From the Stepper to the gloomy gallows-tree;
+  I'll go and get a knife, and I'll take some joker's life,
+    'Cause the bloke 'as no more right to it than me."
+
+  _For my motto is: All should be common to all,
+    This covey is equal to that;
+  And if I'm short you've no right to be tall,
+    If I'm thin you've no right to be fat.
+  To call me a criminal's fair tommy-rot,
+    It's on principle all what I've done:
+  Yet, perish me, all the reward as I've got
+    Is my number_--201.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"SMART."
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_Being a few hints to any of the fair citizens of this town who may
+contemplate spending a season or two in London._)
+
+  Ye Belles of Bloemfontein, pray hearken unto me,
+  And I'll show you how to sparkle in polite Society.
+  Never fear that you'll be visited with contumely or scorn
+  If you happen not to be aristocratically born,
+  For mere birth is not essential to means, if only you
+  Have the luck to be related to a brewer or a few;
+  And if only you have money, you need never be afraid
+  To swagger of the swindles of your former days of trade.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "She is vulgar, I admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+  But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Your dress must be--well--daring! You must have a tiny waist
+  And the colours must be splashed about in execrable taste.
+  Your bodice may be decent while you've still the gift of youth,
+  But must lower in proportion as you're longer in the tooth.
+  The colour of your hair and your complexion must appear
+  To vary with the fashionable fancies of the year,
+  And though your wit lack lustre, the tiara must be bright
+  That you've hired out from a jeweller's at ten-and-six a night.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "Looks quite odd, I must admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Then, as to conversation, let each syllable you speak
+  Be vehemently vapid or else pruriently weak;
+  Tell some tales distinctly risky, if not actually obscene,
+  While artfully pretending that you don't know what they mean.
+  In the intervals of slander you must prate in flippant tone
+  On some Theologic subject that you'd better leave alone;
+  And, though your speech be witless, nay, to some may seem absurd,
+  It matters not if reputations die at every word.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each the opinion will impart:
+          "She's ill-natured, I admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Your parties must be "tidy," so to bring about these ends
+  Find some lady with a title who likes living on her friends;
+  Hint that you'll supply the money that's essential to the task,
+  If only she will condescend to tell you whom to ask.
+  On your former friends and relatives politely close the door,
+  Though they may have been of service in the days when you were poor,
+  Be each guest of yours a beauty, full of pride,
+  A tiara on her head, a co-respondent by her side.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "She's a snob, I quite admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+We have to announce the arrival in Bloemfontein of Mr. Burdett-Coutts,
+of London, of whom we have secured a portrait which we present to our
+readers.
+
+[Illustration: THE FRIEND's front page.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+WANTED, A MILLIONAIRE
+
+     _A number as sparkling as a string of jewels--Joke Portrait
+     Number Two._
+
+
+A singular thing about THE FRIEND was that the readers could make sure
+at a glance, each afternoon, what had been the spirits of the editors
+earlier in the day. The issue of April 13th was positively frisky. We
+were all in our gayest moods, and the principal page was made to
+sparkle with most unlooked-for fun and flashes of wit.
+
+Mr. Landon set out with his pen in search of an English millionaire
+who would supply us daily with a budget of home news cabled direct to
+us from London. Continually disappointed by the non-arrival of the
+Reuter despatches, he urged that some wealthy man should pay to have a
+long special cablegram sent to us daily, with a hint of all the
+world's happenings. "To us," did I say? no; for, as Mr. Landon
+expressed it, "All there is of THE FRIEND belongs to the Army. Its
+existence began for the soldier, and its profits pass back to his
+interests. If some of the kind-hearted people in England who are so
+ready to put their hands in their pockets in the interests of 'The
+Soldiers of the Queen,' only knew what the dearth of news from
+England means to the men, they would at once supply the want." It is
+too late now. That editorial never was copied in the English papers, I
+suppose; but you millionaires who want to reach Heaven--and you others
+who want to earn handles to put before your names--remember this in
+the next war, and send news to your army wherever it is halted in the
+field.
+
+We found that the newsboys were charging two-pence for THE FRIEND, and
+that many complaints were pouring in upon us; therefore, in the
+blackest type, I rhymed to the readers--that being the most likely way
+to impress them with the truth--in couplets such as this--
+
+  Who pays a penny for THE FRIEND,
+  Pays all he needs to gain his end.
+
+and this--
+
+  Whoever pays us more than a penny,
+  Should guard his brains, if he has any.
+
+Fancy me dropping into rhyme! But, as I have said, the "Tommies" all
+did verse--or worse--and the example was epidemically contagious.
+Perhaps in another month we should have all turned versifiers, and
+produced copies of THE FRIEND wholly in rhyme.
+
+In this number we published portrait No. 2 of our unique gallery,
+selecting Lord Stanley as the subject. My son Lester had made a
+cartoon in which the censor figured, and with which, for a very
+peculiar reason, Lord Stanley was not pleased, but this second venture
+of the family to do him justice in portraiture was eminently
+successful. It was precisely the same picture as that which we called
+a portrait of Mr. Burdett-Coutts on the previous day, but though Lord
+Stanley knew the joke no one else saw it. One of the censor's friends
+took from me a damp fresh copy of the paper, as I came out of the
+works with an armful, and looking at the portrait remarked, "I say, I
+did not know that Lord Stanley had an imperial--'goatee,' as you call
+it--funny I never noticed that he wears one. Devilish good portrait;
+clever of you to publish it." Mr. Burdett-Coutts was the only other
+man beside Lord Stanley to understand what we were doing. He fathomed
+the joke because we explained it to him, and I sincerely hope that he
+appreciated the pure fun and harmless pleasantry of the spirit in
+which it was conceived and carried out.
+
+We had, from a coloured man, a letter complaining that we declared the
+British policy to be "equal rights for all white men, without respect
+of race or creed." To this he objected. He said that we were
+advocating the policy of the Republics, and added, "I would like to
+point out to you that when once your policy is known in this colony by
+our people it will cause universal dissatisfaction." He was presumably
+one of those natives, most numerous in the towns, who, by reason of
+their intelligence and ambition, deserve most helpful, generous
+consideration. But the "Universal dissatisfaction" which he threatened
+would include a myriad negroes of the Karroo and the so-called "farms"
+of the Boers. These form the mass of the natives; clothed in their
+complexions and living in huts of twigs and matting. Equality with
+white men can be offered to them by statute; but they cannot realise
+it, and the world has seen mischief, unhappiness, and perplexing
+political problems result from over-haste in this direction.
+
+We did succeed in arousing an artist to defend his calling against the
+boasts of the mechanical manipulation of the camera. Mr. W. B. Wollen,
+R.I., was the champion of art, and he spoke for it with the ardour of
+conviction, and the force of one who is right and cannot be gainsaid.
+
+I cannot think why we omitted to call upon Mortimer Menpes, Esq., the
+distinguished painter, then in Bloemfontein, to add his views to the
+series of letters we hoped to secure upon this subject, the Camera
+_v._ Art. Mr. Menpes had come to the war because, he said, nothing
+else was talked or thought of in London, and an exhibition of
+paintings of ordinary subjects, such as he gives with distinguished
+success each year, would have fallen flat. He was very busy, very
+popular, and very successful with the army. This issue (April 13)
+contained a witty letter by him upon the postage stamp craze.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                            BLOEMFONTEIN, GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+     TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICTS OF ALBERT, STEYNSBURG,
+     MOLTENO, WODEHOUSE, ALIWAL NORTH, BARKLY EAST AND COLESBERG.
+
+On the recent retirement of the enemy to the north of the Orange
+River, the rebels who had joined them in the Northern Districts of
+Cape Colony were treated by Her Majesty's Government with great
+leniency in being permitted, if not the ringleaders of disaffection,
+to return to their farms on the condition of surrendering their arms
+and of being liable to be called to account for their past conduct.
+
+I now warn the inhabitants of the Northern Districts, and more
+particularly those who were misguided enough to join or assist the
+enemy, that, in the event of their committing any further act of
+hostility against Her Majesty, they will be treated, as regards both
+their persons and property, with the utmost rigour, and the extreme
+penalties of Martial Law will be enforced against them.
+
+       ROBERTS, Field Marshal,
+                Commander-in-Chief, South Africa.
+  Army Headquarters, Bloemfontein, _April 9, 1900_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+It is with great pleasure that we present to our readers to-day a
+portrait of Lord Stanley, the present popular Press Censor with Lord
+Roberts' Field Force in South Africa. The portrait is by W. B. Wollen,
+R.I., and is a masterpiece. We like it, but we are surprised that the
+censor should wear precisely such an antediluvian collar as we saw on
+Mr. Burdett-Coutts in yesterday's view of our Portrait Gallery.
+
+[Illustration: Lord Stanley.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE ABSENT-BODIED BURGHER.
+
+BY A. B. PATTERSON.
+
+     _A Screaming Farce now being played daily with great success
+     in the Theatre of War near Bloemfontein._
+
+CHARACTERS:
+
+1. JACOBUS JOHANNES VAN DER MAUSER (The absent-bodied Burgher).
+
+2. KATINKA VAN DER MAUSER (His Wife).
+
+3. REGINALD TALBOT DE VERE-CROESUS (English Cavalry Officer).
+
+     _Scene_: A Farm in the Free State. Pony saddled at the door.
+     J. J. van der Mauser preparing to mount.
+
+J. J. VAN DER MAUSER (_Centre of Stage_). Katinka! Katinka! Bring me
+the old rifle that is in the barn among the sheep-skins. The old
+muzzle-loading Boer rifle, with which my ancestor, the great
+Ten-britches van der Mauser shot the lion in the days of the Great
+Trek.
+
+KATINKA: Nay, Jan! Pause and reflect! 'Twill blow thy head off. It has
+not been fired these thirty years.
+
+JAN: Nay, woman! I purpose not to fire it. I intend to hand it in to
+the British--I only wish they'd try to let it off! Then will I return
+speedily, provided with a pass, and go up into the laager to do a
+little Rooinek shooting. While I am gone, Katinka, be not afraid. The
+English will put a sentry on the farm so that not a blade of grass
+shall be touched, not an onion taken from the ground. Be diligent, and
+sell them all the butter you can.
+
+KATINKA: The proclamation says the price of butter is to be
+two-and-sixpence a pound!
+
+JAN: Then don't take a penny less than three shillings and sixpence.
+If you run short of milk, drive in the cows of our neighbour Smith,
+who has fled to the English. And Katinka (_whispers tenderly_), if you
+see the Rooineks out in the open, don't stand anywhere near them,
+darling! You might get hit! You understand? Now, farewell!
+
+(_Proceeds to pull on an extra pair of breeches, and so goes off to
+the laager, while the band plays "My dear old Dutch."_)
+
+[Interval of some days, during which the British encamp near the farm,
+and Katinka sells them, at famine prices, every drop of milk and every
+pound of butter that the cows will yield, and every egg that the hens
+can be induced to lay.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCENE TWO.
+
+The open veldt. Row of kopjes in the middle distance. Enter cavalry
+patrol with Reginald Talbot Vere-Croesus at their head. (Band playing,
+"Let 'em all come.")
+
+FIRST SOLDIER: I thought I heard a rifle shot.
+
+REGINALD TALBOT DE V.-C.: Nay. 'Twas but a soldier being shot for
+stealing a bar of soap from an enemy's cottage. Serve the miscreant
+right. Take open order, there. Walk, march!
+
+_They ride round the stage with one eye on the kopjes and the other
+admiring the fit of their breeches. Rifle shots are heard from the
+kopjes. Band changes to, "You never know your Luck!" Heavy rattle of
+musketry from kopjes. Patrol driven back and retire to pom-pom
+accompaniment from the big drum_. R. T. de V.-C. _falls prone from his
+charger_. KATINKA _rushes in (r.u.e.) weeping hysterically and throws
+herself on his body_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ENTER JACOBUS JOHANNES VAN DER MAUSER _(l.e.), and leans on his
+rifle, staring gloomily at the scene._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JACOBUS: Ha! ha! So it has come to this! She secretly loves the young
+English officer who reconnoitres kopjes with an eye-glass! (_Sticks
+his chin out, claws the air and ambles about the stage à la Henry
+Irving._) But I will be revenged! Ha! ha! I have it! I will go and
+join the Johannesburg police! False woman, what sayest thou?
+
+KATINKA (_hysterically_): I am innocent, Johannes. I am innocent!
+(_Coils herself round the body of R. T. de V.-C. à la Sarah
+Bernhardt._)
+
+JACOBUS: Innocent! Then why weepest thou?
+
+KATINKA (_rising suddenly_): Weep! I should think I _would_ weep.
+Didn't he owe us three pound seventeen and sixpence for milk! How am I
+to make the dairy pay if you persist in shooting my best customers?
+
+     (JACOBUS _embraces her_. REGINALD TALBOT DE VERE-CROESUS
+     _being, fortunately, shot exactly through the head with a
+     Mauser bullet, recovers at once and embraces her also, and
+     joins in a song-and-dance trio, "Be careful what you're
+     doing with the gun," and the curtain falls to the tune of,
+     "It mustn't occur again_.")
+
+NOTE.--This farce will be continued till further orders.
+
+                                                    A. B. P.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--The present campaign has most
+decidedly, as your correspondent in THE FRIEND of the 11th says,
+commenced a new era in the history of illustrated journalism, but not
+to the extent that he thinks.
+
+The camera and the pencil can, and will, live together during a
+campaign, but I venture to doubt if the camera will be able to do all
+that its champion claims for it, and the war artist who knows his
+business, which cannot be learnt in a single campaign, will come out
+on top. For reproducing and putting before the public scenes
+representing the strife and clamour of war, with its accompanying
+noise and confusion, the man with the kodak cannot compete for one
+single moment with the individual who is using the pencil.
+
+How can he produce a picture that will show the public at large
+anything like an accurate bird's-eye view of what a modern battle is
+like? The brain of the camera cannot take in all that is going on. The
+man with the pencil does so. A few lines to indicate the background
+and the characteristics of it, and he is able to put before the world
+what has taken place, that is if he knows and has seen what troops
+have been doing.
+
+In another paragraph there is a sentence which is a very unjust
+reflection upon "the old-fashioned war artists, who draw on their
+imagination." I should very much like to know who the old-fashioned
+war artists can be who are referred to in this manner. The few men who
+are still alive, and there never were many of them, are all men who
+have seen a large amount of fighting, have sketched and worked under
+fire, sent their work home often under enormous difficulties, and been
+in very many tight places. Why should these men be referred to in this
+way?
+
+I suppose there has not been one single campaign in which the camera
+has been in such frequent use; but is it possible, by this means, to
+bring before us the various phases of a battle--a modern battle, I
+mean, with its absence of smoke, enormous expanse of front and general
+invisibility of both the attackers and defenders? Take a battery in
+action. Can it show us the excitement and turmoil round the guns, will
+it show us (unless it is a cinematograph) the trouble amongst the
+teams when a shell drops near them? I think not. What it can do, and
+does, is scenes which are more or less peaceful, such as camp views,
+incidents in regimental life and also bits on the line of march, but
+of an action--no! None of us artists are at variance with Mr. Scott in
+other parts of his very able letter, and we cordially welcome the
+camera artist, knowing very well that he has his field of work in
+which we cannot hope to compete with him for a moment; but to put the
+camera, which, after all, is only a very fine piece of mechanism, on a
+par with a sketch is more than most people can put up with, especially
+
+  Yours very faithfully,
+                        W. B. WOLLEN, R.I.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHESTNUTTY--BUT GOOD.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Is this a chestnut? Johannes
+Paulus Kruger sent a commissioner home to England to find out if there
+were any more men left there. The commissioner wired from London to
+say that there were 4,000,000 men and woman "knocking about the town,"
+that there was no excitement, and that men were begging to be sent to
+fight the Boers. Kruger wired back "Go North." The commissioner found
+himself in Newcastle eventually and wired to Kruger, "For God's sake,
+stop the war! England is bringing up men from hell, eight at a time,
+in cages!"
+
+He had seen a coal mine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CIRCULATION, APRIL 11, 5,500.
+
+The circulation of THE FRIEND is as large as that of all the
+Bloemfontein papers combined.[18]
+
+[Footnote 18: This was a transparent joke, as there was no other paper
+in the town. But, joking apart, there never had been a newspaper in
+that country or region with such a circulation as ours enjoyed; yet it
+could have been twice as large had we employed our carts to circulate
+it in the outlying camps.--J. R.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DOTS OR NO DOTS.
+
+_All about the New Stamp Issue._
+
+BY MORTIMER MENPES.
+
+     How strange a thing it is that so small a matter as a
+     general taste for collecting stamps should, as it were,
+     elevate a man at a single bound into a position where his
+     slightest tact at discrimination in detecting the difference
+     of shades between two bits of paper of the same colour will
+     sway and determine the destinies of a horde of fanatical
+     collectors!
+
+     That a man should occupy so exalted a position was
+     accidentally brought to my notice after a return to
+     Bloemfontein from a run to the Cape, where I found the
+     Market Square, the club, the hotels and the street corners
+     grouped with people who appeared to be intensely interested
+     in the discussion of some all-important subject. Thinking
+     that some radical proclamation had been issued, I paused to
+     listen, but instead of legal phrase and technical form
+     greeting my ear, the only intelligible word which I could
+     detect in the buzz which emanated from the centre of the
+     group was "Dot."
+
+     I passed on to another group, where the same "dot" arrested
+     my attention; then to a third, which was also "dotty,"
+     until, feeble and bewildered, I helplessly wandered about on
+     the verge of an incurable "dottiness" myself.
+
+     Finally, I pulled myself together again and, blind to all
+     danger, plunged into a group of "dotters," grasped one of
+     them by the arm, and in reply to my appeals heard him hiss,
+     as he roughly shook me off, "Surcharged stamps, you fool,
+     misprinted, without dots." Then I understood. My curiosity
+     was stimulated, I soon learned the subtle differences which
+     add to or subtract value from the surcharged Free State
+     stamps. Finally I became the proud possessor of a dotless
+     one myself. That settled it; I became hopelessly "dotty"
+     myself, and to the end of my natural days will always
+     realise that affairs of State, literature, art, even money,
+     are secondary to the importance of obtaining "the entire
+     set," especially if they are from "the bottom row" and
+     "dotless." This mania has taken possession of the entire
+     army.
+
+     From Tommy to General, the last biscuit or a drink of
+     whisky, or a pass to be out after 8 p.m. can be extracted
+     after a dozen refusals by producing a dotless stamp.
+
+     Kruger could end this cruel war in an afternoon by simply
+     sending out a dozen men mounted on swift horses, wearing
+     white coats with the entire set without dots pasted on the
+     back. These scouts should be unarmed and should ride in
+     close to our lines and then turn round showing their backs.
+     The moment the army would see the set, they would make a
+     rush, and all the scouts would have to do would be to ride
+     fast enough and in different directions, and by nightfall
+     the Imperial forces would be hopelessly scattered, and lost
+     in the boundless veldt. Kruger's scouts would be perfectly
+     safe, for no one would dare to raise a rifle in their
+     direction. Such an act might bring down a set; but imagine
+     if you can the fate of the miscreant if one dotless stamp
+     should be punctured or if--horrible thought!--a chance
+     scattering of the lead should dot some of the precious bits
+     of paper!
+
+In my inquiries during the first stage of this disease, I found that
+Major O'Meara was the supreme authority on this subject. I found the
+Major seated in a small room of the National Bank sorting out from a
+huge collection the stamps which were to be surcharged. For three
+hours I watched him, as with wonderful skill and discrimination he
+picked out bits of paper which were obsolete and which an accidental
+surcharging would have made of untold value, and set the whole world
+of collectors into a palpitating hysteria of speculation, until
+finally catalogued and bought by some multi-millionaire bent upon
+ruining himself to appease his craze. That all the legally surcharged
+stamps are carefully catalogued in the Major's busy brain will
+doubtless surprise at some no distant date a few rascally speculators,
+who, possessing obsolete issues, have surreptitiously surcharged them,
+in the hope of creating a rarity to sell at fabulous prices. Leaving
+the Major's presence, I realised that the last stage of dotlessphobia
+had fastened itself on me, and, knowing that recovery is hopeless,
+have abandoned myself to full indulgence, hoping to derive at least
+some miserable satisfaction before the end. With this one reservation,
+I am determined never to surrender to the universal stamp collector's
+weakness of stealing. Others may walk uprightly through six days of
+the week about their ordinary affairs and turn aside on Sunday
+afternoon from the path of blindness to pilfer another collector's
+treasure while his face is turned away, out of politeness, to sneeze.
+But I; no, I shall never, never, no--I won't steal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+A NOTABLE NUMBER
+
+     _Captain Cecil Lowther joins the Wits and Poets again. A
+     Report by Mr. Jenkins, who was "our Staff in himself."_
+
+
+Mr. Buxton wrote the stern editorial, "Judge ye," with which we led
+off the issue of April 14th. He reminded the Free Staters that England
+had, at the outset, no quarrel with them, but on the contrary had
+given them the "solemn assurance" that their independence and
+territory should be respected. The people of the little Republic had
+been led astray, had suffered conquest, and now were able to judge
+between the wicked whisperings of the two Presidents and the
+promptings of common sense and of regard for their future, "for,"
+wrote Mr. Buxton, "brothers you must be with us, heirs and possessors
+of world-wide citizenship and Empire."
+
+We had recorded our first wedding, and now was the day when we
+received the first application from an English firm desiring to
+advertise in our columns. A well-known house-furnishing firm were the
+enterprising inquirers. They said that they looked for a great
+development of the country and meant to send agents there when the
+war ended. On our part we made this request the basis of an editorial
+in which we said that this business letter "foreshadows the coming
+changes in local conditions with a prophetic touch."
+
+Mr. Gwynne concocted a clever set of quotations which he called
+"Gleanings from Great Minds," and we published number three of our
+series of home-made portraits, choosing Dr. A. Conan Doyle as the
+subject. At this the Army at last began to whisper and suspect, and
+many a smile greeted each allusion to our enterprise.
+
+But our _chef d'oeuvre_ was a second contribution by "Bertie," whom
+all our readers knew to be none other than the handsome, the witty,
+the travelled, and the popular Adjutant of the Scots Guards, Captain
+Cecil Lowther. As the first letter had already been published in the
+_Household Brigade Magazine_ I will not repeat it here, but the one
+that is now reproduced will give a lively hint of what our readers
+missed by the fact that Captain Lowther was away on duty in the boggy,
+sodden veldt, and could neither write nor think of writing, even to
+THE FRIEND.
+
+A large collection is made from this issue of the paper of April 14th.
+All that is in this book reflects the excitement, the routine, and the
+dramatic and picturesque phases of a soldier's life, as well as the
+strange situations and conditions produced by the conquest and
+occupation of a city in war. If that is true (and it is true in a very
+great degree as I believe), then in no chapter are more of all these
+novel views of irregular life mirrored than in this. From this you
+shall learn what a soldier had in the way of rations, how a great and
+majestic mind dealt with the rumours that British prisoners were
+being far from generously, or even humanely, dealt with by the
+semi-civilised foe; how a polished wit out of his superabundant humour
+found time to set down his sparkling thoughts in a soaking wet camp or
+a cold, wet plain, within sniping distance of the enemy, and finally,
+how drained of almost every line of foodstuffs, medicines, clothing,
+and luxuries the over-burdened town we lived in was becoming.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                               BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1900.
+
+SICK AND WOUNDED PRISONERS.
+
+The following communication has been addressed to President Kruger:--
+
+     From Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commanding in Chief in
+     South Africa, to His Honour the President, S.A. Republic,
+     Pretoria,
+
+                                                     _April 12, 1900._
+
+It has been reported to me that the Non-Commissioned Officers and men
+of Her Majesty's Colonial Forces, who have been made prisoners of war,
+are treated as criminals and confined in Pretoria jail, where they are
+very badly fed. It has also been brought to my notice that at the
+beginning of March there were ninety cases of enteric fever and
+dysentery among the Non-Commissioned Officers and men in the camp at
+Waterval, and that, as Dr. Haylett, the Medical Officer in charge,
+failed to obtain from your Government the medicines and medical
+comforts which he required for the sick, he resigned, Dr. von Greldt
+being appointed in his place.
+
+It is stated that the prisoners at Waterval have to bivouac on the
+open veldt without overhead shelter and with only a layer of straw to
+lie on, while the sick are placed under an open shed with iron roof. I
+am informed that it was only upon Dr. von Greldt threatening to resign
+that medicines and mattresses were supplied for the sick. I can hardly
+believe that your Honour is aware or approves of the harsh treatment
+of the prisoners belonging to the Colonial Forces, or of the want of
+consideration shown to the prisoners at Waterval. The former are Her
+Majesty's subjects, are duly enlisted, are subject to military
+discipline, and wear uniform. According to the recognised customs of
+war, they are entitled to be treated in the same way as any other
+soldiers of Her Britannic Majesty, and I must remind your Honour that
+all prisoners captured by the troops under my command are equally well
+treated, whether they are burghers or foreigners. The utmost care has
+been taken of your sick and wounded, and no distinction has been made
+in the field hospitals between them and our own soldiers.
+
+[Illustration: _The Front Page of "The Friend" of April 4, 1900._]
+
+I invite your Honour's early attention to this matter, and I request
+that orders may be given for the Non-Commissioned Officers and men of
+the Colonial Forces to be released from jail and to be treated, not as
+criminals, but as prisoners of war.
+
+I also request that the prisoners at Waterval may be provided with
+overhead shelter, and that the sick and wounded may be properly
+entertained and taken care of in accordance with Article Six of the
+Geneva Convention.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MY COMRADES' CONVERSATION.
+
+(ANONYMOUS.)
+
+  When I was quite a young recruit, not very long ago,
+  My comrades' conversation was a talk I didn't know;
+  I really thought to some far-distant country I'd been shipped
+  When they said I was a "jowler," and described me as "just nipped."
+  If I was "slightly dragged," or with my "praco" couldn't cope,
+  They said I'd "lost my monnicker" and earned an "extra slope,"
+  And, though I'm known as Ferdinand to all my kin and kith,
+  They went and dropped my Christian name and called me "Dusty Smith."
+    They called me "Dusty Smith."
+
+  _But a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  For you won't feel queer on "Drug-hole beer,"
+    What's called "three-thick" in the Army._
+
+  I asked them what my food would be. They said: "Your food? Oh, that's
+  'Meat,' 'jipper,' 'spuds' and 'rooti,' with occasional 'top-hats.'"
+  They said I'd find coal-hugging quite a lively little job,
+  Then they put me "on the timber" and they called me "Junior Swab."
+  But when my work was over, after "tapping up" a bit,
+  I'd take my own "square missus" out--you bet we made a hit.
+  And when I had to go on guard she'd come there every day
+  To see me marching down the street and hear the "fiddlers" play.
+    Just to hear the "fiddlers" play.
+
+  _So a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  As I slope my gun in Number One
+    What's called "Long-Swabs" in the Army._
+
+  But now I understand them 'cause I know my way about,
+  And comprehend the Sergeant's unintelligible shout;
+  When he says: "Shooldare Hipe!" I know that he means: "Shoulder hup"
+  So I'm never for "Small-dodgers" and I never got "Built-up."
+  I'm not a mere "Jam-soldier," I've extended sure enough,
+  And been made "Assistant-bully" so I help to cook the "Duff."
+  I keep my kit and rifle clean, so's never to be rushed,
+  And I've never been "done-tired" and I've never once been "pushed."
+    No, I've never once been "pushed."
+
+  _Then a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  And soon I shall be Corporal,
+    What's called "Sauce-Jack" in the Army._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GLEANINGS FROM GREAT MINDS.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+"The horse is the natural enemy of Man: the horse is the only animal
+that will dash himself over a precipice to avoid the shadow of his own
+feed-bag."--_Kipling._
+
+"All civilians must remain in their houses after eight o'clock at
+night."--_Hints on Housekeeping_ (by Lord Roberts).
+
+"Your Mounted Infantry--it is as much as they can do to keep their
+hats on."--_Albrecht_, captured Boer Artillerist.
+
+"I call the Cavalry the Oh, Lor! regiments. They ride up to a kopje
+and stare about till they are fired at, when they say, "Oh, Lor," and
+gallop off."--_Albrecht._
+
+"I'd rather be a coward all my life than a corpse half a
+minute."--_Solomon_ (junior).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+No. 3.
+
+DR. A. CONAN DOYLE.
+
+[Illustration: Dr. A. Conan Doyle.]
+
+The accompanying wood-cut is a portrait of the well-known author, Dr.
+A. Conan Doyle. The author of "Sherlock Holmes," who is so generously
+giving his time and whole-hearted attention to the sick and wounded,
+will, by the use of the "Holmesian method," be able to tell, without a
+moment's hesitation, at what period of his eventful life the
+photograph was taken, of which the accompanying block is a
+representation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANOTHER LETTER HOME.
+
+BY CAPTAIN CECIL LOWTHER.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--Since I last wrote to you we have been having a quiet
+time down South "pacifying the country." This consists in collecting
+arms--which we keep--and inviting the burghers to take oaths--which
+they don't keep--at least some of them don't. Every one seemed pleased
+to see us and very ready to tell all about their neighbours'
+misdoings. If one believes only half of what one was told, the smiling
+little village where we were quartered must be only one station this
+side of a very warm place.
+
+A spice of danger is added to police work if there are other
+detachments in the neighbourhood. It is this wise. Two of our captains
+who were out after springbok one day were suddenly glued to the
+ground by the well-known whistle of bullets over their heads. Leaving
+their respective hills after dark, they returned and, with quivering
+lips, recounted to us the dangers through which they had passed. An
+eviction party was organised and a thorough search made for hidden
+rifles on the farm where the incident had occurred.
+
+Not unnaturally, none were found, as we heard on our return that Stoke
+had been out with six Non-Commissioned Officers and had walked the
+country in line shooting at everything that moved.
+
+You remember Stoke, don't you? He was the fellow who was not going to
+bring a knife and fork out with him as everybody on service would of
+course eat with his fingers.
+
+Do you remember that rather pretty song that MacRavish in the A.S.C.
+used to sing? "Lay down thy lute, my dearest." The Provost-Marshal has
+now adopted it for his own, and I have had to give up all the loot I
+had collected in the last three months. It is very disappointing, but
+I suppose he will give it back when his staff have taken what they
+want.
+
+We have been having a bad time the last few days, as there are
+detachments of troops constantly passing to the front, and unless one
+lies quite quiet they shoot at one. Their scouts, too, bang through
+the middle of the kitchens and camp "looking for the enemy," which is
+rather annoying for us, but it does not do to interfere.
+
+All the rifles are supposed to have been given up in the
+neighbourhood, so I was hurt in two senses--when I sat down on a very
+hard sofa in a farm close by and found that the cushion was stuffed
+with two Mausers and a lot of ammunition. The farmer professed to be
+as surprised as I was, but I don't see why he should have objected to
+my taking them away. He said they must have been left there
+accidentally by Potgieter or Pienaar. As you cannot throw a stone
+without hitting some one of those two names his statement was rather
+indefinite, besides being untruthful. It is awfully good of you
+sending me out all those woollen comforters and meat tabloids, but
+next time you are sending I wish you could send me enough stuff to put
+a new seat and knees to my breeches, as they are both deficient at
+present and even on active service they scarcely come under the head
+of "luxuries."--Your affectionate son, "BERTIE."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RATION SCALE.
+
+_Get all you can but don't take less._
+
+It is all right to claim as much as you think you can get and to get
+all you really can, but in case of argument it may be just as well to
+have this little list stuck inside your helmet. You may know some way
+of getting more than this--striking the A.S.C. when it is badly
+rushed, or very sleepy--but if you reach the issue depôt when it is
+too wide-awake for you, here is the list, just to make sure you'll not
+take less than regulations give you.
+
+One man, one day:--Biscuits, 1 lb.; fresh bread, 1-1/2 lb.; preserved
+meat, 1 lb.; fresh meat, 1-1/4 lb.; coffee, 2/3 oz., or tea 1/3 oz.,
+or 1/2 oz. of each; pepper, 1/36 oz.; salt, 1/2 oz.; sugar, 3 ozs.
+(including sugar for lime-juice); compressed vegetables, 1 oz.; fresh
+vegetables, 8 oz. (when available); rice, 2 oz. (in lieu of
+vegetables); cheese, 2 oz. (in lieu of 4 oz. of meat); jam, 1/4 lb.
+(three times a week); rum, 1/64 of gallon--when ordered; lime juice,
+1/320 of a gallon, if certified to be necessary by the medical
+officer; candles, 1 per officer; office authorised canteen.
+
+Meal or flour for natives 1 lb. a day, which may be increased to 1-1/4
+lb. when supplies are plentiful; natives receive the same ration as
+soldiers with the exception of vegetables. Meal or flour is usually
+substituted for bread.
+
+Indians enjoy a special scale of rations.
+
+Forage:--English horses: oats, 9 lbs.; oat-hay, 7 lbs.; bran, 3 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+Colonial horses: Mealies, 8 lbs.; oat-hay, 4 lbs.; bran, 2 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+Mules: Mealies, 5 lbs.; bran or chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+To officers.--If you countersign a claim for any more than this you
+had better be sure it is in the hands of a very "trustworthy" man, who
+can bluff it through, and get the A.S.C. men mixed up. If he doesn't
+know his way about they'll catch him up and send him back.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HUNGRY BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+BY J. W. JENKINS.
+
+     [_A young Philadelphian who very cleverly united in his own
+     work and person the entire reportorial staff of the paper._]
+
+This town is hungry. The shops are practically bare. Nothing worth
+speaking of comes to market. The matter has passed from the stage at
+which it might be regarded as a joke. Bloemfontein really hungers for
+necessary articles of diet, and it has one week in which to raise an
+extra appetite before the first train of foodstuffs comes to its
+stores. The hopes of two trucks a day for Bloemfontein merchants, held
+out two weeks ago by the Imperial Military Railway Officials, have
+proved vain. The two trucks never came. The line has been taken up
+wholly by the transportation of troops and army supplies. Next
+Thursday, however, unless the present plan is changed, a train of 20
+trucks will leave Port Elizabeth with goods for merchants here. There
+will be one train a week thereafter. All day on Wednesday and Thursday
+the business men flocked to the Director of Supplies, who will assign
+to each his proportion of tonnage.
+
+For a week the best families of Bloemfontein have been without butter
+or sugar. The hospitals have commandeered nearly all the fresh milk.
+There is not a can of condensed milk to be bought in town, nor a can
+of jam, nor of cocoa, nor a pound of coffee. The last candles sold in
+town were sent in from a country store. They disappeared in a day. The
+town depends for its potatoes on the few which come into town every
+morning.
+
+The daily supply of fresh vegetables is so small as to be hardly worth
+mentioning.
+
+Toilet soaps and English laundry soap disappeared long ago. You cannot
+buy a razor or a shaving-brush or a tooth-brush.
+
+More than one druggist lacks material for putting up prescriptions:
+glycerine, cascara, bromide of potassium, boracic acid, carbolic
+disinfectants, ginger, zinc oxide, blue ointment, acetate of lead, and
+iodoform. Absence of some of these from the prescription shelves might
+result seriously.
+
+Eno's Salts and chlorodyne cannot be bought in town. Beecham's Pills
+were "all out" four months ago.
+
+The flour mills have been closed for several days for want of water.
+They will resume, feeding their boilers with well water, but the end
+of the wheat supply is in sight. There is still mealie meal, but
+bakers declare that it won't make bread.
+
+Cigars that are worth smoking and whisky worth drinking haven't been
+seen for a week. Hospitals take all the soda-water that the factory
+can make.
+
+Shoemakers have not even veldschoens in ordinary sizes. They have had
+no leather for two weeks, so shoe repairing is out of the question.
+
+Winter is coming on, the mornings are already growing chilly, but
+clothiers have no hose and no heavy underwear of white man's quality.
+All hats suitable for army wear were sold long ago.
+
+Merchants declare that if they had not been promised two trucks a day
+by rail they would have brought supplies from Kimberley by ox-waggon.
+It would have taken six days, but would have been worth while.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+OUR "FRIEND" NO LONGER
+
+     _We retire from the paper, leaving it in able and patriotic
+     hands._
+
+
+The unique and delightful episode had ended. On April 16th, just one
+month after we established this new departure in war, we turned THE
+FRIEND over to the proprietor of the _Johannesburg Star_, upon an
+arrangement quickly and generously made by Lord Stanley. Within a week
+I was ordered home by the surgeons who saw the state my battered body
+was in. Mr. Landon preceded me by a few days, invalided also. Mr.
+Buxton remained upon the paper under its new proprietors, who were old
+workmates with him, and Mr. Gwynne remained, and yet remains as a war
+correspondent (January, 1901), sturdily doing his always excellent
+work in the field. In that work I think he has few superiors among
+living English-speaking correspondents, and I know that many military
+and journalistic experts agree with me. The pity is that the nature of
+his work for Reuter's has kept his genius as a writer practically
+hidden from the public.
+
+Mr. Shelley took up the photographer's side of the entertaining duel
+between the men of his calling and the actual and proper artists; Mr.
+Melton Prior indignantly lamented an indignity or an attempted theft
+of which he had been the victim. We reported a great football match
+between the officers of the Gordons and those of the First Contingent
+of the Royal Canadian Regiment; and, finally, we perpetrated the
+fourth hoax, in what we called "Our Portrait Gallery." The "portrait"
+was in each case from the same advertisement block which Mr. Gwynne
+and I had found on the floor of the _Express_ composing-room, which he
+had thought nearly enough like Mr. Burdett-Coutts to bear production
+as a likeness, and which we presently resolved to publish every day as
+a picture of a different man each time.
+
+The notice of a concert in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund refers
+to a notable enterprise engineered by the universally distinguished
+Mr. Bennet Burleigh of the _Daily Telegraph_, aided by Mr. Maxwell,
+the very talented correspondent of the _Standard_, and others. They
+carried it out with such skill that the entertainment proved the
+greatest social event, if we may so term it, of the army's sojourn in
+the capital. Every one of note who was able to be there attended it,
+and the receipts at the doors and in the competition over the works of
+Messrs. Prior and Wollen, were very considerable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                          BLOEMFONTEIN, EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1900.
+
+"OUR FRIEND" NO LONGER
+
+BY JULIAN RALPH
+
+At some time all friends must part, and the time and parting have come
+to THE FRIEND, its friends of the public and those war correspondents
+who have been conducting this journal just one month to-day.
+
+To-morrow this paper will be turned over from the charge of those who
+were only writers to the hands of men who are practised and able in
+the management of all departments of a daily journal.
+
+In bidding farewell to our trust, we can boast of nothing unless it be
+that we have entertained the troops and the town, and made no enemies
+of whom we know. The rest of what we have done has only been
+trying--though we have tried hard.
+
+We have said before in this column that it has been an unique
+experiment--to make one loyal newspaper out of two that were none too
+English, to make it with talent unused to the work, to make it, often,
+without news and to conduct it so as to produce something palatable to
+both the conquerors and the conquered.
+
+We take this occasion to thank the Field Marshal, Lord Roberts, for
+the trust he reposed in us, and to express the hope that we did not
+disappoint him.
+
+We also wish to thank those who have assisted us, both among our
+fellow correspondents and the talented men of the army. Poets we find
+the latter to be, for the most part. We hope all these will continue
+to give the helpful right hand to the enterprise under its new
+managers.
+
+And so we say "adieu" to THE FRIEND, and good luck to its new
+conductors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+No. 4.
+
+LIEUT.-GENERAL POLE-CAREW, C.B.
+
+[Illustration: General Pole-Carew.]
+
+We feel that we owe an apology to our readers for presenting the
+portrait of one of our first fighting generals in civilian costume,
+but our artist left his colours at home and refused to paint at all
+unless with plain black. The artist in question is Captain Cecil
+Lowther, of the Scots Guards, and this is his first effort in art. For
+General Pole-Carew, the subject of this masterpiece, what is there to
+say except that his promotion has gratified the entire army and evoked
+the heartiest congratulations from THE FRIEND?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY
+
+BY H. C. SHELLEY.
+
+_Editors_, THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Can you inform me whether there has
+been a sudden exodus from Bloemfontein of war correspondents armed
+with cameras? There ought to have been, and yet I have inquired in
+vain whether such an event has taken place. For, look you, the
+judgment has gone forth from the pen of Mr. Wollen that the "war
+artist"--meaning the man with a pencil as opposed to the men with a
+camera--"will come out on top." Truly, this is most disheartening. No
+one likes to be thrust to a bottom position, and if that is to be the
+fate of the man with a camera, why should he any longer endure the
+hardships of campaigning and the sorrows of separation from the
+comforts and companionships of home?
+
+But the war correspondent with a camera has not gone home. He has no
+intention of doing so. He is unrepentant enough to believe that he,
+and not the man with a pencil, is going to "come out on top."
+
+Let us have the point at issue clearly defined. War correspondents are
+with the army to report the war--some by word pictures, others by
+camera or pencil pictures. Sight-seeing is a passion with humanity.
+Every inhabitant of the British Isles would like to have a personal
+vision of the conflict in South Africa, but--save for two or three
+irresponsible persons whose presence at the front no one can
+understand--those inhabitants are compelled to rely upon the eyes of
+others. Now, leaving aside the correspondents who devote themselves to
+word pictures solely, the question to be decided is--does the man with
+the camera surpass the man with the pencil in depicting the actuality
+of warfare?
+
+An astounding claim is made on behalf of the man with the pencil. He
+can, we are told by Mr. Wollen, show the public "an accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like." And he does it by "a few
+lines to indicate the background and characteristics of it." The same
+authority assures us that "the brain of the camera cannot take in all
+that is going on. The man with the pencil does so." Such is the case
+for the man with the pencil. Now for the test of cross-examination.
+
+Modder River and Maghersfontein may be cited as two representative
+battles of the war, and so may be honestly used as touchstones to try
+the claim Mr. Wollen makes on behalf of the man with a pencil. In each
+case there was a battle-line of some five or six miles, in each case
+the enemy was invisible, in each case it was physically impossible for
+any one man to see more than a small portion of the battle. A
+spectator on the right flank at Modder River could have no personal
+knowledge of incidents which were happening in the centre of the
+bridge, or down the river on the left flank. Even of his own
+particular section on the right flank that spectator could not attain
+to a perfect knowledge. But the man with a pencil is untrammelled by
+such minor matters as time and space; he "takes in all that is going
+on." Or, if he does not take it all in, he puts it in his sketch. The
+result is no more "an accurate bird's-eye view of what a battle is
+like" than a photograph of Oom Paul is like a photograph of Mr.
+Chamberlain. In short, the facility with which the pencil-man can jot
+down what he did not see is his ruin.
+
+It will be obvious that the man with the pencil, not being ubiquitous,
+_cannot_ "take in" all that happens on a battlefield; he sees just as
+much as, and no more than, the man with the camera; for the
+rest--which forms so large a proportion of his sketch--he has to rely
+upon the testimony of others. Now, when the public have in their hands
+a result attained by this method, what is its value as an "accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like?" Absolutely _nil_. People at
+home want to see a battle as they would have seen it if they had been
+present, and no sane man will contest the assertion that the best
+medium for giving them that vision is the camera rather than the
+pencil. Try as he may after the actual, the man with the pencil
+thrusts his personality between the event he sees and the people at
+home for whom he wishes to reproduce it, and consequently his sketch
+becomes a miserable failure when considered as an "accurate bird's-eye
+view of what a battle is like."
+
+On the other hand, what does the man with the camera do? He and his
+lens see at least so much of a given battle as any man with a pencil,
+and what they see they see with unfailing accuracy. Take that battery
+in action which Mr. Wollen choses to cite as a subject wherein the
+powerlessness of the camera is supposed to be illustrated. The camera
+man does not fear the test. He can show the guns coming into action,
+record their unlimbering, depict the preparation for firing, and time
+a photograph at the actual moment of firing. It is true that his
+picture will not show quite such a volume of smoke as the sketch of
+the man with the pencil. But why? _Because the smoke is not there._
+The man with the pencil puts it in because other men with pencils have
+been putting it in for generations. Perhaps, too, the public would not
+mistake the sketch for a battle-scene if the smoke were absent.
+Anyhow, what becomes of the boast of _accuracy_? Moreover, the man
+with a camera will not present his public with a twelve-pounder firing
+from the carriage of a howitzer.
+
+There is something more to be said for the man with a camera.
+Now-a-days he is in the habit of screwing a telephoto lens to the
+front of the camera, and with that lens he can immensely outdistance
+the vision of even that all-seeing man with the pencil. Objects a
+couple of miles off are brought near, and groups of men can be
+photographed at such distances as prevent them assuming any posing
+attitudes. In this way actuality takes on the added charm of natural
+grouping, and I shall be greatly surprised if some of the telephoto
+pictures of this war do not take rank as the most artistic as well as
+realistic records of its incidents.
+
+After all, the man with a camera may safely leave his case in the
+hands of others. Take a negative and a positive witness on the
+question in the abstract. Mr. Julian Ralph writes that "the pictures
+of our battles which are coming back to us in the London weeklies are
+not at all like the real things," and then he adds: "I saw the other
+day a picture in one of the leading papers by one of the best
+illustrators. It showed the British storming a Boer position. In the
+middle ground was a Boer battery, and the only gunner left alive was
+standing up with a bandage round his head, while smoke and flame and
+flying fragments of shells filled the air in his vicinity. In the rush
+of the instant he must have been bandaged by the same shot that struck
+him, and as for smoke and _débris_ in the air, there was more of this
+in a corner of that picture than I have seen in all the four battles
+we have fought."
+
+Now for the positive witness. He is no less a person than the art
+critic of the _Pall Mall Gazette_, who can no more be charged with a
+predilection for photography than Messrs. Steyn and Kruger can be
+saddled with a predilection for truthfulness. This critic dwells, as
+Mr. Scott did in the letter which opened this discussion, upon the old
+and new methods of war illustration, and then candidly adds: "I would
+like to say that the artists score off the photographer, _but they do
+not_. The public wants the facts as near as may be, and are too deeply
+stirred to be put off with melodrama."
+
+One other witness may be called to give Mr. Wollen an idea of how the
+work of the man with the pencil is faring at home. Here is a recent
+private letter from England, which makes merry in the following
+fashion over those sketches which are so inclusive and accurate:
+"There is a picture of two gunners standing to attention after having
+exhausted their ammunition. The man nearest the gun is looking
+straight in front of him, with a bandage round his head, a
+bullet-wound in his face (close to the left ear), two in the right
+side of his chest, and one in his right leg, some distance above the
+knee. Within a yard of him is a bursting shell. But that man ignores
+such trivial things. Still he stands. I suppose the weight of so much
+lead in him keeps him up. One wonders whether he is hollow inside, so
+that the bullets all drop down into his feet."
+
+No wonder, worthy editorial sirs, you have not witnessed an exodus of
+men with cameras from Bloemfontein; they are staying to "come out on
+top." Sincerely yours,
+
+                                              H. C. SHELLEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+"WHO STOLE THE CART?"
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Practical jokes are out of
+date, and the perpetrators have universally come to be regarded as a
+mixture of fools and knaves. It is intolerable to attempt a practical
+joke upon a friend, but to play one upon a stranger is downright
+rascality. To accept an excuse for such a thing is to admit the pleas
+of the man who took a piece of old rope that he did not mean to take
+the horse that was at the other end; or that of other fellows who
+sneak property, pick pockets, or forge cheques, that these acts were
+all done in fun.
+
+I have been much interested in reading in THE FRIEND about horses,
+saddles, bridles, and even riems being stolen in this campaign, but I
+think I can add to the list with a more startling experience of my
+own. I bought a waggon from a well-known man in this town and had it
+sent to a coach repairer to be overhauled. It was a conspicuous
+vehicle, as much so as a Soudan pantechnicon van, with white wall
+sides, upon which were painted, in letters that could be read half a
+mile away, the owner's name, business, and address. This waggon was
+impudently taken in the night-time, dragged to stables some distance
+away, and there left. From the police I have learned that paint had
+actually been purchased, and it was evidently the intention of the
+thieves to transform my waggon, by painting out the name and address,
+and so daub it with khaki or some other colour that it should become
+unrecognisable. By a fortuitous accident the waggon was discovered in
+the nick of time.
+
+The law here is such that an aggrieved party must become a prosecutor,
+which is an undertaking a transient visitor naturally shirks.
+
+I think it my duty to call attention to the circumstances and the
+inadequacy of the existing means for the prevention of wrong-doing and
+the punishment of the wrong-doers.--I am, sirs, yours truly,
+
+                                       MELTON PRIOR,
+  War Artist, _Illustrated London News_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WEDNESDAY EVENING CONCERT.
+
+Thanks to the kindness of the Military Governor, Major-General
+Pretyman, the concert in aid of the "Widows' and Orphans' Funds,"
+London and Bloemfontein, will be held next Wednesday evening, instead
+of during the afternoon. Major-General Pretyman has conceded that upon
+the date in question, Wednesday, 18th inst., the pass regulation will
+not come into force until midnight. That means that citizens may move
+about after 8 p.m., or until twelve o'clock, without requiring any
+special pass or being called upon to produce a permit.
+
+The committee of war correspondents declare that the entertainment
+will require no booming. It is to be a red-letter day in the calendar
+of concerts given for charitable purposes in Bloemfontein, both in
+respect to talent upon the platform and to the celebrities who will
+crowd the Town Hall that evening.
+
+Amongst those who will appear will be Miss Fraser, the Free State
+nightingale, who will sing original verses written by Mr. Rudyard
+Kipling for the occasion; Miss Leviseur, Miss Jessie Fraser,
+Lieut.-Colonel Townshend, C.B., Surgeon-Major Beevor, Scots Guards,
+Lieut. James Forrest, Captain Nugent, the celebrated vocalist; Captain
+Wright, R.N. (The Skipper); the Lightning Cartoonists, _alias_ The
+Gemini; Mr. Preshaw, Major Jones, R.E., besides, in the language of
+the _entrepreneurs_, "a coruscation and galaxy of stars of the first
+magnitude too numerous to mention in the brief space afforded." It is
+hoped that the military band will be present, but, at any rate, that
+the concert will be high-class without being dull is guaranteed from
+the fact that Messrs. Ivan Haarburgher and King are in charge of the
+musical arrangements.
+
+Tickets may be had and seats booked at Messrs. Borckenhagen and Co.
+Prices: 5s., reserved seats; gallery, 2s. 6d.; soldiers in uniform to
+gallery, 1s.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+ADIEU TO "THE FRIEND"
+
+     _We made a money profit as well as a good newspaper--but the
+     entire experience thus quickly passed into history._
+
+
+Thus ends the history of this new departure in war and in journalism.
+Of it Mr. Kipling wrote afterwards, "Never again will there be such a
+paper! Never again such a staff! Never such fine larks." It has been
+impossible, after all my good intentions, to tell of scores of the
+peculiarities of the paper, and its editors' experiences. Sometimes
+copies of THE FRIEND did not look twice alike for days at a time, as
+we strove to make it more and more workmanlike, and more and more
+original and attractive.
+
+We began, as I have said, with advertisement "ear-tabs" on either side
+of the heading. Then we put the Royal coat-of-arms in their places.
+Next we put the arms in the middle of the title space and published
+mottoes and notices in new "ear-tabs." At first we put double leads
+only between the lines of the leading article each day, but presently
+we dignified the cable news and Mr. Kipling's contributions in that
+way. We once put some editorial notices in rhyme, and set them up in
+black job type--when we changed the price of the paper to one penny
+for everybody.
+
+We knew that our money returns were in confusion, but because we had
+taken over a business manager from one of the two commandeered
+newspapers, whom we could hardly expect to be in sympathy with us, and
+because we had established two prices for the paper and were being
+victimised by some of our customers, we could not see how the finance
+of our venture was likely to come out.
+
+A practised man of affairs, from the City Imperial Volunteer Mounted
+Force, Mr. Siegfried Blumfeld, most kindly took the trouble to look
+into our accounts, and we learned from his report that we were making
+money, but not nearly enough to satisfy our pride and hopes. However,
+as events proved, we gained a splendid profit, and were able to make
+Tommy Atkins's newspaper pay a handsome sum toward "Tommy's" relief.
+All that any of us have even thus far learned of the profits is to be
+found in the following formal letter I received from Lord Stanley:--
+
+                ARMY HEADQUARTERS, PRETORIA, _3rd October, 1900_.
+
+SIR,--I have been asked by Major-General Pretyman, C.B., to forward
+you a copy of a letter which he has received bearing reference to the
+use made of the profits of THE FRIEND newspaper.
+
+General Pretyman adds that there will be a further cheque, which he
+proposes to send to some other charity, but which he does not specify
+to me.
+
+  Yours sincerely,
+                                                         STANLEY.
+  Julian Ralph, Esq.,
+
+
+                         (_Enclosure._)
+                STELLENBERG, KENILWORTH, CAPE COLONY,
+                                                         20/8/00.
+
+SIR,--As Honorary Treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families
+Association, I enclose a formal acknowledgment of the cheques for £136
+17s. 3d. so kindly sent to our Association by the War Correspondents.
+Should you have an opportunity of doing so, I should be very glad if
+you would convey to Lord Stanley and the other gentlemen our great
+appreciation of this kind and thoughtful gift.
+
+  Yours very truly,
+                                        (_Signed_) W. L. Sclater.
+
+Had we been able to "inspan" a proof-reader with a Lee-Metford rifle
+and a determination to use it to enforce his "corrections," we should
+not have announced the Queen's reception in Dublin as a great tribute
+by London, neither should we have made Mr. Kipling speak of a
+"shixlvl" when he wrote a "shovelful." Four of us had to fill a great
+chasm nine columns long and wide every day, and to do proof-reading as
+well. We produced the nine columns incidentally as a thing done with
+our left hands, the while that our minds and souls and master-hands
+were devoted to correcting proofs. Bravely as we battled with them,
+they kept coming like a swift tide, until, in a reckless way of
+putting it, they were heaped on our table as high as the top button on
+each of our coats. When it came to time to go to press we regularly
+and daily observed that we had not only overlooked errors enough to
+wreck our reputations, but that the compositors had failed to correct
+many of those which we had marked. Gravely, in a body, we used to
+march to the printing-office and threaten to send the guiltiest
+culprits as prisoners to Simonstown, charged with being hostile to the
+blessings of enlightened government. Then we would go to lunch and the
+paper would come out--so full of mistakes that there was clearly
+nothing to do but to allow the humour of the situation to have its
+way, and to laugh until we almost cried at the extravagance of the
+offences we were committing against journalism and "the art
+preservative of arts."
+
+Despite its whimsicalities, THE FRIEND was a dignified newspaper, and
+very nearly a complete one. The largest daily circulation of any
+Bloemfontein newspaper had been 400 copies, but we regularly sold from
+5,000 to 5,500 copies. We published Reuter's telegrams from all over
+the world (semi-occasionally when military messages did not block the
+wires), and the _Capetown Argus's_ tidings of what went on in South
+Africa.
+
+As I have written elsewhere, "its unique origin and purpose, and its
+eccentricities, combined to make it the basis of a collecting mania."
+Copies with a mistake in a date line, corrected after one hundred
+papers had been struck off, brought five shillings on the date of
+issue, and ten shillings two days later, and the price had risen to a
+guinea by the time the newspaper was turned over to the managers of
+the _Johannesburg Star_ and _Capetown Argus_. This took place when it
+was apparent to all of us that two or three of us were not in the
+physical trim to serve THE FRIEND and our distant employers without
+causing one or the other to suffer great neglect.
+
+The competition for complete sets of the newspaper ran the price up
+to £10, and this strife ran neck and neck with the rivalry to obtain
+sets of Free State postage stamps made British by the letters V.R.I.
+on an overline of printing. One of these stamps was quoted at £10
+while the army lingered in Bloemfontein, but I have my own reason for
+thinking that THE FRIEND will receive a higher valuation than any
+"pink sixpenny stamp" or any set of stamps, for it fell to the lot of
+that journal to emphasise the present power and usefulness of the
+press as no other journal has ever done.
+
+A single copy of this newspaper is reported to have fetched £25 at a
+London charity bazaar.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Since the return to England of three of the editors we have decided to
+perpetuate the little organisation in a fraternal "Order of
+Friendlies," and Rudyard Kipling has designed a badge which Messrs.
+Tiffany & Co., jewellers, of Regent Street, have most ably and
+artistically executed in gold and enamel. Facsimiles of it adorn the
+cover of this book. It is of the size of a two-guinea coin. On its
+obverse side are the colours of the old Free State and Transvaal, upon
+which is imposed the red cross of Saint George. In the ends of the
+cross are the initials of the four editors in Greek capitals. Lord
+Roberts's badge has his initials in the centre of the cross in green
+under a golden coronet, and where the ring is, on top of our badges,
+his has a green enamel shamrock leaf. On the reverse side are four
+pens crossed and surrounded by a motto, "Inter Prælia Prelum," "In the
+Midst of War the Printing Press," here couched in monkish Latin. Lord
+Roberts's badge has a drawn sword of gold on top of the crossed pens.
+Only seven men in all the world belong to this order: Lord Roberts,
+Lord Stanley, Messrs. Gwynne, Kipling, Landon, Buxton, and myself. All
+others are eligible, however, who have dedicated themselves to
+"telling the truth at all costs and all hazards," so that the mind
+fails to grasp the future possibilities of its membership.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+  Barnes, James--
+    Anecdotes by, 223
+    Edits the thirteenth No. of THE FRIEND, 221
+
+  Battersby, Prevost, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 132
+
+  Bloemfontein--
+    Concert in, 227
+    Cronje warned that we should march to, 2
+    Evening Concert in Aid of the Widow' and Orphans' Fund, 408
+    Fooled by the Boers in, 283
+    "Free State Hospital" and Staff, 207
+    Settles down under Lord Roberts' Rule, 115
+    State of the Army on arrival at, 1
+    The Boer women in, 350
+    The Club at, 48
+    War Trophy Mania in, 318
+    Women of, The, 353
+
+  Burleigh, Bennet, Experience of, 35
+
+  Buxton, F. W., Facts about, 10
+
+
+  Canadians on Majuba Day, Description of, 22
+
+  Christian, Pt. Ewan, Story of a Colonial Hero, 39
+
+  Colvile, Gen. Sir Henry, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 131
+
+  Conan Doyle, Dr. A.--
+    Arrival of in Bloemfontein, 305
+    Contributor to THE FRIEND, 312
+
+
+  Enteric and its Ravages in Bloemfontein, 275
+
+  Eyre, Fred, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 292
+
+
+  Faulkner, Chaplain T. E., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 295
+
+
+  Gatacre and Clements join hands, Account of how, 76
+
+  Guards, The, Splendid characteristics of, 249
+
+  Guthrie, M.P., Mr. Murray, And the soldiers' comforts, 346
+
+  Gwynne, Mr. H. A., Facts about, 9
+
+
+  Hospitals and supplies from civilians, 260
+
+
+  I (Julian Ralph)--
+    Get ill and dispirited, 362
+    Replenish the Mess, 184
+    Visit Miss Bloemfontein, 160
+
+
+  James, Mr. Lionel, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 132, 301
+
+  Jenkins, J. W., Reporter to THE FRIEND, 395
+
+
+  Kellner, Dr., Tribute to, 362
+
+  Kipling, Rudyard--
+    And myself lunch with Lord Roberts, 113
+    And the Tommies in hospital, 259
+    And Tommy's poetry, 83
+    As Associate Editor, 99
+    At work for THE FRIEND, 133
+    Birthday Greeting by, 226
+    Departure of from Bloemfontein, 258
+    Editorial on, 86
+    Enthusiasm of, 132
+    "Fables for the Staff" by, 134, 167, 211, 225, 242, 250
+    "General Joubert" by, 241
+    I toast, 205
+    "Kopje-Book Maxims" by, 168, 251
+    Pen portrait of, 113
+    "St. Patrick's Day" by, 31, 116
+    Sends his first contribution to THE FRIEND, 28
+    "Song of the White Men, A," by, 262
+
+
+  Landon, Perceval, Facts about, 9
+
+  Langman Hospital, The, Facts about, 306
+
+  Love Letter, to Miss Bloemfontein, 32
+
+  Lowther, Capt. Cecil, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 392
+
+
+  Menpes, Mortimer, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 381
+
+  Milner, Sir Alfred, Speech by, at our Dinner, 204
+
+
+  Newman, R.N., Lieut. E. J. K., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 141
+
+  Nicholson, K.C.B., Sir William, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 131
+
+
+  Order of the Friendlies, The, Seven members of, 414
+
+
+  Paterson, A. B., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 92, 309, 376
+
+  Poems--
+    "Advice to an Officer on going to the War," 180
+    "Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, A," 324
+    "Barrack-Room Ballads," 342
+    "Birthday Greeting, A," 226
+    "Commandeering," 134
+    "Driving the Ox," 210
+    "Empire's Defenders, The," 244
+    "Fed up," 92
+    "For Freedom's Cause," 267
+    "General Joubert," 241
+    "Grumbles from the Ranks," 246
+    "Moderate Drinker's Lament, The," 315
+    "My Comrades' Conversation," 389
+    "Old Friends," 347
+    "'Orse or Fut?" 328
+    "Poor Old Cronje," 271
+    "Prices in Bloemfontein," 252
+    "Quartermaster's Yarn, The," 141
+    "St. Patrick's Day," 31, 116
+    "Silent Army, The," 245
+    "Smart," 368
+    "Socialism in Verse," 366
+    "Soldiers of the Queen," 292
+    "Song of the White Men, A," 262
+    "Sons of Britain," 254
+    "That V.C.," 309
+    "The N.C.O.," 233
+    "The Weary Trek," 110
+    "To the Soldiers' Poet," 59
+    "United we Stand," 215
+    "Voices from over the Sea," 299
+
+  Pole-Carew, General--
+    Headquarters of, 248
+    In War, 248
+
+  Press Censors, Examples of, 4
+
+  Prince Francis of Teck, H.H.--
+    And the Artist, 101
+    Duties of, The, 100
+    Our guest at dinner, 319
+
+
+  Ralph, Lester, Ill with enteric, 207
+
+  Roberts, V.C., Field-Marshal Lord--
+    And THE FRIEND, 84
+    Communication to Kruger from, 387
+    Dines with the Staff of THE FRIEND, 202
+    I am introduced to, 114
+    Speech of, at our Dinner, 205
+    Telegram of sympathy on General Joubert's Death from, 240
+
+
+  Scott, H. Owen, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 357
+
+  Shelley, H. C., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 401
+
+  Simes, Tr. George, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 215, 267, 299
+
+  Smith-Dorrien, Maj.-Gen., Letter from, 37
+
+  Stanley, Lord--
+    Contributor to THE FRIEND, 269
+    Daily visits of, to THE FRIEND Office, 164
+    Office of, at Bloemfontein, 5
+    Tribute to, as Press Censor, 3
+
+
+  THE FRIEND, and its Contents--
+   "Absent-bodied Burgher, The," 376
+    Advertisement in, 14
+    "Advice to an Officer on going to the War," 180
+    All Ranks contribute to, 131
+    "Anecdotes," 8, 66, 380
+    "Another Letter Home," 392
+    "Army Orders," 15, 49, 50, 108, 295
+    "As to the Future," 222
+    "Australian Correspondent, The," 67
+    "Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, The" (Poem), 324
+    "Barrack-room Ballads" (Poem), 342
+    "Birthday Greeting, A" (Poem), 226
+    "Boer Plans and Views," 333
+    "Brave Canadian, A," 242
+    "Brave young Highlanders," 349
+    "British Leniency," 290
+    "Canadians on Majuba Day," 22
+    "Caught by the Boers," 278
+    Christening Competition in, 274
+    Circulation of, 413
+    "Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil," 322
+    "Colonial Hero, A," 39
+    "Commandeering" (Poem), 134
+    Concerning Acrostics, 188
+    "Confession of a Horse-stealer," 46, 53
+    "Corne Drift," 339
+    Correspondence, 37, 90, 111, 188, 406
+    "Death of General Joubert," 241
+    "Don't" (Advice to Looters), 197
+    "Dots or no Dots" (Stamps), 381
+    "Driving the Ox" (Poem), 210
+    Editorial Announcements in, 17
+    "Empire's Defenders, The" (Poem), 244
+    "Enteric Fever," 281
+    "Fables for the Staff," 134, 167, 211, 225, 242, 250
+    "Facts and Otherwise," 22, 120
+    "Fed up" (Poem), 92
+    "First Impression, A," 312
+    First Issue of, 14
+    "For Freedom's Cause" (Poem), 267
+    From Enslin to Bobsfontein, 153
+    Gatacre and Clements join Hands, 76
+    "General Joubert" (Poem), 241
+    "Gleanings from Great Minds," 391
+    "Grumbles from the Ranks" (Poem), 246
+    "G. W. Steevens," 155
+    "How the Calf was Avenged," 325
+    "Humorous Side of the Campaign Recorded," 20
+    "Hungry Bloemfontein," 395
+    "Is the Art of War Revolutionised?"--
+      Artillery, 172
+      Cavalry, 234
+      Infantry, 148
+    Its Infancy, 12
+    "Jokes to Burn," 294
+    "Karree Siding," 195
+    "Kopje-Book Maxims," 168, 251
+    "Lesson Learned, A," 269
+    "Love Letter to Miss Bloemfontein," 29, 32
+    "Military Law," 118
+    "Military Letter Writer, The," 212
+    "Miss Bloemfontein's Answer," 70
+    "Miss Uitlander replies to Miss Bloemfontein," 169
+    "Moderate Drinker's Lament, The" (Poem), 315
+    Money Profit on, handed over, 412
+    "My Comrades' Conversation" (Poem), 389
+    Names sent in for the New Colony, 330
+    "New Machine Gun, The," 179
+    Offices of, 12
+    Official Dinner at Government House, 129
+    "Old Friends" (Poem), 347
+    "Orange Peel," 255
+    "'Orse or Fut?" (Poem) 328
+    "Our Friend" no longer, 399
+    "Our Portrait Gallery," 370, 375, 392, 401
+    "Our Reply to Miss Bloemfontein," 74
+    Parodies, 65
+    Peculiarities of, 410
+    "Pont filled with Bullion," 218
+    "Poor Old Cronje" (Poem), 271
+    Price of, The, 85
+    "Prices in Bloemfontein" (Poem), 252
+    Printing Machines used for, 44
+    "Proclamations" in, 25, 45, 62, 107, 208, 272, 276, 291, 374
+    Queen's English and Dutch Compositors, 83
+    "Ration Scale," 394
+    "Realistic Comedy, A," 227
+    "Recent Engagements," 301
+    "Recent Experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh," 35
+    Rights of Purchased for £200, 8
+    "Rudyard Kipling" (Welcome and Farewell to), 86, 263
+    "St. Patrick's Day" (Poem), 31, 116
+    Second Issue of, 28
+    "Second Relief of Kimberley," 142
+    "Serious Matter, A," 60
+    "Should Beards be worn in War?" 157
+    "Silent Army, The," 104, 245
+    "Sir Alfred Milner," 209
+    "Sir William Lockhart," 136
+    "Smart" (Poem), 368
+    "Socialism in Verse" (Poem), 366
+    "Society's Doings," 364
+    "Soldiers' Battles and Generals' Campaigns," 125
+    "Soldiers of the Queen" (Poem), 292
+    "Song of the White Men, A" (Poem), 262
+    "Sons of Britain" (Poem), 254
+    Strange Editorial Adventure, 42
+    "Sulk or Duty," 18
+    "Ten-a-Penny's," 216
+    "That V.C." (Poem), 309
+    "The Bravest Deed," 256
+    "The Down-trodden (?) Negro," 63
+    "The Great Ride," 94
+    "The late Colonel the Hon. G. Gough," 265
+    "The N.C.O." (Poem), 233
+    "The Quartermaster's Yarn," (Poem), 141
+    "The Russians Capture London!" 277
+    "The Soberest Army in the World," 88
+    "The Steynless City" (Loot News), 31
+    "The Weary Trek" (Poem), 110
+    "They Want More of Tommy," 343
+    "To the People of the Free State," 311
+    "To the Soldiers' Poet" (Poem), 59
+    "Tommy in a Lady's Eyes," 182
+    "Towards War," 189
+    "United we Stand" (Poem), 215
+    "Voices from over the Sea" (Poem), 299
+    We begin to feel at Home, 41
+    We Retire from, 398
+    Working Staff of, 12
+    "War Artist of To-day, The," 357, 379, 401
+
+  Thyme, Mark, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 315, 328, 342, 366, 368
+
+  "Tommy"--
+    As a Poet, 82
+    In Bloemfontein, 184
+
+  Tucker, Charles, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 59, 244
+
+
+  Villebois-Mareuil, Colonel de, Facts about his Death, 321
+
+
+  War Correspondents--
+    Battersby, Prevost, 132
+    Burleigh, Bennet, 35
+    Buxton, F. W., 6, 10
+    James, Lionel, 132, 301
+    Gwynne, H. A., 6, 9
+    Landon, Perceval, 6, 9
+    We Four--
+      Asked to undertake the bringing out of a Paper, 6
+      Grand Dinner-party given by, 202
+      Leave THE FRIEND to see a Fight, 221
+      Sent for by Lord Stanley, 3
+
+  Wilkinson, F., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 67
+
+  Wollen, R.I., Mr. W. B., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 379
+
+
+
+
+  _The Gresham Press_,
+  UNWIN BROTHERS,
+  WOKING AND LONDON.
+
+
+
+
+_Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson's List of Announcements_
+
+SPRING 1901
+
+
+=THE SIEGE OF KUMASSI=
+
+By LADY HODGSON, wife of Sir FREDERICK M. HODGSON, Governor of the
+Gold Coast. Demy 8vo. Profusely Illustrated. Price 21s.
+
+     Lady HODGSON has in a high degree the gift of vivid and
+     realistic description. The reader shares with her the
+     privations of the siege, the tense excitement of her
+     marvellous escape, and the peril of the bush. The account is
+     written with an unusual power of description and facility of
+     style.
+
+
+=ABYSSINIA=
+
+Through the Lion Land to the Court of the Lion of Judah.
+
+By HERBERT VIVIAN, Author of "Tunisia," "Servia." Demy 8vo. With 2
+Maps and 80 Illustrations. Price 15s.
+
+     The Land of the Lion offers much that is of great interest
+     to the student of ethnology and geography. Mr. VIVIAN has
+     made a valuable addition to the library of travel. His
+     observations show a keen appreciation of surroundings,
+     whether social, religious, or political. His style is
+     bright, and holds the reader's interest to the last page.
+
+
+=CYPRUS TO ZANZIBAR BY THE EGYPTIAN DELTA.=
+
+The Adventures of a Journalist in the Isle of Love, the Home of
+Miracles, and the Land of Cloves.
+
+By EDWARD VIZETELLY. With many Illustrations. Demy 8vo. Price 15s.
+
+     Few have had better opportunities of studying the
+     vicissitudes through which the little island of Cyprus has
+     passed than Mr. VIZETELLY. From Cyprus he leads the reader
+     through the stirring times of the occupation of Egypt, and
+     thence to Zanzibar. He has clothed the dry bones of
+     political history with the living flesh of graphic
+     description and humorous incident.
+
+
+=AT PRETORIA=
+
+The Capture of the Boer Capitals, and the Hoisting of the Flag at
+Pretoria. A Companion Volume to "Towards Pretoria."
+
+By JULIAN RALPH, Author of "Towards Pretoria." Extra crown 8vo. Price
+6s.
+
+
+=A SACK OF SHAKINGS=: Essays from _The Spectator_, &c.
+
+By FRANK T. BULLEN, Author of "The Cruise of the 'Cachalot,'" &c. &c.
+Extra crown 8vo. Price 6s.
+
+     Mr. FRANK BULLEN has taken advantage to the full of the
+     opportunities which are granted only to those who go down to
+     the deep waters, and has embodied his experiences in a
+     collection of delightful essays. These show the writer to be
+     possessed of deep sympathies, quick perception, and vivid
+     power of narration. The style shows distinction of thought
+     and expression, and the book may be summed up as
+     "fascinating."
+
+
+=THE SPANISH PEOPLE=
+
+By MARTIN A. S. HUME, Author of "The Courtships of Queen Elizabeth,"
+&c. Vol. I. THE GREAT PEOPLES SERIES. Edited by F. YORK POWELL, M.A.,
+Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford. Crown
+8vo. Price 6s.
+
+
+=THE GAME OF BILLIARDS AND HOW TO PLAY IT=
+
+By JOHN ROBERTS. With about 400 Diagrams, including complete sets of
+some famous breaks. Demy 8vo. Price 6s.
+
+     The latest book on the game, and one for novice and skilled
+     player alike. Almost every imaginable stroke on the table is
+     explained in the clearest possible manner, and the
+     explanation is assisted by well-drawn diagrams.
+
+
+=WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE=
+
+By JULIAN RALPH. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 6s.
+
+     This consists of the History and Contents of the Unique
+     Newspaper published at Bloemfontein at the special request
+     of Lord ROBERTS, and during his occupation.
+
+     It contains many contributions by RUDYARD KIPLING, Dr. CONAN
+     DOYLE, Lord STANLEY, and many Officers and other eminent
+     men, and was edited by RUDYARD KIPLING, JULIAN RALPH
+     (Special War Correspondent to the _Daily Mail_), Mr. LANDON
+     (Special War Correspondent to _The Times_), Mr. GWYNNE
+     (Reuter's Special War Correspondent).
+
+     Most of RUDYARD KIPLING'S contributions to this paper are
+     now published in this country for the first time, and the
+     contents of the book make one of the most interesting and
+     entertaining books of the war.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of War's Brighter Side, by Julian Ralph
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE ***
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of War's Brighter Side, by Julian Ralph
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: War's Brighter Side
+       The Story of The Friend Newspaper Edited by the
+              Correspondents with Lord Roberts's Forces, March-April, 1900
+
+Author: Julian Ralph
+
+Release Date: June 2, 2012 [EBook #39881]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<a id="img001" name="img001"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img001.jpg" width="300" height="274" alt="" title="">
+<p>Badge specially made for the Editors of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<a id="img002" name="img002"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<p>Julian Ralph. <span class="add4em">Perceval Landon.</span></p>
+<img src="images/img002.jpg" width="400" height="501" alt="" title="">
+<p>H. A. Gwynne. <span class="add4em">Rudyard Kipling.</span></p>
+<p>The editors at Work.<br>
+<i>Photographed by H. Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<h1>War's Brighter Side</h1>
+
+<p class="center">THE STORY OF <b>THE FRIEND</b> NEWSPAPER<br>
+  EDITED BY THE CORRESPONDENTS<br>
+  WITH LORD ROBERTS'S FORCES,<br>
+  MARCH-APRIL, 1900 + + + +</p>
+
+<p class="p4 center">By</p>
+
+<p class="center">JULIAN RALPH<br>
+<span class="smaller">(<i>One of the Editors of</i> "<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>")<br>
+  Author of "Towards Pretoria," "At Pretoria," "Alone in
+  China," etc., etc.</span></p>
+
+<p class="p4 center">WITH 15 ILLUSTRATIONS</p>
+
+<p class="p4 center">London<br>
+  C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd.<br>
+  Henrietta Street<br>
+  1901</p>
+
+<p class="p4 center smaller">[<i>The coloured reproductions on the cover<br>
+  of this book are fac-similes of a<br>
+  badge specially made for the Editors<br>
+  of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.]</p>
+
+
+<p class="p4 center smcap"><span class="smaller">WITH HIS KIND PERMISSION<br>
+  THIS HISTORY OF HIS<br>
+  UNIQUE AND HISTORIC<br>
+  EXPERIMENT IN PUBLISHING A NEWSPAPER<br>
+  FOR AN ARMY IN THE FIELD<br>
+  IS DEDICATED TO</span><br>
+
+  FIELD MARSHAL, EARL ROBERTS, V.C., K.G., K.P., <span class="smcap">Etc.</span><br>
+
+<span class="smaller">COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.</span></p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevii" name="pagevii"></a>(p. vii)</span> LETTER FROM EARL ROBERTS TO LORD STANLEY REGARDING "THE
+FRIEND."</h2>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>,<br>
+  <i>April 13th, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+     <p><span class="smcap">Dear Lord Stanley</span>,&mdash;I understand that on Monday next, the
+     16th inst., <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> will come under the new management,
+     and it will, I hope, continue to thrive now that it has been
+     established on a sound basis.</p>
+
+     <p>The Army owe a deep debt of gratitude to the gentlemen who
+     so kindly came forward, and who have given their services
+     gratuitously in the management of the paper.</p>
+
+     <p>That their labours are appreciated is evident from the
+     eagerness with which the paper is purchased by officers and
+     soldiers alike.</p>
+
+     <p>On behalf, therefore, of the troops, I would ask you to
+     convey my best thanks to all who have contributed towards
+     making the paper such a success, especially to the following
+     gentlemen, Messrs. Landon, Ralph, Gwynne, and Buxton.</p>
+
+<p>Believe me to be<br>
+<span class="add4em">Yours very truly,</span></p>
+<p class="signatsc">ROBERTS.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pageix" name="pageix"></a>(p. ix)</span> PREFACE</h2>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts is the first General of whom I have heard who ever
+recognised and acknowledged the Value and Power of the Press by
+establishing a Newspaper as a source of Entertainment and Information
+for an Army in the Field, and as a Medium for conveying such Arguments
+and Appeals as he wished to make to the Enemy. This he did, as one
+might say, the instant he conquered the first of the Boer Capitals,
+almost simultaneously with his appointment of a Military Governor and
+a Provost Marshal, and the establishment of a Police Force.</p>
+
+<p>The story of Lord Roberts's experiment and the Experiences of the Men
+he selected for his Editors must be especially attractive to all
+Journalists, and they will find here set forth whatever is of purely
+professional interest to them. To those details I have added the most
+Notable Contributions with which each of the twenty-seven Numbers of
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was made up, and here this narrow limitation of the
+interest in the book is broken wide asunder. These newspaper articles
+are mainly the Works of Fighting Men, at rest between Battles, and of
+others who were at the moment going to or coming from Engagements.
+They hold the Mirror up to the Life of an Army, <span class="pagenum"><a id="pagex" name="pagex"></a>(p. x)</span> in Camp, on
+the March, in Battle, and in a Conquered Capital.</p>
+
+<p>In these Letters, Sketches, and Verses the Reader lives with the
+Soldiers in camp. He sees what they work and play at. He hears of
+their Deeds of Daring, Mishaps and Adventures. He catches their
+strange Lingo. He observes what they Eat&mdash;(and what they do not get to
+Drink). He notes how they speak of their Faring in Battle. In all the
+Wealth of English Literature I know of no such a Mirror-reflection and
+a Phonograph-echoing of Soldier Life as is here.</p>
+
+<p>Generals, Colonels&mdash;in fact, men of every rank and grade contributed
+their shares; of every rank down to "Tommy Atkins," who, in general,
+sings his Songs in the background, in verse, like the Chorus in an
+Ancient Drama.</p>
+
+<p>To these features I have added many Personal Recollections, as well as
+Anecdotes and Stories told by or about the men around me in camp, and
+in the conquered Capital of the Free State, with Notes and Comments
+upon a wide variety of subjects suggested during the editing of the
+other Matter here collated.</p>
+
+<p>In the Proclamations of the wise and great Field-Marshal, and the
+Notices, Ordinances, and Camp Orders of his Lieutenants set to rule
+Bloemfontein after its capture by us, are to be found an account of
+the Methods by which a Triumphant Army establishes its own new rule in
+a Conquered City and Territory. This peculiar and most interesting
+history runs, like a steel thread, through the book from beginning to
+end. I do not know where else it is told, or even <span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexi" name="pagexi"></a>(p. xi)</span> hinted at,
+in what has thus far been written of the War.</p>
+
+<p>It was because each of the chief elements that make up this book of
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span> is equally fresh and impossible to obtain elsewhere, that I
+undertook the labour of compiling this work.</p>
+
+<p>It was my first intention to reproduce all the Reading Matter which
+appeared in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> during the period in which we managed it (March
+16th to April 16, 1900) but this would have formed a ponderous book of
+270,000 words&mdash;without including the Military Proclamations. Such a
+work could not be produced for a price at the command of the general
+reader, and, furthermore, the general reader would have found it too
+tiresome to work his way through the many Technical Articles and
+others which time has rendered stale or of little interest. Therefore,
+not without regret, I felt obliged to select, as my best judgment
+prompted, the matter of the Most Peculiar character, or of Widest
+Interest for reproduction here.</p>
+
+<p>As the former Editors of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> have now formed themselves into an
+Order to which none is eligible except he or she who tells the truth
+without fear of consequences, the reader may as well prepare himself
+to meet with that rare quality in some of the pages that follow.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">THE AUTHOR.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexiii" name="pagexiii"></a>(p. xiii)</span> CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class="toc smcap">
+<ul class="none">
+<li>CHAP. <span class="ralign10">PAGE</span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="roman">
+<li>THE BIRTH OF "THE FRIEND"
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page1">1</a></span></li>
+
+<li>ITS INFANCY
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page12">12</a></span></li>
+
+<li>WE PUBLISH A "CURIO" NUMBER
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page28">28</a></span></li>
+
+<li>WE BEGIN TO FEEL AT HOME
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page41">41</a></span></li>
+
+<li>TREATING OF MANY PEOPLES
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page63">63</a></span></li>
+
+<li>OURS WAS NO BED OF ROSES
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page82">82</a></span></li>
+
+<li>RUDYARD KIPLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page99">99</a></span></li>
+
+<li>LORD ROBERTS'S HEADQUARTERS
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page112">112</a></span></li>
+
+<li>"OH, HOW GOOD IT WAS!"
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page131">131</a></span></li>
+
+<li>I VISIT MISS BLOEMFONTEIN
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page160">160</a></span></li>
+
+<li>OUR VERY MIXED PUBLIC
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page182">182</a></span></li>
+
+<li>"VIVE LA COMPAGNIE"
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page200">200</a></span></li>
+
+<li>WE LEAVE "THE FRIEND" TO SEE A FIGHT
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page221">221</a></span></li>
+
+<li>MY HORSE OFFERED FOR SALE
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page237">237</a></span></li>
+
+<li>GENERAL POLE-CAREW IN WAR
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page248">248</a></span></li>
+
+<li>OUR LOSS AND THE ARMY'S
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page258">258</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexiv" name="pagexiv"></a>(p. xiv)</span> THE CENSOR AS AN EDITOR
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page268">268</a></span></li>
+
+<li>OUR CHRISTENING COMPETITION
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page274">274</a></span></li>
+
+<li>FOOLED BY THE BOERS
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page283">283</a></span></li>
+
+<li>DR. A. CONAN DOYLE CONTRIBUTES
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page305">305</a></span></li>
+
+<li>LOOT AND LURID CRAZES
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page318">318</a></span></li>
+
+<li>IN THE SHADOW OF SANNA'S POST
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page330">330</a></span></li>
+
+<li>A COMPLETE NEWSPAPER
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page346">346</a></span></li>
+
+<li>FALSE HEARTS AROUND US
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page350">350</a></span></li>
+
+<li>THE END APPROACHES
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page361">361</a></span></li>
+
+<li>WANTED, A MILLIONAIRE
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page371">371</a></span></li>
+
+<li>A NOTABLE NUMBER
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page385">385</a></span></li>
+
+<li>OUR "FRIEND" NO LONGER
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page398">398</a></span></li>
+
+<li>ADIEU TO "THE FRIEND"
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page410">410</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="none">
+<li>INDEX
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#page417">417</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pagexv" name="pagexv"></a>(p. xv)</span> LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+<div class="toc">
+<ul class="none">
+<li><span class="smcap">THE EDITORS AT WORK</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img002"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">JULIAN RALPH</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img003">42</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">A CORRECTED "PROOF" BY RUDYARD KIPLING</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img004">99</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">EARL ROBERTS</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img005">112</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">MISS BLOEMFONTEIN</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img006">160</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">MENU OF A NOTABLE DINNER</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img007">202</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">JULIAN RALPH AND HIS HORSE "RATTLESNAKE"</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img011">238</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">LORD STANLEY AT WORK AS CENSOR</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img012">268</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">A PAGE OF CONAN DOYLE'S "COPY"</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img013">306</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">THE CAPITULATION OF BLOEMFONTEIN</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img014">320</a></span></li>
+
+<li><span class="smcap">THE FRONT PAGE OF "THE FRIEND" OF APRIL 14, 1900</span>
+<span class="ralign10"><a href="#img015">388</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<h1><span class="pagenum"><a id="page1" name="page1"></a>(p. 1)</span> WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE</h1>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I<br>
+<span class="title">The Birth of "The Friend"</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Showing how it was Fathered by a Field Marshal, sponsored
+     by a Duke and three Lords, and given over to four
+     certificated male nurses.</i></p>
+
+<p>We reached Bloemfontein with men who had done extraordinary marching,
+fighting, and feats of exposure and privation. Some of the troops,
+notably the Guards, had walked more than thirty (more than forty, if I
+am not mistaken) miles in one of the three days' continuous marching.
+Many had fought at Jacobsdahl, Paardeberg, and Driefontein, not to
+speak of lesser actions at Waterval Drift and Poplar Grove.</p>
+
+<p>During at least the last week of this almost unprecedented military
+performance the army had been reduced to less than half rations. We
+were very short of food for beasts as well as men. We had lost a large
+number of transport waggons, with their contents and the animals that
+drew them, and we had put the torch to two great hillocks of food
+which we could not take with us beyond Paardeberg. All our four-footed
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page2" name="page2"></a>(p. 2)</span> helpers were spent, hundreds of horses were ill, hundreds of
+bodies of others were lying along our wake upon the veldt, with flocks
+of glutted, yet still gluttonous, aasvogels feeding upon their flesh.</p>
+
+<p>Worse, far worse than all else combined, the dreadful microbes of
+enteric had entered the blood of thousands of the soldiers, who had
+found no other water to drink than that of the pestilential Modder
+River which carried along and absorbed the bodies of men and horses as
+well as the filth of the camps of both the Boers and ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>We had done as the Boers had said we never would do&mdash;as only one man
+of their forces (Villebois-Mareuil) had foreseen that a great general
+like Lord Roberts must be certain to do: we had left the railway and
+swept across the open veldt for one hundred miles, from Jacobsdahl and
+Kimberley to Bloemfontein. For warning his brusque and opinionated
+commander-in-chief, Cronje, that we would do this, Cronje insulted the
+brilliant Frenchman grossly, and bade him keep his idiotic notions to
+himself. But we had done it, and Cronje had lost his army and his
+liberty for failing to heed the warning. At Bloemfontein we came upon
+the steam highway once more, but to the south of Bloemfontein it was
+wrecked at many points, while to the northward it was in the enemy's
+country and control.</p>
+
+<p>There was therefore nothing for us but to rest. Yet how heroically we
+had worked to make rest necessary! How well we had earned the right to
+enjoy rest if we had been of the temper to desire it! In one month
+under the great Field Marshal we had gone further and accomplished
+more than all the other British armies had done in nearly six months.
+We had won <span class="pagenum"><a id="page3" name="page3"></a>(p. 3)</span> over the eagles of victory to perch upon our
+standards. We had freed Ladysmith and Kimberley, drawn the Boers away
+from the Cape Colony border, captured the best army and leading
+general of our foes, and were encamped around Bloemfontein with
+President Steyn's Residency in use as our headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>The manner in which four of the war correspondents first learned that
+we were not to push on to the northward in an effort to seize the
+Transvaal capital, but were to halt at Bloemfontein, was most
+peculiar. It was so peculiar as to have led to the establishment of
+the first newspaper ever conducted by an army for an army on the field
+of battle. It was so unique an episode that this volume is published
+to commemorate and explain it; and I trust that no one who reads this
+will decide that it was not an episode worthy of an even more marked,
+substantial, and valuable memorial than I possess the talent to
+construct.</p>
+
+<p>We entered Bloemfontein on March 13th. Two days later I was asked by
+Mr. F. W. Buxton, of the <i>Johannesburg Star</i>, to attend a meeting of
+some other correspondents and Lord Stanley in Lord Stanley's office on
+that day. I had caught up with the army by a dangerous journey with
+only two companions across the veldt from Kimberley, where an injury
+to my leg had laid me up. I had reported myself to Lord Stanley, the
+censor. I had previously carried on some correspondence with him, but
+our personal acquaintance had not been of more than five minutes'
+duration. I could not, therefore, know at that time that he was to
+prove himself the most competent of all the censors appointed to
+supervise the work of us correspondents. In saying that he was the
+"most competent" I mean <span class="pagenum"><a id="page4" name="page4"></a>(p. 4)</span> that he ranked above all the others in
+every quality which goes to make up fitness for this unceasing and
+exacting work. He had quick intelligence, great breadth of judgment,
+unfailing courtesy, unbroken patience, and all the modesty of a truly
+able man.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly can the average reader estimate the degree of satisfaction with
+which we correspondents came quickly to realise the admirable
+qualities of this first and only fair and considerate censor that most
+of us had known in the war. At one place we knew a censor who read the
+letters which came to officers and privates from their wives in
+England, and who used to regale his chance acquaintances with
+comparisons between the sterling virtues and deep affection of the
+letters to Tommy, and the colder, more selfish, and even querulous
+messages of the wives of officers.</p>
+
+<p>At another place we had a censor who obliged us to hand to him our
+letters to our wives and sweethearts unsealed, and in one case this
+censor kept for twenty-four hours a letter I had written to my family.</p>
+
+<p>Still another censor showered his contempt upon certain correspondents
+who, in every way which goes to make up refinement, self-respect, and
+dignity, were many times better men than he. It amused him to take the
+despatches of a Colonial lad, who was doing his best to enter upon an
+honourable career, and throw them in his waste basket daily for ten
+days without informing the youth of their fate. It pleased him to
+insult me by telling me that the only message I could send to England
+must be a description of a sandstorm; while to Mr. E. F. Knight, a man
+Lord Methuen said he "was proud to have with his army," this censor
+said, "There is only one thing I will allow you to write&mdash;that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page5" name="page5"></a>(p. 5)</span>
+is, a description of a new Union Jack which has just been run up over
+the headquarters."</p>
+
+<p>With such ill-chosen, mistaken men had we undergone experiences, and
+now, at last, we met with Lord Stanley, who had the most intense likes
+and dislikes for those around him, yet never let these hinder or
+temper his unvarying fairness; who was as firm as iron and yet always
+gentle; a stout, strong, stalwart man in build, hearty and kindly in
+manner; a man who took command as easily and exercised it as smoothly
+as if he had been a general at birth.</p>
+
+<p>I speak of him at some length not merely because his case proves that
+the one well-equipped censor appointed in the armies on the west side
+of the continent was a civilian, and not only because this one
+competent censor gave equally complete satisfaction to both the Army
+and the Press, but because he assumed a conspicuous and important part
+in the story I am telling.</p>
+
+<p>His office was as nearly literally a hole in a wall as a room in a
+house could well be. It was in the corner of the Free State Post
+Office building, facing the great central square of dirt, in the
+middle of which stood the market, under whose open shed the mounted
+men of the City Imperial Volunteers lived among their saddles and
+bridles, and slept on the tables of the greengrocers, whose place this
+once had been. On the Post Office side of the square was the Free
+State Hotel, the best in the town. On the opposite side, an eighth of
+a mile away, was the Club. Between the two ends ran a double row of
+such shops as one looks for in a small village, and behind one of
+these was the office of a newspaper called <i>The Friend of the Free
+State</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page6" name="page6"></a>(p. 6)</span> Lord Stanley's office was a wretched poke-hole of a room. It
+boasted a door with glass panels and no window. Its floor was of bare
+boards. Its walls were partly made of soiled plaster and partly of
+bare boards. Opposite the door, in the corner, stood a kitchen table
+which was never used, and in the other dark end of the room was
+another kitchen table, behind which, on a kitchen chair, the
+ex-Guardsman and Whip of the Unionist Party sat nearly all day, and
+some hours of every evening, with one hand full of manuscript and the
+other holding the little triangular stamp with which he printed the
+sign manual of his approval upon nearly every despatch which was
+written by those correspondents who kept within the law governing the
+cabling of news to their journals. A kerosene lamp, an inkpot and pen,
+and a litter of papers were the other appointments of the room. The
+censor was clad in khaki like all the rest of us, but the collar of
+his tunic bore on each side the short bit of red cloth which marked
+him as a staff officer.</p>
+
+<p>To this office, at the censor's invitation, came Perceval Landon,
+correspondent of the <i>Times</i>, H. A. Gwynne, of Reuter's Agency, F. W.
+Buxton, of the <i>Johannesburg Star</i>, and myself.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said Lord Stanley after the door had been closed and
+locked to keep out the current of "Tommies" with telegrams which
+flowed in and eddied before the desk all day, "Lord Roberts wants to
+have a daily newspaper published for the entertainment and information
+of the Army while we are here. I may tell you that we are likely to
+stay here four weeks. You four are asked to undertake the work of
+bringing out the newspaper. Will you do it?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page7" name="page7"></a>(p. 7)</span> Three of us did not clearly see how we could undertake so
+laborious and exacting a task and still do justice to our newspapers
+at home; nevertheless, the censor's words had been, "Lord Roberts
+wants this."</p>
+
+<p>"We must do it if Lord Roberts desires it," was the reply of one of
+us. The rest nodded acquiescence, but said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad," the censor replied.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton, who knew South Africa and its Press very well, appeared to
+have devoted some attention to the matter earlier in the day. From him
+and from the censor we learned that two daily newspapers had been
+published in Bloemfontein up to the time that we took possession of
+the town. One was the <i>Express</i>, the property of the widow of one
+Borckenhagen&mdash;a Boer organ of the most pronounced type, and notorious
+for the virulence of its attacks upon the British, for its lying
+reports, and its mischievous influence. That paper had been stopped by
+Lord Roberts, and its machinery, type, and all else belonging to it
+were for us to do with as we pleased.</p>
+
+<p>The other paper was the little <i>Friend of the Free State</i>, owned, as I
+understand, by an Englishman named Barlow, who was out of the country
+and had left the property in the care of his son. This younger Barlow
+had not conducted the paper in such a spirit toward us as one would
+have looked for from a man of English blood; but, either for good
+cause, worldly interests, or wholly despicable reasons, there was so
+much disloyalty and so much more of fence straddling throughout South
+Africa that a very lenient view was taken of this case, and we were
+asked to find out what sum of money would satisfy Barlow for the loss
+of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page8" name="page8"></a>(p. 8)</span> income from his paper while we conducted it. He was to be
+told that he could not be permitted to continue his editorship, and
+that therefore it was necessary to settle on some figure covering any
+shrinkage that might occur in his customary profits while the
+newspaper was in our charge.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton was appointed to confer with Barlow, and in a few hours we
+all met again to hear that the dethroned editor would be satisfied
+with a guarantee of £200, or £50 a week during the month of our
+editorship.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon had already approached Mr. Gwynne and myself with a
+proposition that we should offer to make good any losses that might
+occur during our management; but other ideas prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the censor, "you cannot be allowed to lose anything by your
+kindness. Two hundred pounds will be the utmost cost, eh? Well, I
+think that Westminster, Dudley, and I, can raise that between us."</p>
+
+<p>We held our breaths for a moment as he said this, for it flashed upon
+us that the heir of Lord Derby, the owner of the great Dudley estates,
+and the greatest landlord of London, were to be our backers, that they
+were high up among the richest men of England, and that one of them
+was saying he was hopeful that among all three two hundred pounds
+might not prove an impossible sum to raise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's all right," Lord Stanley repeated; "I think that Dudley,
+Westminster, and I can manage it."</p>
+
+<p>The reader will not be prepared to hear that anything funnier than
+that could grow out of this situation. But it was to be so. Weeks
+after our singular <span class="pagenum"><a id="page9" name="page9"></a>(p. 9)</span> editorial experience ended I received,
+while in Capetown, a letter from an interested Afrikander asking me
+whether I thought the three men who guaranteed Barlow against a loss
+of profits from his paper were responsible men, and Barlow would be
+likely to get his money.</p>
+
+<p>I went away to nurse my injured leg, and the other editors went their
+ways to arrange for getting out a new paper, which all of us agreed
+should be christened with the now historic name of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. While
+we are thus separated from them let me draw a pen picture of each.</p>
+
+<p>Perceval Landon, representing the <i>Times</i>, is a university man, who
+has been admitted to the bar, and who took up the work of a war
+correspondent from an Englishman's love of adventure, danger, and
+excitement. It can be nothing but his English blood that prompted him
+to this course, for in mind and temperament, tastes and
+qualifications, he is at once a scholar and a poet rather than a man
+of violent action. Had the <i>Times</i> so desired he would have charmed
+the public with letters from the front as human and picturesque in
+subject and treatment as any that were sent to London. His charms of
+manner and of mind caused his companionship to be sought by the most
+distinguished and the most polished men in the army, and all were
+deeply sorry when, at the close of the army's stay in Bloemfontein,
+illness forced him to return to London, though not until he had served
+in the war as long as any man at that time on the west side of the
+continent.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. A. Gwynne, representing Reuter's Agency, is a veteran war
+correspondent, though a young man <span class="pagenum"><a id="page10" name="page10"></a>(p. 10)</span> otherwise. He is Landon's
+diametrical opposite, being above all else a man of action and a born
+soldier. As an author and as a mountain climber of distinction he was
+known before he adopted the profession of journalism and took part in,
+I think, ten campaigns: The Turko-Greek, the Omdurman campaign, the
+Egyptian campaign preceding it, and others. It was Gwynne who, with
+Mr. George W. Steevens, received the surrender of the town of Volo
+from the Greek authorities before the Turks entered the town. Mr.
+Gwynne has superabundant strength, health, and spirits, loves
+soldiering and adventure, and is so shrewd in his judgment of men, and
+practised in his observations of war, that more than one general made
+it a practice to consult him upon what he knew and saw during the
+South African campaign. How well he can write the pages of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>
+attest.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton is a specialist in the interests which are uppermost in
+Johannesburg, where, as a member of the staff of the <i>Star</i>, and as a
+citizen of consequence, he has made himself intimately known to the
+forceful men of South Africa, and has mastered the problems that lie
+before the British in reconstructing the government and welding the
+two leading races together. He had accompanied Lord Methuen's
+unfortunate army from its start to its rescue by Lord Roberts, and
+during all that time his knowledge of the country and of the Boers
+might have been turned to good account had he been consulted. It was
+fitting that the staff of the newspaper should have had upon it a
+representative colonial of English stock, yet of long and masterful
+local experience such as Mr. Buxton.</p>
+
+<p>For a striking picture of the minor characters who <span class="pagenum"><a id="page11" name="page11"></a>(p. 11)</span> figured as
+our foremen and compositors in the newspaper office the reader will do
+well to read Rudyard Kipling's "A Burgher of the Free State," one of
+the short stories he wrote after his return from South Africa in the
+early summer of 1900.</p>
+
+<p>It showed us associates of the master storyteller how instantly,
+broadly, and accurately he is able to imbibe and absorb the colour and
+spirit, and even the most minor accessories of any new and strong
+situation around him. It will show the reader better than any amount
+of another man's writing the characters of our helpmeets and
+neighbours, and the atmosphere in which they moved.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page12" name="page12"></a>(p. 12)</span> CHAPTER II<br>
+<span class="title">Its Infancy</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A little Thing, puling Great Promises in its Nurses' Arms.</i></p>
+
+<p>On March 16, 1900, there glimmered (it cannot be said to have flashed)
+upon the Army and the half-wondering, half-treacherous population of
+Bloemfontein, the first number of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. It was produced in the
+office of the former <i>Friend of the Free State</i>&mdash;an office that had
+the appearance of having been arranged out of a dust-heap, and stocked
+with machinery, type, and furniture that had been originally bought at
+second-hand and left to itself through fifty years of frequent
+dust-storms.</p>
+
+<p>Everything in it was either the colour of dirt or the tone of
+type-dust&mdash;everything, including the window-panes and the printers. Of
+the latter we never knew the number, names, or characters. Of two men
+whom we got to know one was a gnomish figure who only now and then
+appeared at large out upon the uncharted floor of the composing-room,
+and he was elderly and silent&mdash;a man grown mechanical, and now making
+but a feeble fight against the dirt and type-dust which was slowly
+covering him in what was apparently to be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page13" name="page13"></a>(p. 13)</span> another such
+upright tomb as held the last of the wife of Lot. He sometimes came
+into the editorial dust-hole&mdash;if we yelled and stamped our loudest and
+our longest. He came wearily and softly, heard our orders, and
+vanished in the type-dust as we used to see our army friends at Modder
+step out of our tents into a dust-devil and disappear on the ocean of
+veldt and at high noon.</p>
+
+<p>The other printers lived in the little side alleys between the rows of
+type-cases. They were evidently drawn there by the feeble, straggling
+light that still shone faintly through the filth upon the
+window-panes. I judged that they were older than the foreman, and too
+feeble, too nearly entombed by the dirt, to be able to go out upon the
+floor. We only got glimpses of them, and never heard one speak.</p>
+
+<p>Out in the back yard, behind Barlow's stationery shop, the sun glared
+fierce and hot upon a strip of desert ground, a blue gum-tree, and a
+preternatural boy. He lived out there, refusing to be drawn into the
+dust-heap until the awful sentence of serving as a printer should, at
+last, be read out to him. We had a fancy that each of the old men
+inside had begun like that boy, clinging as long as possible to the
+region of air and light, that each in his turn had been sucked in at
+last, and that it was this last boy who went in at lunch time and led
+the old fellows out of their solitary, silent cells, and gave each a
+push in the back to start them toward their homes.</p>
+
+<p>How Messrs. Gwynne, Buxton, and Landon managed to get out the first
+paper, which they forgot to mark with what a great man once said were
+"the saddest words ever seen in print," that is to say, "Vol. I.,
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page14" name="page14"></a>(p. 14)</span> No. 1," I never asked them, though I wondered. They did
+produce it, however, and called it</p>
+
+<table  border="0" cellpadding="0" summary="No. 1.">
+<colgroup>
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="5%">
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="5%">
+    <col width="25%">
+</colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="3" class="center borright">Playing Cards.<br>
+All Qualities at<br>
+Barlow's.</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="center borleft borright">THE FRIEND.</td>
+<td rowspan="3" class="center borleft">Cue Tips and<br>
+Wafers<br>
+at Barlow's.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3" class="borleft borright">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="center borleft">3d.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="center borright">3d.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">VOL. IV.</span>
+<span class="floatright">No.  1,027.</span>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<p>Its sheet was of the size of two copies of the <i>Spectator</i> laid side
+by side. Each of its four pages measured twenty inches long by fifteen
+wide. Far more striking than its title was this sentence, in blackest
+type: "If you once use Vereeniging coal you will never use any other."
+All the advertisements, except the very many scattered about for
+Barlow's stationery business, and for which I hope he was made to pay
+at the highest rates, were old notices carried on from the days of
+Boer rule.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the second page two advertisements were brand new. They were
+proclamations signed "By order, G. T. Pretyman, Major-General,
+Military Commandant, Bloemfontein." One was in the Taal language, the
+other was in English, and both announced that a market would be held
+daily, near the town, for the sale of such local produce as butter,
+eggs, milk, poultry, and vegetables. The prices to be charged were
+laid down by this sapient and enterprising general, who declared eggs
+to be worth two shillings a dozen, milk fivepence a bottle, turkeys
+five shillings and sixpence and higher, butter two shillings a pound,
+&amp;c. The English proclamation was headed "Notice." The Dutch copy bore
+the title "Kennisgeving," and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page15" name="page15"></a>(p. 15)</span> was signed, "Bij order, G. T.
+Pretyman, Majoor-Generaal, Krijgs-Kommandant van Bloemfontein."</p>
+
+<p>On the third, or editorial page, was another military notice entitled
+"Army Orders," which I reprint in full, as showing how almost
+instantly Lord Roberts established his own rule in the conquered
+capital. General Pretyman's market notice was dated the day we took
+the town, and we knew that on that day a local police force was
+established, headquarters and quarters for all the branches of the
+military rule were at once set up, and here on the 15th there had been
+found time to arrange and prepare for publication a directory of the
+new arrangements.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center">ARMY ORDERS&mdash;SOUTH AFRICA</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Army Headquarters, Government House,<br>
+  Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March 15, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">I. <i>Civil Population to be unmolested.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be
+assured that so long as they remain peaceably disposed their civil
+rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that
+any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by
+other than the authorised Supply Officers.</p>
+
+<p>All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.</p>
+
+<p>These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is <span class="pagenum"><a id="page16" name="page16"></a>(p. 16)</span> specially the duty of all
+officers to put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.</p>
+
+<p>By order,</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">J. W. Kelly</span>,<br>
+  A.-G. for C. of Staff.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3 class="left">6. <i>Office of Departments.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The offices of the various Departments are situated as shown below:&mdash;</p>
+
+<table  border="0" cellpadding="3" summary="Offices">
+<tr>
+<td class="borright">Military Secretary<br>
+  Chief of Staff<br>
+  G.O.C. Royal Artillery<br>
+  Chief Engineer</td>
+<td class="borleft">At Government<br> House.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="borright">Director of Transport<br>
+  Director of Supplies<br>
+  Provost Marshal</td>
+<td class="borleft">At Government<br> Buildings.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr>
+<td>P.M.O.</td>
+<td>3, Maitland Street.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>The office of the Press Censor is established next door to the
+entrance to the Telegraph Office. All telegrams except official ones
+must be censored. Office hours from 7 to 8 a.m., 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 3
+to 5 p.m.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">7. <i>Supply Department.</i></h3>
+
+<p>As soon as the Supply Park arrives, a Supply Depôt will be established
+at Mr. Beck's Store, on Baumann's Square.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">8. <i>Divisions, Brigades, &amp;c., where quartered.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The following units are quartered as shown below:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap">CAVALRY DIVISION.</p>
+
+<ul class="none">
+<li>Headquarters&mdash;Club, Market Square.</li>
+<li>1st Brigade&mdash;About 2 miles W. of town.</li>
+<li><span class="pagenum"><a id="page17" name="page17"></a>(p. 17)</span> 2nd Brigade&mdash;Bloemspruit, about 3 miles east of town.</li>
+<li>3rd Brigade&mdash;Rustfontein, about 1 mile N. of town.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p>Mr. James Collins, under State Secretary to the late O.F.S.
+Government, has been appointed Landdrost of Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>The period for handing in arms and ammunition by burghers and
+residents of this town and district has been extended to March 26th.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p>After a notice that Major Hamilton, the Carabineers, would like to
+receive two £5 notes, a Mauser pistol, a pair of Zeiss glasses and a
+grey gelding, all lost by various persons in and near the town, we
+published our editorial announcement that the paper was established by
+and for Lord Roberts's army:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+
+<p class="center">EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.</p>
+
+     <p>The events of the last few days have rendered it expedient
+     that an official organ should be published in Bloemfontein
+     during the period of Military Governorship. With that end in
+     view, and also to provide for public requirements, a small
+     committee formed from the corps of war correspondents with
+     Lord Roberts's Field Force has been entrusted with the
+     control and management of the long-established paper
+     hitherto known as <span class="smcap">The Friend of the Free State</span>.</p>
+
+     <p>In future this will be issued under the style and title
+     <span class="pagenum"><a id="page18" name="page18"></a>(p. 18)</span> of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, and will be a daily publication,
+     containing military intelligence and orders for the general
+     information of the troops now quartered here, and other
+     matter.</p>
+
+     <p>We are glad to be able to announce the immediate publication
+     of contributions from the pens of such well-known writers as
+     Rudyard Kipling, Julian Ralph, Bennet Burleigh, and other
+     distinguished journalists. We congratulate our readers upon
+     the happy chance which has enabled us to offer the public
+     the voluntary services of such a staff of writers as cannot
+     be paralleled elsewhere in South Africa.</p>
+
+     <p>In conclusion we wish to state briefly the simple policy
+     which will be adhered to in these columns.</p>
+
+     <p>The maintenance of British Supremacy in South Africa and
+     Equal Rights for all white men without respect of race or
+     creed.</p>
+
+     <p>These two principles in our opinion embody the essentials of
+     sound government, the prosperity of this country, and the
+     happiness of the people.</p>
+
+<p>For the Committee of Management,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">P. Landon,<br>
+  E. W. Buxton,<br>
+  H. A. Gwynne.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton explained to me, with unnecessary but commendable delicacy,
+that only three of our four signatures were appended to this notice
+because I was better known as a writer than as an editor, and it was
+deemed best not to give me the double credit of serving in both
+capacities.</p>
+
+<p>The first editorial in this new and unique journal was entitled,
+"Sulk or Duty," and was written by Mr. Buxton. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page19" name="page19"></a>(p. 19)</span> It was an
+appeal to all Afrikanders not to sulk, but to "buckle to the work of
+making their country become what it shall be, a great and glorious
+home for countless millions yet unborn." The remainder of the page was
+given over to a report of the letter of Kruger and Steyn to the
+Marquis of Salisbury, insisting upon the independence of the two
+Republics, and Lord Salisbury's reply that his government was "not
+prepared to assent to the independence of either republic." To us of
+the army this was great news. It stirred the camp, and was well suited
+to attract the widest attention to our journalistic enterprise. But
+Lord Salisbury's answer seemed to us the only answer he could make,
+whereas the comment upon it by our Colonial editor in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>
+showed a feeling of relief and of delighted surprise which was born of
+the bitter disappointments the loyal men of Africa had suffered in the
+past. "Now, at last, we know the foundation upon which we shall build.
+The unhappy issue of Lord Wolseley's promise at Pretoria in 1879 is
+still fresh in our minds ... late, indeed, but still, to the letter,
+that solemn undertaking shall be fulfilled. At last we see the one
+obstacle vanish that has for these long years stood between South
+Africa and her prosperity."</p>
+
+<p>Whoever can feel the spirit of that cry of satisfaction needs not to
+be told how just and necessary was the war we were waging. Few of us
+in the army could probe the sources of the war to their depths.
+Comparatively few men in England thoroughly grasped the situation. It
+is all revealed in this shout by Mr. Buxton in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. The
+long-protracted feud between the two races, the injustice of Boer
+rule, the sufferings of the British, the threats of the semi-civilised
+men in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page20" name="page20"></a>(p. 20)</span> power, the past troubles all ending in broken promises
+or shameful neglect by the British Government&mdash;these are all apparent
+in that cry of delight. The war had not produced such satisfaction.
+There had been war before, and nothing but humiliation of the loyal
+Uitlander had come of it. But a decided, firm declaration that the war
+could only end in British sovereignty&mdash;that was news that thrilled the
+heart of every Anglo-Saxon colonial in the republics and the adjacent
+colonies.</p>
+
+<p>Other articles and official notices of the first interest or
+importance were as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+<p class="center">THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF THE CAMPAIGN.</p>
+
+<p>War is grim and fearsome and horrid as we know, or rather as
+     we are being continually told, but nobody seems to have
+     noticed that there is a humorous side to it, and sometimes
+     the spectre Death wears the cap and bells. Up to the present
+     the campaign has not been without its little amusing
+     incidents. In the camp they have been quite numerous, and
+     even on the battlefield itself they have not been
+     unfrequent. The story of a private at Paardeberg who lay
+     behind one of those ever-to-be-blessed antheaps, and
+     contemplating a shattered tibia, exclaimed, addressing the
+     injured member, "Well, you ain't done me badly after all.
+     You 'elped to carry me 'ere, and now you've got me a life
+     pension and free baccy from the parson," has the merit of
+     being true. One cannot refrain a smile at the soliloquy of
+     another private who wished to exhibit a bullet-riddled
+     helmet to his friends at home. He was firing from behind a
+     big boulder on which he placed his helmet. The inevitable
+     shower of bullets followed, but, as has been so often
+     <span class="pagenum"><a id="page21" name="page21"></a>(p. 21)</span> the case with Boer marksmen, not a single one
+     touched the helmet, but one "fetched" its owner in the
+     shoulder, whereupon he took the helmet from its exposed
+     position, and, looking at his bleeding shoulder, remarked,
+     "that comes of cursed pride and nothing else."</p>
+
+     <p>The removal of all badges of rank from officers has been the
+     source of many amusing mistakes. On the march from Poplar
+     Grove here, it is related that a certain general officer was
+     returning to camp after a terribly hard, dusty, dry day. A
+     subaltern of the A.S.C. sat under his canvas awning, and
+     thus addressed this distinguished general, "Now look here,
+     if this happens again I'm d&mdash;d if I don't report you. For
+     the last two hours you have been away, and heaven knows what
+     the mules are up to." It is true it was dusk, but that was
+     hardly a sufficient excuse for mistaking General &mdash;&mdash; for a
+     conductor. "I say, old cocky," was the remark made once by a
+     captain to a full colonel, "hadn't you better see about
+     getting some grub?" Apologies followed, of course.</p>
+
+     <p>Then who can resist laughing at the tale of woe unfolded by
+     one of our most distinguished correspondents who dined one
+     night with the &mdash;&mdash; Guards and slept in the tent of his
+     host? The next morning he walked into the mess hut and sat
+     down to breakfast. But imagine the trembling horror which
+     seized hold of him when he looked round at his hosts of the
+     night before and failed to recognise a single one of them.
+     Was it a failure of memory, or was it incipient paralysis of
+     the brain?&mdash;it could not, of course, have been the whisky.
+     And so he sat in a bath of hot and cold perspiration,
+     thinking that the blow which had so <span class="pagenum"><a id="page22" name="page22"></a>(p. 22)</span> often attacked
+     and destroyed fine intellects had reached his. But sudden as
+     a straw is whisked past the drowning man by the fast
+     current, so there passed through his brain one ray of hope.
+     He remembered the name of his host, and turning quickly to
+     his neighbour, fearing lest his brain might again fail him
+     and he should forget the name, asked, "Where is &mdash;&mdash;?" The
+     answer was a relief and yet a horror, "&mdash;&mdash; is having
+     breakfast in the mess tent of his battalion,"&mdash;and, pointing
+     through the door, "there it is over there." It was with
+     slow, sobered steps that our correspondent left the table
+     and made his way to the hut of his host. He had made what,
+     after all, was not an uncommon error, and had mistaken the
+     S&mdash;&mdash; Guards' hut for that of the C&mdash;&mdash; Guards.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FACTS AND OTHERWISE.</h3>
+
+<p>Mr. Arthur Barlow has resigned his position as Editor of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr5">
+
+<p>Original contributions and correspondence are invited from all ranks
+of the Field Force.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr5">
+
+<p>As in all probability the territory hitherto known as the O.F.S. will
+in the near future be designated by a different title, the Committee
+of Management offer a prize of £5 for the best suggestion for renaming
+this country.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.</h3>
+
+<p>On the afternoon of Monday, the 26th February, the 6-in. howitzers
+bombarded Gen. Cronje's laager <span class="pagenum"><a id="page23" name="page23"></a>(p. 23)</span> at Paardeberg with Lyddite
+shells. The effect of the salvos viewed from a distance of 3,000 yards
+was terrific. What the occupants of the laager felt cannot be told,
+for the reason that no truthful account is obtainable. The explosions
+in appearance were not unlike the great dynamite explosion in
+Johannesburg in 1896, only the great cloud of smoke was
+greenish-yellow instead of grey. An air of expectancy pervaded the
+British camp, every one knowing that the morrow was Majuba Day, and it
+was thought that something decisive would be done. Early next morning,
+about 3 o'clock, the silence of the night was broken by the softened
+spit-puff sound of the Mauser rifle, and immediately after the firing
+became a fierce fusillade, the sharp crack of the Lee-Metford joining
+in. The crackling concert lasted about an hour, rising and falling
+with sudden acute crises like a passage of Wagner's music. Bullets
+were falling around the camp at distances up to 3,000 yards, from the
+Boer laager, and it was evident that the firing was wild.</p>
+
+<p>At first streak of dawn a ride to the advanced trenches of the
+Canadians on the river bank enabled one to learn the wherefore of the
+night's disturbance. The ambulance waggons were already proceeding
+quickly up the south bank of the river. A pontoon ferry was plying
+from bank to bank bringing across wounded Canadians, nearly all
+suffering from bullet wounds, but some few had by accident been struck
+by the bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadians occupied trenches on the both banks of the river, and
+were within about 500 yards of the enemy. On their left&mdash;that is some
+distance north of the river&mdash;were the Gordons, and further <span class="pagenum"><a id="page24" name="page24"></a>(p. 24)</span> to
+the south the Shropshires. The orders were that the four companies of
+Canadians on the north bank should advance under cover of the darkness
+and try to gain the enemy's trenches, or at least get nearer. They
+advanced in two lines of two companies each, the front line having
+bayonets fixed and the second carrying rifles slung with picks and
+shovels in their hands to dig an advanced trench, should it be thought
+advisable to go right to the trenches.</p>
+
+<p>When the Canadians left the Gordons were to occupy the left of their
+trenches, and the Shropshires placed in advance in a position to
+command the Boers, should they rise in their trenches to fire on the
+Canadians. They were told to hold their fire until the Mausers first
+spoke. The Canadians and Gordons were not to fire at all. The
+operation was one requiring coolness, nerve, and pluck, and the
+Canadians did it magnificently. They advanced as quietly as possible
+about 400 yards, and then halted, the order being conveyed by pressure
+of the hand from one to another. Every one thought that the second
+line would now dig the trench, but another pressure ordered a further
+advance. Five paces had been covered when Mauser bullets hissed past,
+and the men, as ordered, fell flat, just in time to avoid the terrific
+fire that was immediately poured from the Boer trenches. A minute or
+two elapsed, and the order came to retire. Not a shot was fired by the
+Canadians, and they quietly crept back, gaining their trenches with
+comparatively little loss. Meanwhile the Shropshire men, who had
+carefully taken the range and direction before dark, opened fire on
+the Boers, and at the end of an hour put them to silence. A bugle
+sounded "cease fire," <span class="pagenum"><a id="page25" name="page25"></a>(p. 25)</span> and all was still again. That morning
+(Majuba Day) Cronje surrendered.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION<br>
+<span class="smaller">TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The British troops under my command having entered the Orange Free
+State, I feel it my duty to make known to all Burghers the cause of
+our coming, as well as to do all in my power to put an end to the
+devastation caused by this war, so that should they continue the war
+the inhabitants of the Orange Free State may not do so ignorantly, but
+with full knowledge of their responsibility before God for the lives
+lost in the campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Before the war began the British Government, which had always desired
+and cultivated peace and friendship with the people of the Orange Free
+State, gave a solemn assurance to President Steyn that if the Orange
+Free State remained neutral its territory would not be invaded, and
+its independence would be at all times fully respected by Her
+Majesty's Government.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of that declaration the Government of the Orange Free State
+was guilty of a wanton and unjustifiable invasion of British
+territory.</p>
+
+<p>The British Government believes that this act of aggression was not
+committed with the general approval and free will of a people with
+whom it has lived in complete amity for so many years. It believes
+that the responsibility rests wholly with the Government of the Orange
+Free State, acting, not in the interests of the country, but under
+mischievous <span class="pagenum"><a id="page26" name="page26"></a>(p. 26)</span> influences from without. The British Government,
+therefore, wishes the people of the Orange Free State to understand
+that it bears them no ill-will, and, so far as is compatible with the
+successful conduct of the war and the re-establishment of peace in
+South Africa, it is anxious to preserve them from the evils brought
+upon them by the wrongful action of their Government.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore warn all Burghers to desist from any further hostility
+towards Her Majesty's Government and the troops under my command, and
+I undertake that any of them who may so desist and who are found
+staying in their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations
+will not be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of
+their having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their
+Government. Those, however, who oppose the forces under my command, or
+furnish the enemy with supplies or information, will be dealt with
+according to the customs of war.</p>
+
+<p>Requisitions for food, forage, fuel, or shelter, made on the authority
+of the officers in command of Her Majesty's troops, must be at once
+complied with; but everything will be paid for on the spot, prices
+being regulated by the local market rates. If the inhabitants of any
+district refuse to comply with the demands made upon them the supplies
+will be taken by force, a full receipt being given.</p>
+
+<p>Should any inhabitant of the country consider that he or any member of
+his household has been unjustly treated by any officer, soldier, or
+civilian attached to the British Army he should submit his complaint,
+either personally or in writing, to my Headquarters or to the
+Headquarters of the nearest <span class="pagenum"><a id="page27" name="page27"></a>(p. 27)</span> General Officer. Should the
+complaint on enquiry be substantiated, redress will be given.</p>
+
+<p>Orders have been issued by me prohibiting soldiers from entering
+private houses or molesting the civil population on any pretext
+whatever, and every precaution has been taken against injury to
+property on the part of any person belonging to, or connected with,
+the Army.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>,<br>
+  Field Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page28" name="page28"></a>(p. 28)</span> CHAPTER III<br>
+<span class="title">We Publish a "Curio" Number</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Also a Kipling Poem, a Bogus Love-letter, and other
+     Novelties.</i></p>
+
+<table  border="0" cellpadding="0" summary="The Friend.">
+<colgroup>
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="5%">
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="5%">
+    <col width="25%">
+</colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td rowspan="3" class="center borright">Cue Tips and<br>
+Wafers<br>
+at Barlow's.</td>
+<td colspan="3" class="center borleft borright">THE FRIEND.</td>
+<td rowspan="3" class="center borleft">Playing Cards.<br>
+All Qualities at<br>
+Barlow's.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3" class="borleft borright">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="center borleft">3d.</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="center borright">3d.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="center smaller"><i>(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)</i></p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<p>The above was hereafter to be the wording of the full title of the new
+paper. It was again of the small size, necessitated by the infirm and
+petty possibilities of the dust-heap in which it was produced.</p>
+
+<p>In this second number appeared a verse of a poem by Rudyard Kipling,
+who, unknown to us and unsuspected by himself, was soon to be so
+closely connected with our enterprise. As soon as we agreed to take
+control of the new paper, Mr. Landon had wired the news to Mr.
+Kipling, then in Capetown, with a request for a contribution for the
+first number. The fact that the poetic reply reached Bloemfontein
+twenty-four hours later was a matter of delight and surprise to all of
+us, for the chained lightning of the wired highway of correspondence
+loses its chief characteristic of speed where the military make first
+use of it in time of war.</p>
+
+<p>I should not like even to imagine the disgust with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page29" name="page29"></a>(p. 29)</span> which some
+of the lower order of censors, at terminal and junctional points,
+viewed this bit of poetry as it crawled along and they were called
+upon to approve it, perhaps, as "unseditious matter not calculated to
+give information to the enemy." But then I do not like to think of
+that breed of censors under any circumstances. It wrinkles my temper.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon's journalistic enterprise not only turned the eyes of all
+the Kipling collectors of the world upon our newspaper, but, because
+our printers left the date line "March 16" unaltered on an inside page
+of this number of the 17th, that issue became a curio among our
+readers. On the next day copies of the first hundred papers, which
+were issued before the mistake was noticed, fetched five shillings
+each. Within a month their price was twenty-five shillings. But that
+is only a twentieth part of what an odd and not specially
+distinguished number of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> sold for at a bazaar in London last
+summer (1900).</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon wrote a notable and brilliant editorial on "The Collapse of
+the Rebellion"; General Smith-Dorrien replied to the remarks about the
+Canadians at Paardeberg in the previous day's issue; Lord Roberts's
+congratulation to the Army was published in this number; and there
+also appeared my "love letter to Miss Bloemfontein."</p>
+
+<p>As this love-correspondence attracted great interest then and was
+peculiar in its commencement, continuation, and end, I will tell,
+briefly, what the facts are concerning it. I was invalided and
+confined to my bedroom in the Free State Hotel, and, being advertised
+as a contributor, bethought me that it would be a graceful and
+pleasant thing to act as spokesman for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page30" name="page30"></a>(p. 30)</span> the army in praising
+the pretty town, and acknowledging the gratitude we felt to the people
+for their friendly behaviour to us conquerors.</p>
+
+<p>I did not know at that time that the town was a pestilential,
+bacillus-soaked headquarters for disease, or that far too many of
+those who smiled upon us hated us bitterly, and were even then engaged
+in encouraging the Boers, conveying information to them, and sneaking
+out at night to fight with the enemy or to snipe our outposts. In a
+word, though I had studied the Boer more closely and longer than any
+other London correspondent, I had not measured the breadth and depth
+of his contempt for truth, honour, and fair play. Therefore I wrote
+the letter to Miss Bloemfontein which, with certain other
+contributions to that day's paper, is herewith republished.</p>
+
+<p>On this day the advertisements for what were then called "lost" horses
+already numbered three, and, already, we published a communication
+headed "Loot News" in which was stated the fact that the
+horse-stealing had become so bold that a horse had actually been taken
+from in front of the Club.</p>
+
+<p>"Please note the following," the reporter wrote, "Section I, clause 1,
+of the newly promulgated constitution of the city without a Steyn&mdash;A
+man may kill a man and live, but a man who steals a horse may not
+live." Whether there will occur an opportunity in this book to explain
+how the neighbourhood of the Boers affected the moral atmosphere and
+demoralised our earlier views of property rights, especially in
+horse-ownership, I cannot yet say, but whenever the tale is told it
+will be discovered to be extraordinary.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page31" name="page31"></a>(p. 31)</span> THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>LINES BY RUDYARD KIPLING.<br>
+<span class="smaller">MARCH 17, 1900.<br>
+ST. PATRICK'S DAY.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem15">
+<p>Oh! Terence dear, and did you hear<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The news that's going round?</span><br>
+  The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Where'er her sons be found.</span></p>
+
+<p>From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack<br>
+    <span class="add1em">'Tis ordered by the Queen,</span><br>
+  We've won our right in open fight<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The wearing of the Green.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE STEYNLESS CITY.<br>
+<i>Loot News.</i></h3>
+
+<p>Absent-minded beggars please note following intimations displayed at
+the Club House, Market Square:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Taken from a boy in front of the Club on 15th inst., about 7 p.m., a
+bay gelding, about thirteen hands, star on forehead, white patch on
+top lip, tick marks on hind quarters, long tail trimmed square,
+branded R G off forehoof. A 15 near forehoof.</p>
+
+<p>Will the gentleman who took a brown pony <i>by <span class="pagenum"><a id="page32" name="page32"></a>(p. 32)</span> mistake</i> from a
+boy at the door of this Club-house on March 15 kindly return it to
+manager?</p>
+
+<p>Also please note following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Section I, clause I, of newly-promulgated constitution of the City
+without a Steyn&mdash;A man may kill a man and live, but a man that steals
+a horse may not live.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE LATE PRESIDENCY.</h3>
+
+<p>The official Headquarters of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts and his staff
+are at the Residency.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">A LOVE LETTER.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Come, little Miss Bloemfontein, sit down beside me and let me hold
+your dimpled hand and look into those eyes which have caught the
+wonderful blue of these heavens, and the tints of your gardens and
+your bowery streets. I think our whole army likes you, you belle of
+the Boer aristocracy. You certainly change your lovers easily and
+lightly, but soldiers are reported not to mind a little coquetry when
+they are far from home. You have tripped out to meet us so enticingly,
+you have so led us into your bower with your warm little hand, and you
+have spoken so kindly to us, that we dislike to think you were quite
+the same to your earlier beaux in their homespun suits, their flapping
+hats, and their lavish indulgence in whiskers and beards, which, as
+you must know, are the cheapest of luxuries&mdash;prodigalities <span class="pagenum"><a id="page33" name="page33"></a>(p. 33)</span> in
+which misers indulge to make a show and save a barber's bill.</p>
+
+<p>You might have been hateful to us and we could not have blamed you,
+for we came too nearly, as certain other soldiers came to the Sabine
+sisterhood, with blood in our eyes and weapons in hand, fancying that
+you would cling to your old love, and never dreaming that he would run
+away and leave you unprotected in this placid and pretty little
+boudoir that you have set up here. You won't forget that little
+episode, will you, Miss Bloemfontein? And you did take note, didn't
+you, my dear, that when we found you deserted, all forlorn, we changed
+from lion to lamb, from blustering warrior to soft-spoken wooer? We
+spoke no harsh word to your people and did their goods no violence.
+Even now, we stand aside in our own place, crowding none of your
+servitors, but smiling back the smiles you bathe us in, and breathing
+our admiration softly&mdash;for you are a pretty miss and gentle&mdash;and we
+are not so stupid as to fail to see that you are no Boadicea, but a
+lover of peace and concord, if ever one has lived on earth since the
+Muses took to the clouds. Sweetness of loving sighs its soft song of
+delight in every breeze that rustles the leaves of your tree-garlands.
+Domesticity asserts its command, by your order, in the aspect of every
+cottage in your park-like nest. Homely comfort radiates from the
+hearths and the faces of all who live under your delightful rule.</p>
+
+<p>I never anywhere saw a prettier or a more astonishing scene than I
+witnessed in your market-square on the second night of the stay, which
+we hope you will invite us to prolong to eternity. We <span class="pagenum"><a id="page34" name="page34"></a>(p. 34)</span> sent a
+few greasy and stained melodists with pipes and drums to play in the
+square, partly to show you that we had dethroned Mars and substituted
+Pan in the best niche in our hearts, and partly to set our own
+pleasure tripping to gay tunes. And lo! out you came with your maidens
+and their lovers, your old men and matrons, and the children within
+your gates. And we all forgot that we had quarrelled with your
+cast-off favourite, that each of us had shed the other's blood, and
+that we had come to you with an anger that we supposed you matched
+within your own fair bosom. Your people and ours touched elbows and
+laughed and sang together. For one I was amazed. Of all the sharp
+contrasts of strife I know of none so bold and strong as that scene
+when it was compared with the scenes of only a few days back at
+Paardeberg and Driefontein.</p>
+
+<p>It was your magic, your witchery, your tact that brought it about, you
+South African beauty. Without these helps we never could have enjoyed
+that evening as we did, and that evening was the bridge that spanned
+the gulf between the angry past and the happy future in our lives,
+little miss.</p>
+
+<p>Draw closer, Miss Bloemfontein. Let our arms touch, and the thrill of
+ardent friendship vivify our new relation. You do like us British,
+don't you, dear? You don't have to be British yourself, you know. You
+can stay on being Dutch and piously Presbyterian and all the rest. We
+will respect whatever you admire, and we will promise to make you
+richer, freer, happier and even more beautiful&mdash;with the ripened
+charms of a long-assured content, if only you will let your chief
+predikant publish the banns next Sunday&mdash;or sooner, if you will.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Julian Ralph.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page35" name="page35"></a>(p. 35)</span> A RECENT EXPERIENCE.</h3>
+
+<p>A recent experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh and his colleague, Mr.
+Percy Bullen, of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, affords a fitting illustration
+of the dangers to which those attached to Field Forces are exposed.
+These two gentlemen left Poplar Grove last Saturday with the object of
+reaching General Kelly-Kenny's column, which had preceded them by
+several hours travelling along the high road running almost parallel
+with the Modder River. Near Abrahamskraal they caught sight of the
+central division fighting the Boers along the kopjes lying to the
+right. Mr. Burleigh, who was travelling in a Cape cart drawn by four
+horses, stepped down to survey matters, and while looking through his
+glasses along the high road he saw a party of Boers digging trenches.
+Some of them wore khaki, others were dressed in a style of the
+country, which betrayed their identity to the experienced eye. It was
+decided to return by the same road, further progress being obviously
+very hazardous, as the enemy was within a distance of 500 yards. The
+two carts occupied by the correspondents had barely turned round when
+a shower of bullets was sent in their direction, several striking Mr.
+Burleigh's vehicle, and others falling immediately in front of Mr.
+Bullen. A desperate race followed over a distance of several miles, in
+the course of which a convoy of several mule waggons was met. The
+officer in charge ordered the convoy to return immediately, and his
+instructions were quickly followed. Meantime a messenger was sent
+across to the central division to ask for assistance, as the Boers,
+though a considerable distance behind, were still shooting. By dint of
+hard work and much <span class="pagenum"><a id="page36" name="page36"></a>(p. 36)</span> lashing of horses and mules, every one got
+safely away, but one of Mr. Bullen's team fell a victim to the enemy's
+fire. Fortunately the shot came from across the river, and the
+remaining animal, though sorely tried by the boulders and sluits of a
+bad road over which the whole of the convoy and escort had likewise
+proceeded at a break-neck pace, was able to pull the cart out upon the
+veldt and so elude further damage. By this time some of Rimington's
+scouts appeared, and one of the number kindly lent the correspondent
+his horse, by means of which he was able to rejoin his colleague at
+Poplar Grove, where the entire party passed the night. It was an
+exciting chase extending over several miles, and the safety of the
+correspondents and convoy was largely due to the zeal of the native
+drivers, who worked as if life as well as liberty depended on the
+result. The huge column of dust thrown up by the carts and horses was
+sufficient to baffle even the most expert riflemen, and the Boers who
+pursued were certainly not good shots even at close quarters. In order
+to assist his flight Mr. Bullen jettisoned a large quantity of horse
+fodder, whereas his experienced colleague, Mr. Burleigh, arrived in
+camp with all his goods intact, including a live sheep. It transpired
+subsequently that the messenger despatched for assistance, as well as
+two others who followed him, were captured. The correspondents state
+that the skill displayed by their drivers in avoiding the huge
+boulders which lined the high road, and especially in descending and
+ascending the banks of a very precipitous sluit with a twelve feet
+dip, was a most creditable performance, reminding one of the wonderful
+exercises of our artillery drivers at the Islington Military
+Tournament.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page37" name="page37"></a>(p. 37)</span> <span class="smaller">CORRESPONDENCE.</span><br>
+  CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.
+<span class="smaller">BY MAJOR-GENERAL SMITH-DORRIEN.</span></h3>
+<p class="date">BLOEMFONTEIN, <i>March</i> 17, 1900.</p>
+<p class="center"><i>To the Editor of</i> "<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;I have read your account of "The Canadians on Majuba Day"
+in your issue of yesterday. It is correct up to a certain point, but
+the last part of it is quite erroneous.</p>
+
+<p>In justice to this gallant corps, and to the Company of Royal
+Engineers who were with them, I trust you will publish this
+letter&mdash;which recounts what actually happened from the moment the
+Royal Canadians advanced from the trench, 550 yards from the enemy,
+until they established themselves and made a new trench within 93
+yards of the Boer trenches.</p>
+
+<p>At 2.15 a.m. (on the 27th February), the Royal Canadians with 240 men
+in the front rank, the latter with rifles slung and entrenching tools,
+and about 30 officers and men, Royal Engineers under Lieut.-Colonel
+Kincaid forming the right of the rear rank of the Canadians, moved
+steadily from the trench, shoulder to shoulder in the dark night,
+feeling their way through the bushes, and keeping touch by the right.</p>
+
+<p>At 2.50 a.m. they were met by a terrific fire from the enemy's trench,
+now only 60 yards in front of them.</p>
+
+<p>The line was forced to fall back, but only a very small distance, the
+right of it under Captains Stairs and Macdonell, Royal Canadians, some
+twenty yards, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page38" name="page38"></a>(p. 38)</span> where they lay down in the open and returned a
+steady fire&mdash;mostly volleys&mdash;for the next one and a half hours; the
+left had had to fall back rather further.</p>
+
+<p>Under cover of these two Captains, Lieutenant-Colonel Kincaid and his
+R.E. officer and men, and the Canadian working party in that part of
+the line constructed trenches in spite of the galling fire, and by
+daylight had completed a most admirable work which gave grand cover
+against fire in all threatened directions, and was so well traversed
+with banks and sand-bags that not a single casualty occurred after it
+was occupied.</p>
+
+<p>As day dawned a ruined house was noticed on the opposite bank of the
+river, from which this work could be enfiladed, and a party from the
+reserve was sent up the left bank to occupy it.</p>
+
+<p>To cover the early morning attack as soon as the fire opened at 2.50
+a.m., the Shropshires, in order to hold the enemy in the main laager,
+engaged them with long-range volleys, whilst the Gordons remained
+partly in the open and partly in the most advanced flank trench, which
+latter they lengthened and enlarged, ready to move forward in support.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after daylight a white flag was flying in the Boer trench,
+which was 93 yards from our newly-constructed trench, and soon the
+Boers came trooping into our line. They stated that they had no orders
+from General Cronje to surrender, but that they heard he intended to
+give in on the 28th February.</p>
+
+<p>The result, however, of this gallant operation was that General Cronje
+altered his date one day earlier.</p>
+
+<p>Your account says that our losses were comparatively <span class="pagenum"><a id="page39" name="page39"></a>(p. 39)</span> small;
+so they were for the results gained, and considering the heavy fire
+which continued for nearly two hours at 80 yards' range. They only
+amounted to 45 casualties in the Brigade&mdash;thus, 12 N.C.O.'s and men
+Royal Canadians killed, 30 N.C.O.'s and men Royal Canadians wounded,
+and 3 officers wounded, Major Pelletier and Lieut. Armstrong, Royal
+Canadians, and Lieut. Atchison, King's Shropshire Light Infantry&mdash;a
+fold in the ground exactly covered the spot where the party was
+working, hence the absence of casualties in the Royal Engineers, and
+the slight losses in the working party of Royal Canadians.</p>
+
+<p>Yours faithfully,</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">H. L. Smith-Dorrien</span>,<br>
+  Major-General, Commanding 19th Brigade.</p>
+
+<p>(We are glad to be able to supplement our contributor's account of the
+gallant action of the 27th by General Smith-Dorrien's categorical
+letter, which supplies details which could hardly be obtained
+accurately at second-hand.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Eds. Friend</span>).</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A COLONIAL HERO.</h3>
+
+<p>While scouting at Makouw's Drift, two troopers of Rimington's Guides
+were fired on from a small kopje at close range. One had his horse
+shot, and the other, young Ewan Christian, son of Mr. H. B. Christian,
+of Port Elizabeth, rode back to bring him away. As he was bending down
+to help his comrade up behind he was himself fatally shot, the bullet
+passing through his back and out through his chest. He rolled off his
+horse and told his comrade to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page40" name="page40"></a>(p. 40)</span> mount and ride away. Shortly
+afterwards Major Rimington and more men came up and heard the last
+words of the dying hero: "Tell my old governor I died game." On
+retiring the party were under a hot fire, several horses, including
+that of Major Rimington, being shot. Mr. Christian was buried with
+military honours.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page41" name="page41"></a>(p. 41)</span> CHAPTER IV
+<span class="title">We Begin To Feel at Home</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A Strange Editorial Adventure&mdash;Lord Roberts's New
+     Government under Way&mdash;The Sin of Horse Theft.</i></p>
+
+<p>Once, far along the Grand Canal in China, where the people were all
+afraid or hostile at the first sight of me, a beautiful girl of
+sixteen or seventeen ran along the bank of the canal after my boat,
+beckoning to me and to Mr. Weldon, the artist, who was with me, to
+disembark and visit her home. She was out walking with her mother.
+There was no doubt when one considered how far from any big town she
+was, and the fact that she was large-footed and willing to be seen of
+men, that she was a poor peasant girl, a farmer's daughter, either
+curious to see us strange men, or anxious to prove herself a Christian
+convert and to repay the hospitality and kindness she had received at
+the hands of Christian missionaries.</p>
+
+<p>That was what I thought, at any rate, and in that view I told of the
+happening in <i>Harper's Magazine</i>. At once a cry arose, in the
+companies of men I met and even in some newspapers as well, against my
+introducing so <i>risque</i> a subject in my account of my adventures.
+Until then I had no idea how prone to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page42" name="page42"></a>(p. 42)</span> evil-thinking is the
+world, how anxious to twist impurity out of innocence even though it
+required violence to do it.</p>
+
+<p>Once again, and here, I am going to tell of an incident equally sweet
+to memory and the reflection of wholesome minds; equally delicate in
+the perfume of innocence which it exhales. After the second issue of
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, Sunday gave us a day of rest. We had known and seen no
+women for months. They were to us as our homes were, as civilisation
+itself was&mdash;mere memories, vague and shadowy, beside the substantial
+realities of fighting, marching, thirsting, and going hungry in the
+company of men&mdash;of men by the tens of thousands, but of no women.</p>
+
+<p>There was in Bloemfontein a very blond young woman of sixteen who
+served behind the counter of a shop in the main street&mdash;a slight,
+sunny-haired, blue-eyed miss, sparkling with fun and excited by the
+novelty of waiting upon British soldiers and living in the middle of
+what had changed from a dead-and-alive Boer village to a great armed
+British camp. The soldiers had noticed her as well. Generals and
+colonels compared notes of what gossip she and they had exchanged, and
+sent their friends to the shop to see her. The appearance of a few
+unattractive women among the soldiers in the village streets had made
+a mild sensation; but the discovery of a fair-haired, rosy-cheeked
+girl of English blood was the talk of the camp.</p>
+
+<a id="img003" name="img003"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img003.jpg" width="300" height="436" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>Julian Ralph.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Among the first men in Bloemfontein and the first to make the
+acquaintance of this maiden was Mr. Gwynne, of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. Foreseeing
+Sunday, and scenting a chance to revive the best memories of
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page43" name="page43"></a>(p. 43)</span> civilised life, he proposed to gather two army friends if
+she would invite two of her feminine friends for a drive and a
+luncheon on the veldt on Sunday. He invited James Barnes, the talented
+American correspondent, and myself. In two Cape carts we called for
+the young ladies at their homes. They proved to be the very blond
+young woman, a fourteen-year-old friend, and a little girl of ten or
+eleven years of age.</p>
+
+<p>I confess that I never would have asked mere children upon such an
+outing; but it is equally true that I could not have experienced
+either the same or as great and peculiar pleasure with others of older
+growth. They were frank and free, and merry as grigs. They came as
+near to having us killed or captured by the Boers as I wanted to be,
+and from them we learned most interesting and valuable information
+about the enemy and about the town as it was before we captured it. We
+proposed to visit the home of one of the girls, a farm which the girls
+said was "quite close." It proved to be miles beyond the British
+outposts in a country that seemed to us to be uncomfortably peopled
+with Boers and which proved afterwards to have been alive with them.
+Of the danger to us which lay in such a situation the girls took no
+account. They had been born there. They had seen nothing of war, and
+did not understand it. The Boers were their lifelong neighbours. And,
+in a word, they were going to visit friends and to have fun, and
+nothing else entered their minds.</p>
+
+<p>When we were miles away and among some very suggestive little kopjes
+we discovered that our friends had lost their way and that we were
+adrift on the veldt. Boers dashed up to the crests of the hills, saw
+us and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page44" name="page44"></a>(p. 44)</span> disappeared. Boers were on every hand. Why we were not
+gobbled up and sent to Pretoria none of us can explain. Eventually,
+with only one mishap&mdash;the overturning of one of the carts&mdash;which
+seemed for a moment more terrible than capture by the enemy&mdash;we
+reached the farm-house, and aided by several tiny boys and the farmer
+and his wife, spent a happy hour and a half. We made our way back to
+Bloemfontein in the evening, and within a day or two Colonels Crabbe
+and Codrington and Captain Trotter were wounded and the Honourable
+Edward Lygon was killed, at the Glen&mdash;a rifle shot from where we had
+picnicked!</p>
+
+<p>The adventures and hairbreadth escapes in war are apt to take only
+three or four well-ordered forms. This adventure was in no way like
+those of the stereotyped kinds.</p>
+
+<p>Monday came, and, with it, the third number of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. It was now
+of the enlarged size, which it retained to the end&mdash;a sheet 19 inches
+wide by 32 inches in length. We continued to do the editorial work in
+the old dustbin, as at first, but we had discovered that the <i>Express</i>
+works were more modern and capable of turning out a paper of the size
+we preferred. The <i>Express</i> works were two blocks away from our little
+den, in a side street behind the main thoroughfare of the town. They
+belonged to Frau Borckenhagen, but had been seized by order of Lord
+Roberts and sealed up. The printing office and engine and press rooms
+were afterward made over to us, the bindery was used by the military,
+and only the office of the departed editor, whence had proceeded the
+most mischievous reflections of Krugerism and the policy of the
+insidious Afrikander Bond, remained sealed. Frau Borckenhagen <span class="pagenum"><a id="page45" name="page45"></a>(p. 45)</span>
+sent her agents to the military to ask leave to recover some of her
+husband's private papers. By this means she showed us that, like all
+other Boers, she put the very lowest valuation upon our intelligence.
+But in this case she only succeeded in turning the attention of the
+military to her husband's papers without getting the shading of a
+degree nearer to the possession of what must have been&mdash;and I think I
+have heard, really proved&mdash;of the utmost interest to us.</p>
+
+<p>However, we were able by using the commandeered property of the Boer
+frau, to produce a newspaper of pretentious size and considerable
+importance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Friend</span> now began to bristle with proclamations, and their number
+appeared to be doubled because each one was repeated in the Taal
+language under the heading "Proclamatie." In one "I, Frederick Sleigh
+Baron Roberts of Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief the British forces in South
+Africa, appoint George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts
+and Telegraphs in such portions of the Orange Free State as have been
+or may hereafter be occupied by British troops."</p>
+
+<p>Another proclamation related to bills of exchange and promissory
+notes; and a third, by General Pretyman, appointed James Allison
+Collins as "Landdrost of Bloemfontein to administer the ordinary civil
+and criminal laws." In this proclamation the landdrost's court was
+ordered to resume its work on Monday, March 19th. A district surgeon,
+clerk, receiver, and second clerk to the landdrost's court were also
+appointed.</p>
+
+<p>General Pretyman extended his original market <span class="pagenum"><a id="page46" name="page46"></a>(p. 46)</span> proclamation so
+that it established the ruling prices of cattle, meat, breadstuffs,
+and groceries. In the Field Marshal's proclamation as translated into
+the Taal, Lord Roberts was declared to be "Ik (I), Frederick Sleigh
+Baron Roberts van Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Veld-maarschalk, Opperbevelhebber van de Britsche Krijgsmachten in
+Zuid-Afrika."</p>
+
+<p>In a notice to the Army we said that our chief aim was to make the
+paper welcome to and supported by all ranks, and we invited all in the
+Army to write for us. It is true that when, in the previous day's
+issue we published a poetic contribution by a kind friend, who was the
+first to come to our assistance; we did not precisely encourage others
+to follow his example. On the contrary, we accompanied the verses with
+the remark to the writer, "Your verses are execrable. See for yourself
+in print." But this was merely one of the many interesting
+peculiarities of the paper. We published the fact that Miss Elliott,
+daughter of the General Manager of the Cape Government Railways,
+arrived with her father by special train on the previous night, and
+was the first lady to cross the Free State border and to visit
+Bloemfontein. The editorial of the day was by Mr. Buxton, and was
+entitled "Uitlander or Rebel, Subject or Burgher."</p>
+
+<p>The most notable article was called "The Confession of a
+Horse-stealer," and was written by one of the editors. In the same
+number another member of the editorial quartette wrote a strong little
+article calling attention to the prevalence and brazenness of horse
+thieves, and deploring the facts in earnest and indignant language. I
+was now at work at a desk in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page47" name="page47"></a>(p. 47)</span> the editorial room, and was
+forced to act as judge between the outraged virtue of my colleague who
+detested horse-stealing and the pained surprise of my other colleague
+who (shall I say pretended or) confessed in writing that he was an
+expert at the crime.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you agree with me that this thing has got to stop?" said the
+one editor.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely you will not allow such canting nonsense to go into the
+paper?" said the other, "especially where the entire army has become
+adept at the practice of looting Boer horses or exchanging worn-out
+steeds for the fresher ones of friends."</p>
+
+<p>Being a born diplomat I agreed with both my colleagues, praised both
+their articles, and voted that both should ornament the columns of <span class="smcap">The
+Friend</span>.</p>
+
+<p>I was in a position to behave with this impartiality. My character and
+reputation at home forced me to the side of the indignant moralist,
+and yet, on the other hand, certain episodes in my recent experience
+inclined me to view the confessions of the horse-stealer with
+leniency. More than once I had been forced to choose between walking
+for days in the enemy's country or utilising horses that had been
+abandoned by the Boers. If I were again placed in such a position I
+would surrender myself a prisoner to the Boers rather than touch even
+a little thing like a horse that did not belong to me. I have had time
+to reflect, and I see how weak I was; but at that time I was in the
+Boer country where stealing is called "commandeering," and seems a
+trifling thing, rather creditable if practised successfully and with a
+high hand. In justification of my course in commending the high, moral
+view of my other colleague, I could <span class="pagenum"><a id="page48" name="page48"></a>(p. 48)</span> say with pride that the
+horses I had taken were both dead, and with them also disappeared the
+former stain upon my character.</p>
+
+<p>The happy combination of these points in common with both my
+colleagues, enabled me to publish both their articles and bring them
+back to the friendliest terms. So successful was I that we allowed our
+feelings to carry us beyond the bounds of reason&mdash;that is to say, we
+agreed to go to the Club and take a drink. It was a thing which no
+intelligent man would lightly agree to do. The only liquid
+refreshments then obtainable at the Club were enteric germs in water,
+gin, vermouth, and port wine. It required an occasion of the first
+importance to induce any of us to go to the Club, which was always as
+crowded as an egg is with meat. All day, and until late in the
+evening, the principal apartment barely afforded standing room. The
+porch was equally well filled, and horses in dozens were tethered
+before the house. It was the social exchange and rendezvous of the
+officers of something like 80,000 men, and I can hardly believe that
+anywhere in the world was there a club-house so constantly crowded.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p>Whereas it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that Postal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page49" name="page49"></a>(p. 49)</span> and Telegraph Services shall be
+resumed in the aforesaid Republic, as far as circumstances permit, <span class="smcap">Now
+therefore</span></p>
+
+<p>I, <span class="smcap">Frederick Sleigh Baron Roberts of Khandahar</span>, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint David
+George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts and Telegraphs in
+such portions of the Orange Free State as have been, or may hereafter
+be occupied by British troops. And I do hereby order that the Postal
+and Telegraph services shall be resumed in the portions of the
+aforesaid Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of
+March, 1900, under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange
+Free State, subject to such alterations as may from time to time be
+notified.</p>
+
+<p>Given under my hand at Bloemfontein this Seventeenth Day of March,
+1900.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>,<br>
+  Field-Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief British Forces, South Africa.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center">ARMY ORDERS&mdash;SOUTH AFRICA.</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Army Headquarters</span>, <span class="smcap">Government House</span>,<br>
+  <span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March</i> 15, 1900.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">I. <i>Civil Population to be unmolested.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this <span class="pagenum"><a id="page50" name="page50"></a>(p. 50)</span> country that all residents should
+be assured that, so long as they remain peaceably disposed, their
+civil rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden
+that any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of
+by other than the authorised Supply Officers.</p>
+
+<p>All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.</p>
+
+<p>These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is especially the duty of all officers to
+put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.</p>
+
+<p>By order,</p>
+<p class="signat">J. W. <span class="smcap">Kelly</span>,<br>
+  A.-G. for C. of Staff.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center">ARMY ORDERS&mdash;SOUTH AFRICA.</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March</i> 14, 1900.</p>
+
+<p>It affords the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the greatest pleasure
+in congratulating the Army in South Africa on the various events that
+have occurred during the past few weeks, and he would specially offer
+his sincere thanks to that portion of the Army which, under his
+immediate command, has taken part in the operations resulting
+yesterday in the capture of Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>On the 12th February this force crossed the boundary which divided the
+Orange Free State from British territory. Three days later Kimberley
+was relieved. On the 15th day the bulk of the Boer Army in this State,
+under one of their most trusted <span class="pagenum"><a id="page51" name="page51"></a>(p. 51)</span> generals, were made
+prisoners. On the 17th day the news of the relief of Ladysmith was
+received, and on the 13th March, 29 days from the commencement of the
+operations, the capital of the Orange Free State was occupied.</p>
+
+<p>This is a record of which any army may well be proud&mdash;a record which
+could not have been achieved except by earnest, well-disciplined men,
+determined to do their duty and to surmount whatever difficulties or
+dangers might be encountered.</p>
+
+<p>Exposed to extreme heat by day, bivouacking under heavy rain, marching
+long distances (not infrequently with reduced rations), the endurance,
+cheerfulness, and gallantry displayed by all ranks are beyond praise,
+and Lord Roberts feels sure that neither Her Majesty the Queen nor the
+British nation will be unmindful of the effort made by this force to
+uphold the honour of their country.</p>
+
+<p>The Field Marshal desires especially to refer to the fortitude and
+heroic spirit with which the wounded have borne their sufferings.
+Owing to the great extent of country over which modern battles have to
+be fought, it is not always possible to afford immediate aid to those
+who are struck down; many hours have, indeed, at times, elapsed before
+the wounded could be attended to, but not a word of murmur or
+complaint has been uttered; the anxiety of all, when succour came, was
+that their comrades should be cared for first.</p>
+
+<p>In assuring every officer and man how much he appreciates their
+efforts in the past, Lord Roberts is confident that, in the future,
+they will continue to show the same resolution and soldierly
+qualities, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page52" name="page52"></a>(p. 52)</span> and to lay down their lives, if need be (as so
+many brave men have already done), in order to ensure that the war in
+South Africa may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>By order,</p>
+<p class="signat">(Sd.)  <span class="add2em">W. F.</span> <span class="smcap">Kelly</span>,<br>
+  Major-General,<br>
+  Deputy-Adjutant-General, for Chief of Staff.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center">ARMY ORDERS&mdash;SOUTH AFRICA.</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Army Headquarters</span>, <span class="smcap">Government House</span>,<br>
+    <span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March</i> 16, 1900.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">1. <i>Telegrams.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegrams which have been received:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>(<i>a</i>) From Her Majesty the Queen: "Accept my warmest congratulations
+for yourself and those under you on your great success. Trust all
+wounded doing well."&mdash;V. R.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>b</i>) From His Excellency the High Commissioner: "In a spirit of deep
+thankfulness I congratulate you and your gallant Army on the rapidity
+and completeness of success which has attended the recent
+operations&mdash;crowned by the occupation of the enemy's
+capital."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Milner.</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>c</i>) From the Rear Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, Simonstown: "My
+personal and Navy's heartiest congratulations on your
+success."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Admiral.</span></p>
+
+<p>(<i>d</i>) From Chairman of the London County Council: "On behalf of
+Metropolis, whence many of your brave soldiers have been drawn, I
+congratulate your Lordship's having gloriously reached <span class="pagenum"><a id="page53" name="page53"></a>(p. 53)</span> a
+point which brings you one step nearer towards final success and
+peace."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Dickinson</span>, Chairman of the London County Council.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>e</i>) From the Lord Provost of Glasgow: "The Corporation of Glasgow in
+Council assembled offer you and Her Majesty's troops under your
+command their hearty congratulations on the success of your
+operations, culminating in your occupation in the Capital of the Free
+State, and their earnest hope for a speedy termination of the
+War."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Lord Provost.</span></p>
+
+<h3 class="left">2. <i>Distinction.</i></h3>
+
+<p>Referring to Army Order (of March 11, 1900), it is notified for
+information that Her Majesty orders that all Irishmen, whether serving
+in Irish Regiments or not, shall be allowed to wear the Shamrock on
+St. Patrick's Day.</p>
+
+<p>By order,</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">W. Kelly</span>,<br>
+  Major-General,<br>
+  Deputy-Adjutant-General.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>The first hundred copies of our last issue&mdash;Saturday, March 17, were,
+by accident, wrongly dated under the title on the front page.</p>
+
+<p>The Editors are willing to pay Five Shillings each for a few clean
+copies of this portion of the issue.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE CONFESSIONS OF A HORSE-STEALER.</h3>
+
+<p class="noindent smaller">(<i>N.B.&mdash;This article is privileged. The Provost Marshal cannot,
+therefore, take proceedings against the author.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>When somewhere about the beginning of December I arrived at Modder
+River, I think I <span class="pagenum"><a id="page54" name="page54"></a>(p. 54)</span> may say I was as honest as the generality of
+mankind. I do not remember any incident in my early childhood and
+youth which could in any way have been cited as a proof that I had
+predatory instincts. At home I never stole, at schools I never stole,
+at Colleges I never stole, and during several years of wandering about
+the face of the globe I never stole. But since I accompanied Lord
+Roberts' force from Enslin to Bloemfontein I have stolen freely, and I
+as freely admit it. Why? Ah, the answer to that question involves deep
+ethical considerations, and cannot be answered right off. Let me tell
+my tale, and I fancy that I shall receive the sympathy of most members
+of the force, and even the Provost Marshal will no longer pine to hang
+me.</p>
+
+<p>When I left Enslin I was the proud possessor of three fine
+saddle-horses and two decrepit-looking but sturdy cart-horses. Now I
+have to hire a man to repeat daily to me the number of my
+riding-horses, and I drive about Bloemfontein with a spanking team. I
+am aware that this confession will make the Provost Marshal's hair
+stand straight on his head; but let him have a little patience. Let
+him think what a glorious thing it is to find the one horse-thief in
+the army. I calculate that about 5,000 horses have illicitly changed
+hands during the advance from Modder River, and yet I have never found
+a man who has not most indignantly denied the merest, slenderest
+imputation of being concerned in a horse "transaction." Therefore&mdash;the
+army is honest, and there is only one horse-thief in it. The honour of
+the force is saved, and I am the only culprit. This is centralisation
+with a vengeance, and no longer need the Provost Marshal <span class="pagenum"><a id="page55" name="page55"></a>(p. 55)</span> send
+his myrmidons galloping far and wide in search of horse-thieves. When
+next he hears of the loss of a horse, let him come to me&mdash;the only
+thief. I will let him know my address when Martial Law is replaced by
+the ordinary procedure of justice.</p>
+
+<p>But let me recount, to what, I hope, will be a sympathetic public, how
+I fell from honesty into the blackest depths of dishonesty. At
+Jakobsdal, Messieurs les Boers shot my finest horse. I was grieved
+naturally, and hurt too, that a poor non-combatant should have been
+treated so cavalierly. But "à la guerre comme à la guerre," I
+whispered to myself, and hoped for better luck next time. I followed
+the force from Jacobsdal to Klipkraal and Paardeberg, and at the
+last-named camp I awoke one morning to find my sturdy black pony had
+been taken quietly from under my very nose. I raved and stamped and
+swore at the loss. My sympathetic black boy tried to console me. "If
+master like," he said, "I go catch another horse." But so high and
+pure was my morality at that time that I almost thrashed him on the
+spot for daring to make such a suggestion. I walked away disconsolate,
+and sought a friend whose ribboned breast showed that he had seen
+service in every quarter of the globe. His answer to my request was
+short and simple. "Go and see whether he is picketed with &mdash;&mdash; Horse"
+(wild rhinoceri will not drag from me the name of that gallant
+regiment of M.I.). I went, and there conspicuously displayed in the
+front rank of the tethered horses was my black pony. I did not
+hesitate, but, blessing the members of &mdash;&mdash; Horse for so kindly caring
+for my poor wandering pony, I began to untie the ream of the halter.
+But the watchful eye <span class="pagenum"><a id="page56" name="page56"></a>(p. 56)</span> of one of the men was open, and I was
+startled to hear a noise at my side say, "Well, upon my soul, this
+beats cock-fighting. You come to the wrong shop if you think you can
+steal a horse from <i>this</i> regiment," and he roughly took the ream out
+of my hand.</p>
+
+<p>I protested. "The horse is mine," I said, "I'd know him anywhere."
+"Get on," was the answer, "he belongs to my captain. Why, look at the
+brand." And, sure enough, on my poor pony's quarters were three big
+letters which represented, I suppose, his initials.</p>
+
+<p>But I was in no way cast down. To go and explain to the officer that a
+little mistake had occurred was, after all, quite an easy matter, and
+I approached the gentleman who was sitting under a mimosa bush having
+breakfast. I explained the matter to him, and asked permission to lead
+my property home. But the captain roared with laughter. "Lead my horse
+home?" he shouted in another burst of laughter. "I like that. Why, do
+you know that the dam of that horse belonged to my Uncle Jim? He was
+the first man in that part of the country. Why," and again he laughed,
+"I remember when that black pony of mine was foaled. It was the 7th,
+no&mdash;the 10th of October. I remember quite well, for three weeks after
+we had a big garden party and all the ladies fell in love with the
+little beggar because he ate bread and butter from their hands and was
+the greediest beggar you ever saw after chocolate creams. Why, damme,
+if I didn't take that pony home again, I believe my old governor would
+cut me off with a shilling."</p>
+
+<p>I stood aghast. What a fool, what a sanguinary <span class="pagenum"><a id="page57" name="page57"></a>(p. 57)</span> fool I was to
+go and make such a mistake. My apologies were ample, humble and
+profuse. But as I passed the horse-lines again I could not help
+thinking how singularly like my lost pony was the animal which, as a
+foal, so amused the ladies at the garden party.</p>
+
+<p>And then I did the foolishest thing I ever did in all my life. I
+bought a new horse. Twenty-four hours afterwards it was claimed by
+four different officers, and I narrowly escaped hanging at the hands
+of the Provost Marshal, who at once ordered me to return the animal to
+its rightful owner. I gave it up to the four claimants, and let them
+decide among themselves the question of ownership.</p>
+
+<p>And now I had but one pony left&mdash;and I guarded it as the apple of my
+eye. But again the Fates were against me, and it went off&mdash;I do not
+for a moment suggest that it was taken off. Again I tried &mdash;&mdash;'s Horse
+and all the Regular and Irregular Corps in the force, and was
+indignantly rebuked for daring to look for a stray horse in their
+lines. And so I was reduced to walking to and fro at Paardeberg Camp.
+But one fine afternoon, returning across the huge endless plain, I was
+nearly ridden down by a subaltern, and as I glanced at the reckless
+rider I saw that he was riding <i>my</i> pony. I shouted and yelled to him
+to stop, which he did.</p>
+
+<p>"You are riding my pony," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not," was the laconic answer.</p>
+
+<p>"But I'm sure of it."</p>
+
+<p>"So am I."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you're wrong this time. That pony is mine. I've had him for
+three months and I know him as well as I know my own boots."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page58" name="page58"></a>(p. 58)</span> But there was never a blush on the face of the subaltern. The
+pony he rode was, he admitted, of a very common type as regards colour
+and height. And he discussed at great length the difficulty of
+recognising horses. He told us that one of the greatest horse-dealers
+in London failed to recognise a horse that he had himself ridden a
+whole year. And then he drowned me in dates. The pony he was riding
+was bought for the remount of December 13th, kept at Stellenbosch till
+January 4th, arrived at De Aar on January 6th, was used there by a
+staff officer who did not like him and sent him up to Orange River on
+February 1st. On February 5th he became the property of the subaltern,
+who appeared to have tethered the beast at night to his waist, so
+positive was he that "he had never lost sight of the pony since."</p>
+
+<p>What could I say? I couldn't call him a liar, for he was a tall,
+well-made subaltern, and he might have knocked me down, so I let him
+ride my pony away, and I trudged home to my camp beside the river.</p>
+
+<p>Early next morning I collected all the servants and I addressed them
+as follows: "I have not got a single riding-horse left, and I want
+some; go and get some."</p>
+
+<p>It was a laconic speech, but wonderfully effective. By five o'clock
+that afternoon three grand beasts were standing under the shelter of
+the river bank close to my camp, undergoing the different processes of
+hogging, tail-cutting, dyeing and other forms of transformation used
+by horse-stealers. In ten days I could have mounted a whole troop of
+cavalry. I will confess that I was a bit frightened, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page59" name="page59"></a>(p. 59)</span> when, at
+five o'clock one morning, they brought me two magnificent chargers,
+for I recognised them as the property of the Commander-in-Chief. But
+although I delayed His Excellency's departure to Kimberley for an
+hour, I succeeded in sending them back to his lines unperceived.</p>
+
+<p>I now possess a splendid stud of saddle-horses. I find it so difficult
+to feed them all, however, that it is my intention to offer them for
+sale next Wednesday. The conditions of sale are the usual ones, but it
+is to be distinctly understood that if any person dares to claim one
+of the animals as his own he will be turned out of the enclosure with
+ignominy.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>TO THE SOLDIERS' POET.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem24">
+<p>So you've come, Mynheer Kiplin', so you've come:<br>
+    Wot a chap you are to foller up the drum!<br>
+    S'pose yer's gwine to make some verse?<br>
+    Well, there's lots wot does it worse,<br>
+    You'd 'ave made a better Laurrytte than some.</p>
+
+<p>We 'ave read your latest rimin' in the "<span class="smcap">Friend</span>,"<br>
+    But it's finished up too soon toward the end;<br>
+    But the paper's raither small,<br>
+    Sure it's 'ardly none at all,<br>
+    If 'twere larger now 'twould be the bigger friend.</p>
+
+<p>Now I arsks yer, Mister Kiplin', ain't yer proud<br>
+    Of the "absent-minded beggars," how they've ploughed<br>
+    Through 'ard ground to "Bobsfontein,"<br>
+    Dorp of late departed Steyn,<br>
+    Ain't yer proud of this great ragged Kharki crowd?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page60" name="page60"></a>(p. 60)</span> Glad to see yer, Mister Kiplin' and the "boys."<br>
+    Old Bloemfontein never knew such times&mdash;and noise,<br>
+    There's paradin', drillin'&mdash;and<br>
+    Every night we gets the band,<br>
+    And there's nothin' now our 'appiness alloys.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A SERIOUS MATTER.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY PERCEVAL LANDON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Horse-stealing is becoming a grave scandal. It constitutes the one
+blemish upon the otherwise excellent military régime that has been
+firmly but unobtrusively imposed. From their grazing grounds, from the
+rail in front of the Club, from the actual hands of Cape boys leading
+them to or from their lines, horses have been stolen with as little
+compunction as though they had been found grazing on the veldt.</p>
+
+<p>In some cases marks have been obliterated and manes and tails cropped
+by the thieves in the endeavour to conceal the identity of the animal,
+and it is our duty to ask that an example shall be made of any person
+found in the possession of a horse not his own, or from which such
+marks or brands have been recently obliterated, or upon which others
+have been recently imposed.</p>
+
+<p>It must be apparent to any man of sense that a horse which is offered
+to him by any person, white or coloured, for a nominal sum, is a horse
+which that boy or person has no right whatever to possess or attempt
+to sell, and any man purchasing under these circumstances must be held
+to be an accomplice in the theft.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page61" name="page61"></a>(p. 61)</span> It is earnestly to be hoped that, in felling necessary timber
+for the use of the troops, all particularly fine or ornamental trees
+will be spared. This district is sufficiently well wooded to supply
+otherwise all requirements, and depends largely upon its timber for
+its attractiveness.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kruger was being sped from the late Presidency when he recently
+visited the front near Gallaiskop and Osfontein, and President Steyn's
+parting remark was "Mind the British don't catch you, or you'll get a
+better place in St. Helena than I." It is hardly necessary now to
+remind the late President Steyn that many a true word is spoken in
+jest.</p>
+
+<p>It is not a little offensive to the ordinary British sense of the
+fitness of things that a native should be parading the Market Square
+in the red tunic of the Soldiers of the Queen. Yet this was to be seen
+yesterday afternoon when the pipes were skirling their martial
+strains, to the delight of all and sundry. The name of the
+regiment&mdash;Shropshire&mdash;was plainly in evidence on the shoulder strap.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts's entry into Bloemfontein narrowly missed marking another
+of those historical, dramatic episodes such as Cronje's Day afforded.
+The British withdrawal from the Orange Sovereignty Territory actually
+took place on March 11, 1846, the proclamation being dated February
+23rd of the same year. The Queen's soldiers re-entered this town on
+March 13th, only missing what would have been a wonderful coincidence
+by less than forty-eight hours.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page62" name="page62"></a>(p. 62)</span> PROCLAMATION<br>
+<span class="smaller">TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>In continuation of the Proclamation which I issued when the British
+troops under my command entered the Orange Free State, in which I
+warned all burghers to desist from any further hostility, and
+undertook that those of them who might so desist, and were staying in
+their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations, would not
+be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of their
+having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their Government, I
+now make known to all burghers that I have been authorised by the
+Government of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to offer the
+following terms to those of them who have been engaged in the present
+war:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>All burghers who have not taken a prominent part in the policy which
+has led to the war between Her Majesty and the Orange Free State, or
+commanded any forces of the Republic, or commandeered or used violence
+to any British subjects, and who are willing to lay down their arms at
+once, and to bind themselves by an oath to abstain from further
+participation in the war, will be given passes to allow them to return
+to their homes, and will not be made prisoners of war, nor will their
+property be taken from them.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>,<br>
+      Field Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.</p>
+<p>Government House, Bloemfontein,<br>
+      15th March, 1900.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page63" name="page63"></a>(p. 63)</span> CHAPTER V<br>
+<span class="title">Treating of Many Peoples</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A Flesh-and-blood Miss Bloemfontein resents my
+     Love-letter.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>" of March 20th contained five advertisements for stolen
+horses, one of which described the favourite horse of one of the
+editors: picturesque justice, some will say, for our light and
+trifling attitude toward the growing evil of horse-lifting. The
+editorial of the day, "Greater Britain," was one that I wrote, and the
+note of it was this: "It has been said that each of the preceding
+centuries during a long period of European history has ended in a
+great war. This one which closed the nineteenth century is not, and
+will not become, great, as wars are measured. But it will be recorded
+as phenomenally important in having given birth to Greater Britain."</p>
+
+<p>We had been offering five shillings each for copies of the "curio"
+numbers of March 16th. We now raised the offer to ten shillings a
+copy. A paragraph in the paper stated that a native (negro) police
+force had been established in town, with badges bearing the letters
+"B.N.P." "These police," we said, "have nothing whatever to do with
+white people."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page64" name="page64"></a>(p. 64)</span> A few words upon the subject of the natives will not be amiss.
+It will be remembered that even as the British troops were entering
+Bloemfontein the negroes were engaged in looting a semi-public Boer
+building. Lord Roberts felt obliged to stop the triumphal advance and
+order his staff to drive the ruffians away. Two or more lords carried
+out the order. After we had established ourselves in the town the
+negroes were included with the white people in an order requiring them
+to have passes when they entered or left the town, and in order to be
+out of doors after nightfall. They deeply resented this, after making
+themselves as obnoxious as they were ridiculous, by their complaints.
+They said that they had always been friendly to the English, and had
+hated the Boers for the way they had maltreated the blacks, but that
+it seemed the English were little better than the Boers.</p>
+
+<p>The truth is that from Capetown to Bloemfontein they had traded upon a
+hatred of their Dutch masters, and, whether this was genuine or
+assumed, they had endeavoured to turn it to their account in every
+way. Everywhere that I found them they were too much impressed by the
+importance which they assumed, and which we too often encouraged. We
+paid them many times what was paid to "Tommy Atkins," and employed
+them in preference to the poor whites. In return they were often lazy,
+often impudent, sometimes treacherous. I know that they were too
+freely welcomed when they ran from the Boer lines to ours, and I also
+know that they sometimes ran back to the Boers with what they had
+learned. The Afrikanders in our ranks and in our employ often knocked
+them down for impudence, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page65" name="page65"></a>(p. 65)</span> the English were horrified; but
+I fancy the Afrikander knew what he was about in dealing with this
+especial sort of negro that followed the army.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gwynne, in this day's issue, wrote a series of parodies of the
+despatches of the correspondents of all the leading London and local
+newspapers. It was the purest fun. It caricatured and exaggerated the
+methods of each of us so cleverly as to make the series altogether
+laughable and yet so as to suggest something recognisable in each
+man's style.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. F. Wilkinson, of the <i>Sydney Daily Telegraph</i>, wrote about the
+Australians an article that is here reprinted. A correspondent of
+whose name I am not certain continued from the previous day an account
+of the expedition to the British forces southward of us. The article
+was so interesting and full of local and military colour that I wish I
+could give the author the credit he deserves.</p>
+
+<p>The chief event of the day was the receipt of an angry answer to my
+love letter to Miss Bloemfontein. Even as we read the copy we supposed
+that some wag in the army had tried to perpetrate a joke upon us, but
+Mr. Buxton came in and, finding us reading the letter, said that he
+had received it from a leading man of Bloemfontein, whose talented
+daughter had written it. She was an earnest adherent of the Boer
+cause, and expressed her sincere sentiments in this letter, in which
+she waived aside my protestations of our friendship with something
+painfully like scorn. Her name was given to us in confidence, and we
+published her letter with my reply, all agreeing that as she was
+certain to write another answer, we would give her the last word, and
+then close the episode.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page66" name="page66"></a>(p. 66)</span> We were able on this day to announce the establishment of a
+regular daily train service to all points south. The country below had
+been cleared of Boers, but the bridge at Norval's Pont was still a
+wreck, and the trains ran over a temporary structure. Sir Henry
+Rawlinson arrived in Bloemfontein and took up his quarters at the
+Residency with Lord Roberts, who on this day announced that he would
+review the Naval Brigade on the following morning.</p>
+
+<p>We published these three informing paragraphs:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p>Note: the price of whiskey is 11s. a bottle, on a rising
+     market.</p>
+
+     <p>A French Canadian member of the R.C.R. was doing sentry-go
+     one night at Enslin (Graspan). The countersign for the night
+     was "Halifax." Presently there came a strolling soldier whom
+     our gallant Canadian promptly challenged.</p>
+
+     <p>"Who go dare?"</p>
+
+     <p>"Friend."</p>
+
+     <p>"Advance, fren, and pace on&mdash;and say 'Haversack'&mdash;all is
+     vale."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>There were many such sentry stories in circulation in the army.
+Another one was to the effect that a Yorkshireman having to halt, and
+demand the countersign of a man he knew very well, acquitted himself
+of his task in these words: "Halt! who goes there. Say 'Majuba,' and
+toddle along&mdash;isn't it all blooming nonsense?"</p>
+
+<p>Finally, there was this one other paragraph especially full of the
+local colour of our surroundings&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="quote">A captured Free Stater tried to impress a sense of his
+     importance upon his captor by declaring that he was a Field
+     Cornet. "I don't care if you're a field <span class="pagenum"><a id="page67" name="page67"></a>(p. 67)</span> big drum.
+     You're my prisoner, and you'd better be very civil and come
+     on."</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY F. WILKINSON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>For one very obvious reason war corresponding has not had very much of
+a vogue in past years with Australian journalists; in fact, the
+fighting business altogether has been very much neglected. As a group
+of colonies or a nation&mdash;which we hope to be almost immediately&mdash;we
+are not old enough to invite anyone else to put up his hands, and we
+are too far away to take more than a languid interest in other
+peoples' scraps. We did send a contingent and a few correspondents to
+the London Show, in '86 I think it was, but we only got there in time
+to return and make ourselves look rather ridiculous. Since then the
+"professional correspondent" might have starved and pined comfortably
+to death for all the work he would be likely to get. He couldn't have
+kept up the lecturing dodge with such long intervals between scraps.
+We didn't even think it worth while to send to the Philippine show,
+although it occurred almost at our very door.</p>
+
+<p>You see, in some of our Australian legislatures we groan under the
+inflictions of what are known as "labour parties," and labour parties
+all the world over have a rooted abhorrence of anything which tends to
+the maintenance of law and order. Labour parties, moreover, are
+generally made up of men who have before their accession to Parliament
+led some big anti-capitalistic agitation <span class="pagenum"><a id="page68" name="page68"></a>(p. 68)</span> and they know what
+the sensation is to find themselves confronted with rifles, and even
+bayonets. Consequently they dislike the military element with a mortal
+dislike. They make a dead set at raw military estimates every year,
+and laugh to scorn the military spirit. From all of which it may be
+inferred that war corresponding with us has not hitherto been one of
+the most lucrative of professions. Rich squatters don't choose it as a
+career for their sons, and poor people have still the Banks and the
+Church and Parliament to fall back upon. Those of us, therefore, who
+for our sins have been sent out of this show, come as mere "rooineks,"
+or "new chums," to use the Australian equivalent. Strange to say, the
+only one amongst us who was also in the Soudan received a mortal wound
+the other day near Rensburg.</p>
+
+<p>There is this to be said, however, in extenuation of our greenness to
+the business, that our early training is of the sort which ought to
+make for efficiency. The Australian pressman, like his cousin over
+here, is a child of the bush. His "beat" covers some thousands of
+square, solid, British miles. One day he is out in the wild West among
+wilder shearers, beside whom the average Tommy is a mere circumstance.
+There is trouble in station sheds, and wild, uncivilised war between
+unionists and blacklegs. Blue metal in chunks buzzes past one's ears
+as thick as Mauser bullets at Magersfontein; railway carriages are
+quickly reduced to ruins, huts and grass fired for miles round; mobs
+of unionists carry havoc on the luckless blackleg and let slip the
+dogs of war&mdash;always blue metal. This is the stuff on which the
+Australian pressman is fed up.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page69" name="page69"></a>(p. 69)</span> Next day he may be sent up to the flooded north: a river has
+burst its banks and submerged some twenty miles of settled country;
+occupants of single story houses find themselves high and dry on their
+roof-tops, others have sought shelter in trees; their household goods
+float gaily downstream alongside dead cattle and horses. Rescue
+parties in flood boats pull frantically from house to house carrying
+provisions and clothing for shivering women and children. These floods
+occur quite frequently, and your pressman soon learns to live for
+weeks almost up to his waist in water. He manages to boil his "billy"
+in the bottom of his boat without springing a leak. He will make
+excellent "damper" with arrowroot and Epsom salts if he can't get
+flour and baking powder. He will ride anything which will go on four
+legs, and after he has been lost on the trackless bush a time or two,
+he won't always travel in a circle.</p>
+
+<p>He has a standing engagement in an annual encampment where 5,000 or
+6,000 troops are concentrated for nine days' continuous training, and
+when general orders are issued beforehand notifying the exact time and
+spot where an engagement will take place, between so-and-so
+representing the enemy, whose position will be indicated by red flags,
+and such and such regiments representing the attacking force, who may
+be distinguished by blue flags. We manage those things better at
+Easter man&oelig;uvres than we do on service. Here, they don't send round
+cards of invitation to correspondents when a fight is going to take
+place. One has to chase round the country after it, fighting staff
+officers on the lines of communication <span class="pagenum"><a id="page70" name="page70"></a>(p. 70)</span> all the way. But that
+is another story. Since our present illustrious Commander-in-Chief has
+taken over the conduct of the campaign we haven't been able to raise
+much of a grumble, and what happened prior to this is forgotten&mdash;at
+least for the time.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">F. Wilkinson</span>,<br>
+  <i>Sydney Daily Telegraph</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>MISS BLOEMFONTEIN'S ANSWER.<br>
+<span class="smaller">TO MR. ENGLISHMAN&mdash;A LOVELESS LETTER.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Come, tall Mr. Englishman, and sit down beside me, but for the love of
+heaven, do not look into my eyes, lest they scorch you with a fiery
+"hate of hate." The blue of mine eyes may be perilously near that blue
+which men have named electric, and such an electric shock of scorn
+would they shoot that you would wish yourself amidst the turmoil of
+war again, some of whose bolts and bombs have taken the lives of our
+fathers, brothers, friends! You will not wonder then that I do not
+like your whole army or any part thereof, although it may have done me
+the great and unwished-for honour of liking me&mdash;or you, the conqueror
+of the land, which is mine by the same right as your little island is
+yours&mdash;the right of old tradition which is so great a factor in the
+history of nations, and in which our land abounds; the right of
+residence which has been ours since our peacefully ruled and hitherto
+prosperous little Free State was created&mdash;the right of love for the
+land of our birth&mdash;the right of pride in our despised beaux, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page71" name="page71"></a>(p. 71)</span>
+with their homespun suits and lavish beards and whiskers, who have
+gone out to fight with such bravery for their cause and country.</p>
+
+<p>Surely, Mr. Englishman, you of all men should be able to appreciate
+this factor in them, you who pride yourself on being the bravest man
+of the bravest of living nations. Were this factor missing in them,
+would you not have been here five long months ago? Surely you, I say,
+should be able to overlook such small matters as the bad cut of their
+coats and the length of their beards. You should know that greatness
+does not lie in outward seeming.</p>
+
+<p>Please do not say "Miss Bloemfontein tripped out to meet us so
+enticingly;" say, rather, "little Miss Uitlander," who has, as you
+rightly think, by no means hitherto scorned our homespun youths, and
+to whom we extended a loving hand when she came, and who now, in
+return for this, unnecessarily flaunts your colours in our faces, and
+welcomes you too kindly. Much bitter sorrow was there, oh sir, when
+you entered this loved home of ours; I and my sisters, who felt as
+would your English dames, were another William Conqueror to take their
+island home from them, lay in dumb anguish and writhed when the word
+went forth, "we have fallen into bondage," "our enemy hath us in his
+grasp"&mdash;and our cup of bitterness was more than full.</p>
+
+<p>We do cling to our old love, who left us with much misgiving to your
+tender mercies. Mr. Englishman, fain would he have stayed to protect
+us, but that he had his command to go;&mdash;and this is another thing
+which you, who think so much of discipline, should be able to
+appreciate. Though for fear of your displeasure we must hide our
+feelings, you are <span class="pagenum"><a id="page72" name="page72"></a>(p. 72)</span> hateful to us, oh slayer of our brothers
+and taker of our home!</p>
+
+<p>We will not forget, Mr. Englishman, and are truly grateful to you,
+that you behaved to us with common courtesy, and stood aside to let us
+pass; but surely you, the politest of polite men, would not take
+credit for that, which should be the birthright of all gentlemen. We
+dwell not in times of Sabine sisterhoods, good sir!</p>
+
+<p>And if little Miss Uitlander bathe you in smiles, and lisp pretty
+nothings into your much-astonished ear, call but to mind that she
+comes from your own "far countree," and has here learned this way of
+welcoming the conqueror.</p>
+
+<p>I am no Boadicea, say you. Oh, sir, you mistake grievously. I would
+smite you with mine own hands, were I able. Did you perhaps not catch
+a glimpse of me in General Cronje's laager, whither I went to share
+the danger with my brother, and cheer him in his arduous task?</p>
+
+<p>True it is that homely comfort abounds in our cottages, and should it
+not be so? Perhaps there was a time too when your stately sister did
+not scorn to keep house, instead of attending theatres, soirées,
+musicales, at-homes. Evidently, Miss Uitlander forgot the divine music
+of Queen's Hall and Covent Garden, when she crowded to do justice to
+the awful and untuneful melodies, to which your English bandsmen
+treated her on the Market Square. But you see "It is so long since she
+left 'home,' and it is sweet to hear those sounds which come straight
+from dear old England." I, sir, stopped my ears with cotton wool (for,
+whatever Miss Bloemfontein is, she is musical, and even <span class="pagenum"><a id="page73" name="page73"></a>(p. 73)</span> had I
+been pleased to see you, I could never have allowed myself to be
+tortured with those fragments of the divine art). Poor Pan! he stood
+afar on the topmost steeple of the Dutch Church, and played his pipes
+and wept, and had you not been so absorbed in "tripping to your gay
+tunes," you might have heard faintly stealing over our ancient towers
+"Heeft burghers t'lied der Vrijheid aan," while the organ within our
+"piously Presbyterian" edifice echoed the anthem, which was caught up
+by the instrument in your exclusively English cathedral, and Miss
+Bloemfontein heard the echo and was comforted.</p>
+
+<p>And now, Mr. Englishman, do you fully realise that I am not pleased to
+see you, that I hate to have you here; I, a real daughter of the soil?
+And if to-morrow I could turn you out, I would do so joyously, while
+little Miss Uitlander would stand by, her lovely eyes moist with
+grateful tears, and whisper, "That is right," or perhaps push you with
+her tiny left hand, while she once more extended her right to my badly
+dressed brothers, as they came over the top of the Bloemfontein Hill!</p>
+
+<p>The gulf between the angry past and the still more angry present will
+never be bridged, Mr. Englishman. You have made Afrikanderdom by
+fighting us, and have awakened in our breasts the knowledge that we
+are of another sort than yourselves. Only now, with the "Schwanenlied"
+sounding in our ears, do we feel what it is to have a country&mdash;to be a
+nation!</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Miss Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page74" name="page74"></a>(p. 74)</span> <span class="smcap">Our Reply to the Lady.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Miss Bloemfontein</span>,&mdash;If there is doubt about which young lady it
+is who has made us welcome here, there is none at all about the
+genuineness of your letter and yourself. Its sheets exhale the subtle
+perfume of the mimosa flower, its strong, free writing reveals the
+confidence, health, and high spirits of the graceful rider of the
+veldt! Thank God (and thank you also, my dear) there is no line or
+phrase of resistance to our suit in all your letter but has a tender
+phrasing or carries a compliment&mdash;so that we know you do not dislike
+us a tenth so much as you hate the thought of seeming light-of-love,
+of feeling that we have dared to pity you, of fancying we think you
+are to be won for the mere asking.</p>
+
+<p>Sweetheart, that was a clumsy letter of ours if it ruffled your
+maidenly sensitiveness with such misapprehensions. Henry V. was not
+the only one, or the last, of us Englishmen who could war with men
+better than he could woo women. And as Katharine looked through young
+Hal's rough armour into his warm and loyal heart, so we ask you to do
+with us.</p>
+
+<p>Well, well! so it was your cousin, Miss Uitlander, whose azure eyes
+and twining fingers sent me into my rhapsody of love, while you, the
+true Katharine, the real princess, have held back, hid in some leafy
+bower of your pretty capital. Ah, well, it was not her hand that took
+our heart captive. It was not her eyes that slew us. What we loved was
+the essence of your soul and spirit which breathed upon us from your
+park-like seat, from your trees and gardens, from the pretty, happy
+houses of your subjects. It was you we loved, dear neighbour, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page75" name="page75"></a>(p. 75)</span>
+you whom we have admired through all your youth and never quarrelled
+with and never known to be at fault.</p>
+
+<p>As I wrote on Saturday, we still stand aside and look upon your charms
+of peaceful domesticity, all garlanded for your bridegroom. Still,
+too, we see your selfish, scheming guardian of the past fleeing from
+the wreck and ruin into which he has plunged your people. And we see
+your sworn champions in similar flight, leaving you forlorn, deserted.
+It is eminently womanly of you to defend these faithless gallants
+rather than solicit pity for yourself. It is the true maidenhood in
+you which makes you retire to your bower until you have forced us to
+acknowledge your value and earn your love. If we misjudged you and
+fancied you had tripped out to put your hand in ours, it was only
+because we were so eager and so smitten. We like you better as you
+are, shy and modest, proud and pure.</p>
+
+<p>That deft touch of your pen upon the quality of our music&mdash;it was&mdash;I
+mean to say we find no fault in you for&mdash;but, no, we may not be
+disloyal, even to our pipes. It was the best we had to offer, and when
+better comes from home we fancy that even you will cease to barricade
+your pearly ears against it. We shall enjoy hearing Pan set your sighs
+to melody. We promise not to drive him away; he shall ever play your
+songs just as he trills the lays of ever so many fair maidens who
+throng around our Queen, and who remember the chains she has stricken
+from their limbs without for an instant forgetting the traditions
+which still knit each to her past and her kindred in so many far
+lands.</p>
+
+<p>You speak of the "great honour" of our liking <span class="pagenum"><a id="page76" name="page76"></a>(p. 76)</span> you. You extol
+our bravery. You admit our "tender mercies" and our love of order. You
+say you will not forget our courtesy to your people or our modesty.
+You call us "the politest of polite men"&mdash;ah, dear little Afrikander,
+we treasure each word in each of those sentences. We cannot help
+taking heart of hope. If you can speak of us so fair to-day, when the
+whispers of your old lover still sound in your ears, what may we not
+expect in time to come? We will not try to hurry your heart, but we
+warn you we shall melt it. For we love you, and there is no selfish
+prompting, no hope of mercenary gain in our affection. We love you
+because you are irresistible, even with your dimpled little hand
+clenched, and, perhaps, partly because of the lightning that flashes
+in your pretty eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Julian Ralph.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>JOINING HANDS WITH GATACRE AND CLEMENTS.</h3>
+
+<p>On Thursday morning last a small force was despatched by train from
+Bloemfontein to the South, in order to open up the country, to find
+out the dispositions of the enemy between here and the Orange River,
+and, if possible, to join hands with the British forces now operating
+in the direction of Stormberg and Colesberg.</p>
+
+<p>The force consisted of 4 guns and 66 men of the 84th Battery, R.F.A.,
+21 mounted men of Roberts' Horse Bodyguard, 6 Grahamstown M.I., a
+section of the M.R.E., and 2 battalions of Guards (3rd Grenadiers and
+1st Scots), totalling about 2,100 men and 120 horses, besides vehicles
+and mules sufficient to make the force mobile if required.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page77" name="page77"></a>(p. 77)</span> We moved off in 5 trains, the first being a short "breakdown"
+pilot train in charge of Lieutenant Mozley, R.E., carrying an advanced
+party of 51 Grenadiers under Capt. Clive. Ten minutes after, a full
+train of Grenadiers, carrying in addition Major-General Pole-Carew,
+C.B., commanding the expedition, and his Staff; and the other three
+trains carried the remainder of the force.</p>
+
+<p>We were in hopes that there would be some parties of the enemy between
+us and the Orange, especially as Edenburg was reported occupied; and
+the country between that and the river ought to have been swarming
+with Boers opposing the advance of Generals Gatacre and Clements. But,
+as it turned out, we had no chance of loosing off even one round, and
+our progress was peaceful and unwarlike in the extreme.</p>
+
+<p>At Kaalspruit we met Lieut. Russell Brown, R.E., who had just returned
+off an adventurous trip per train to Edenburg, which he had
+reconnoitred in the dark when it was full of Boers. After that we
+steamed slowly along, and reconnoitred Kaffir and Riet River Bridges,
+with a view to their occupation if necessary.</p>
+
+<p>As it was quite possible that stray Boers might walk into the
+telegraph offices behind us and read off any messages going through,
+we transferred the instruments to the safer keeping of the detachments
+of Scots Guards we left at the bridges. The disconnecting of wires at
+one of the stations was carried out by a highly distinguished and
+zealous party of Grenadier officers, headed by the C.O. himself, but
+the result was somewhat unfortunate, as messages refused to pass
+through for some considerable time <span class="pagenum"><a id="page78" name="page78"></a>(p. 78)</span> afterwards. Edenburg was
+approached at dusk, but, thanks to a friend who told us that the enemy
+had evacuated it, we had no need to use caution in so doing. On the
+contrary, we were warmly welcomed on coming to a standstill, and found
+a deputation of three ready to hand over the keys of the town and to
+ask for protection.</p>
+
+<p>The General received the deputation, consisting of the Landdrost, Mr.
+Fourie, Mr. Groenwoud and the Clerk of the Council, graciously, but
+demanded, as a guarantee of good faith, that all arms and ammunition
+in the town and district should be given up. This was agreed to, and
+messengers were despatched to the Commandant and two Field-cornets,
+who lived some way off, to come in next morning at 6 and arrange the
+matter with the General. A messenger was also sent to warn the
+Fauresmith commando of 400 to 500 men, which was approaching the town,
+that they had better disperse, as the British were in possession and
+might fire on them if they came too near. The commando, had, however,
+kindly anticipated the purport of this message, and had already melted
+away on its own initiative.</p>
+
+<p>Edenburg is a pretty little town, well supplied with water and
+provisions of all sorts. But its chief possession must be acknowledged
+to be a veritable Don Juan, to judge from the number of affectionate
+letters addressed to him that were found among the budget seized at
+the Post Office. This young man, who shall be nameless, must have
+broken the hearts of numberless charming ladies. Letters from every
+part of the Free State and a large portion of the Transvaal, some
+couched in most amorous language, others upbraiding him for
+faithlessness, all signed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page79" name="page79"></a>(p. 79)</span> by names of the fair sex (mostly
+without the addition of a surname) brought a hot blush to the brow of
+the unfortunate officer whose duty it was to scan their contents. It
+was past 1 a.m. before he had finished his work, but the fair writers
+may rest assured that their missives will all reach their destination
+in time, and their secrets remain locked in the breast of that
+particular Staff Officer.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center"><i>(Continued in the number of March 21st.)</i></p>
+
+<p>Early next morning the town was awakened by a series of violent
+explosions, which caused several timid people to imagine that a
+serious battle was raging. It was, however, caused by the burning of
+67,000 rounds of ammunition which had been taken from the gaol and
+court house and which were being destroyed by order. Five hundred
+rifles were also taken, all of them Martinis, except twenty-one.</p>
+
+<p>After arranging with Commander Cloete and the Field-cornets van der
+Merwe and Roule the details of handing over the rifles, &amp;c., to their
+districts, the General proceeded on his way, and soon arrived at
+Jagersfontein Road. Here we were met by a Union Jack and patriotic
+inhabitants, but rapidly steamed on to Springfontein, on hearing that
+General Gatacre had crossed the Orange River at Bethulie, and was
+expected that morning at Springfontein Junction.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived at this place at ten o'clock and, to our secret joy, found
+no signs yet of a British occupation. We heard, however, that an
+engine had brought two English officers thither from Bethulie on a
+short visit the night before.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after arriving mounted scouts of Montmorency's Horse made
+their appearance, and were <span class="pagenum"><a id="page80" name="page80"></a>(p. 80)</span> followed by General Gatacre, who
+rode up, somewhat surprised to find us already in possession. Cordial
+greetings were exchanged between the Generals, and after a short stay
+we pushed on in the direction of Norval's Pont, which we were assured
+had been evacuated by the enemy 24 hours before.</p>
+
+<p>On the strength of this information we left the three rear trains
+behind, and pushed on through rapidly steepening country to Prior's
+Siding. Here we were enthusiastically welcomed by the only
+inhabitants, two Russian Jews, who so far allowed their feelings to
+overpower their pockets as to present the General with a box of
+excellent cigars in honour of the new flag.</p>
+
+<p>Another half hour through a horrid defile brought us to Donkerpoort,
+and at this uninviting station we found the vanguard of General
+Clement's force. These had crossed the Orange River by means of a
+pontoon bridge, flung across the river 2-1/2 miles below the great
+bridge, and consisted of a squadron of Inniskillings, the 4th Field
+Battery, 250 Australians, and some Infantry.</p>
+
+<p>As we steamed slowly ahead, the extended lines of horsemen advancing
+over the plain raised cheer after cheer, and we were moreover honoured
+by a patriotic officer dismounting and taking a historical snapshot
+with the ever-present kodak at the advancing engine. This latter, one
+should add, was adorned by 4 officers sitting just over the
+cow-catcher, who obtained an excellent view of the surrounding
+country. Their admiration was, however, somewhat tempered by the
+knowledge of a widely spread report that at certain places there
+lurked under the line masses of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page81" name="page81"></a>(p. 81)</span> deadly dynamite. Considerable
+caution was at first observed at the culverts; but when the
+engine-driver assured us that dynamite was hidden at one place only,
+and that place known to him, we bade him proceed until within 50 yards
+of the spot, and then halt. When within half a mile of the bridge, we
+asked whether the fatal place was near at hand. Judge of our mingled
+horror and relief when we heard that the miscreant driver had not
+recognised the spot until within 5 yards of it, and had driven
+unwittingly over it at full speed!</p>
+
+<p>Except for a short glimpse a mile back, one cannot, from a train, see
+the bridge broadways on. It was, therefore, difficult to estimate the
+exact damage that had been done as we approached it, even when we had
+walked out as far as we could go, and actually stood over the gap. The
+wreck is terrific; 3 spans and one pier had been blown up and lay in
+the water 100 feet below, connected with the standing part by a steep
+and tangled wreckage of beams, girders, and iron. Three months at
+least must elapse before the bridge can be thoroughly in working order
+again; but a little bird has whispered in the ear of the writer that
+by an ingenious series of connections from bank to bank a very large
+amount of stores will shortly be passing across. Those Burghers who
+refused twice, when ordered, to blow up the bridge, were wise men in
+their generation, for its destruction will mean a much more serious
+loss to the Free State than to the British troops.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page82" name="page82"></a>(p. 82)</span> CHAPTER VI<br>
+<span class="title">Ours was no Bed of Roses</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Kipling's regard for "Tommy Poetry"&mdash;Our English as it was
+     set up by Boer compositors.</i></p>
+
+<p>"THE FRIEND" was an afternoon paper published at three or four or five
+o'clock in the evening, according as the Dutch compositors chose to
+get it out. We editors went to our tiny editorial room between nine
+and ten o'clock in the morning, and worked until lunch time&mdash;one
+o'clock&mdash;writing, seeing visitors, correcting proofs, and reading
+manuscripts. What I have called "seeing visitors" mainly consisted in
+turning away private soldiers who came for copies of the paper. Though
+we posted notices that ours was the editorial room, and that papers
+were to be had at Barlow's stationery shop, "Tommy" would insist upon
+coming to us; therefore we gave up a large part of our time to sending
+him away, now yelling at him, now bursting into expletives, and anon
+pleading most politely that we were neither newsboys nor railway
+bookstall keepers.</p>
+
+<p>What I have called "reading manuscripts" was largely the work of
+examining the poetry of this same Mr. Atkins, who, fired by the genius
+of Mr. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page83" name="page83"></a>(p. 83)</span> Kipling, is sometimes a better poet than you would
+think, sometimes a worse poet than you can imagine, but is generally a
+poet&mdash;of one sort or another.</p>
+
+<p>We had good "Tommy" poets in our ranks; wherefore, when Mr. Kipling
+came, he insisted that all soldier poetry should be religiously read,
+and the best of it published. He pored over miles of it. At the idea
+of re-writing and improving Tommy's verse he was pained, and when Mr.
+James Barnes, on one occasion, spent half a day in putting a "Tommy"
+poem into Queen's English, Mr. Kipling was righteously indignant, and
+spent an hour in getting it back to Tommy's vernacular. But we are
+coming to Mr. Kipling presently.</p>
+
+<p>The rest of the time of all except the man who wrote the leader of the
+day was spent in correcting the typographical errors of the Dutch
+compositors, who, by the way, could make more numerous and more
+dreadful mistakes in type than ever an intelligence officer made in
+getting news of the enemy. The consequence was that we often took up
+the first paper that reached us from the presses, and with a sigh
+assured each other that it was almost wholly given up to bad verse and
+printers' errors.</p>
+
+<p>At noon during these early days one of us would gather up all the
+proofs that we could get from the printers, and march over to Lord
+Stanley's office to have them censored. He was so considerate and
+liberal that this soon proved a mere formality. I think he must have
+regarded the eccentric but interesting journal as a child of his own,
+or at least as one whose parentage he would be too polite to dispute
+if Lord Roberts claimed it. We used to hear how very much the great
+Field Marshal, also, was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page84" name="page84"></a>(p. 84)</span> interested in it; how eagerly he
+secured his copy every day, and how much he liked all that it
+contained. A visitor at the Residency told us that one afternoon Lord
+Roberts saw an officer reading <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, and called to one of his
+staff: "I see a man in there reading <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. How is it I have not
+had my copy?" The officer's paper proved to be a copy of an earlier
+number, so that the Field Marshal's wounded pride was healed. But we
+liked that story; we liked it very much indeed.</p>
+
+<p>Our fifth number, published on March 21st, began with Mr. Gwynne's
+hearty leader on Rudyard Kipling, who was expected to reach
+Bloemfontein on that day. Mr. Gwynne also wrote one of his
+characteristic satirical articles on "The Soberest Army in the World."
+Mr. Landon contributed a lively and picturesque narrative of the
+principal feat our despatch riders had performed up to that time, and
+I perpetrated a modest bit of reporting on South Africa's
+attractions&mdash;an article of greater interest here and now than it was
+then and for our army readers.</p>
+
+<p>We had made it known that private soldiers would be charged only a
+penny for the paper, the original threepence being demanded solely of
+officers. In this way we hoped to earn a greater profit than by
+shutting out of our trade the humble private, to whom a threepence (a
+"ticky," as it is called in Africa) sometimes appears as big as a
+cart-wheel. But our new plan brought us a lot of trouble&mdash;especially
+of the kind you feel when you know you are being done out of something
+and yet cannot help yourself. The fact was that the officers encamped
+at a distance sent in their servants for their papers, and these
+messengers, being <span class="pagenum"><a id="page85" name="page85"></a>(p. 85)</span> privates, only paid a penny for each paper.
+Then, again, the officers were dressed so nearly like the men that the
+newsboys and assistants in Barlow's shop could not distinguish them
+apart, and charged many of the officers the penny of the private. This
+annoyed us, because we were intent upon making as much money as
+possible in order to turn over a handsome sum to a soldier charity
+when we should end our stewardship&mdash;for not a penny did we mean to
+keep for ourselves. Mr. Landon wrote a strenuous appeal to the
+officers to help us to get our just dues. To the same paper Mr. A. B.
+Paterson, of the <i>Sydney Herald</i>, contributed a very clever bit of
+verse, entitled, "Fed up." He was one of the contributors of whom we
+were most proud&mdash;and justly so.</p>
+
+<p>In this day's paper there were seventeen notices of horses
+lost&mdash;presumably stolen, but a close scrutiny of all horseflesh was in
+progress, and in the same column with the wails of the robbed was a
+notice of the recovery of twenty-one horses&mdash;none of them being the
+same as any of the lost that were advertised for. The Provost-Marshal,
+Major R. M. Poore, on this day announced that every native with a
+horse must carry a certificate proving that the animal was his own. He
+also declared that every person possessing any property of the Orange
+Free State Government&mdash;horses, mules, oxen, or anything else&mdash;must
+quickly hand it up.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts reviewed the Naval Brigade on the preceding day, and we
+had a report of it showing how splendidly Captain Bearcroft's command
+appeared. The late Admiral Maxse, out there on a visit, witnessed the
+review, and said that it was the first one he had <span class="pagenum"><a id="page86" name="page86"></a>(p. 86)</span> attended
+since the Crimea, when he acted as naval A.D.C. to Lord Raglan. This
+review gave us all one of our rare chances of seeing Lord Roberts, for
+he went out but little, and even at such times hurried directly to his
+destination, returning with as little loss of time. Every man, of
+every rank, saluted him, and he was scrupulously careful to return the
+salute even of the bugler boys. It was said to be surprising to note
+how many men he knew of all ranks, and how watchful and observant he
+was. "You managed that very cleverly," he would say to a man in
+conflict with unruly horses; or he would reprove a soldier for
+untidiness in dress. Nothing escaped his restless eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He wore no decorations of any kind, and I have even heard it said that
+not every coat of his was decked with gilt buttons&mdash;though this I
+repeat only upon hearsay. I can testify, however, that no man more
+modest and making less of his rank was in his army. I always saw him
+in plain khaki with that badge of mourning upon one sleeve which gave
+us all a keener thrust in our emotions than even the hardest felt
+losses of comrades and acquaintances which befell us all so
+frequently.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 21, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>RUDYARD KIPLING.<br>
+<span class="smaller">EDITORIAL BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>To-day we expect to welcome here in our camp the great poet and
+writer, who has contributed more than any one perhaps towards the
+consolidation of the British Empire. His visit is singularly
+appropriate. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page87" name="page87"></a>(p. 87)</span> He will find encamped round the town not only his
+friend Tommy Atkins, but the Australian, the Canadian, the New
+Zealander, the Tasmanian, the volunteer from Ceylon, from Argentine,
+and from every quarter of the globe. He will see the man of the
+soil&mdash;the South African Britisher&mdash;side by side with his fellow
+colonist from over the seas. In fact, Bloemfontein will present to him
+the actual physical fulfilment of what must be one of his dearest
+hopes&mdash;the close union of the various parts of the greatest Empire in
+the world. His visit, therefore, will have in it something of the
+triumph of a conqueror&mdash;a conqueror who, with the force of genius, has
+swept away barriers of distance and boundary, and made a fifth of the
+globe British, not only in title, but in real sentiment.</p>
+
+<p>We, belonging to that portion of the Press to which is assigned the
+duty of witnessing and chronicling the deeds which make history,
+extend to the illustrious writer a welcome, sincere and whole-hearted.
+We feel, all of us, that his brush alone can do complete justice to
+the wonderful pictures of war which we have been privileged to see.
+We, who have been with Tommy Atkins on many a hard campaign, have long
+ago come to love him for his quiet, unostentatious courage and his
+patient endurance of hardships; but we feel that Mr. Kipling alone can
+translate to the world the true inwardness of Tommy's character. We
+feel sure that the Mulvaneys, the Learoyds, and the Ortherises will
+welcome him as heartily as we do, and we are hopeful that this fresh
+meeting of Tommy Atkins and perhaps the only man who rightly
+understands him, will be productive of fresh pictures of the British
+soldier.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page88" name="page88"></a>(p. 88)</span> THE SOBEREST ARMY IN THE WORLD.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The force which, under the command of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, left
+Enslin and occupied Bloemfontein will undoubtedly be known in history
+as the "Sober Army." Never before in the history of campaigning has
+there been known such an absence of excess in the way of drinking&mdash;and
+eating too, as far as that is concerned. Some people have dared to
+cast aspersions on the British army by insinuating that drunkenness is
+not unknown among its members. They have even gone further and
+declared that officers and men are very fond of their "tot" or their
+"pint" or their whisky and soda. I only wish some of these
+calumniators could have accompanied Lord Roberts' force. They would
+have recanted on the spot, and returned home convinced that the
+British army was not only the finest but the soberest in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Their excessive sobriety and wonderful self-restraint in the face of
+temptation rather tempts one to delve deep down for the psychological
+reasons. I have myself made inquiries, but I must confess that I am at
+a loss for a real reason. My firm belief is that the British soldier
+is so actuated by a deep sense of duty that, having come to the
+conclusion that hard drinking and hard fighting were incompatible, he
+promptly dropped the former and devoted all his energies to the
+latter. It would have been expected that at the end of a long, dusty
+march the men would have, immediately after being dismissed, made a
+rush for the canteen. Nothing of the sort. They sat down to tea and
+coffee and left the canteen waiters <span class="pagenum"><a id="page89" name="page89"></a>(p. 89)</span> kicking their heels doing
+nothing. It is true one or two soldiers have told me that they
+couldn't find the canteen; but the majority of the men chose, of their
+own free will, to ignore its existence, and actually never looked for
+it. But this noble continence, this splendid self-restraint has been
+very nearly spoilt by the folly and wickedness of some of the
+authorities. They actually issued rum to the men at intervals. Now one
+of Tommy's greatest virtues is obedience. He was ordered to drink rum
+and he did it&mdash;just as he advanced against a kopje spitting forth lead
+when he was ordered. But the task of swallowing the hateful stuff was
+distasteful in the extreme. I have seen him take his mug and get his
+tot and then look at his officer as much as to say, "Must I really
+take it?" The officer's answering glance was invariably a command
+which poor Tommy could not disobey, and he tossed off the liquor with
+one gulp to get it over all the quicker, and then held his mug upside
+down to show he had done the deed.</p>
+
+<p>One would have thought, indeed, that this wonderful self-restraint
+would be destroyed in the wild rush of joy with which the army was
+filled the night that Cronje surrendered. Not a bit of it. The men
+lying on the soaking ground never touched a drop of alcohol, although
+many would say that the victory of our arms deserved an alcoholic
+celebration. But that night the canteens were as deserted as ever. One
+man, and one man only, fell. He was an officer's servant, and was
+discovered gloriously happy, delightedly drunk. His comrades kept
+hitting and punching him and asking him where he had found the liquor,
+it evidently being their firm intention to destroy it. He refused,
+however, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page90" name="page90"></a>(p. 90)</span> to answer a word until his master found him and,
+seizing him by the shoulder, shook him, and exclaimed with eager face,
+"Good Heavens, Jones, where the devil did you get it?" And Jones
+answered drunkenly to an eager crowd of expectant officers and men,
+"Meth'lated Shpirits, Shir. I'sh found it in waggon."</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon ten eager voices asked&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any left?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; finished whole blooming lotsh."</p>
+
+<p>And then his comrades gently kicked him for a cur.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CORRESPONDENCE.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> "<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,"&mdash;<span class="smcap">Gentlemen</span>,&mdash;I have read with much
+of interest one article in one of your last issues touching the steal
+at the horses.</p>
+
+<p>As a veteran of the war of 1870, I think that this would be of
+interest towards much of your abonnés if I should write some words of
+my proper experiences.</p>
+
+<p>It appears by the article in the number of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> of the 19th that
+the writer desires to carry to the observation of those who themselves
+find in authority, that by their proper negligence he has been forced
+to become that which you other English call jail-bird.</p>
+
+<p>Now I have made the war of 1870. I was dragon. I have suffered the
+same privations and I have smelt the same difficulties on the question
+of horses, but never I not have failed of myself to find without horse
+of war. This without myself to boast.</p>
+
+<p>I not desire to blame the author of this article praiseworthy, who, as
+he appears to wish to himself <span class="pagenum"><a id="page91" name="page91"></a>(p. 91)</span> efface, in myself offering as
+counsellor, but since, as to myself seems that he wishes to hold one
+sale of his animals that it is all this that he has of most imbecile
+of to announce on the roofs his crime.</p>
+
+<p>An officer of dragons in 1870, I was having at the month of the June
+twenty horses of the first quality, grand, strong, majestic animals,
+worthy of to carry one officer of dragons in battle against those
+canailles of Prussians.</p>
+
+<p>At the month of September after Sedan he not me was remaining nothing,
+and I not was having not even the means of me to save in Belgium.</p>
+
+<p>What to do!&mdash;Officer French not is able not to render himself. Ah! not
+know I not the anguish of himself to find without horse. What have I
+done? To steal, no! This was indignant of officer. To buy, no! I of it
+not was having not of what. I was aperceiving in the distance one
+horse of officer of the Estate Major. This was the horse of my poor
+friend Gu-gu, evidently killed or gravely blessed. If if not, why not
+was he not, the brave gar, mounted on his horse, directing the flight?
+In one instant I myself was launched thereon without hesitation. To
+save the horse favourite of my poor friend dead Gu-gu was my first
+thought. In rending to his corpse this little service I was rending to
+my patrie one service again more grand. I myself was reserving for one
+death more épouvantable. Then, since that he is possible of to find
+the horses of friends blessed, for what himself to submit at the
+stigma of to be accused of to be thief. More late, when one wishes to
+sell the horses, one himself finds in face of one difficulty
+inextricable, if the proper proprietor himself finds upon the market.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page92" name="page92"></a>(p. 92)</span> Gu-gu I have found more late in Paris, it is true, but we have
+eaten the good horse together like good comrades.</p>
+
+<p>Agree my compliments most respected,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">M. Vol au Vent.</p>
+
+<p>(The Editors, for obvious reasons, divest themselves of any
+responsibility for the opinions held by our distinguished Gallic
+friend.)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>"FED UP!"<br>
+<i>The Cavalryman's Growl.</i><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY A. B. PATERSON.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem28">
+<p>I ain't a timid man at all, I'm just as brave as most;<br>
+  I'll take my turn in open fight and die beside my post.<br>
+  But riding round the whole day long as target for a Krupp,<br>
+  A-drawing fire from koppies&mdash;well, I'm quite Fed Up!</p>
+
+<p>There's not so many men get hit&mdash;it's luck that pulls us through,<br>
+  Their rifle fire's no class at all&mdash;it misses me and you;<br>
+  But when they sprinkle shells around like water from a cup<br>
+  From that there bloomin' pom-pom gun&mdash;well, I'm Fed Up!</p>
+
+<p>We never gets a chance to charge&mdash;to do a thrust and cut&mdash;<br>
+  think I'll chuck the Cavalry and join the Mounted Fut.<br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page93" name="page93"></a>(p. 93)</span> But, after all, what's Mounted Fut? I saw them t'other day,<br>
+  They occupied a koppie when the Boers had run away.</p>
+
+<p>The Cavalry went ridin' on, and seen a score of fights,<br>
+  But there they stuck, those Mounted Fut, for seven days and nights&mdash;<br>
+  For seven solid days and nights&mdash;with scarce a bite or sup,<br>
+  So when it comes to Mounted Fut&mdash;well, I'm Filled Up.</p>
+
+<p>And trampin' with the Footies ain't as pleasant as it looks&mdash;<br>
+  They scarcely ever sees a Boer, except in picture books.<br>
+  They make a march of twenty mile, which leaves 'em nearly dead,<br>
+  And then they find the bloomin' Boers is twenty mile ahead!<br>
+  Each "Footy" is as full of fight as any bulldog pup,<br>
+  But walking forty miles to fight&mdash;well, I'm Fed Up!</p>
+
+<p>So, after all, I think that when I leave the Caval-ree<br>
+  I'll have to join the Ambulance, or else the A.S.C.<br>
+  There's always tucker in the plate and coffee in the cup;<br>
+  But bully beef and biscuits&mdash;well, I'm fair Fed Up!</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.</h3>
+
+<p>There appears to be some general misapprehension as to the
+authenticity of the letter written by "Miss <span class="pagenum"><a id="page94" name="page94"></a>(p. 94)</span> Bloemfontein" in
+our issue of yesterday. The Editors wish to state that the
+communication in question was written by a lady, a member of a
+well-known family in this city, and undoubtedly reflects with wit and
+frankness the feeling of many of those to whom the abandonment of this
+place to the British forces has been a bitter disappointment.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE GREAT RIDE.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY PERCEVAL LANDON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The newspapers of the world published a notice of the surrender of
+Bloemfontein on the evening of Thursday, March 15th.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers had wrecked the telegraph line to the south of the town; to
+the west the field telegraph was useless; yet perhaps not one reader
+in ten millions stayed a moment to wonder how the news had reached
+them.</p>
+
+<p>When Lord Roberts left Doornboom the entire expedition was <i>en
+l'aire</i>. Telegraphic communication was at the mercy of the passing ox
+or the malicious passer-by, rain and wind were almost equally
+destructive, and the inevitable breakdown occurred. The wire, aërial
+or earth-borne, was useless in forty-eight hours, and, so far as outer
+communication was concerned, Bloemfontein and all around and within it
+might have been Tristan d'Acunha.</p>
+
+<p>But the London papers published the full account of the surrender on
+the second day after the capitulation.</p>
+
+<p>The manner in which news was sent to the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page95" name="page95"></a>(p. 95)</span> English papers may
+perhaps be of interest. It must be remembered that there was then no
+communication with the south. It was impossible to pick up the cut
+wire north of Norval's Pont. The line from Kimberley to Boshof lies,
+even as we write, in a cat's cradle on the veldt. There was no
+option&mdash;the telegrams must be sent through Kimberley and by despatch
+riders.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it is truer to say that one or two London papers did so, for a
+certain number relied&mdash;and with justice&mdash;on the recuperative powers of
+Captain Faussett and his myrmidons of the wire.</p>
+
+<p>To ride a hundred miles across the veldt against time, and against at
+least two other competing riders, through the enemy's country, and at
+a moment's notice, is not the least exciting occupation that can be
+chosen by a light-weight searching for a new sensation.</p>
+
+<p>It combines the certainty of hardship and discomfort with the
+possibility of being shot; and over and above all is the pressing need
+of saving every minute of time.</p>
+
+<p>Three despatch riders set out from Bloemfontein during the evening of
+Tuesday or the earliest dawn of Wednesday. First in order of starting
+was the <i>Times</i> messenger, second that of Reuter's Agency, third came
+the "angelos" of the <i>Daily Mail</i>.</p>
+
+<p>From Bloemfontein to Kimberley is, as we have said, a distance of a
+hundred miles. It is best understood by a Londoner by suggesting the
+comparison that he should be compelled to ride to Hereford every time
+he wished to despatch a telegram.</p>
+
+<p>Out from the isolated city the messengers went, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page96" name="page96"></a>(p. 96)</span> making their
+way in the darkness or in the dawn over the red slushing tracks that
+had suffered the steady downpour of the night's rain, till, by
+whichever road they had moved out of Bloemfontein, they met at the
+battle-ground of Driefontein.</p>
+
+<p>From that point onwards the struggle became keen, and the breakdown of
+a horse meant a delay that might perhaps be reckoned in days rather
+than hours. The public that glances casually at the telegrams of their
+morning papers does not often realise the importance of a few minutes
+to the correspondents whose work they are reading. In this case,
+besides the ordinary delay, the lonely riders that were making way
+across the veldt had to spur them on the risk of finding the Field
+Telegraph repaired before they could reach the Diamond City, and the
+cable blocked with messages sent over their heads from Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the great race the <i>Times</i> rider met with disaster. The horse
+he rode fell, and, though the injury seemed slight enough at the time,
+never properly recovered itself, causing a delay of some hours before
+the next relay could be reached.</p>
+
+<p>But the <i>Daily Mail</i> was still more unlucky. Starting last of all, the
+well-known light-weight who carried the fortunes of the "largest
+circulation of this earth" made his way forward through the fading
+light of Wednesday, gaining rapidly on his predecessors, and,
+confident in the excellent provision made for him, was getting out of
+his mount the last pound of pace, when a cut corner flung him against
+a barbed wire fence, which so terribly lacerated his leg that further
+riding was out of the question.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page97" name="page97"></a>(p. 97)</span> Binding up his scratches as best he might, he found himself
+compelled to walk back thirty-five miles to Bloemfontein, unable to
+ride, and at the journey's end almost unable to stand.</p>
+
+<p>So the <i>Times</i> and Reuter&mdash;each armed with a duplicate despatch from
+the Commander-in-Chief&mdash;were left to compete for the contingent
+advantage of getting first into Kimberley.</p>
+
+<p>And now was done a notable achievement. Browning, in his poem, "How we
+brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix," has chosen, by an odd
+accident, exactly the distance which divides Kimberley from
+Bloemfontein; but we can rest assured that the "good news" of the
+capture of the Boer capital sped on as fast as ever went the news
+across the flat plains of Flanders.</p>
+
+<p>Over the grey sage-brush of the veldt, over the high, dry grass, under
+the rare shade of poplar trees, where the horse was watered, along the
+red crumbling road or the mere beaten wheel track where a thousand
+waggons and twenty thousand animals had worn a temporary track, the
+hurrying hoof of the courier's mount lessened the long distance
+between the capital of the O.F.S. and the end of that wire of which
+the other lies in the capital of the world.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of Wednesday three bullets whistled past the rider of
+the Agency, and the newspaper's courier had a similar experience at
+the same spot as he passed a little later.</p>
+
+<p>It soon became obvious that there was no possibility of getting into
+Kimberley in time to send the despatches before the office closed for
+the day, and the <i>Times</i> despatch rider took the latter stages of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page98" name="page98"></a>(p. 98)</span> journey more easily. Reuter's man,<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1" title="Go to footnote 1"><span class="smaller">[1]</span></a> however, continued his
+ride at his utmost speed, and actually achieved what will long remain
+a record, travelling the entire distance on three horses in twenty
+hours and twenty minutes.</p>
+
+<p>The need for such lengthy despatch riding luckily seldom occurs, as
+the expense is one of the heaviest items that can be incurred by
+newspaper representatives on behalf of their papers; only in the very
+exceptional circumstances in which the war correspondents found
+themselves at the capture of Bloemfontein would the enormous
+expenditure be justified.</p>
+
+<a id="img004" name="img004"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img004.jpg" width="400" height="466" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>A Corrected "Proof" by Rudyard Kipling.</i></p>
+
+<p>(<i>Giving a glimpse of the struggle between the editors and the Dutch
+compositors.</i>)</p>
+</div>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page99" name="page99"></a>(p. 99)</span> CHAPTER VII<br>
+<span class="title">Rudyard Kipling, Associate Editor</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A chapter which introduces a Prince, and tells of our
+     Appeal to the whole Army to write for</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.</p>
+
+<p>The next day's issue, that of March 22nd, was the best-looking number
+we had produced. We dropped those little frames on either side of the
+title of the paper which journalists call "ears" or "ear-tabs," so
+that the front page looked dignified and ship-shape, and the title
+read simply <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, without its former addenda of "Playing cards"
+and "Cue tips." In place of these we printed the royal coat-of-arms.
+This issue contained a heart-felt eulogy of Sir W. S. A. Lockhart by
+the Field Marshal.</p>
+
+<p>General Kelly in Camp Orders declared that hereafter horse thieves
+would be severely dealt with, and there appeared a notice by Prince
+Francis of Teck, "Staff Captain, Remount Department," that the army
+desired horses of certain ages and a certain height, as well as agents
+to buy them.</p>
+
+<p>This reminds all who were at Bloemfontein how the Prince came and put
+up at the Bloemfontein Hotel, and began to fill up an immense yard
+just on the edge of the town with a marvellous collection of veldt
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page100" name="page100"></a>(p. 100)</span> horses, all of which, I understood, he succeeded in buying
+at £25 apiece, though I had just paid £100 for a pair, and most men
+were giving £40 at the least for every horse. The Prince worked like a
+beaver all the time he was at Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>There went to the stalwart and kindly Prince one day an artist who
+said he desired to surrender two mules which did not belong to him. It
+was not the truth that he desired to give them up, nor was it out of
+politeness that he told the falsehood. The fact was that the army had
+taken his horses and left him a pair of feeble, poorly animated steeds
+of the clothes-horse pattern, which gave out on the long road between
+Poplar Grove and Bloemfontein. At the same time two healthy mules,
+astray on the veldt, evinced a yearning for human companionship, and
+insisted upon intruding themselves upon the company of the artist and
+his Basuto servant while they were preparing lunch. To go on with his
+own weak and sick animals was to invite a loss of locomotive power in
+a country infested with Boers. To make use of the fresher mules was
+the natural and obvious alternative. Therefore the artist abandoned
+his horses and went on with the mules. Arrived in Bloemfontein, he at
+once continued his travels by joining the "bill-sticking expedition"
+of General French over to Thaba N'chu and the region beyond.</p>
+
+<p>"Bill sticking," by the way, was how the officers nicknamed the
+distribution of copies of Lord Roberts' proclamation calling on the
+Boers to lay down their arms and sign a promise not to continue the
+war. When the artist returned to Bloemfontein he was met by friends
+who said that he would certainly be shot if he <span class="pagenum"><a id="page101" name="page101"></a>(p. 101)</span> was found to
+be using animals that did not belong to him. Lord Roberts had grown
+angry, it was said, and had exclaimed aloud that no matter who or what
+the man might be, the next offender in this respect should be shot. It
+was this stentorian cry, and not the still, small voice of conscience,
+that sent the artist to the Prince, to whom he told the truth and made
+formal surrender of the mules.</p>
+
+<p>"And very nice indeed it is of you," said the Prince, "very honest and
+straightforward. I will send some one to get the mules this
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"But, I beg pardon," said the artist, "now everything's all right,
+isn't it? The mules were not mine, and I have surrendered them, and
+there's no trouble to follow?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed," said Prince Francis, "I am much obliged to you. Animals
+are very scarce and we need all we can get; so very good of you to do
+as you have done."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, now," said the artist, "won't you please let me keep the mules?
+The Army stole my horses and left me a broken-down pair. I had to turn
+them loose and take these mules or I should have been killed or
+captured by the Boers. I have nothing else to move on with. I wish you
+would let me keep the mules."</p>
+
+<p>"Really," said the Prince, "I cannot do that. I never heard such a
+proposition in my life. I have no authority to do as you ask. Upon my
+word, this is most extraordinary. Come, I'll tell you what I will do.
+I'll see that you get a pair of animals at the Army price. I can't
+sell them to you or buy them for you, but I can have a pair put aside
+for you to buy of somebody who brings them in to sell."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page102" name="page102"></a>(p. 102)</span> No one who was not there can form any idea of the extent to
+which this looting or commandeering of horses was then being
+practised. They were stolen not only from in front of the Club&mdash;the
+busiest spot in the heart of the town&mdash;but from before the
+headquarters of Lord Roberts, and from in front of the hotels. Men
+were desperate; so many were without horses. Sicknesses, slaughter,
+and overwork had left us with less than half the animals we needed.</p>
+
+<p>At about this time an American correspondent who was never guilty of
+taking even an abandoned Boer horse, but who had purchased a fine
+animal of a negro on the veldt for five shillings, became very nervous
+over his purchase. He went to the stable and with the help of his
+servant clipped the animal close, so that it no longer resembled the
+long-haired beast he had bought. Then he went out into the street and
+met a Boer, who accused him of having taken his horse and who exactly
+described the animal in question. The Boer said he would report the
+case to Major Poore, the Provost-Marshal. The now frightened
+correspondent came to my room with his burden of sorrows, and stated
+his case to the company of officers, correspondents, and
+despatch-riders then present.</p>
+
+<p>"The Boer's name is Voorboom," he said, "and he is in earnest. I
+suppose I shall be sent home in disgrace."</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of the name three men spoke up saying that of all the
+rascals in need of a hanging this Voorboom was the sorriest. One had
+seen Boer combatants in Voorboom's house, another had seen Voorboom's
+brother trundling into a clump of bushes an English carriage which he
+had stolen; a third had <span class="pagenum"><a id="page103" name="page103"></a>(p. 103)</span> met Voorboom and his negroes riding
+far and wide gathering up loose horses&mdash;English or Boer&mdash;which he was
+undoubtedly now bringing to town to sell to the Army.</p>
+
+<p>"Give him an hour in which to leave town or go to jail at Simon's
+Bay," said a Colonel, ending the incident.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kipling was in town at last and had promised us his assistance,
+but we could not then know whether this would be great or little; we
+could not have hoped or dreamed that it would prove a quarter or a
+third part of all our work, as it did. On the other hand, we were only
+too painfully aware that very little aid was being vouchsafed us. We
+found ourselves with a great newspaper on our hands, a newspaper with
+a gaping void of terrible dimensions. "Reuter" had promised its
+despatches to us, but these were not allowed on the crowded telegraph
+wires for days at a time, as it proved, and the whole burden was upon
+us, joined to the necessity we felt to do our full duty to our
+newspapers at home&mdash;one at least of which demanded a despatch every
+day and four letters a week if possible. The army had been counted
+upon for valuable and voluminous help, and it was practically sending
+us in nothing. Mr. Landon reminds me that within an hour of Mr.
+Kipling's arrival in Bloemfontein he went to him and said (with
+considerable trepidation): "We have put you down as an editor of <span class="smcap">The
+Friend</span>, and we have announced it." Then Mr. Landon held his breath and
+waited. "Well," Mr. Kipling replied, "I should have been mortally
+offended if you had not. Where's the office? I want to go to work as
+soon as I have finished my grape <span class="pagenum"><a id="page104" name="page104"></a>(p. 104)</span> jam." He did literally go
+straight to work. As he entered our editorial dustbin he sniffed the
+mingled odours of ink, wet paper, and dust, and said, "It's quite like
+old times in India." It was agreed that I should stir up the
+consciences and pens of all our friends and readers in an ink-blast,
+fierce and loud. I did this in the editorial of the day entitled, "The
+Silent Army":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p>Other armies (I wrote), have always been distinguished by
+     brilliant raconteurs. Other armies have always contained a
+     plenitude of wits and humorists. Other armies have been
+     noted for the abundance of funny anecdotes with which chum
+     assailed chum and battalion guyed battalion. Other armies
+     have taken note of the more striking deeds of prowess, of
+     valour and of strategy which have been done among their
+     members; and other armies have boasted poets grave, poets
+     gay, poets rollicking, and poets who dedicated their verses
+     to their mistress's eyebrows.</p>
+
+     <p>Alas! none of these things has this poor army&mdash;so poor in
+     wit and literary talent, however rich it be in courage,
+     patience, dogged persistence and proud victories.</p>
+
+     <p>This army is like a sponge for taking what entertainment the
+     sweating editors of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> will give it. It is like a
+     barnacle for fastening itself upon us and fattening its dead
+     weight upon this little literary bark. It is like a horse
+     behind our waggon, which was built, like most vehicles, to
+     have its horses in front. It is like the veldt around us in
+     its capacity to swallow any amount of refreshing rain and
+     yet appear as dry in four hours afterwards as if it were the
+     pavement of that place which can only be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page105" name="page105"></a>(p. 105)</span> referred
+     to by the use of one particular anecdote, which is as
+     follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+     <p>"If I owned Satandom and South Africa," said a Canadian
+     Tommy at Modder River, "I would rent out South Africa and
+     live in Satandom."</p>
+
+     <p>But we nearly digressed&mdash;a sin unpardonable in an article so
+     important as this, written hot upon the impulse of suffering
+     and keen feeling.</p>
+
+     <p>The committee of war correspondents with Lord Roberts' army,
+     who undertook to conduct, for the first time in history, a
+     full-fledged complete daily newspaper published in an
+     enemy's capital two days after the conquest thereof, are all
+     busy men in their own line of industry. They have constant
+     daily work to do, they are trusted by their own newspapers
+     to devote their whole talents and energies to the interests
+     of the public at home. Nevertheless they have turned aside
+     to conduct this newspaper, they are doing so, and will
+     continue to do so to the day the army pushes on and away.</p>
+
+     <p>But in undertaking this task their idea was that they merely
+     had to start the paper and give it a momentum, after which
+     the army would turn to and flood the editorial sanctum with
+     tales of humour, wit, and prowess writ upon sheets
+     numberless as the leaves of Vallambrosa.</p>
+
+     <p>The reader will gather that this has not yet taken place. He
+     will infer that the war correspondents are, like the last
+     rose of summer, left blooming to ourselves. True, two or
+     three generous and gifted souls in the army have come nobly
+     into the breach with contributions; but the breach is nine
+     columns wide&mdash;nine columns that persist in emptying
+     themselves as fast as we fill them; in fact, nine columns
+     which <span class="pagenum"><a id="page106" name="page106"></a>(p. 106)</span> become fifty-four columns between each
+     Monday and the succeeding Saturday. It is on this account
+     that when the two or three generous and talented army men
+     flung themselves in the breach, the breach was not aware of
+     the fact&mdash;and we have not had the heart to wake it up and
+     notify it that it was being filled, not caring to tell a
+     falsehood even to a silly breach.</p>
+
+     <p>Come, then, ye gentles and geniuses, ye poets, ye
+     anecdotists, ye thrillers and movers with the pen&mdash;join our
+     staff, and put your mighty little ink-damped levers to the
+     rock that we are rolling up the gigantic kopje of your
+     thirst for news and entertainment. Your pay shall be the
+     highest ever meted out to man&mdash;the satisfaction of souls
+     content. Your company shall include a Kipling. Your readers
+     shall be the bravest, noblest, proudest soldiers who ever
+     served an earthly race.</p>
+
+     <p>You can ask no more. You can ask nothing else.</p>
+
+     <p>But in the meantime we want "copy."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>We published also a brief communication respecting the Dutch name
+Stellenbosch. This needs a word of explanation. It had long been
+noticed that whenever an officer was prominently connected with a
+losing battle, or exhibited marked incompetence in any field of
+military work, he got a billet at Stellenbosch, a bowery village deep
+down in the Cape Colony, where was established our base camp of
+supplies. The name therefore attained a deep significance and common
+usage in the army, and to say that a man had been "Stellenbosched" was
+but the ordinary polite mode of mentioning what might otherwise have
+had to be said in many harsher-sounding words.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page107" name="page107"></a>(p. 107)</span> THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p>Whereas it is considered necessary in the interests of the Orange Free
+State, and until arrangements may be made, that the provisions of the
+Customs Convention existing between the said State and the Colony of
+the Cape of Good Hope, and the Colony of Natal, shall be duly
+observed, and the Laws and Regulations appertaining thereto shall be
+enforced as soon as communication between the said Colonies and such
+portions of the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops is restored, and the customary
+commercial relations are resumed; and whereas it is expedient that the
+necessary officers for the control and management of the Customs
+Department of the Orange Free State shall be appointed,</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">Now therefore</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">I, Frederick Sleigh Baron Roberts of Khandahar</span>, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint the
+following officers, to wit:&mdash;</p>
+
+<ul class="none">
+<li><i>Collector of Customs</i>&mdash;Johannes Henricus Meiring.</li>
+<li><i>First Clerk</i>&mdash;Albert C. Woodward.</li>
+<li><i>Second Clerk</i>&mdash;Frederik Blignaut.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page108" name="page108"></a>(p. 108)</span> A WARNING TO NATIVES.<br>
+<span class="smaller">EXEMPLARY SENTENCES.</span></h3>
+
+<p>It is evident from the sentences inflicted by the Provost Marshal that
+the military authorities are wisely determined to repress all forms of
+lawlessness and unruliness on the part of native boys with a firm
+hand. Take the following three cases by way of illustration:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>No. 1. Boy: 28 lashes for resisting Military Police in discharge of
+their duty while arresting him.</p>
+
+<p>No. 2. Two Boys: 25 lashes each for being drunk and fighting.</p>
+
+<p>No. 3. 27 Boys: 5 lashes each for being disorderly and having no pass
+after 9 o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of the above cases of the day the Provost Marshal
+called the native police before him and complimented them on the good
+work they had done.</p>
+
+<p>When the British entered Bloemfontein there was general rejoicing in
+the native "location," but it is impossible to insist too plainly that
+the clemency of British rule will not extend to violent, drunken, and
+disorderly persons, whether they be white or black.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center">ARMY ORDERS, SOUTH AFRICA.</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Army Headquarters, Government House,<br>
+  Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March 20, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">1. <i>Death of Commander-in-Chief in India.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It is with deep regret that the Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief,
+announces to the Army in South Africa the death of His Excellency Sir
+W. S. A. Lockhart, G.C.B., K.C.S.I., Commander-in-Chief <span class="pagenum"><a id="page109" name="page109"></a>(p. 109)</span> in
+India, which occurred at Calcutta on the evening of the 18th of March,
+1900.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts is sure that his own feelings will be shared by every
+Officer and Soldier who has served under Sir William Lockhart's
+command, and more particularly by those who have been personally
+acquainted with him.</p>
+
+<p>After a long and varied Military career, which began in Abyssinia,
+time of the Mutiny, and which included war service in Acheen,
+Afghanistan, Burma, The Black Mountain, Wazeristan, Isazai, and
+finally the command of the Tirah Expeditionary Force, Sir William
+Lockhart was appointed to the Chief Command in India. Possessed of
+exceptional ability, he distinguished himself alike as a Staff Officer
+and as a commander in the field, and by his uniform kindness and
+consideration he endeared himself to all who came in contact with him.
+In the late Commander-in-Chief the Soldiers in India, both British and
+Native, have lost a friend whose only thought was to further their
+interests and promote their welfare, and the Indian Empire has lost a
+trusted Counsellor who, on account of his intimate knowledge of the
+Native races, and his acquaintance with Eastern affairs, cannot soon
+or easily be replaced.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">2. <i>Amendment.</i></h3>
+
+<p>With reference to Army Order No. 5 (b) of 4th March, for Captain R. H.
+Hall read Captain R. H. Hare.</p>
+
+<h3 class="left">3. <i>Telegrams.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegram which has been received:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page110" name="page110"></a>(p. 110)</span> From Sirdar Khan, Bahadur Casim, Haji Mahomed Khansahib, Kazi
+Mahommed Ali Murshaj. Bombay Mahomedans offer your Lordship, your
+gallant Officers and Soldiers hearty congratulations on brilliant
+success Transvaal, and pray Almighty crown efforts greater success and
+honours.</p>
+
+<p>By order,</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">W. Kelly</span>, M. General,<br>
+          D. A. General.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE WEARY TREK.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>Trek, trek, trek,<br>
+  On the wild South African veldt,<br>
+  With anthills here and anthills there<br>
+  And holes and ruts, you're inclined to swear,<br>
+  For your mokes will religiously take you o'er<br>
+  These impediments by the score,<br>
+          <span class="add4em">But you trek, trek, trek.</span></p>
+
+<p>Trek, trek, trek,<br>
+  With a heart as heavy as lead,<br>
+  For the comrades who have bit the dust<br>
+  Whilst fighting for a cause that's just,<br>
+  With bootless feet and clothing torn,<br>
+  From chilly night to dewy morn<br>
+          <span class="add4em">You trek, trek, trek.</span></p>
+
+<p>Trek, trek, trek,<br>
+  There's nothing to do but trek,<br>
+  While your mules half starved and done to death,<br>
+  And yourself ditto and out of breath,<br>
+  You wish to Heaven the war was o'er<br>
+  And you say sweet (?) things of the cunning Boer,<br>
+          <span class="add4em">But you trek, trek, trek.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page111" name="page111"></a>(p. 111)</span> GO TO &mdash;&mdash; STELLENBOSCH!!</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> "<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>," <span class="smcap">Sirs</span>:&mdash;In the course of a lengthy
+experience I have heard many quaint conceits and many hard swear
+words, and have kept a small notebook in which I have jotted down
+anything especially new. I was the unwilling auditor the other day of
+a quarrel between two individuals whose rank and profession shall be
+nameless. The conversation became very animated, and finally one
+exclaimed with savage irony, "Oh, go to Stellenbosch!" Fortunately
+some passers-by interrupted the fracas or else I verily believe blows
+would have been exchanged. Now you, sirs, with your opportunities of
+knowing many lands and varied languages, may perhaps be able to inform
+me where this place is and why the request to go there should have
+caused such fury and such agitation on the part of the individual
+addressed. It will be a relief to the consciences of Her Majesty's
+lieges if the time-honoured "D&mdash;&mdash;" can be relegated to the limbo of
+forgotten oaths in favour of such an apparently innocent expression. I
+write in all innocence, as no man likes to use a phrase, especially
+such a potent one, without understanding its meaning.&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Faithfully yours,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Chiriogicus.</p>
+
+<p>[We believe that the place mentioned was located somewhere in the
+Arctic Regions by the Jackson expedition.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Eds.</span>]</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page112" name="page112"></a>(p. 112)</span> CHAPTER VIII<br>
+<span class="title">Lord Roberts's Headquarters</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Like a beehive for industry when Rudyard Kipling went to
+     lunch with the Field-Marshal.</i></p>
+
+<p>Rudyard Kipling was paying visits and getting acquainted with the
+local situation. He had left his wife and family at the far-famed
+Mount Nelson Hotel&mdash;the "Helot's Rest," as a statesman had called
+it&mdash;with its strange assembly of Rand and Kimberley millionaires, and
+other refugees from the two republics, its army officers, both of the
+invalid and the idle class, its censors, war correspondents,
+sight-seers, and ladies longing to get to the more exciting front.</p>
+
+<p>I first saw Mr. Kipling there, and now found him tenanting a bedroom
+across the passage from my own in the Free State Hotel at
+Bloemfontein. When I went to shake his hand he was in the room of W.
+B. Wollen, the artist, and one of those men who having nothing good to
+say, are never content to stop there, was exclaiming, "Is it possible
+that I have the honour to meet the author of 'The Absent-Minded
+Beggar'?"</p>
+
+<a id="img005" name="img005"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img005.jpg" width="300" height="443" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>Field-Marshal Earl Roberts,<br>
+V.C., K.G., K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E.,<br>
+Commander-in-Chief.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Kipling, "I have heard that piece played <span class="pagenum"><a id="page113" name="page113"></a>(p. 113)</span> on a
+barrel-organ, and I would shoot the man who wrote it if it would not
+be suicide."</p>
+
+<p>A man of such broad build and short neck that you do not realise him
+to be of the average stature, wearing a broad-brimmed, flat brown hat
+of Boer pattern, and below that a brown short coat and very full
+trousers to match; a vigorous figure, quick in movement as a panther,
+quicker still in speech; a swinging and rolling figure with head up
+and hat well back out of the way of his sight which is ever thrown
+upward as if he searched the sky while he walked. His face is quite a
+match for his body, being round and broad as well as wide-eyed and
+alert. His eyes are its most notable features, for they are very large
+and open, and each one is arched by the bushiest of black eyebrows.
+They are habitually reflective and sober eyes, but, like a flash, they
+kindle with fun, and can equally quickly turn dull and stony when good
+occasion arises. It is not the typical poet's or scholar's face so
+much as it is the face of the man among men, the out-of-door man, the
+earnest, shrewd observer and the irrepressible hard worker.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that both of us were to pay our respects to the
+Field-Marshal at the Residency on the same day, and both were invited
+to lunch. Of course, Mr. Kipling knew Lord Roberts very well&mdash;had seen
+much of him in India, where they had been both friends and mutual
+admirers. We went to the Residency together. There we met a very
+kindly and hospitable young gentleman who asked us who we were and
+offered us a visitors' book in which to record our signatures. To him
+we were presently introduced and found him to be none other than the
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page114" name="page114"></a>(p. 114)</span> Duke of Westminster, who, as Lord Belgrave had at an earlier
+stage, been with Sir Alfred Milner at the Cape. The Duke proffered us
+refreshment of the coveted sort, which, as we have seen, was quoted at
+11s. a bottle "on a rising market," and then he conducted us to the
+great drawing-room with its strong suggestion of the grandeur of a
+ruler's residence, despite its garish wall-paper and its puckered-up
+carpet.</p>
+
+<p>The whole Residency was like a beehive for industry. In the
+dining-room privates were hammering away upon typewriters, and
+officers were supplying them with copy. We peeped into the large
+ball-room, and lo! it was appointed with many desks at which members
+of the illustrious and aristocratic staff of the Field-Marshal were
+hard at work with pens and ink. Even in the drawing-room, the merely
+ornamental desks and tables were strewn with documents at which far
+from merely ornamental lords were writing.</p>
+
+<p>When lunch was announced we found the dining-hall set with two
+tables&mdash;a very long one for the staff, and a very small one at its
+head for Lord Roberts. Mr. Kipling sat with the Field-Marshal, while I
+was placed between Lord Stanley and Lord Herbert Scott at the big
+table. I was not impressed by any unlooked-for excellence in the
+simple meal with which we were served. I had lived better on the open
+veldt whenever I had been able to get at my Cape cart, and the boxes I
+had stored in it. But the flow of wit and the hospitality and courtesy
+that were shown to me would have rendered worse fare beyond reproach.</p>
+
+<p>After the meal Lord Stanley introduced me to the Field-Marshal, and my
+very first words caused those <span class="pagenum"><a id="page115" name="page115"></a>(p. 115)</span> who do not know how great and
+broad a man he is, to think that I had offended Lord Roberts.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very proud to know you, General," I said.</p>
+
+<p>We talked for a few moments of trifling things, merely by way of
+making acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>"You called him 'General'; you should have said 'Sir,' or 'Lord
+Roberts,'" said those who were concerned about the episode.</p>
+
+<p>"The highest rank and title in the American Army is 'General,'" said
+I; "and in that way Washington, Grant, and all our leaders were
+saluted. Lord Roberts spoke of my being an American. I am sure he
+understands how I came to make a mistake, while, at the same time,
+paying him the highest respect."</p>
+
+<p>Our newspaper showed that we were getting on rapidly with the new
+forces of administration&mdash;the outcome, first, of Lord Roberts's brain,
+and, next, of the extraordinary industry at the Residency. That most
+skilful of military railway engineers, Colonel E. P. C. Girouard, who,
+while head of the Egyptian Railways was also restoring our wrecked
+lines and manning them efficiently, announced in our 6th number (March
+23rd), that the daily train to the south would leave at 7 a.m., and
+the train from the south would arrive at twenty-six minutes after
+midnight each day.</p>
+
+<p>The Gordon Club opposite the Cathedral was to be reopened next day.
+The Wesleyan Church announced a parade service for the coming Sunday.
+The Presbyterian Church announced its meetings for the week. Services
+at the English Cathedral were also advertised. The Army Sports began
+on this date. Major Lorimer, of the Cape Police, came with a trooper
+and some <span class="pagenum"><a id="page116" name="page116"></a>(p. 116)</span> despatch riders and was taken on the strength. C.
+V. F. Townshend, A.A.G. to the Military Governor, grappled with the
+negro problem in a warning notice that all natives must be indoors by
+eight o'clock p.m. unless possessed of a special permit, and that
+dancing and drunkenness in the streets would meet with severe
+punishment.</p>
+
+<p>We published a very informing and authoritative editorial upon martial
+law, which one of the editors was at some pains to secure. I have a
+strong idea that it was written either by General Pretyman or Major
+Poore, but I have no means for making certain.</p>
+
+<p>James Barnes, the distinguished American correspondent, who very
+kindly and with able results, took my place as correspondent of the
+<i>Daily Mail</i> when I was invalided home, wrote for this number a
+comparison between this and some recent American wars.</p>
+
+<p>We led the paper with the full text of Mr. Kipling's poem, only one
+verse of which had reached us a week before.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 23, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>POEM BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</h3>
+
+<p class="noindent smaller">(Owing to the exigencies of war, we were unable at the time
+     to print more than one stanza of Mr. Kipling's poem, which
+     we now present in its entirety.)</p>
+
+<div class="cpoem18">
+<p>Oh! Terence dear, and did ye hear<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The news that's going round?</span><br>
+    The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Where'er her sons are found!</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page117" name="page117"></a>(p. 117)</span> From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Tis ordered by the Queen&mdash;</span><br>
+    We've won our right in open fight,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Wearin' of the Green!</span></p>
+
+<p>We sailed upon commando<br>
+      <span class="add1em">To vierneuk our Brother Boer&mdash;</span><br>
+    A landlord and a Protestant,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">What could the bhoys want more?</span><br>
+    But Redmond cursed and Dillon wept,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And swore 'twas shame and sin;</span><br>
+    So we went out and commandeered<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Green they dared not win.</span></p>
+
+<p>'Twas past the wit of man, they said,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Our North and South to join&mdash;</span><br>
+    Not all Tugela's blood could flood<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The black and bitter Boyne;</span><br>
+    But Bobs arranged a miracle<br>
+      <span class="add1em">(He does it now and then),</span><br>
+    For he'll be Duke of Orange, sure,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">So we'll be Orange men!</span></p>
+
+<p>Take hold! The Green's above the red,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">But deep in blood 'tis dyed,</span><br>
+    We plucked it under Mauser-fire<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Along the trenched hill-side:</span><br>
+    Talana's rush, the siege, the drift,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Fight of Fourteen Days,</span><br>
+    Bring back what's more than England's rose<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And dearer than her praise!</span></p>
+
+<p>God heal our women's breaking hearts<br>
+      <span class="add1em">In Ireland far away!</span><br>
+    An' Mary tell the news to those<br>
+      <span class="add1em">That fell before this day&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page118" name="page118"></a>(p. 118)</span> Dear careless bhoys that laughed and died<br>
+      <span class="add1em">By kopje and fontein&mdash;</span><br>
+    Our dead that won the living prize&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Wearin' of the Green!</span></p>
+
+    <p class="signatsc">Rudyard Kipling.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>[<i>Copyright in England and the U.S.A.</i>]</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>MILITARY LAW.<br>
+(<i>Editorial.</i>)</h3>
+
+<p>In times like the present when military matters are discussed by all
+classes of society, both by soldiers and civilians, the question of
+the law, by which discipline and law, not only among the troops, but
+also the civil population in the country they occupy are maintained,
+frequently arises, and the terms "Martial Law" and "Military Law" are
+often made use of as if they meant the same thing. It is to explain
+this that the following is written.</p>
+
+<p>"Military Law" is the Law which governs the soldier in peace and in
+war, at home and abroad. It is administered under the Army Act which
+is part of the Statute Law of England, and which, by special
+provision, must be brought into, and continue in force, by an annual
+Act of Parliament.</p>
+
+<p>With an army in the field, certain persons, not soldiers, are also
+subject to the provisions of "Military Law," such as civilians serving
+with the force in an official capacity; persons accompanying the
+troops with special leave, such as newspaper correspondents and
+contractors; persons employed with the troops, such as transport
+drivers; other persons known as followers who accompany the troops
+either as sutlers or on business or pleasure with the permission of
+the commander.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page119" name="page119"></a>(p. 119)</span> "Martial Law," on the other hand, is only operative in war.
+It is in fact no law at all, and has been accurately defined as the
+"will of the conqueror." The expression "Customs of War" would perhaps
+better define what is meant by "Martial Law," because the word Law
+conveys the idea to most people of an enactment containing a fixed and
+rigid rule which must be obeyed, and which, if disobeyed, will involve
+punishment.</p>
+
+<p>This "Law" or "Custom" is applicable to all persons and inhabitants
+not subject to "Military Law" residing within the foreign country or
+that portion of it occupied by the troops, and also within districts
+under British rule abroad, which, in consequence of riot or rebellion,
+are so declared to be subject to "Martial Law" by proclamation.</p>
+
+<p>It will thus be seen that a commander of troops in time of war acts in
+two distinct capacities. First, he governs the troops by "Military
+Law" only; secondly, in his position of governor of the country he
+occupies, he imposes such laws or rules on the inhabitants as in his
+opinion are necessary to secure the safety of his army, and also the
+good government of the district which, by reason of the war or
+rebellion, may for the time have been deprived of its ordinary rulers
+and the machinery for maintaining order.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of administering "Martial Law" or the "Customs of War"
+no rules or regulations are absolutely laid down, but certain customs
+exist among civilised nations which are generally recognised.</p>
+
+<p>At the present time the practice in force is that, when practicable,
+"Martial Law" should only supplement <span class="pagenum"><a id="page120" name="page120"></a>(p. 120)</span> the civil procedure, but
+when the civil Government is absent or, in consequence of war, is
+paralysed, "Martial Law" must of necessity replace the civil.</p>
+
+<p>In administrating "Martial Law" by a Military Court the ordinary
+procedure recognised by "Military Law" is followed. This is done
+because the Military Court would be composed of military officers
+whose training would make them conversant with such procedure, and
+because some uniformity in administrating justice would thus be
+ensured.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FACTS AND OTHERWISE.</h3>
+
+<p>We wish to draw the attention of the troops of all ranks to the
+benefits which the use of the Public Free Library offers.</p>
+
+<p>A Branch of the Standard Bank is being opened in Colonnade Buildings
+under the direction of Mr. M. D. Savory, late Manager of the
+Oudtshoorn Branch.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Powerful's</i> contingent of the Naval Brigade, consisting of
+twenty-nine men and four officers, left by yesterday's train for
+Capetown. Mr. Midshipman Lewin, who is in command, has the honour of
+carrying despatches.</p>
+
+<p>The great want of Bloemfontein just now is some place of light
+recreation and refreshment to which weary soldiers and civilians can
+repair after the labour of the day is ended. It is premature, of
+course, to expect anything so pretentious as the Alhambra or Tivoli of
+London fame, but the resources of the capital of the Orange Free State
+should be at least equal to the provision and equipment <span class="pagenum"><a id="page121" name="page121"></a>(p. 121)</span> of a
+hall where songs and various forms of light entertainment might be
+presented nightly. Already there is talk of an enterprising agent
+proceeding to Capetown with the object of retaining the necessary
+artistes, who may be expected here as soon as the railway
+communication is open to the general public; but for present purposes
+there is sufficient talent amongst our soldiers and sailors and the
+townspeople to tide over the emergency. A committee of amusement with
+a good man as chairman is required, and the rest, with the permission
+of the military authorities, should be tolerably easy. The drums and
+pipes of the Highland regiments continue to do valiant service in the
+market square, but the time is surely come when entertainment on a
+more ambitious programme might be contemplated.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE PROMOTION OF BINKS.</h3>
+
+<p>"Know Binks? Of course. Everybody does&mdash;local major, staff something
+at Headquarters of 10th Division&mdash;devilish useful chap to know."</p>
+
+<p>Yes, Major Binks; but three short months ago I was only young Binks of
+the Buffers, arriving at Blankfontein to take charge of a Transport
+Company; I had no experience, and no instructions, except to "lick 'em
+into shape," and I felt like the title of a book, "Alone in South
+Africa." Not quite alone after all, for I had Wopples with me; Wopples
+being the servant my old uncle, Major Stodger, had found for me.
+"He'll kill your horses, of course, and lose your kit, but he was our
+mess corporal in the Blazers for fourteen years, and he'll pull you
+through."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page122" name="page122"></a>(p. 122)</span> After asking many questions and getting no answers, I found a
+seething mass of mules, waggons, and blacks, which turned out to be my
+company, and in the midst of it was a person of evidently some
+importance, who turned out to be the conductor. His natural perimeter
+was nearly doubled by the packets of papers which bulged from every
+pocket, and he was addressing the crowd in a variety of bad languages
+when I introduced myself, not without trepidation, as his new C."C."O.
+His smile was reassuring and patronising. "Oh, that'll be all right,
+sir; we're getting along nicely&mdash;but the Major's coming round
+to-morrow&mdash;commands the station, he does&mdash;and wastes a lot of time.
+Now, if you could offer him a bit of breakfast&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Next morning the Major rode up; he was a melancholy-looking man with
+an absent manner. Before I could introduce the subject he said he
+would not interrupt me if I were having breakfast; I begged him to
+join me, but he said he never could eat at that hour, but he might as
+well come in&mdash;perhaps he might manage a cup of tea. He managed one
+cup, and then another, after which he brightened up a lot and managed
+porridge, fried liver, curried mutton, and half a tin of jam. After
+one of my cigars (also selected by uncle) he rode away, remarking that
+he was glad to find they'd sent up somebody at last who had a grasp of
+things&mdash;he felt he could rely on me.</p>
+
+<p>Next day I was appointed his assistant. When I reported myself he said
+he wanted somebody whom he could leave in the office in case he had to
+go out&mdash;there was no other definite job for me just then; meanwhile I
+might as well look after the mess. I did so, or rather Wopples did so.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page123" name="page123"></a>(p. 123)</span> One evening the Major seemed somewhat upset, "Look here,
+Binks, the Brigadier is coming round to-morrow to discuss a defence
+scheme; he's inclined to fuss a lot; I've got to go out myself on
+duty, but you'd better stay in and have a lot of breakfast ready; I
+think you might almost run to a tin of sausages." Next morning the
+Brigadier rode up all alone at full gallop, scrambled off his horse,
+and began to shout, "Come along, come along; mustn't waste time on
+active service; got fifty things to settle to-day! Here's my brigade
+on this side of the river&mdash;now tell me at once where every man on the
+other side is posted"&mdash;here he fell over Wopples. "Who the
+deuce!&mdash;what, breakfast, eh? Well, well, must eat, even on service. I
+can spare five minutes. Come along." He rushed into my tent and spared
+five minutes. The five minutes prolonged themselves to ten minutes,
+then to an hour and a quarter, after which the Brigadier slept so
+sweetly that I had no heart to waken him. About 3 o'clock he woke with
+a sort of explosion, shouted for his horse, and galloped off talking
+as hard as ever.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning I was appointed his extra A.D.C. with rank of Captain.
+"There'll be a lot of work for you later on," the Brigade-Major said,
+"but no bustle just now; meanwhile you might look after the mess."
+Again we did so. I was left in camp one day when the Brigade had gone
+out to do something&mdash;"Somebody must be left in charge, and, by the by,
+have a bit of something ready in case we come back hungry." I was
+reading the advertisement sheets of a paper six weeks old when Wopples
+rushed in. "Lord Upington, sir, staff boss at <span class="pagenum"><a id="page124" name="page124"></a>(p. 124)</span> Divisional
+Headquarters, just a'comin' up the road! <i>Wot</i> a chance it is! Why, if
+he don't know what good living means&mdash;well, I'm a Boer!"</p>
+
+<p>Wopples was too much of an artist to overdo things&mdash;there was just a
+taste of porridge&mdash;not enough to spoil one's appetite, a partridge
+with full complements of bread-sauce and red pepper, marrow-bones with
+hot toast and a nip of whisky, black coffee and cigars; where it had
+all sprung from goodness only knows.</p>
+
+<p>When his lordship departed he said he would not forget me; his heart
+and other organs were so full that he quite forgot to mention the
+pressing business on which he had come.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning I was appointed signalling officer to the Division. I had
+never done a signalling class, and pointed this out to the D.A.G., but
+he said it didn't matter, what they wanted was a really useful man to
+supervise generally the signalling business. Of course, just at
+present there was no signalling as we were on a wire; meanwhile I
+might take over the mess. Before the words were out of his mouth
+Wopples had taken the mess over; he had sacked two black cooks,
+discarded the mess pots in favour of his own, taken the measures of
+the mess stores, and was getting on with lunch. By that evening my
+position as an ornament to the staff was secure.</p>
+
+<p>It was at something drift that we gave our first official dinner; we
+had secured a roomy farm-house with some bits of furniture, so,
+relying on Wopples, we launched into hospitality. And Wopples had
+surpassed himself. There was a haunch of venison which brought tears
+of joy to the five eyes of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page125" name="page125"></a>(p. 125)</span> three generals who partook of
+it&mdash;no mere common haunch, there were several such in camp that
+night&mdash;this was a haunch that had been through the hands of Wopples.
+Then there was his extra special <i>entrée</i>&mdash;but that is another course.</p>
+
+<p>It was a dinner that might be eaten, but could never be described.</p>
+
+<p>Next day I was gently approached by many red tabs. The Provost-Marshal
+said I was just the sort of chap for his department if I'd care to
+come; a R.E. enthusiast told me that a balloon was the only place for
+a real good view of a show and "he'd work the matter for me"; somebody
+on the intelligence said there was a real well-paid billet he'd been
+keeping open on purpose for me; and two of the generals declared
+piteously that they could not get on without my services. The third
+general had not recovered the dinner, but sent a grinning A.D.C. to
+represent him.</p>
+
+<p>After that his lordship shut me and Wopples up together in his own
+room and kept guard outside himself. "We'll take care of you, Binks;
+we'll get you made a local major, and you shall ride the general's
+horse as you've lost all your own. I'll find you a Tommy's blanket, by
+Jove I will! and demme, I'll give you my own second shirt; but I'll be
+shot if you leave our camp, my boy&mdash;shot and starved!"</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Anonymous.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SOLDIERS' BATTLES AND GENERALS' CAMPAIGNS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY JAMES BARNES.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The writer, an American, who served during the Cuban war, has been
+asked to compare the present <span class="pagenum"><a id="page126" name="page126"></a>(p. 126)</span> heated argument with the late
+unpleasantness in the Antilles.</p>
+
+<p>It is rather difficult to draw any comparisons between this war in
+South Africa and the late conflict in Cuba. It is like comparing two
+games differing in rules and methods, and resembling one another only
+in the fact that they are played with bat and ball.</p>
+
+<p>One of the strange things about the war in the West Indies was
+this&mdash;when it was over the world waited for the lesson, and there was
+none in the proper sense of the word. The God of battles must have
+been with America from start to finish; ours was the good fortune; we
+had all the luck. It was a series of miracles. Naval men waited to see
+the great things torpedo-boats would accomplish, and two of the
+much-dreaded machines were sunk by a millionaire's pleasure-craft
+transformed into a gun-boat. Vessels with armoured belts and
+protective decks were set on fire in the old-fashioned way by
+exploding shells igniting their wood-work. Dewey's victory at Manila
+was accomplished without loss of life on the American side, and
+Sampson's victory at Santiago was almost as wonderful&mdash;but one man
+killed and a few slightly wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Army experts waited for the results of the use of long-range magazine
+rifles, smokeless powder, and high explosives, yet trenches and hills
+defended by men with Mausers were stormed and taken by men with
+Krag-Jorgensens in their hands in the old-fashioned way&mdash;a steady
+advance and a rushing charge to clinch it. Caney and San Juan Hill
+were old-fashioned fights with the exception of the fact that men were
+killed miles in the rear by the straying droves of bullets and never
+saw an enemy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page127" name="page127"></a>(p. 127)</span> As in this war the losses did not compare to those of some
+hand-to-hand conflicts of the Rebellion, and many wounds that in the
+old days would have proved fatal, thanks to the merciful Mauser,
+amounted to very little. Perhaps to offer explanation of some strange
+occurrences of the Cuban war would be disparaging to the Spaniards.
+Perhaps the least that can be said is that in the main the Dons were
+shocking poor shots, and they had been so weakened by disease and
+hunger that they had not much fight left in them when it came to cold
+steel and clubbed muskets. The great losses in Cuba were from fevers,
+not from bullets. It is in the conditions and environments that the
+chief difference lies between the war here and the war over there. And
+it is from this present conflict that the world will learn. The
+Philippine war, costly as it was in life and money, was nothing but a
+series of victories over a half-civilised enemy. The interest in it in
+America, strange to say, dwindled to little or nothing after the first
+gunshot in South Africa.</p>
+
+<p>Here was a different state of affairs. Cuba (for Puerto Rico was a
+"walk over") was a country full of dense forests and tangled
+undergrowth, offering a screen as well as a hindrance to the movements
+of an army. South Africa is the greatest defensive country in the
+world, and the Boer is trained by nature and inheritance to make the
+best of it. Yet it took time to teach some of the English military
+leaders to adapt themselves to the new conditions&mdash;it was hard for
+them to break away from the traditions of Waterloo and Badajos. The
+Mauser began to correct the old ideas of warfare in a way that it had
+failed to do in Cuba. The prophecies in Bloch's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page128" name="page128"></a>(p. 128)</span> remarkable
+book were fulfilled almost to the letter. Proper scouting in an open
+country is a dead department of military service. How long did we lie
+at Modder River without knowing anything of value of the movements of
+the enemy? A series of kopjes might conceal a few sharpshooters or an
+army&mdash;at a mile's distance scouts were under the fire of an invisible
+foe. A good shot ensconced between sheltering rocks discounted four
+men advancing in the open. In Cuba the American troops were harassed
+by marksmen concealed in tree-tops who often fired upon them from the
+rear, but the forces opposed to them in front were mostly infantry,
+and the problem resolved itself into a contest between individual
+soldiers as fighting units. It was a soldiers' conflict.</p>
+
+<p>A war in a country such as we have been fighting over for the last
+five months admits of one thing only&mdash;the strategic movements of a
+military genius. The generalship of a great leader is a necessity.
+Bravery is well-nigh wasted and courage almost discounted. Mobility of
+force is essential, forces operating at great distances but under one
+central head are a <i>sine quâ non</i>, and in long-range artillery lies
+the preponderancy of power. More and more does the great game
+approximate the moves in a chess problem. It must be admitted that in
+Cuba there were no such scientific movements, and it has taken the
+march of Lord Roberts from Enslin to Bloemfontein to prove the fact
+beyond question that soldiers' battles, where one side is entrenched
+and invisible and the other advancing in attack, are things of the
+past, except in a wooded country or where all preliminary movements
+are concealed. We had soldiers' <span class="pagenum"><a id="page129" name="page129"></a>(p. 129)</span> battles here, but by
+fighting them the lesson has been taught which the world will learn.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>AN OFFICIAL DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.</h3>
+
+<p>On Tuesday, March 20th, Lord Roberts entertained the following
+Military Attachés, accredited by the Great Powers to his staff, at
+dinner at Government House:</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Stakovitch, Russia; Commandant d'Amadi, France; Major Esteben,
+Spain; Captain Baron V. Luttwitz, Germany; Captain Slocum, America;
+Captain Hieroka, Japan.</p>
+
+<p>There were also invited the following to meet the distinguished
+guests: Lieut. General Sir H. Colvile, Lieut. General Kelly-Kenny,
+Major General Sir W. Nicholson, Major General Pretyman, Major General
+Wood, Major General Marshall, Major General Pole-Carew, Major General
+Gorden, The Very Revd. Dean of Bloemfontein, The Honble. Mr. J. G.
+Fraser; the Private Secretary; the Military Secretary; Major General
+Kelly, Colonel Richardson, Mr. Justice Hopley, Colonel Stevenson,
+Colonel Viscount Downe, Lieut. Colonel Otter, Captain Bearcroft,
+Lieut. Colonel Ricardo, Colonel H. C. Cholmondeley, Colonel Lord
+Stanley, Reverend H. J. Coney, Lieut. Colonel Byron, A.D.C., Captain
+Lord Herbert Scott, A.D.C.</p>
+
+<p>After the Queen's health had been drunk, Lord Roberts, in a happy
+little speech in which he proposed the health of the foreign Attachés,
+said that he had much regretted while in Capetown not having been able
+to entertain the Attachés, but now he felt <span class="pagenum"><a id="page130" name="page130"></a>(p. 130)</span> some satisfaction
+at not having been able to do it, as he was able to entertain them as
+comrades, while at Capetown they would only have been representatives
+of foreign Powers. He had often been distressed at seeing the Attachés
+undergoing many discomforts on the march. But it had shown him that
+they were officers devoted to their duty, and regardless of all
+discomforts. He had not heard complaint or murmur of discontent at
+their want of comfort, in fact, the only complaint made was one to
+Lord Downe in which Attachés represented to him that he, with a regard
+for their personal safety, had not allowed them to go as close as they
+could wish to the passing line. It had been a great pleasure to see
+them there that night, and he hoped before long to be able to
+entertain them again in Pretoria.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Stakovitch, the Russian Attaché, replied, saying how pleasant
+it had been for him and his comrades to accompany the British Army on
+their great and successful march. He thanked the Field Marshal for his
+kindness and courtesy to them, and wound up by proposing the health of
+Lord Roberts and his army, to which Lord Roberts made a suitable
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>The band of the Buffs played a selection of music during dinner.</p>
+
+<p>The Austrian Attaché was unavoidably absent, having left on a short
+visit to Capetown.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page131" name="page131"></a>(p. 131)</span> CHAPTER IX<br>
+<span class="title">"Oh, How Good it Was!"</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>All Ranks join our Corps of Contributors, and the Oasis of
+     Literature sparkles like a Fountain in a Desert.</i></p>
+
+<p>Generals, colonels, majors, captains, subalterns, privates, war
+correspondents who had not connected themselves with our venture,
+naval officers&mdash;all ranks and all sorts, suddenly rushed to our
+support, in consequence of my wail for help, and <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> took on an
+interest and importance proportionately greater, I think, than that of
+any newspaper then published in the language. Its circulation rose
+among the thousands whereas the largest daily distribution had been
+only 400 copies before the war.</p>
+
+<p>We numbered the paper of March 24th "No. 6," though it was in reality
+the eighth copy we had published, six being the number since we had
+enlarged it to its final size. I marvel at our success as I look back
+upon this number.</p>
+
+<p>Sir William Nicholson, K.C.B., wrote an appreciation of the character,
+life, and work of the late Sir William Lockhart; General Sir Henry E.
+Colvile sent us a double acrostic, which the Dutch ones among our
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page132" name="page132"></a>(p. 132)</span> eccentric compositors ruined so far beyond repair that it
+would not be just to reproduce its mangled remains; Mr. Lionel James,
+who had come over from the Natal side to further distinguish the staff
+of the <i>Times</i>, wrote upon the death of our gifted colleague, George
+W. Steevens. Rudyard Kipling contributed to this number the first of
+his delicious "Fables for the Staff"; a distinguished officer, who
+shall remain nameless in this connection, contributed an article on
+"Beards in War"; and Mr. Gwynne began a series of letters entitled "Is
+the Art of War Revolutionised?" written solely to interest the Army
+and spur its thinking men to respond.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. H. Prevost Battersby, of the London <i>Morning Post</i>, was another
+distinguished contributor to this number.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kipling now became a regular harnessed member of the four-in-hand
+team that pulled the paper. With pen in hand and pipe in mouth he sat
+at the larger of the two tables in our editorial poke-hole, and
+beginning with a "Now, what shall I do? Write a poem, fill out cables,
+or correct proofs?" would fall to and toil away with an enthusiasm
+born of the long time it had been since he had "smelled the sawdust of
+the ring."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how good it is to be at work in a newspaper office again!" he
+exclaimed on the first day, doubtless with recollections of the
+sanctum of the <i>Allahabad Pioneer</i> strong upon him, and the memory of
+the time when the precursors of the "Plain Tales" and of the Barrack
+Room Ballads were demanded of him almost every day, and gave him the
+practice to produce the carefully finished and matured work we are now
+seeing in the novel "Kim," at which he was at work&mdash;in the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page133" name="page133"></a>(p. 133)</span>
+laboratory of his mind&mdash;even as he sat with us in Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>We wondered at his enthusiasm, and, perhaps, had it not been of his
+doing, we should have resented the impetus it gave us to toil as never
+war correspondents worked before&mdash;all day for <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> and far into
+the nights to catch the mails with our home correspondence. But we
+soon came to see that the same tremendous energy and ceaseless flow of
+wit and fancy were his by nature, and would have found expression as
+well in a tent on the veldt as in that office. He was always while
+with us like a great healthy boy in spirits and vitality, good humour,
+and enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>With us he yelled "Haven't any; go to Barlow's shop around the
+corner," to the Tommies who trod on one another's heels to get copies
+of the paper from us who had not got them. With us he consigned the
+Dutch compositor to æons of boiling torment for the trouble his errors
+gave us. With us he entertained Lord Stanley, who now came, out of
+kindness, at noon every day, to save us the trouble of sending our
+proof-sheets over to him at his office. And from us he insisted upon
+taking all the "Tommy poetry," as we called it, that came to the
+office. When we derided much of it as outrageous twaddle, he praised
+its quality. On this day, I remember, we were belittling a particular
+poem that he was reading, and he called out, "Why, that is splendid
+stuff! Listen to these lines&mdash;'Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the
+waves: Britons never, never, never shall be slaves!'" The reader will
+not find this particular poem in this book, though it was put in <span class="smcap">The
+Friend</span> by our distinguished poetry editor.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page134" name="page134"></a>(p. 134)</span> THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2" title="Go to footnote 2"><span class="smaller">[2]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smcap">King Log and King Stork.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>I.</h4>
+
+<p>Certain Boers, having blown up a Bridge, departed in the Face of the
+British Army, which, arriving at that dynamited Place, made Outcry to
+the Gods, saying, "Oh, Jupiter, these Ruffians have blocked the
+Traffic, and we are vastly incommoded. Is there Anything worse than
+the Boer?"</p>
+
+<p>This being reported to the Railway Authorities, they caused a Railway
+Staff Officer to be sent to that Bridge with Instructions to
+facilitate Matters by all means in his Power.</p>
+
+<p>Later on They picked up What was left of the British Army in those
+parts&mdash;one dusty Shovelful, and its Lamentations were louder than
+before.</p>
+
+<p>"Ungrateful Wretches," said the Military Authorities; "what would you
+now have?"</p>
+
+<p>And the Remnant of the British with one Accord answered, "Give us back
+the Boer!"</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>COMMANDEERING.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem27">
+<p>Our hero was a Tommy, with a conscience free from care.<br>
+  And such an open countenance that when he breathed the air<br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page135" name="page135"></a>(p. 135)</span> He used up all the atmosphere&mdash;so little went to spare.<br>
+  You could hardly say he breathed,&mdash;he commandeered it.</p>
+
+<p>For, nowadays, you'll notice when a man is "on the make,"<br>
+  And other people's property is anxious for to take,<br>
+  We never use such words as steal, or "collar," "pinch," or "shake:"<br>
+  The fashion is to say he "commandeers" it.</p>
+
+<p>And our simple-minded hero used to grumble at his lot;<br>
+  Said he, "This commandeerin's just a little bit too hot.<br>
+  A fellow has to carry every blooming thing he's got,<br>
+  For whatever he lets fall they'll commandeer it."</p>
+
+<p>So, at last in desperation, this most simple-minded elf,<br>
+  He thought he'd do a little commandeering for himself;<br>
+  And the first thing that he noticed was a bottle on a shelf<br>
+  In a cottage, so he thought he'd commandeer it.</p>
+
+<p>"What ho!" says he, "a bottle! and, by George, it's full of beer!<br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page136" name="page136"></a>(p. 136)</span> And there's no commandin' officer to come and interfere.<br>
+  So here's my bloomin' health," says he; "I'm on the commandeer."<br>
+  And without another word he commandeered it.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Anonymous.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SIR WILLIAM LOCKHART.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY SIR WILLIAM NICHOLSON, K.C.B.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Sir William Lockhart's death, as recently announced in Army Orders,
+will be deeply deplored by his many friends in the Army in South
+Africa. It was known that he had been seriously ill last September,
+but he had seemingly recovered when he visited Burma in December. On
+his return to Calcutta in January, symptoms developed themselves which
+caused great anxiety, and, although he telegraphed to the effect that
+he hoped soon to be all right again, the end was not far distant.</p>
+
+<p>Apart from his ability as a soldier and administrator, Sir William
+Lockhart endeared himself to all who had the privilege of his personal
+acquaintance by his charming manners, his genial hospitality and his
+kindness of heart. Born in 1842, he joined the Indian Army in 1858,
+and during the Mutiny he was attached to the 7th Fusiliers. He
+afterwards served with the 26th Punjab Infantry, the 10th Bengal
+Lancers, and the 14th Bengal Lancers. He was employed on the Staff in
+the Abyssinian Expedition.</p>
+
+<p>When the Acheen War broke out he was attached to the Headquarters of
+the Dutch Force, where he <span class="pagenum"><a id="page137" name="page137"></a>(p. 137)</span> made himself extremely popular. It
+was interesting to hear him describe the Dutch method of fighting,
+which, as might be imagined, led to no decisive result. The climate
+being tropical, the Dutch would only attack the enemy in the early
+morning; the rest of the day being spent in camp. The enemy were more
+active, and caused the Dutch much annoyance by frequently disturbing
+their afternoon siesta. As no means of transport were asked for or
+provided, the campaign was of a purely defensive nature, and at the
+end of it things were virtually in the same state as at the beginning.</p>
+
+<p>After remaining in Acheen about eighteen months, Lockhart returned to
+India, where he joined the Quartermaster-General's Department, and at
+the beginning of the Afghan War he was chosen to take charge of the
+line of communications up the Khyber. He afterwards joined Lord
+Roberts' Staff as Assistant Quartermaster-General at Kabul, and for a
+short time acted as Chief of the Staff on Charles MacGregor being
+selected for the command of a brigade. In that capacity he had hoped
+to accompany his illustrious Chief in the march from Kabul to
+Kandahar, but General Chapman being his senior on the staff, it was
+decided, much to Lockhart's disappointment, that he should return to
+India as Chief of the Staff with the troops under Sir Donald Stewart's
+command.</p>
+
+<p>He received a C.B. and brevet Colonelcy for his services in
+Afghanistan, and was afterwards appointed Deputy Quartermaster-General
+for Intelligence at Army Headquarters, where he remained until 1886,
+when Lord Roberts became Commander-in-Chief in India in succession to
+Sir Donald Stewart. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page138" name="page138"></a>(p. 138)</span> He was then sent on an exploring
+expedition with the late Colonel Woodthorpe, R.E., to Chitral and
+Kafiristan, and the admirable report which he drew up was of the
+greatest value to the Government of India in considering what steps
+should be taken to guard the northern passes between the Pamirs and
+the Peshawar Valley.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to India, Lockhart was offered the
+Quartermaster-Generalship in that country, but he preferred the
+command of a Brigade in Burma, where he greatly distinguished himself
+by his activity in pursuit of Dacoits. His health, however, was
+undermined by continual attacks of fever, and he had to be invalided
+home, where, after a short interval, he became Assistant Military
+Secretary for India at the Horse Guards.</p>
+
+<p>After holding this post for a couple of years, he accepted the command
+of the Punjab Frontier Force, which was offered him by Lord Roberts,
+and in that capacity he commanded a brigade in the Black Mountain
+Expedition under the late Sir W. K. Elles, and held the chief command
+in the Waziristan and Isazai Expeditions. No abler or more sympathetic
+general ever commanded the Punjab Frontier Force; he was beloved alike
+by the British officers and the Native ranks; he maintained the
+traditions of the Force and raised it to the highest standard of
+efficiency; and when he left it he had good reason for regarding it,
+as he always did regard it, as the <i>corps d'élite</i> of the Indian Army.</p>
+
+<p>In April, 1895, the Presidential Armies were broken up and the Army
+Corps System was introduced, Sir William Lockhart being nominated to
+the command of the Forces in the Punjab. In this appointment <span class="pagenum"><a id="page139" name="page139"></a>(p. 139)</span>
+he displayed administrative talents of a high order, his main object
+being to decentralise responsibility and authority, and to diminish
+office work and official correspondence. It was in a great measure due
+to his efforts in this direction that the new system worked so
+smoothly. When he became Commander-in-Chief he kept the same end in
+view by granting the fullest possible powers to the
+Lieutenant-Generals of the four Commands and to the General Officers
+commanding Districts, and by insisting on their making use of those
+powers to the fullest extent.</p>
+
+<p>In March, 1897, Sir William Lockhart went home, having been advised to
+undergo a course of treatment at Nauheim. Meanwhile, disturbances took
+place along the North-West Frontier, which culminated in an outbreak
+of the Orakzaia and Afridis, and the capture by the latter of our
+posts in the Khyber Pass. In September he was hurriedly recalled to
+India for the purpose of commanding the Tirah Expeditionary Force.
+This is not the place to discuss the operations in Tirah, which were
+much criticised at home. The fact is that the British public had
+become so accustomed to almost bloodless victories over savage enemies
+that they failed to appreciate the extraordinary difficulties of the
+Afridi country, and the advantages to the defence which the possession
+of long-range rifles and smokeless powder confers. Moreover, there are
+no better marksmen in the world than the Afridis, who are born
+soldiers, and the mobility of hardy mountaineers in their native hills
+necessarily exceeds that of regular troops encumbered with baggage and
+supplies.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page140" name="page140"></a>(p. 140)</span> Anyhow, the result of the expedition fully justified the
+choice of its commander. The Afridis acknowledged themselves to be
+thoroughly beaten; and Sir William Lockhart's tact in dealing with
+them after they had submitted has led to the re-establishment of
+friendly relations between them and ourselves on a firmer basis than
+before. What their present attitude is may be judged from the fact
+that Yar Mahomed, the head of the Malikdin Khels, recently petitioned
+the Government of India to be allowed to raise 1,500 tribesmen for
+service in South Africa.</p>
+
+<p>On the conclusion of the Tirah campaign Sir William Lockhart took
+leave to England, and came out again as Commander-in-Chief in India in
+November, 1898. He died on the 18th of March, 1900. In him, as Lord
+Roberts has remarked in his Army Order of the 20th inst., "the
+soldiers in India have lost a friend, and the Indian Empire a trusted
+counsellor who cannot soon or easily be replaced."</p>
+
+<p>The late Commander-in-Chief was one of the few remaining
+representatives of the Quartermaster-General's Department in India,
+and to the admirable training which that department afforded much of
+his success as a soldier must be ascribed. No better school of
+practical instruction in Staff duties could be desired. Among its
+pupils may be mentioned Lord Roberts himself, Sir Charles MacGregor,
+Sir Herbert Stewart, Sir William Lockhart, and Sir Alfred Gaselee.
+Now, alas! it has been abolished, or, at least, incorporated in the
+Adjutant-General's Department.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page141" name="page141"></a>(p. 141)</span> THE QUARTERMASTER'S YARN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">E. J. K. NEWMAN, LIEUT. R.N.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Mr. Editor</span>,&mdash;The following lines were written by me on board the
+mail steamer, about two young soldiers now serving with the army:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="cpoem32">
+<p>'Twas on the deck, that around our ship, from the mast to the taffrail ran,<br>
+    I saw alone, in a chair (not their own), a tall young girl and a man.<br>
+    Her hair was light and fluffy and swarthy and dark was he,<br>
+    And I saw the coon, one afternoon, a-spooning that girl quite free.</p>
+
+<p>So I spotted a Quartermaster bold as he went from the wheel to tea,<br>
+    And I asked that Jack, if upon that tack, the passengers went to sea.<br>
+    "Lord love yer honour, we often sees that, the stewards and the likes of us;<br>
+    There's always couples a-spooning there, but we never makes no fuss.</p>
+
+<p>"If you look around, you'll see, I'll be bound, each day at a quarter to three,<br>
+    A tall young fellow with curly hair and a girl in black, quite young and fair,<br>
+  <span class="add4em">That's another couple," says he.</span><br>
+    "And every night, I assure you it's right, straight up on this deck they'll come<br>
+    And spoon around, till it's time to go down. One night 'twas a quarter to one."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page142" name="page142"></a>(p. 142)</span> "Now it suddenly struck me early one morn, this might be a serious thing.<br>
+    Perhaps they loves, these two little doves, and has offered them the ring.<br>
+    So I leaves them alone in the world of their own; and this 'twixt you and me,<br>
+    I hope I shall, by each little gal, to the wedding invited be."</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap">LATER.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Quartermaster brushed away a tear with his horny hand,<br>
+    The last couple now have had a row, and don't speak, I understand.<br>
+    'Tis not a fable, she won't sit at his table As she used to do of old;<br>
+    But has taken up with a married man, At least, so I've been told.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Old Salt.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE SECOND RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Friend</span>,&mdash;I suppose that General French and his lot think they
+relieved Kimberley? Well, that's all right, and in spite of his name
+being forrin, he's a good chap; so, as Billy the Sailor says, let's
+make it so. But I should like to know where would French be now if it
+wasn't for Billy and the Yank?</p>
+
+<p>Now, you being an up-to-date paper, we thought you might like to have
+an account of the battle which hasn't ever yet appeared in any paper
+in the world, yet, as our Adjutant would say, was the most
+strategically important part of the whole blooming show.</p>
+
+<p>It was me and Billy and the Yank. Billy's a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page143" name="page143"></a>(p. 143)</span> sailor&mdash;says he
+was leftenant in the Navy, and I really believe he might have been&mdash;he
+couldn't have learnt to ride so badly anywhere else, and how he faked
+himself through the riding test is a miracle&mdash;then his langwidge is
+beautiful. The Yank's a Yank; you can tell that by his langwidge, too,
+and me being an old soldier (12 years in the Buffs and discharge
+certificate all correct), I was made No. 1 of our section; our No. 4
+was an Irishman we left behind at Orange with a broken head, all
+through fighting outside the Canteen.</p>
+
+<p>Well, when French left Modder, February 15th, we hadn't a horse among
+the three of us fit to carry his own skin; so there we was left. Our
+troop leader said he hoped to Heaven he'd seen the last of us, but all
+the same he gave us a written order, correct enough, to catch up the
+squadron as soon as possible. There wasn't much doing all day, barring
+a bit of cooking, but that evening we was sitting round the fire when
+an M.I. chap comes round and says he's heard there'd be free drinks
+for the Relief Force in Kimberley, and perhaps our pals was drinking
+'em now. That was the first time our Billy really woke up all day.
+"Free drinks," sezee; "that's my sailing orders." Me and the Yank
+didn't mind, so we sounds boot and saddle to ourselves in the dark,
+and off we slips without a word to nobody. My horse seemed cheered up
+by the day's rest, but before I'd gone half a mile I found I got the
+wrong horse by mistake! and you'll hardly believe that both Billy and
+the Yank had made mistakes too! Lor', how we did laugh! but there,
+there ain't no accounting for horses in the dark.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page144" name="page144"></a>(p. 144)</span> We each had our own notions of the road; the Yank swore he
+was tracking the big English cavalry horses; Billy was steering Nor'
+Wes' by Nor' on some star or other; and I didn't want to argufy, so I
+just shoves on a couple of lengths and marched on the Kimberley
+flashlight.</p>
+
+<p>We was going a fair pace too ("making six knots"), and had done near
+two hours, when all of a sudden we comes over a kopje right on to the
+top of a bivouack, fires and all.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's get"&mdash;"Go astern"&mdash;"Sections about"&mdash;and we did so, back behind
+the kopje, linked horses, and crawled up again on our hands and knees.</p>
+
+<p>"First thing," says I, quoting our Adjutant, "is to kalkulate the
+numbers of the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty thousand," says Billy, who always did reckon a bit large.
+"Make it hundreds," says the Yank, sneering&mdash;"and I wouldn't mind
+betting a pint myself that there was the best part of two dozen of
+'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Next point," says I, "who are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"I bleeve they're Highlanders, after all," says Billy; "see the way
+they're lowering whisky out of them bottles."</p>
+
+<p>"Well then," says the Yank, "you'd better ride up and say you're the
+General, and they'll drop the whisky and run."</p>
+
+<p>"Highlanders," says I, "don't care a cuss for Boers nor Generals, but
+say you're the Provost Marshal and they won't stop running this side
+of Kimberley."</p>
+
+<p>"Those men, sir," says the Yank, "air not Highlanders. Billy's eyes
+was took with them bottles and got no further. Those men don't wear
+leg curtains, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page145" name="page145"></a>(p. 145)</span> nor even loud checked bags. They air Boers."
+And by Jove he was right.</p>
+
+<p>"Well then," says I, getting back to point three, "what's their
+position?"</p>
+
+<p>"Straight there," says the Yank. "Mostly lying on their stummicks,"
+says Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends," says I, "if your Adjutant should hear you now he'd break
+his blighted heart. Look here, there's General French lowering free
+drinks in Kimberley, ain't he? There's the British infantry at Modder,
+ten miles back, ain't they? And there's twenty thousand Boers plunk in
+the middle, ain't they? That means, as Adjy would say, General French
+is busted. Vaultin' ambition! Another orful disaster!"</p>
+
+<p>"My friends, we must reskew General French."</p>
+
+<p>"General be blowed!" says Billy; "let's reskew the whisky."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, bein' agreed on reskewin', wot's our plan of battle? A frontal
+attack is always to be depre&mdash;well, something that means it's a bally
+error." "Take 'em on the starboard quarter, then."</p>
+
+<p>"But the first principel of tactics is to mystify and mislead the
+foe."</p>
+
+<p>So far the Yank had been lying rather low, but now he chips in&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Say, chum, you've pegged it out straight there, and if it ain't
+jumping your claim, I'll carry on the working." He did know a bit, the
+Yank did, and we'd fixed up the job in no time. He'd a bag of about a
+hundred loose cartridges he'd been carrying for days, and in two
+minutes he'd a nice hot glowing fire right down in a cleft behind the
+kopjy where it didn't show a bit. "Now boys," says I, taking command
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page146" name="page146"></a>(p. 146)</span> again, "that bag of cartridges on the top of that fire will
+make as much musketry noise as a brigade fits of joy. We'll let them
+have a few real bullets bang in the middle to help out the illooshun.
+We're three full battalions advancing to attack, and mind you let them
+hear it; not a word till the first cartridge pops off, and then all
+the noise you know."</p>
+
+<p>We extended to fifty paces. Billy said it would come more natural if
+he was the Naval Brigade, and we puts him on the right. The Yank
+wanted to be the "Fighting Fifth," it reminded him somehow of fighting
+Stonewall Jackson down South; and the old Buffs was good enough for
+me, and I took the left. When we'd fixed our places up nicely and
+charged magazines, the Yank slips back to our fire and plunks the bag
+of cartridges down in the middle. Then we waited what seemed like a
+year.</p>
+
+<p>"Bang!" from the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"At 'em, my hearties!" roared the Naval Brigade; "broadside
+fire&mdash;don't lay on the whisky&mdash;well done, <i>Condor</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Steady the Buffs," says I; "volley firing with
+magazines&mdash;ready&mdash;fixed sights&mdash;at that fat old buster next the
+fire&mdash;present&mdash;Fire!" and sooting the action to the word I let the old
+buster have a volley in the fattest part.</p>
+
+<p>The Fighting Fifth didn't make much noise, but was shooting straight
+enough.</p>
+
+<p>Those cartridges went off so quick, once they'd started, that I knew
+they couldn't last long, so I gives 'em one more file of my magazine
+and then whistles on my fingers, "Cease fire!"&mdash;pop went the last
+cartridge on the fire&mdash;"Who's that silly blighter firin' after the
+whistle goes?&mdash;take his name, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page147" name="page147"></a>(p. 147)</span> Sergeant-Majer&mdash;Now, Buffs,
+fix bayonets&mdash;prepare to charge!"</p>
+
+<p>"Avast heaving, full speed ahead and ram them!" yells the Naval
+Brigade. But the Boers didn't wait for that&mdash;what with the dark, and
+surprise and noise, let alone a few real bullets, they had gone for
+their horses and were moving hard.</p>
+
+<p>"Now then, Lancers!" I holloared, "round our left flank and pursue
+them to the devil!" That was just enough to prevent them turning their
+heads for the first mile or so. Then our brigade reforms and went down
+the hill to tally up the loot. There was half a dozen cripples, none
+of them bad, half a dozen knee-haltered horses, a pot of stew on the
+fire, and half a dozen black bottles. The Fighting Fifth, who was a
+kind-hearted chap in his way, turned over the wounded, gave them a sup
+of water, and tied them up with bits of their own shirts. The Naval
+Brigade had sweated through everything it had on, barrin' its rifle,
+just out of pure excitement, and it went for the bottles like a
+cartload of bricks. Blessed if they weren't <i>Dop</i>!<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3" title="Go to footnote 3"><span class="smaller">[3]</span></a> "Never mind,"
+says the Naval Brigade, "if the quality ain't up to Admiralty pattern,
+we'll have to issue a double ration"&mdash;and he did&mdash;so help me!
+Meanwhile the Buffs had collected the horses and picked out a nice
+little chestnut for myself. After that the Brigade fell out and
+enjoyed itself.</p>
+
+<p>But we couldn't waste too much time, so after half an hour we changed
+saddles, packed the <i>dop</i> in our wallets, and hoisted the Naval
+Brigade on board. The whole way to Kimberley he was fighting the
+<i>Condor</i> against the combined land and sea forces of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page148" name="page148"></a>(p. 148)</span> all
+creation&mdash;even the Yank laughed fit to burst. I do believe Billy might
+have been a commander&mdash;one can't learn langwidge like that, even in
+the Navy, under a longish time.</p>
+
+<p>Well, we fetched Kimberley about reveille after falling off our horses
+now and then, and we gives the Sergeant-Major half a bottle to look
+pleasant. Up we goes before the troop leader, who looked a bit glum at
+his own written order, but cheered up when I hands over three spare
+Boer horses we'd brought along.</p>
+
+<p>"If I hear any more of this damfoolishness," sezee, "I'll hang the lot
+of you; so you'd better take care that nobody knows of it." He's
+almost as hard as the Adjy.</p>
+
+<p>Well, that's why we don't say what Regiment we belong to. But just to
+give the devil his jew we don't see why General French gets all the
+telegrams from the Queen and Lord Mayors&mdash;and we ain't even had our
+chocolate served out yet.</p>
+
+<p>But this is the truth&mdash;Billy and the Yank'll both swear to it.</p>
+
+<p>Yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Number One.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>1.&mdash;<i>Infantry.</i></h4>
+
+<p>Since the days of bows and arrows the art of war has been gradually
+developing. The arquebus followed the silent bow, and perhaps it may
+be said that this change was the most revolutionary change ever
+experienced in the history of warfare. But the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page149" name="page149"></a>(p. 149)</span> arquebus
+could not effectively prevent the opposing forces from coming to close
+quarters, and therefore the strong man with a thorough knowledge of
+the use of the <i>arme blanche</i>&mdash;be it pike, sword, or spear&mdash;was the
+mainstay of their armies. With the successive introduction of the
+matchlock, Brown Bess, and the host of old muzzle-loading rifles, up
+to the time when the Snider rifle came into use, still the same
+conditions of fighting remained. By the same conditions I mean the
+following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>(1) The enemy, when firing at an effective range, was visible to the
+naked eye of his opponent.</p>
+
+<p>(2) Even when concealed behind cover the smoke of his rifle easily
+disclosed his position.</p>
+
+<p>(3) Neither the accuracy nor the rapidity of fire was sufficient to
+make an attack across open ground by a slightly superior force
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p>The introduction of the Martini-Henry completely altered at least the
+third of these conditions, but owing to the fact that no European war
+of great importance was fought with Martini-Henrys, the change was not
+brought home to military theorists. It is true that the Turks fought
+the Greeks with the Martini and the Gras rifles, but the war was not
+serious, and the Greeks never held even their entrenched positions
+with sufficient tenacity to bring home to the world the fact that an
+advance across the open towards an enemy under cover was becoming more
+and more impossible.</p>
+
+<p>But smokeless powder and the long range rifle brought with them
+changes which do not appear to be properly understood. In the first
+place, it may be laid down as an axiom of warfare that the area of
+effective rifle fire (and indeed of any fire) is restricted <span class="pagenum"><a id="page150" name="page150"></a>(p. 150)</span>
+by the areas of vision. During the present war it has become evident
+to those who have studied the question, that the dangerous zone of
+fire with modern rifles is not, as was at first supposed, within the
+1,000 yards range, but within 1,500 or even 1,600 yards.</p>
+
+<p>To advance in the open against an enemy, even when that enemy is not
+under cover but simply lying on the ground, involves one of two
+alternatives. Either the advancing force is annihilated by the time it
+gets to within 500 yards of the enemy, or it is forced to lie down
+1,500 yards away or less and return the enemy's fire. But the latter
+alternative produces a state of things which has never been known in
+the history of war. Both the advancing and the expectant forces are
+put out of action. Neither can advance and, what is more serious
+still, neither can <i>retire</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This contingency opened up an entirely new field of tactics. The
+general who can, with a smaller force, succeed in putting out of
+action, at least for the time being, a greater force of his opponent,
+is more likely to win his battle. In the future, the curious sight
+will be seen of regiments or even brigades lying flat on the ground,
+doing little damage to the enemy and suffering little loss, and yet
+being as useless to their general as if they were snoring in their
+barracks at home. Perhaps this is too sweeping, for their presence in
+front of the enemy will have the advantage of containing him, but in
+the open, across which an enemy has to advance, a containing force of
+a proportion of one man to five of the enemy is quite sufficient.
+Therefore the use of a brigade to contain a brigade would <span class="pagenum"><a id="page151" name="page151"></a>(p. 151)</span> be
+a waste of material. Even those of us who have followed closely and
+carefully all the stages of the campaign do not yet perceive the
+magnitude of the changes involved by the use of modern rifles, but
+they appear to me to be so radical that instead of describing them as
+fresh developments, I would prefer to give an affirmative answer to
+the title of this article.</p>
+
+<p>But there yet remains to be discussed the question of the <i>arme
+blanche</i>&mdash;the bayonet, the weapon with which our gallant army has won
+so many of its victories. I have heard not a few officers declare that
+this war will be known in history as the last war in which a British
+soldier carried a bayonet. But is the discarding of the bayonet to be
+one of the results of the use of the new rifle and the smokeless
+powder? When fighting against an enemy who does not carry it, the
+force which is armed with a bayonet has a tremendous moral
+superiority. In the present war, there have been one or two
+cases&mdash;one, particularly, at Slingersfontein&mdash;where the Boer has made
+a frontal attack on a prepared position held by us. The attacks have
+always been made along the tops of kopjes which afforded excellent
+cover for a stealthy advance. The obvious way to meet such attacks was
+to wait until the enemy came close enough to allow the use of the
+bayonet, and this was done with great success at Slingersfontein. So
+that it may be laid down that in cases where one only of two opposing
+forces is armed with the bayonet, it is obviously to its advantage
+that the enemy should in attacking come to close quarters.</p>
+
+<p>It is, equally, to the manifest advantage of the defending force, if
+unarmed with the bayonet, to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page152" name="page152"></a>(p. 152)</span> prevent, with heavy rifle fire,
+the enemy from being able to use the bayonet. But in my humble
+opinion, the bayonet will not be discarded for a long time. In the
+first place, the best tactician in the world cannot always prevent,
+even with modern rifles, such things as surprises, and small bodies of
+men might still, even under the new conditions, be able to get
+unperceived into close quarters with the enemy. But the greatest
+reason for its retention is that night attacks are still possible, and
+in night attacks the bayonet is undoubtedly the weapon to be used. The
+very mention, however, of night attacks opens up a long vista of
+discussion and arguments which I do not wish to raise. I am aware that
+there are many prominent soldiers who will have nothing to say to
+night attacks and condemn them lock, stock and barrel, but they can
+never be eliminated from the already long list of the contingencies of
+warfare. Until something is mooted which will render night attacks
+absolutely impossible, so long will the bayonet be retained.</p>
+
+<p>But perhaps the most radical changes effected by the use of the long
+range rifle will be in purely regimental organisation. A company now
+extends for the attack over a space of over half a mile. The ordinary
+complement of officers assigned to a company can never hope to control
+the whole of it. What is the remedy? And how are we to bring up
+ammunition to the firing line, or carry away our wounded from it? Can
+a regiment extended for the attack eight paces apart act as a
+regiment, or in the future is the company to be the biggest infantry
+unit in action? All these questions spring from the experiences of the
+present campaign, and it is to be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page153" name="page153"></a>(p. 153)</span> hoped that they will be
+answered by those whose experience in the many engagements against the
+enemy will give value and force to their words.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FROM ENSLIN TO BOBSFONTEIN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. PREVOST BATTERSBY.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Received orders at 10 a.m. to proceed at once to Ram Dam and to join
+the main column as soon as possible. Requisitioned for transport
+immediately and supplied at 6 p.m. with about four dozen small
+dilapidated hair trunks, misnamed mules, which looked as if they
+required three square meals rolled into one, and a fortnight in bed!
+No self-respecting cat would have looked at them twice, even cold on a
+wooden skewer!</p>
+
+<p>Made a disastrous stand at 8 p.m., as we succeeded in losing our way
+in the record time of fifteen minutes, thanks to having no guide and
+to a flighty and uncertain young moon, which insisted on playing hide
+and seek at the most awkward times. However, we struck the wire at
+last, not the barbed variety fortunately, and had brief periods of
+comparatively smooth going, variegated by such trifling mishaps as a
+broken trace, falling mule, or mule and harness so mixed up that we
+couldn't distinguish which was harness and which was mule and
+requiring careful sorting out! Veldt stones were also somewhat
+inconvenient, as they vary in size to anything above or below a
+Pickford van. However, it was a fine night and the mules almost seemed
+to warm to their work, racing along in great style at fully three
+miles an hour on a smoothish bit of road and appreciably downhill!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page154" name="page154"></a>(p. 154)</span> What rapture to be out on the starry veldt and to have left
+that Enslin "News"&mdash;the transport lines&mdash;miles (five and a doubtful
+bit) behind us. Shortly afterwards the moon again appeared, and we
+proceeded to negotiate a very promising nullah with gently sloping
+sides. Full speed ahead and up we go, but, alas! the latter part of
+our programme was somewhat disarranged, like Labby's furniture at
+Northampton, owing to the fact that buck waggons and mule transport
+are not adapted to racing through a truckload of sand of uncertain
+depth but of certain difficulty! However, "man the wheels and shove
+behind" was the natural sequence of events, and when the mules ceased
+pulling in every direction except the right one from sheer exhaustion,
+a few judicious cracks of the sjambok, together with a few different
+languages, mostly bad, and up we eventually did go.</p>
+
+<p>A wide stretch of perfectly flat veldt lay before us, and we shortly
+lost both moon and wire simultaneously. Some one suggested "follow the
+track": valuable advice, but difficult to carry out, as there happened
+to be about fourteen of them, and all in different directions.
+Pleasant predicament to be in: 1 a.m., cloudy sky, and lost on the
+anything but trackless veldt! Feel about as comfortable as the man who
+was going to be hanged at 8 a.m. Finally decided to proceed at right
+angles, and return our wrong way if necessary, and succeeded in
+finding that precious wire at last. Persistency is the road to
+success, but what about an old hen sitting on a china egg?</p>
+
+<p>Moon on the wane, but reached Ram Dam at 3 a.m., and all of us
+surprised and delighted to get <span class="pagenum"><a id="page155" name="page155"></a>(p. 155)</span> there, as it would have very
+shortly been a case of the "light that failed!" Ram Dam itself looks
+like a remarkably <i>low</i> Thames somewhere near the Isle of Dogs, but
+glad to get anywhere, and ready to eat or drink anything.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>G. W. STEEVENS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY LIONEL JAMES.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>With an Original Verse by Rudyard Kipling.</i><a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4" title="Go to footnote 4"><span class="smaller">[4]</span></a>)</p>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>Through war and pestilence, red siege and fire,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Silent and self-contained he drew his breath.</span><br>
+  Too brave for show of courage&mdash;his desire<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Truth as he saw it, even to the death.</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Rudyard Kipling.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>There is a pretty little cypress grove nestling under the shadow of
+one of the Ladysmith defences. A peaceful oasis&mdash;green where the land
+is parched and dry. It is God's acre. Before shaking the dust of
+Ladysmith from off my feet for ever, I turned my pony's head towards
+the green. The little animal seemed to know the way, and well he
+should, for the melancholy journey to the cemetery had been frequent
+during the latter period of the siege. I tied the pony to the rail and
+passed in under the shadow of the cypresses. The interior of the
+enclosure was one stretch of new-turned earth. The turf seemed all
+exhausted. The dainty cemetery of three months ago had now the
+appearance of a badly harrowed field. In places a rough cross marked
+the last resting-place of the victims of war and pestilence, a few had
+the names just scrawled <span class="pagenum"><a id="page156" name="page156"></a>(p. 156)</span> upon a chip of wood; the majority
+lay unnamed&mdash;the price of Empire keeping: a nameless grave!</p>
+
+<p>I passed down the clay trodden pathway. The brief legends
+ran&mdash;Egerton, Lafone, Watson, Field, Dalzel, Dick-Cunyngham, Digby
+Jones, Adams&mdash;but why name them? They were all men whom three months
+ago I had called my friends. Then I found the spot for which I
+searched&mdash;a plain wooden cross inscribed G. W. Steevens, and a date.
+What an end&mdash;six feet of Ladysmith's miserable soil! It was too cruel.
+My memory carried me back to the brave companion and upright colleague
+who was gone, and to the manner of his death&mdash;the man who had raced
+with the Cameron Highlanders for Mahmoud's zareba; who had stood with
+his hands in his pockets when it seemed that it must be but a matter
+of minutes before Wad Helu swallowed up Macdonald's Soudanese brigade.
+The man who had scorned death on Elandslaagte's crest lay there a
+victim to pestilential Ladysmith. If the spare frame had been as stout
+as the heart which it contained, that miserable rat-hole could not
+have brought about the end. Poor Steevens&mdash;how he strove to live! For
+a month he lay and fought the battle for life. And then when all
+seemed well, and we looked for the day that we should have him back
+again, he quietly faded under a relapse.</p>
+
+<p>Doctors could do no more, and at four in the afternoon of the fatal
+day it was evident that the end was near. Maud, who had nursed him
+with a devotion unsurpassed, was deputed to break the news. He came to
+the bedside and suggested that Steevens should dictate a wire to his
+people at home. The patient looked up suddenly, and in a moment
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page157" name="page157"></a>(p. 157)</span> was conscious of the sinister purport of the request. The
+conversation which ensued was something of the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the end?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud nodded assent.</p>
+
+<p>"Will it be soon?"</p>
+
+<p>Again Maud nodded assent.</p>
+
+<p>Steevens turned wearily, and remarked, "Well, it is a strange sideway
+out!" Then there passed over his face an expression which plainly
+read, "I will not die!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned to Maud and said, almost gaily, "Let's have a drink."</p>
+
+<p>Maud opened a new bottle of champagne and poured out half a glass.
+Steevens sipped it, and noticing that Maud had no glass, remarked,
+"You are not drinking!"</p>
+
+<p>He seemed better after the wine, and when the last message was
+dictated he was still struggling for life; but the disease had the
+upper hand, and he sank into unconsciousness which was never broken
+until he passed away in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>We buried him at midnight. As we took him down to the cypress grove,
+it seemed that the enemy paid tribute to our sorrow, for their
+searchlight played full upon the mournful cavalcade as it wound into
+the open.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SHOULD BEARDS BE WORN IN WAR?</h3>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March 23, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;A distinguished General Officer&mdash;who is also an exceedingly
+clever man&mdash;was issuing orders on one occasion. "I have no wish," said
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page158" name="page158"></a>(p. 158)</span> he, "to interfere with the time-honoured Custom which
+ordains that heroes may be dirty; but, until they become heroes, I see
+no reason why they should not try and look like soldiers. The troops
+under my command will, therefore, shave until they arrive at the
+actual front."</p>
+
+<p>This witty sentence provides me with an admirable text for a sermon on
+a subject very near my heart. Our troops have, indeed, proved
+themselves heroes. Whatever may be the opinion expressed now and
+hereafter upon many things in the conduct of this war, upon one thing
+there can be no dissentient voice&mdash;I refer to the splendid heroism of
+our troops. Yes, sir, they are heroes. But why, oh! why do they not
+try and look like soldiers too? Why should the erstwhile smart
+Guardsman, the dandy Highlander, the dapper Horseman, adopt the facial
+disguise of a poacher out of luck, or rather&mdash;for the beard is not a
+good one&mdash;of a member of the criminal classes previous to the Saturday
+evening's ablutions? Surely soap can be purchased, razors ground, and
+water heated.</p>
+
+<p>It is universally admitted that one of the chief duties of a soldier
+is to be smart in his appearance, and the fact that on active service
+there may be some difficulty is surely no excuse for its neglect. In
+all other periods of the world's history shaving was looked upon as
+one of the chiefest necessities in time of war. Napoleon's Old Guard
+shaved, as is well known, throughout the entire retreat from Moscow;
+there was not a hair upon the faces of Hannibal's legions the day
+after the famous crossing of the Alps, while Caesar's well-known
+order, "Ut barbas tondeant," must be familiar to every schoolboy.
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page159" name="page159"></a>(p. 159)</span> I might come down to our own times and quote the Queen's
+Regulations, but I refrain from doing so lest I should be accused of
+priggishness.</p>
+
+<p>It is, I do not hesitate to say, horrible to me to see the unkempt
+appearance of those who might be&mdash;and are at other times&mdash;the
+finest-looking troops in the world. I feel inclined to say, in the
+words of Scripture, "Tarry ye at Jericho until (and after) your beards
+be grown."</p>
+
+<p>I hope, sir, you will forgive this somewhat lengthy letter, but the
+subject is, as I have said already, very near my heart. No one ever
+has looked well in a beard, and no one ever will, and until our
+officers recognise this fact and set an example of spruceness for
+their men to follow, the army in South Africa must remain an eyesore
+to all who share the opinions of</p>
+
+<p>Your obedient servant,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Field Officer.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page160" name="page160"></a>(p. 160)</span> CHAPTER X<br>
+<span class="title">I Visit Miss Bloemfontein</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>And I also here discuss that irreconcilable maiden, Lord
+     Stanley, and our own behaviour.</i></p>
+
+<p>We published in the next issue, No. II, of March 26th, a letter by
+"Miss Uitlander" (pronounced in that country "Aitlander"). It was as
+genuine a production of the young womanhood of the town as that of
+"Miss Bloemfontein" had been, and it would have been wholly to our
+liking had it been as exceptional and bold a bit of work as the other,
+for it was, naturally, very pro-English. Suffice it to say that it
+answered and contradicted the Boer sentiments with vigour.</p>
+
+<a id="img006" name="img006"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img006.jpg" width="250" height="415" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>Miss Bloemfontein.</i><br>
+(<i>A Portrayal of a Type, by Lester Ralph.</i>)</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This reminded us that we were to enjoy no more communications from the
+sprightly and talented Miss Bloemfontein. Most gallantly we had
+resolved to allow her the last word and there end the correspondence;
+but she had remained silent, leaving us with that "last word" which
+we, like simpletons, had never doubted that she would claim as hers by
+right of her womanhood. She was laughing at the predicament in which
+she had abandoned us, for she was wide awake at all points.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page161" name="page161"></a>(p. 161)</span> She had done me the honour to ask me to call upon her and&mdash;in
+this the laugh was on my side&mdash;then had repented of it. She repented
+because, in my reply to her communication, I had addressed her as
+"sweetheart" and had called her "dear." It had happened that when she
+wrote to the paper she let a few close friends into the secret, and
+these, when they read my lover's terms addressed to her, made haste to
+twit her upon the publicity of these verbal caresses, so that from
+rose-and-pearl she became peony red and hot of cheeks, and not nearly
+as desirous of seeing me as before my second letter saw the light.</p>
+
+<p>However, I went to her home and found it very prettily appointed and
+comfortable, with an admiring family gathered around their girlish
+idol who had been to London, and who sang sweetly, played the piano
+deftly, and seemed to have read at least a little upon many subjects.
+She was, I should say, seventeen or eighteen, a pure blonde, still
+very girlish both in face and figure. I spent a pleasant hour in her
+company, and an English officer who called there at the same time
+endeavoured to persuade her to make up a party for afternoon tea at
+his regimental camp near the town. But her mother had announced that
+she could not bear to walk in the streets and see the British soldiers
+disfiguring the once hallowed scenery of the place, so it was perhaps,
+no wonder that Miss Bloemfontein declined to take afternoon tea with
+those enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not do anything to encourage or recognise their presence," she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"When your mother is not looking, I am going to whisper something to
+you," I remarked. "Now is my <span class="pagenum"><a id="page162" name="page162"></a>(p. 162)</span> time. It is this: You are a
+little fraud; you are no Boer at all."</p>
+
+<p>I intended to continue by explaining that a girl so clever and well
+read, and who lived amid such refined surroundings, could not possibly
+sympathise with the rude and ignorant people of the veldt. But she
+suspected that I meant something different.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean because I am a Jewess," she said.</p>
+
+<p>And then came the most comical closing of this very peculiar episode.
+She, who elected herself to be the champion of the Boers, was a
+Jewess, and I, who wooed her supposed sisterhood as an English adorer,
+am an American.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, well, little Miss Bloemfontein, I was at least genuine in standing
+up for liberty, justice, and the highest principles of good
+government. They are the prizes that are guarded by my flag as well as
+by the one which floats over your town. And if you were as earnest in
+your sympathy for the Boers it was either because you had been
+deceived by them as to the causes of the war and the issues at stake,
+or else it was because your loyalty to the friends of a lifetime
+outweighed all else. May we not, then, part here with mutual esteem
+and respect?</p>
+
+<p>In this number we published two contributions by Mr. Kipling, a second
+one of the "Fables for the Staff" and some "Kopje-book Maxims." All of
+us tried to assist at the framing of these maxims, but, though we
+suggested two or three (Mr. Landon being the most fertile at the time)
+Mr. Kipling shaped them all in his own way and with a readiness and
+ease which excelled any work of composition that I have ever seen done
+by any writer in all my experience. It was said of him <span class="pagenum"><a id="page163" name="page163"></a>(p. 163)</span> three
+or four years ago that he was then writing too much, but it will
+always seem to us that his difficulty must be in restraining himself,
+and in publishing only the best that wells from his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Another peculiarity that we noticed was that he would, by preference,
+carry forward two or three manuscripts at once and would write, now at
+one, and presently at another. The "Kopje-book maxims" reveal this
+breadth and variety of his mental processes to whoever is able to
+understand the fine shadings of the meanings of them all, and to those
+who can comprehend the fact that they were literally "dashed off" hot,
+like sparks under a smith's hammer. If these mere playthings of his
+pen, done as part of our merry and careless morning's work, were
+forced to stand as specimen products of the methods of this master
+writer, an injustice to him would follow. The point is that his
+methods are the same, and his mind works with similar freedom and
+celerity, at all times, and at whatever he does; at least so far as we
+were able to judge. But what he wrote for <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was finished and
+published on the instant without the after-polishing and refinement of
+the flawless work which has made him world-famous.</p>
+
+<p>In this same number we printed an interesting forecast of the future
+of the Free State by Mr. Fred J. Engelbach. An officer sent us a
+jocular account of the amazingly plucky work being done by the
+Ordnance Survey&mdash;and particularly of one feat by Major Jackson, R.E.
+We also published, from my pen, a short warning to the soldiers not to
+drink the water out of certain wells which had for years been known to
+contain the germs of enteric. I learned the fact during my visit to
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page164" name="page164"></a>(p. 164)</span> my "sweetheart," Miss Bloemfontein, and as I look back, now,
+upon that paragraph I almost shudder to think how little we dreamed
+that in a few weeks 7,000 men of our force would be down with that
+dread disease.</p>
+
+<p>I have referred to the fact that Lord Stanley came every day at noon
+to overlook what we had done. I would ask for nothing more amusing
+than to have heard his gossip at the Residency upon the manner in
+which he found <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> to be conducted and produced. The truth was
+that we had finished everything for the day, except the interminable
+proof-reading, by the time he reached what the country editor
+grandiloquently refers to as "our sanctum sanctorum." In consequence
+he always caught us just as we were looking up from our desks and
+taking a deep breath of relief.</p>
+
+<p>We who have been bred in this profession may not realise just what
+applause is to an actor, or what there may be to a mariner in the
+movement and breath of the ocean; but we fully realise that journalism
+is perhaps the only calling that men find as full of fun as it is of
+hard work. The company of bright minds, certain to be sanguine and
+optimistic, the excitement produced by unexpected news, the rush to
+prepare it most attractively and against time, the thousand
+unpublishable conceits and views and arguments that leap to the mind
+and are discussed in council, the freaks and blunders of the reporters
+and contributors&mdash;all these elements are in the cup of joy that a
+journalist drinks off every day.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore when Lord Stanley came he was certain to find us merry and
+voluble and prankish. He may <span class="pagenum"><a id="page165" name="page165"></a>(p. 165)</span> have imagined that we must
+perforce be grave&mdash;we to whom was given the high and almost religious
+right to speak for an empire and an army, and to conduct a British
+organ in so delicate a situation as was ours among the Boers&mdash;neither
+offending them nor giving them a chance to find a flaw in the practice
+of our principles. Grave enough was that part of our work which we
+meant to be so.</p>
+
+<p>Serious in its strain upon us and important in its effort to rest and
+inform and recreate the soldiers, was most of what we did. But it is a
+habit of the journalist's mind and a result of his work that he shall
+be or become a philosopher, viewing the world as it is, no matter how
+differently he may present it to a duller and more conservative
+public.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore Lord Stanley found us declaiming soldier poetry, writing
+nonsense verses, drawing caricatures of one another, telling stories,
+behaving like men without a care on their minds. We realised that he
+must be shocked at us&mdash;and we voted that he behaved very well under
+the circumstances. He usually came in with a quick step and an air of
+business. We delayed him with chaff which he seemed always at a loss
+to understand at first. He got at our bundles of proof-sheets and he
+applied himself to them most gravely. By and by he began to catch the
+contagion of our spirits, his eye wandered from the sheets, he
+wavered&mdash;he began to join in our talk. "Is there anything else&mdash;or
+anything you are in doubt about?" he would ask. He believed us when we
+answered him, for he knew that we understood what not to publish. In
+that mutual trust and confidence there grew up a relation between us
+and himself which was dearly prized by us, and which we hope he
+esteemed as highly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page166" name="page166"></a>(p. 166)</span> Once he told us that there had been complaint of a
+mock-speech by the German Emperor which some one had written among a
+lot of pretended cablegrams avowedly fanciful. Once he declined to
+publish a mild attack of mine upon Mr. Winston S. Churchill for
+finding fault with our army chaplains. At another time, upon the
+ground of prudence, he threw out an article upon our treasonous
+colonists which we copied from an Afrikander exchange. Apart from
+these slight exercises of his power he passed all our work, though it
+was as big in bulk as the "Newcomes" and "Vanity Fair" rolled
+together&mdash;300,000 words&mdash;ten columns a day for nearly thirty days!</p>
+
+<p>I have called the censor's office a "hole in a wall," but our
+<i>sanctum</i> was not half as neat or presentable. Whoever has carried the
+collecting mania into the study of country newspaper offices has
+noticed how one never differs from another. The greasy smell of
+printer's ink, the distempered walls stuck over here and there with
+placards and the imprint of inky fingers, the gaping fireplace, the
+bare, littered floor, the table all cut on top and chipped at the
+edges, the bottomless chairs with varying degrees of further
+dismemberment, the "clank&mdash;clank" of the press in the next room&mdash;these
+are the proofs positive of genuine country newspaper offices the world
+around&mdash;from Simla to Bismarck, Dakota, and back again. And the office
+of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was like all the rest.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page167" name="page167"></a>(p. 167)</span> THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5" title="Go to footnote 5"><span class="smaller">[5]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smcap">The Elephant and the Lark's Nest.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>II.</h4>
+
+<p>A discriminating Boer, having laid a Nestfull of valuable and
+informing Eggs, fled across the Horizon under pressure of necessity,
+leaving his Nest in a secluded Spot, where it was discovered by a
+Disinterested Observer who reported the same to an Intelligence
+Officer. The Latter arriving at his Leisure with a great Pomposity
+said: "See me hatch!" and sitting down without reserve converted the
+entire Output into an unnecessary Omelette.</p>
+
+<p>After the Mess was removed, the Disinterested Observer observed: "Had
+you approached this matter in another spirit you might have obtained
+Valuable Information."</p>
+
+<p>"That," replied the Intelligence Officer, "shows your narrow-minded
+Prejudice. Besides I am morally certain that those Eggs come out of a
+Mare's Nest."</p>
+
+<p>"It is now too late to inquire," said the Disinterested Observer, "and
+that is a pity."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page168" name="page168"></a>(p. 168)</span> "But am I not an Intelligence Officer?" said the Intelligence
+Officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Of that there can be no two opinions," said the Disinterested
+Observer. Whereupon he was sent down.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Moral.</span> <i>Do not teach the Intelligence to suck Eggs.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6" title="Go to footnote 6"><span class="smaller">[6]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="center">(<i>With suggestive help from Perceval Landon.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="center">HORSE.</p>
+
+<p>Two Horses will shift a Camp if they be dead enough.</p>
+
+<p>Forage is Victory; Lyddite is Gas.</p>
+
+<p>Look before you Lope.</p>
+
+<p>When in doubt Flank; when in force Outflank.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">FOOT.</p>
+
+<p>Take care of the towns and the Tents will take care of themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Spare the Solitary Horseman on the sky-line; he is bound to be a
+Britisher.</p>
+
+<p>Abandoned Women and Abandoned Kopjes are best left alone.</p>
+
+<p>Raise your hat to the Boer&mdash;and you'll get shot.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">GUNS.</p>
+
+<p>The Dead Gunner laughed at the Pom-pom.</p>
+
+<p>"I Bet I killed 'Eighty,'" roared the 4·7.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page169" name="page169"></a>(p. 169)</span> "I have buried my three," snapped the Lee-Metford.</p>
+
+<p>"It is well to keep your hair on; it is Better to take out your
+Tompion."</p>
+
+<p>A shell on the Rand is worth ten on the veldt.</p>
+
+<p>There are ninety and nine roads to Stellenbosch, but only two to
+Pretoria. Take the other.</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Kopjeright in all armies and standing camps.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>MISS UITLANDER REPLIES TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Mademoiselle</span>,&mdash;I pray that you will excuse me for venturing to
+set you right upon one or two matters which I noticed in your reply to
+Mr. Ralph. Miss Uitlander did, indeed, with joy and pride, trip out to
+meet Mr. Englishman, though, as a matter of fact, she is as much Miss
+Bloemfontein as yourself. In reality, your correct name is Miss
+Free-Stater. But that is a trifle which may pass. The "loving hand"
+you boast of having extended to us has long since been covered by an
+iron glove, the weight of which we have daily been made to feel, and
+to that you must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+face. His coming meant freedom&mdash;the sweetest thing in the world&mdash;to
+us. You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled your
+oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You threw white
+feathers into the carriages as they passed you by. You loudly bemoaned
+your fate as a woman and longed to don masculine garments to aid your
+beaux in exterminating <span class="pagenum"><a id="page170" name="page170"></a>(p. 170)</span> the hated English. Could we remember a
+"loving hand" then?</p>
+
+<p>You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us to live
+beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back to the sea. "The
+hated English had never been wanted and would not be allowed to stay."
+And since you continue to make no secret of your hatred, the same
+remedy is now in your own hands. But it will be difficult to find a
+spot where Mr. Englishman is not <i>en evidence</i>.</p>
+
+<p>To use Mr. Chamberlain's famous phrase, "There is a point where
+silence is weakness." That point has been reached. You seem to forget
+that you simply and generously, of course, gave away your town and
+State without the faintest shadow of a cause, to the nation who never
+had the remotest idea of coming near you or troubling you. You were
+eager to cross arms with the most powerful nation in the world,
+knowing as you must have done, deep in your sensible mind, that you
+would lose in the fray.</p>
+
+<p>You hint at our ingratitude. How about your own? Had it not been for
+England your land would never have had a place in the existence of
+South African territory from the days of long ago.</p>
+
+<p>Who has helped to uphold the dignity of your land? Mr. Englishman.</p>
+
+<p>Who has helped to fill your coffers, public and private, with wealth?
+Mr. Englishman.</p>
+
+<p>Who has been the chief spirit of commerce within your gates? Mr.
+Englishman.</p>
+
+<p>And whom has it been your greatest pride to imitate in manner, in
+dress, and in speech but Mr. Englishman?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page171" name="page171"></a>(p. 171)</span> Nay, had he withdrawn his patronage as he might have done,
+your land would have collapsed like a bubble.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Englishman is too valuable a factor in the world's history to be
+easily discarded.</p>
+
+<p>Yours is thus the debt of gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>You speak hastily when you gibe at the "awful and untuneful melodies"
+with which Mr. Englishman deigned to soothe your heaving breast; and
+would lead one to suppose that you had ever been used to the most
+exquisite of public music, when in truth your town has scarcely ever
+been privileged to listen to such. Its own band in the days that are
+past can hardly compare favourably with even the recent melodies which
+compel you to close your ears with cotton wool, and even your musical
+ear must have been satisfied had you listened to the band and music at
+Government House a few nights ago. But doubtless the cotton wool had
+not been taken out.</p>
+
+<p>I beg leave to contradict your statement that Miss Uitlander would
+"push" Mr. Englishman out of your land while welcoming your brothers
+back to their country. Miss Uitlander has discovered too certainly the
+real truth of your "loving hand" ever to trust in it again. And if you
+could so joyfully turn Mr. Englishman out of your borders, rest
+assured Miss Uitlander would most certainly accompany him. She does
+not, as so many have done, paint one colour one day and another the
+next. And if Mr. Englishman only waits a little longer he will win not
+only the country but yourself as well.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Miss Uitlander.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page172" name="page172"></a>(p. 172)</span> (With this final word from the fair Miss Uitlander, who has
+been discussed, yet has not before spoken for herself, the Editors
+decide to end this interesting series of letters.)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CAPE MARKETS.</h3>
+
+<p>Market slightly weaker this morning. Sales: Bantjes Deeps, 11s. 6d.;
+Benons, 43s.; Mains, 43s.; Randfonteins, 60s.; Vogel Deeps, 27s. 3d.;
+Wit Deeps, 45s.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>II.&mdash;<i>Artillery.</i></h4>
+
+<p>"When a battery comes under rifle fire it becomes worse than useless,"
+once said a well-known foreign military expert. And if this statement
+is to be accepted, as we accept Euclid's axioms, then indeed I should
+be inclined to say that the art of war has become revolutionised
+completely. But having seen G Battery at Magersfontein practically
+silence at a range well within 1,500 yards (I believe at one time it
+was only 1,200 yards) a strong force of the enemy's riflemen firing
+from good cover on an undulating plain, it becomes apparent that the
+military expert's dictum is incorrect. I cite the instance of G
+Battery because, perhaps it is the best known in the operations in the
+Western Frontier, but I could, if necessary, give twenty cases where
+both Horse and Field Batteries have worked magnificently and
+effectively under a galling fire.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time I do not wish, for a moment, to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page173" name="page173"></a>(p. 173)</span> lay it down
+as one of the rules of modern warfare that guns can be worked with
+impunity within 1,500 or even 2,000 yards of the enemy's rifle fire,
+for the danger of being put out is so apparent that it needs no
+demonstration. But artillery must have a good "position." Batteries
+cannot be hidden behind boulders as infantry soldiers can. Gunners
+must have an open field and more or less a commanding point from which
+to lay their guns. This necessity&mdash;a necessity to which no other arms
+are so completely subjected&mdash;has entailed, during the course of the
+present war, the risk of whole batteries being under rifle fire.
+Before the introduction of the long-range rifle, there were but few
+instances where guns, in order to take up proper positions, were
+forced to come under effective rifle fire. Now, however, we have to
+face this risky possibility. And in this respect, and this respect
+only, can the use of the modern rifle be said to have made any change
+in the rules of war laid down for the use of artillery.</p>
+
+<p>The present campaign, if viewed from the point of view of the
+artilleryman, is an abnormal one. Field and horse batteries have had
+to face what has been practically siege artillery. In Natal we have
+been outranged by the use, by the Boers, of guns of great calibre and
+no mobility. We have faced the difficulty&mdash;and successfully too&mdash;by
+bringing on to the field naval guns of equal calibre to the enemy's.
+And, although we have been surprised at the rapid way in which the
+Boers have shifted their heavy guns, I still dare to think that we can
+move our 4.7 guns with greater rapidity. My intention, however, is not
+to discuss the use of the naval large calibre guns in field
+operations. Such a discussion would be outside <span class="pagenum"><a id="page174" name="page174"></a>(p. 174)</span> the scope of
+this article. I prefer to look upon their use in this campaign as an
+abnormal episode&mdash;which, perhaps, may never again occur in civilised
+warfare, except in case of sieges.</p>
+
+<p>Artillery in operation in the field is represented by Horse and Field
+(Howitzers and ordinary) guns. Now what lessons have our artillery
+learnt from the engagements of the present war? That is the most
+important question, and I propose to answer it to the best of my
+ability, feeling and hoping that my answer will induce abler answers
+from other pens.</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible, in discussing the uses and abuses of any particular
+arm, to dissociate that arm from the whole to which it belongs. A
+complete modern force should consist of a proper proportion of horse,
+foot, and artillery. The three form the whole, the perfect machine.
+The parts must fit into each other as the cogs of one wheel fit into
+those of another. In the war of the future infantry will be used for
+two purposes&mdash;to contain the opposing infantry, and to hold positions
+seized by the mobile portion of the force, be it cavalry or mounted
+infantry. There will be very little preparation by the artillery for
+infantry attack, for the simple reason that I am convinced that
+frontal attacks are things of the past. Not the modernest of modern
+artillery, lyddite, melinite, or whatever high explosive is used, can
+by frontal concentration move or weaken infantry sufficiently to
+destroy their defensive power against an infantry attack.</p>
+
+<p>There will, therefore, be in the next war between European or
+civilised military Powers grand artillery duels between the opposing
+artillery, while the mounted force of one is trying to outflank the
+other. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page175" name="page175"></a>(p. 175)</span> The obvious necessity, therefore, is the highest
+development of the most mobile portion of the artillery&mdash;the R.H.A.
+Flank movements must necessarily be the tactics of the future. Battles
+will be, as they always have been, won by strategy, but for modern
+strategy and modern tactics the great necessity will be the greatest
+mobility of the greatest force. But the British Army, as it certainly
+possesses the finest material for infantry in the world, also
+possesses, I feel sure, as fine an artillery as any. I am not talking
+now of guns, but of the men who work them. In attempting to outflank
+an enemy with the mobile portion of his force, the general of the next
+war will find his flanking movement met by the mobile portion of his
+opponent's army. The result is to be either a return to the old
+cavalry charges against cavalry or an artillery duel. The latter, I
+believe, will be the case. The cavalry of the future will be a mixture
+of the mounted infantry men and the cavalry men, and as such will be
+able to stop with rifle fire any attempts at the old-fashioned charge,
+and the verdict will be pronounced by the gunners. Then, indeed, will
+the better-trained, better-equipped, better-handled horse artillery be
+able either to drive back the attack and so save the whole situation,
+or to force in the defence and win the whole battle. Wherefore it
+would appear to me that we should improve and improve our horse
+artillery until we have the best guns, the best gunners, and the best
+organisation in the world. I know we have the best material.</p>
+
+<p>Exactly the same thing applies to the Field Artillery, which I, for
+one, would like to see done away with. That is to say, that the
+distinctions between Horse and Field Artillery should be removed. I
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page176" name="page176"></a>(p. 176)</span> would give a heavier gun and a better gun to the Horse
+Battery, and make the Field Battery men mobile. This would give us an
+uniform artillery, in which the mobility of the Field guns would be
+increased and the range of Horse guns improved. After all, the
+difference in weight of a Field and a Horse gun is not so great. We
+must be prepared to provide some means of moving it more rapidly. The
+advantages of this change appear to be self-evident. The quick and
+rapid movement of artillery is bound to be the great factor in future
+battles. We are making our infantry men mobile, every day; why not do
+the same with the artillery? If we can bring up a gun of equal calibre
+to that of the enemy, the issue will be to the better-manned,
+better-handled gun. To be able to rapidly throw a great force on any
+given point of the enemy's line is to ensure victory in infantry
+tactics. The same thing applies, surely, to the artillery. Why have a
+slow and a rapid moving artillery? Why not make the whole of it
+capable of rapidity?</p>
+
+<p>This campaign has been the first between two civilised nations where
+high explosives have been used in the bursting charges. I have made
+careful inquiries from Boer prisoners as to its effect, and the only
+conclusion that I have come to is that veracity is not a virtue of the
+burgher. Some have spoken of the bursting of a lyddite shell as the
+most terrible experience they have ever had, and have compared its
+action to that of an earthquake. But I must confess that on pursuing
+my inquiries further I have generally found that these vivid
+portrayers of its awful effects have been attached to some hospital in
+the rear. The prisoners taken at Paardeberg were singularly divided
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page177" name="page177"></a>(p. 177)</span> as to its destructive power. Albrecht is said to have
+declared that it was a pure waste to drop a lyddite shell into soft
+ground, and to have admitted that on rocky ground it had a most
+demoralising effect. On the whole, however, I am inclined to say that
+the effect of lyddite is certainly not as great as we expected, and I
+cannot help thinking that time-shrapnel well burst and well aimed is
+more dreaded by the Boers than lyddite shells.</p>
+
+<p>And now I am going to tread on delicate ground. We have all our little
+idiosyncrasies, and gunners are not without theirs. They will have
+nothing to say to the Vickers-Maxim. "It is a toy and not a gun," I
+have heard many a gunner declare. But I contend that we have never
+used it properly. Lord Dundonald's galloping Maxim was intended to
+accompany cavalry. Why not have a galloping "pom-pom"? It can be
+brought into action with great speed, it has a great range, and
+everybody will agree that it is a most accurate gun. It would have
+been most useful against the Boers when they fled from Poplar Grove,
+and its effect upon a battery coming into action is not to be
+despised, as the gallant T Battery will testify from their experiences
+at Driefontein. Again, its use on kopjes held by cavalry pending the
+arrival of infantry would surely be beneficial. It has a demoralising
+effect; even more so than a percussion shrapnel, and our enemy in the
+present campaign is particularly susceptible to demoralisation when
+operating in open ground.</p>
+
+<p>One of the difficulties with which the artillery in the present
+campaign has had to contend has been to find out the extent of our
+infantry advance for which they are preparing with a bombardment. As
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page178" name="page178"></a>(p. 178)</span> the Mauser and Lee-Metford render early cover necessary for
+infantry, it has come about that our infantry, while seeking to render
+itself invisible to the enemy, has succeeded in making itself almost
+entirely invisible to our supporting artillery. On many occasions our
+artillery has ceased fire long before it was necessary, because it
+became impossible to tell how far our advance extended, for no
+artillery officer&mdash;and rightly so&mdash;will run the risk of inflicting
+damage on his own infantry. The remedy for this state of things has
+yet to be discovered.</p>
+
+<p>In making public opinions such as these&mdash;the opinions of a mere
+layman&mdash;I should feel inclined to make some kind of apology, knowing
+as I do that they are liable to be read by men whose whole life is
+devoted to the practice as well as the theory of the use of artillery
+in the field, were it not for the fact that I am optimistic enough to
+believe that my remarks will provoke criticism. I am aware that the
+British officer is not much given to rushing into print, but I am also
+convinced that he will not sit tamely by when heresies are propagated.
+If, therefore, the views I have enounced are unsound and unpractical,
+it is his bounden duty to contradict them. And in doing so he will
+probably contribute his own views, which will undoubtedly receive far
+greater attention, from the fact that they are set forth by men
+actually serving in the field, than if they are kept back till the end
+of the war, when a successful issue will probably bring with it apathy
+on the part of those in whose hands rest the destinies of the British
+Army.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page179" name="page179"></a>(p. 179)</span> THE NEW MACHINE GUN.</h3>
+
+<p>Rarely, if ever, in the annals of the Ordnance Survey has the British
+Government sent out a fully equipped Survey Section, for the purpose
+of reconnaissance duty, previous to the present war. During the march
+from Modder River to Bloemfontein, they have had plenty of scope for
+displaying the special training received, necessary for successful
+sketching, surveying and reconnoitring an enemy's position.</p>
+
+<p>At Paardeberg a very successful and complete sketch to scale was made
+of the Boers' laager by Major Jackson, R.E., who, whilst exposed to a
+hot fire every day and within 800 yards of the enemy's trenches, and
+where men were falling every minute, nevertheless completed the whole
+sketch within four days.</p>
+
+<p>This part of the warfare, where you walk well within the enemy's
+firing line with only a revolver, the Boers continually sniping and
+potting, no cover, and no chance of a "kick or hit back," makes you
+feel as though you would like to charge into their midst, get hand to
+hand, and at least have one shot or hit, in return for the compliments
+and salutes they pay you. But no, you must stand still in the open,
+coolly go on with the sketching, and not mind the bullets, even if
+they take a leg off the plane table or knock the pencil out of your
+hand. The only thing that is to be feared seriously is the rain, and
+that may make the ink run, spoil the sketch, and cause a lot of
+trouble and annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers may "knock spots off you," but the sketch is the principal
+thing; another R.E. Surveyor <span class="pagenum"><a id="page180" name="page180"></a>(p. 180)</span> may be obtained, but not
+another plan, until probably too late for practical use.</p>
+
+<p>Presumably the burghers mistake the tripod and plane table (used for
+the purpose) for a new kind of machine gun, or some other deadly
+weapon, from the way in which they bang away when it is erected, and
+it does, no doubt, surprise them when they find it does not spit fire
+and lead, and probably they put it down as a "Rooinek" risking a
+snapshot at close quarter; but they are very restless "sitters" and
+resent the intrusion of Mausers, although never asked to pay for a
+proof in advance&mdash;proof positive of a neglected education.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>ADVICE TO AN OFFICER ON GOING TO THE WARS.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem17">
+<p>'Twas well remarked by Mack-Praed,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">In wise and witty lay,</span><br>
+    "We're known to be extremely brave;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">So take the sword away."</span></p>
+
+<p>Aye, let the sword and feather go,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Bright belt and glitt'ring braid;</span><br>
+    Assume a sad and grub-like hue,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">For battle or for raid.</span></p>
+
+<p>No more in steel the warrior gleams,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">In scarlet cuts a dash;</span><br>
+    The hero now may scarce permit<br>
+      <span class="add1em">His eagle eye to flash.</span></p>
+
+<p>For glint and gleam and flash and flare<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Will all afford a mark;</span><br>
+    The better plan, in modern days,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Is just "to keep it dark."</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page181" name="page181"></a>(p. 181)</span> We ask no more that you shall shine;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Be dull if you would win.</span><br>
+    I mean, of course, in outward show&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Lucidity within.</span></p>
+
+<p>For "slim's" the word now most in vogue<br>
+      <span class="add1em">(That's "sly," if read aright);</span><br>
+    From head to heel be dull and dim,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Your brain alone be bright.</span></p>
+
+<p>It is no joy that you should smash<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Your head against a wall;</span><br>
+    "We're known to be extremely brave,"<br>
+      <span class="add1em">So pray be wise withal.</span></p>
+
+<p>Be lion-mettled&mdash;as you were;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">But not too proud to scout;</span><br>
+    And if the foe is right in front,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Why, go a mile about.</span></p>
+
+<p>Go forth in strength of intellect,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Shining with all your wit;</span><br>
+    So shall you baulk the wily foe&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Unhit, shall make a hit.</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">E. T.</p>
+</div>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page182" name="page182"></a>(p. 182)</span> CHAPTER XI<br>
+<span class="title">Our Very Mixed Public</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A Study of Tommy Atkins, the Inscrutable&mdash;Our Dutch
+     Compositors Arraigned.</i></p>
+
+<p>The lady who signed herself "Miss Uitlander" was also kind enough to
+write for us an article on "Tommy in a Lady's Eyes." It was clever.
+She said that Tommy walked the streets looking as if he always had
+walked them&mdash;and that was true. It is also true that Tommy did
+everything else in the same way. Wherever you put him or he found
+himself he uttered no comments or exclamations, but at once adapted
+himself to the situation. During the seven months I was with him I
+never could fathom the operations of his mind. Sometimes I suspected
+that he had none; at other times I envied him the kind of mind he had.</p>
+
+<p>Our lady reporter said that Tommy "loves to make an impression on the
+feminine heart&mdash;but, alas! his khaki uniform does not suit him. Like
+country, like dress. We now see ourselves as others see us, a
+khaki-coloured people in a vast khaki-coloured land." Of the officers
+she said, "their amiability, patience, and high breeding are a treat
+to come in contact with in a country such as this, where Jack is
+considered as good <span class="pagenum"><a id="page183" name="page183"></a>(p. 183)</span> as his master; in his own estimation, a
+very good deal better."</p>
+
+<p>"Bloemfontein is khaki-mad," she concluded; "Tommy is everywhere. The
+shops overflow with him&mdash;and <i>how</i> he spends his money! It will be an
+object-lesson to those who, a few short weeks ago, were sure that
+England was on the verge of bankruptcy. The streets abound with him.
+The place is a beehive of soldiery, and never again will be any other,
+I most fervently hope and trust."</p>
+
+<p>I copy this bit of a long article because it brings strongly to mind
+and in full swing and colour the daily scenes in the streets of
+Bloemfontein. Whenever we ran out of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> office to the hotel or
+the printing works or the Club, we saw the same endless parade of
+soldiers up and down the pavements, the same motley cavalcade of
+mounted men in the streets. At the sound of drums we all ran out&mdash;for
+civilisation was far away, and the natural man was welling up strong
+in us&mdash;to see a regiment marching in, or out&mdash;or, too often, to view a
+funeral procession leading a poor bundle of the dust of a hero
+strapped upon a gun-carriage.</p>
+
+<p>In the shops we found a wall of soldiers before every counter. They
+were in swarms like flies in all except the drinking places. There
+they could not go; poor fellows, to whom a drink would have seemed so
+much more than to us, who could have it whenever and wherever we
+wanted it.</p>
+
+<p>I will say again, here, as I have said elsewhere once before, that
+though we underwent more danger than many of the soldiers (who were
+not sent, as we were, into every battle), and though we endured
+hardships <span class="pagenum"><a id="page184" name="page184"></a>(p. 184)</span> sufficient to break many strong men, we
+correspondents had this advantage over the rest&mdash;that, no matter how
+light was the marching-kit ordered for the troops, we were usually
+followed by our carts, and when these came up with us, we had
+abundance&mdash;and some luxuries.</p>
+
+<p>It was my good fortune to be able to replenish the larder of one
+regiment more than once when, between battles, it entertained a
+general or the Commander-in-Chief. We in Roberts's and Methuen's army,
+were never criticised for living as well as we could, but there is a
+story current in army and war correspondent circles to the effect that
+the hero of Omdurman severely rebuked certain correspondents for
+living on a scale which provoked the envy of the officers, and
+demoralised them. One correspondent of the little mess that was thus
+criticised&mdash;a man who drank very little himself&mdash;is said to have
+utilised one camel solely to carry the champagne with which he
+entertained his friends among the officers. I do not say what I might
+have done had this story been told me earlier, but, as it was, I had
+no camel, and the champagne that kind friends sent me from England
+never reached me.</p>
+
+<p>My stores consisted of poultry in tins, puddings, jams (how good those
+Cape jams are, by the way; they should have a great sale in all
+civilised parts), tinned vegetables, bully beef and bullier tongue and
+ham, preserved fruits, biscuits, figs, cigarettes, cigars, and a
+little most evanescent whisky.</p>
+
+<p>But to get back to the streets of soldier-burdened Bloemfontein; how
+surely, as we assembled in the corner by the office, did the soldiers
+recognise their poet and friend. He looked at all of them in general,
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page185" name="page185"></a>(p. 185)</span> but all of them stared at him in particular. They passed the
+word from rank to rank, "There's Rudyard Kipling!" and then marched
+on, leaving their eyes on his face while their bodies passed along,
+until it looked as if they must dislocate their necks before they had
+their fill of seeing him.</p>
+
+<p>He was like a comrade when he talked to a private, and talk to them he
+did. Jack tar, Colonial, regular, and Pathan, he talked to all alike.</p>
+
+<p>"How are you getting on? Is your camp all right? Near here? Where was
+your last fight?" So he both introduced himself and set them talking
+and at ease&mdash;all in a breath.</p>
+
+<p>But, as I have said, "Tommy" is inscrutable. I stepped one day into a
+German tobacconist's across the street from, and farther along than,
+the Club, and found it packed by soldiers who were being served by an
+insolent German with a portrait of ex-President Steyn in his coat
+lapel.</p>
+
+<p>"Take that picture out of your button-hole," said I. "What do you mean
+by wearing a thing like that when you are under British rule, and have
+been both protected and generously treated?"</p>
+
+<p>"I vill vear vot I shoose," said he.</p>
+
+<p>I made a mental promise to see that he did not wear that emblem much
+longer, and then turning to the soldiers I said, "Men, did you not see
+what this man is wearing? Why do you spend your money on a man whose
+sympathies are with the Boers? Give his shop the cold shoulder, and he
+will soon see that he is making a mistake."</p>
+
+<p>The appeal was in vain. The men instantly began to look very
+uncomfortable. They rolled their eyes <span class="pagenum"><a id="page186" name="page186"></a>(p. 186)</span> up to the ceiling or
+pinned their gaze on the floor. No one said a word or even shot a
+glance of approval in my direction. They did not care. Tommy does not
+care&mdash;never cares&mdash;about anything, apparently.</p>
+
+<p>I tried to keep my promise. Search was made for that tobacconist, but
+he never served behind his counter after that visit of mine. He saved
+the military the trouble of sending him to Capetown.</p>
+
+<p>Lively days were those for rebels and irreconcilables. The men who had
+most ardently furthered the cause of the Bond and the Transvaal war
+party, and who had the indecency to loiter in the town, were quickly
+weeded out and sent to the Boer prison camp near Capetown. If we could
+not always tell who were our friends, these mischievous wretches were
+worse off, for, ofttimes, their old neighbours, tired of the war and
+awake to the folly of keeping it up, pointed them out to the military,
+and retailed their nauseous histories.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel a little like a lieutenant of Fouché," said one correspondent
+to me. "I had pointed out to me a former editor of one of the local
+papers whose pen was used with vitriol and who did as much as any man
+to degrade and spoil this little country. I was told that he is still
+talking angrily and abusively of us, and I was indignant. I mentioned
+the case to a prominent military officer and in three hours the man
+was a prisoner on his way to Capetown. I feel as if I was living in
+Paris in the French revolution&mdash;very creepy and uncomfortable. I shall
+keep my discoveries of such rascals to myself after this."</p>
+
+<p>In this number mine was the leader entitled, "Do we Spare the Rod too
+Much?" A friendly visitor, whose signature "L. D.-J." unfortunately
+fails to recall <span class="pagenum"><a id="page187" name="page187"></a>(p. 187)</span> his full name to my mind, wrote a very
+interesting sketch called "Towards War," which shows with fidelity to
+the truth how the mere process of going to war prepares one for the
+war itself. Mr. Landon wrote the first true account most of us saw or
+heard of the mishap at Karree Siding, where four of our officers were
+shot, on March 23, while riding over the country on a search for
+forage. Lieut. Lygon, who was one of the killed, was an intimate and
+beloved friend of Mr. Landon, who mourned him deeply and most lovingly
+looked after his burial and the proper marking of his grave. Death had
+come too close to all of us far too often, but never quite so close to
+any one of us as in this instance.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gwynne's thoughtful essays on the revolutionised science of war
+produced a first reply in this number, from an officer competent to
+discuss the subject. General Sir Henry Colvile wrote with much good
+humour twitting us for the blundering of our compositors, who had made
+a botch of the double acrostic he had so kindly sent us some days
+before. The fact that we were as much to blame as the compositors he
+managed, with extremely clever wording, to make us feel, though he did
+not say so. Those compositors!&mdash;were ever men so badly served as we
+were by them? They doubled our work, and though we corrected every
+error they made they often spoiled our efforts at the last by failing
+to carry out our corrections. They were so ingenious as to spell
+struggle "strxxlg," and then to insist that it should appear so in <span class="smcap">The
+Friend</span>. They invented the new rank of "branch colonel" to take the
+place of brigadier-general or lance-corporal, I cannot remember which.
+I used to think they made <span class="pagenum"><a id="page188" name="page188"></a>(p. 188)</span> this trouble on purpose, for I
+knew that some were Dutch and all had been with the Boers before we
+came. And when secret pro-Boer circulars and incentives to disorder
+were found to have been printed in the town, I had a sneaking
+suspicion that I could guess who were the printers.</p>
+
+<p>We cut the Gordian knot of one of our troubles in this number by
+reducing the price of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> to one penny to men of all ranks
+alike.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>BY THE EDITORS.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To Correspondents.</i>&mdash;Please do not write on both sides of your letter
+sheets when you contribute to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.</p>
+
+<p>It's all right to take a kopje on both sides, but you should not send
+it in on both sides.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the Editors are sufficiently profane already.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CONCERNING ACROSTICS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MAJOR-GENERAL SIR H. E. COLVILE.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;"We don't hexpect hart and we don't hexpect hacting, but yer
+might jine yer flats."</p>
+
+<p>It is perhaps too much to expect that the gentleman who sets up the
+type of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> should know the usual structure of a
+double-acrostic, or that he should trouble himself with such details
+as my <span class="pagenum"><a id="page189" name="page189"></a>(p. 189)</span> punctuation and spelling; but he might have let my
+lines continue to scan and retain some germ of meaning; and, even if
+he did not realise that the <i>proem</i> was intended for verse, he might
+have let it stand as English prose. His statement that "according to
+the writer" the answer gives "the most appropriate cognomen," &amp;c., is
+interesting, as anything must be that falls from his stick. It further
+reveals a wealth of imagination of which his previous efforts gave us
+no hint.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">H. C.</span><br>
+  Writer of the Double Acrostic<br>
+  in Saturday's issue.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900.</i></p>
+
+<p>(Please don't shoot the Editors, they are doing their best.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ed.,
+Friend.</span>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>TOWARDS WAR.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY L. D.-J.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The crowded platform at Waterloo, the groups of men in great-coats
+gathered round figures in ulsters with travelling rugs upon their
+arms; the long train with its dirty painted boards above the carriages
+inscribed "Aldershot," "Basingstoke," "Southampton"; the last joke,
+the last catchword, the last farewell grip of parting hands; the
+sudden remembrance of need of newspaper or sandwich; the bustle and
+hurry of railway officials, servants, late voyagers, or later friends,
+thronging the platform from refreshment-room to bookstall: these tell
+little to the observer of war and its alarms. Only at either end of
+the platform where the great doors <span class="pagenum"><a id="page190" name="page190"></a>(p. 190)</span> of the baggage-brakes
+yawn upon piles of valises, beneath whose white-painted rank, name,
+regiment, the bold initials "S.A.F.F." catch the eye, guarded by
+soldier servants, field-service cap on right eye, uniform hidden under
+collared great-coat; or on the racks of the compartments, where
+curiously shaped tin cases cover the cocked hat or the helmet, and
+where, showing through a bundle of canes, golf-clubs, and polo sticks,
+is seen the clumsy brown leather shape of a sword case, is there a
+hint of military significance, a clue to the tension of the thronged
+faces, taking a farewell under circumstances not of the ordinary.</p>
+
+<p>The Saturday afternoon in December, yellow and dull under the bitter
+black frost which has gripped the heart of the land, as the ill news
+has gripped the heart of the people, which comes to round off a week
+whose despatches have announced the disasters of Stormberg,
+Maghersfontein, Tugela, the threefold defeat on hill and plain and
+river&mdash;is no day for cheerful leave-taking. Although every lip is
+silent on the subject of the morning's news, latest and worst of all;
+although the spoken word is all of a brilliant campaign, a stroke of
+luck, a speedy and safe return, there looms before each mind the
+coming list of casualties, the thought of war's inevitable chances,
+the possibility that here and now are some who may never be seen again
+firm-footed on a metropolitan causeway, whose trick of a smile, twist
+of a moustache, and cock of hat upon forehead must become a slowly
+dimming memory through the remnants of a life.</p>
+
+<p class="star">*****</p>
+
+<p>The fire blazes against the frosty draught in the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page191" name="page191"></a>(p. 191)</span> hall of
+the Southampton Hotel. Baggage is piled upon baggage half-ceiling high
+in every corner. Hungry men are hurriedly moving along the corridors
+towards the dining-room, in their travelling suits of tweed or serge.
+At two or three tables family parties are dining together for the last
+time; the women silent, quiet-eyed, smiling but momentarily at the
+sally of light-hearted youth, a sigh ever held in suspense behind kind
+lips and white teeth. The writing-room holds a group of scrawling men,
+finishing final letters, re-iterant of parting phrases, enforcing last
+injunctions, expressing forgotten behests. And at the foot of the
+stairs stand two officers in uniform, both in peaked caps, one
+military, one naval, with white bands upon their sleeves. They are the
+Embarking Staff Officers; they are the first visible sign of war.</p>
+
+<p class="star">*****</p>
+
+<p>Grey fog upon the waters, grey fog hanging round the sheds upon the
+wharves, a grey transport with red funnels, towering above the levels
+of water and quay. Cranes rapidly sling guns, wagons, cases, with
+creak, shout and thud over the grey bulwarks. Lines of uncouth figures
+in grey great-coats, and blue red-banded sea-caps, pass
+sight-protected rifles from hand to hand up the steep gangways and
+along between rows of boxes and baggage to the armoury. The saloon is
+filled with lunching officers, their friends and relatives. The last
+toast is lifted in silence to the last lips; and eyes looking over
+brim of wine-glass are eloquent of more than speech is master of. The
+harsh clang of the warning bell, speaking full-voiced the words of
+Destiny, transfers to the grey quay groups of dispirited, saddened
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page192" name="page192"></a>(p. 192)</span> women, and of men stern-eyed and holding between their teeth
+and under the cover of moustache or beard, minute bleeding portions of
+their inner lips.</p>
+
+<p>On the promenade deck, gay in a scarlet jumper, over-weighted a little
+by his large khaki-covered helmet, leans upon a stanchion a very
+junior subaltern. His boyish, hairless face is blue with the cold
+frost-fog, he is biting very rapidly and nervously at the end of a
+cigar that went out ere half its length was smoked. Looking up at him
+from the wharf below, a group isolated from other groups holds a tall
+lady clad in furs, heavily veiled, her handkerchief peeping from her
+muff, and one arm resting heavily upon that of a grey-haired military
+man, while son and daughter, or nephew and niece, perhaps, gather
+protectingly to her side.</p>
+
+<p>There is still delay. The gangways are removed, but still the hawsers
+hold. The cold compels the watchers on the wharf to take a few
+hurried, swiftly-turned paces up and down its length. The voyagers
+stamp upon the deck, or beat a furtive arm across a swelling chest.
+But they do not turn even for a second from contemplation of that
+shore they may never see again.... A whistle blows, there is the sound
+of a cable slipping through the water, the lady in the furs comes
+hastily forward, puts up her veil a little way and tries to shout. The
+youthful subaltern leans out perilously over the side. The words come
+faintly up.... "Goodbye! Rex.... God bless you!... I know I shall see
+you again...." The lady beats her hand desperately upon her muff, and
+dabs her handkerchief unknowingly against her veil....</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page193" name="page193"></a>(p. 193)</span> The band aft is playing "Auld Lang Syne," a stretch of
+greenish water spreads between ship and shore, a few half-hearted
+cheers are rising through the grey fog, and the sound of a melancholy
+chapel bell in the distant town tells of a half-forgotten Sabbath....
+The subaltern's eyes no longer see things clearly, and the
+handkerchief he waves as answer to those fluttering along the grey
+length of the quay is heavy and damp....</p>
+
+<p>So we come a little closer to the realities of war.</p>
+
+<p class="star">*****</p>
+
+<p>Lights flicker and gleam in the dark shade of the poplar trees
+fringing the platform. There is a hush over those who hold space upon
+the gravel before the station-master's office. In the darkness it is
+difficult to see who one's neighbour may chance to be. But voices
+betray the presence of the P.M.O. and half a dozen officers from the
+Field Hospital behind the church. At the other end of the platform lie
+the sinister stretchers of a bearer company laid out in an
+interminable row. Up to the line comes the low melancholy whistle of
+the armoured train....</p>
+
+<p>All day from far beyond the ring of hills that cages the camp upon the
+plain has come the dull booming of heavy guns. There has been a battle
+and there have been losses: this we know. The approaching train is
+bringing in the wounded from the scene of action, but who they may be
+who suffer we have yet to learn. As the light comes round the bend
+above the water-tank, there is a stir among the waiting groups. A
+command rings out, and is followed by the shuffle of feet as the
+bearer company stands to its stretchers. The train glides slowly,
+looming up <span class="pagenum"><a id="page194" name="page194"></a>(p. 194)</span> in its solid armoured squareness between the
+goods sheds and the rolling-stock upon the sidings. It draws into the
+little colonial wayside station with a flash of its headlight that
+renders the platform darker than ever. The form of its commander drops
+from the rear carriage, with its maxim-portals, and its loop-holes for
+rifles, all sliding by dim and grey and sinister. In a low voice he
+tells the P.M.O. "six killed, fourteen wounded. I have brought down
+eight." "Any officers?" questions some one in the background. "Jones
+is killed, and Spindrift missing," comes the response, "and young
+Michael is here, shot in five places." ...</p>
+
+<p>Lanterns swing back and forth, the doctors get into the carriage,
+there is a low, subdued murmur of voices from within; a breath of some
+antiseptic comes from the interior; a groan is audible. Then the
+Bearer Company marches slowly along the edge of the platform. Four men
+enter with their stretcher, and after a painful lapse of time, the
+lanterns swing again, the group stands back a little, and slowly,
+carefully, feet foremost, the first wounded man is brought out, and
+lowered upon his stretcher to the ground. While his blankets are being
+arranged there is time to see him indistinctly: a bandage round his
+head with a dark, tell-tale patch soaking through it, a pale face with
+closed eyes and a pale moustache disarranged across his mouth. Last
+night we dined and drank together. Now, as he is borne off out of
+hearing, the medical officers whisper, "poor chap, there is no hope
+for him; he cannot last the night."</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the armoured train disgorges its unhappy load, the
+stretchers receive their burdens, the marshalled procession goes
+slowly over the line <span class="pagenum"><a id="page195" name="page195"></a>(p. 195)</span> towards the hospital, the medical
+officers in close attendance, and the engine pushes and pulls its
+bullet-proof trucks back through the night to fetch another cargo.</p>
+
+<p>War and its horrors are with us now, and are scarcely so terrible
+after all. Our gradual approach has softened them or possibly hardened
+us&mdash;who shall say which?</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>KARREE SIDING.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY PERCEVAL LANDON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>There has been so much misrepresentation of the facts connected with
+the unfortunate incident at Karree Siding on the 23rd that the
+following brief description of what actually occurred may be of
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>A military camp had been formed at the Glen&mdash;the point at which the
+railway crosses the Modder River, thirteen miles north of
+Bloemfontein&mdash;on the previous day, and Colonel Eyre Crabbe, of the
+Grenadier Guards, had been appointed commandant, with his adjutant,
+Lieutenant Edward Lygon, as his staff officer.</p>
+
+<p>Forage was scarce, and it became necessary to collect a small amount
+from the neighbouring farms. Colonel Crabbe, accompanied by Colonel
+Codrington of the Coldstream Guards, Lieutenant Lygon, Captain
+Trotter, and one orderly, set out after luncheon on Friday for this
+purpose, and, moving out in a northerly direction, visited three
+farms, and then, finding themselves close to the railway office at
+Karree Siding, entered the telegraph room at that place and found that
+the instruments had been removed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page196" name="page196"></a>(p. 196)</span> On riding out from the station they saw on a ridge to the
+north four mounted Boers against the sky-line, and Colonel Crabbe,
+calling out "Come on, let us round them up," set out at once in their
+direction, followed by Colonel Codrington and the others. A slight
+protest was made against the danger of the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers had ridden away to the west, but were still in sight, and
+they were seen attempting to double back over a slight rise in the
+ground strewn with boulders that scarcely deserves the name of a
+kopje.</p>
+
+<p>Believing that the enemy had ridden over and away, the small party
+moved on and divided at the base of this fold, Captain Trotter and
+Lieutenant Lygon moving off to the right, the two Colonels and the
+orderly keeping to the left.</p>
+
+<p>The Boers, however, leaving their horses at the back of the rise, took
+up positions behind the rocks, and opened a well-aimed and constant
+fire upon our men. Colonel Crabbe, whose horse had fallen at the first
+shot, was struck through the forearm and thigh, Colonel Codrington
+received a bullet as he lay on the ground attempting to return the
+fire, and the orderly was wounded in the ankle. Meanwhile firing on
+the other flank continued for two or three minutes, until Lieutenant
+Lygon, who had dismounted and was running forward to gain the cover of
+an anthill, was shot through the heart. Death was instantaneous, even
+Captain Trotter being unaware of it until he turned round, receiving
+at the same moment an expanding bullet through the elbow.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the whole of the small force was now either <span class="pagenum"><a id="page197" name="page197"></a>(p. 197)</span> dead or
+wounded, and Colonel Crabbe surrendered. The Boers instantly came down
+into the open, and, expressing their regret, did all they could to
+dress the wounds, Captain Trotter undoubtedly owing his life to the
+tourniquet applied to his arm.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded men were afterwards carried by the Boers with great care
+to Mr. Maas' farm, and the news was sent back to the Glen by a Kaffir.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Lygon's body was borne back on the following morning, and
+was buried near the small white kraal a hundred yards to the east of
+the railway bridge. The funeral, which took place at sunset on
+Saturday, was most impressive, the entire battalion attending the
+voluntary parade and lining the path between the camp and the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Little comment is needed. Clearly the virtue that runs to a fault has
+here been to blame. The same unquestioning pluck that impels an
+officer in leading his men on the field of battle prompted this
+careless enterprise, with the miserable result we have recorded. We
+have lost&mdash;and the loss is the loss of the whole force&mdash;one of the
+best and most popular of our younger officers, and of the other
+casualties one at least may prove more serious than was anticipated;
+but at least it is a compensation to remember that, however
+unfortunate the issue, the quiet pluck and discipline of the army have
+been once more tried and not found wanting.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>DON'T.<br>
+<i>Advice to Looters.</i><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Don't call on the Provost Marshal with a couple of live chickens on
+your saddle bow.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page198" name="page198"></a>(p. 198)</span> Don't attempt to carry off a grand piano on an ammunition
+waggon; it might be noticed.</p>
+
+<p>Don't cook sheep's kidneys ostentatiously in camp; you may be asked
+where you found the sheep.</p>
+
+<p>Don't load your horse with flannel petticoats when carrying a message
+to a general; flannel petticoats are not a part of military equipment.</p>
+
+<p>Don't swagger about camp with an air of repletion when the force is
+subsisting on quarter rations.</p>
+
+<p>Don't try to stuff a pillow into your helmet; it only spoils your
+appearance and gives the show away.</p>
+
+<p>Don't "pick up" anything with the broad arrow on it.</p>
+
+<p>Don't steal a horse from the Club railings when its owner is having a
+whisky and soda; it is distinctly dangerous.</p>
+
+<p>Don't "steal" a horse at all, but let it "wander into your lines."</p>
+
+<p>Don't drive a flock of sheep across the pond of the Headquarter Staff;
+they might delay the Commander-in-Chief and make him angry.</p>
+
+<p>Don't wear a bunch of false hair in your hat; it was never served out
+to you.</p>
+
+<p>Don't carry ladies' silk stockings in your wallets; they won't fit
+you.</p>
+
+<p>Don't shout out in camp, "Who's stolen my silk umbrella?" People might
+ask you where you got it from.</p>
+
+<p>Don't avoid ostentatiously the Provost Marshal as he rides along;
+greet him kindly and openly and perhaps he will not suspect you.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page199" name="page199"></a>(p. 199)</span> SMALL AMMUNITION.</h3>
+
+<p>At Colesberg, in one of the numerous cavalry fights, an old Boer was
+held at mercy by a lancer who had his lance ready to strike. "Moe nie!
+Moe nie!" cried the old man, which, being translated, means "Don't,
+don't!" The lancer, however, didn't understand Dutch, and replied, "I
+don't want your money, I want your life," but the renewed appeal was
+too piteous, and the old man was taken prisoner.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page200" name="page200"></a>(p. 200)</span> CHAPTER XII<br>
+<span class="title">"Vive la Compagnie"</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Four Correspondents Dine the General, the Governor, and
+     Rudyard Kipling, and Produce</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> <i>as well</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Alles zal recht komen" were the words of the late President Brand,
+true friend of the English, which were graven on the pedestal of his
+statue before the doors of the Residency. We repeated them in new
+"tabs" beside the heading of our paper on March 28th, with an amended
+English translation facing them: "All has come right."</p>
+
+<p>"All shall come right," we said, in our editorial, "was the motto of
+the late Orange Free State. What a prophet was he who conceived it,
+and how quickly has come the fruition of his prophecy! All has come
+right."</p>
+
+<p>We published an appreciative editorial upon Sir Alfred Milner, who had
+come on the previous day upon a visit to Lord Roberts. It was written
+by Mr. Landon. Mr. Kipling contributed more "Kopje-Book Maxims," and
+bore a heavy hand in the production of an amusing column, entitled,
+"The Military Letter Writer."</p>
+
+<p>This was the way that column came into being. Mr. Landon, Mr. Kipling,
+and I were in the poet's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page201" name="page201"></a>(p. 201)</span> bedroom when Mr. Landon produced a
+model letter-writer which he had found somewhere. I take great credit
+for the phrase "found somewhere"; it might, with any other man than
+Mr. Landon, be so full and rich in meaning. The book professed to be a
+sober guide to the young and the ignorant in the paths of epistolary
+literature; therefore it was bound to be supremely funny. We screamed
+over what Landon read to us out of it.</p>
+
+<p>Said Mr. Kipling: "Let's write some model military letters," and, as
+was his wont, he seized a pencil and paper and began to write No. 1,
+reading as he wrote. He urged us both to contribute, and Mr. Landon
+tried with much good intent, while I wished to do so, but could not
+begin to keep pace with the poet. Instant collaboration is almost
+always impossible, especially where the inspiration comes to one man
+who is seized by it, and begins to give it expression before his
+companions can match their minds with his. Therefore Mr. Kipling went
+on and on, and Mr. Landon took the block and pencil and wrote as Mr.
+Kipling talked. Thus were produced letter No. 1 and the italicised
+introduction to No. 2; the rest Mr. Landon arranged and edited out of
+his book.</p>
+
+<p>The column was pieced out at the end with No. 3 of Mr. Kipling's
+"Fables for the Staff," which was, therefore, hidden in a bottom
+corner of the page&mdash;a stroke of genius on the part of those whom we
+anathematised collectively in the singular number as "The Dutch
+Compositor."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton had been called away to Capetown just after Mr. Kipling's
+arrival, and my associates, hag-ridden by the confusion and annoyances
+consequent <span class="pagenum"><a id="page202" name="page202"></a>(p. 202)</span> upon the lack of a practised head to the little
+institution, had thrust upon me the honour and hard work of what may
+be called the managing editor's place. Thenceforth it was my duty to
+deal with the gnomes in the dust hall, the retiring and reticent
+cashier in another building, and the inmates of the Home for Boer
+Compositors, otherwise known as the office of the late unlamented
+<i>Express</i>. When I saw the genius of the Master thrust to the bottom
+corner of the paper, or made grotesque by mis-spelling and exhibitions
+of "pi," I felt that I alone was to blame, and hid myself and vowed to
+produce better results if I had to set up the type myself.</p>
+
+<p>From an able major of Engineers we received for this number a
+confident and well-studied reply to Mr. Gwynne's articles on the
+effects of the war upon military science.</p>
+
+<p class="center">The Dinner of the 28th of March 1900 at Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a id="img007" name="img007"></a>
+<img src="images/img007.jpg" width="400" height="201" alt="1st page of Menu." title=""><br>
+
+<a id="img008" name="img008"></a>
+<img src="images/img008.jpg" width="400" height="503" alt="2nd page of Menu." title=""><br>
+
+<a id="img009" name="img009"></a>
+<img src="images/img009.jpg" width="300" height="518" alt="3rd page of Menu." title=""><br>
+
+<a id="img010" name="img010"></a>
+<img src="images/img010.jpg" width="400" height="561" alt="4th page of Menu." title="">
+</div>
+
+<p>This was the day upon which Mr. Landon, Mr. Gwynne, Mr. James Barnes,
+and myself were to entertain at dinner Sir Alfred Milner, Lord
+Roberts, and Rudyard Kipling. The <i>menus</i> had been printed under the
+eye of Mr. Landon, and were very distinguished examples of plain
+typography. As twenty-four were to be used, we gave twelve each to Mr.
+W. B. Wollen, R.I., and to Mr. Lester Ralph, war artists with the
+army, requesting these able friends to do their best to produce on
+each guest's <i>menu</i> a picture illustrative of some exploit or leading
+characteristic of the recipient. A very notable series of drawings
+resulted&mdash;so notable that the Field-Marshal, whose own card showed him
+in the act of receiving the Keys of Bloemfontein, asked to see them
+all. When, toward the end <span class="pagenum"><a id="page203" name="page203"></a>(p. 203)</span> of the repast, each man wrote
+his name on every <i>menu</i>, you may be certain those bits of pasteboard
+bearing the simple words, "The Dinner of the 28th of March,
+Bloemfontein, 1900," leaped high in value, and in the jealous pride of
+every man who had one.</p>
+
+<p>That was a dinner! An affair as unique and as singular an episode of
+war as&mdash;as, let us say, <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> itself. Beside the great General,
+the High Commissioner, and the Poet of the Empire, we had with us
+General Pretyman, Military Governor of the town; General
+Forestier-Walker, the courtly commander of the Lines of Communication;
+the gallant, debonair Pole-Carew; the redoubtable flashing-eyed Hector
+Macdonald; the polished Sir Henry Colvile; Colonel Otter, the leader
+of the men with the maple-leaf; Lord Stanley, diplomat and censor;
+Lord Kerry; Colonel Girourd, binder of new Empire-fractions with
+threads of steel; Colonel Hanbury Williams, the High Commissioner's
+right hand; Colonel Neville Chamberlain, veteran at Empire
+building&mdash;and then our comrade-historians of the pen and pencil, W. B.
+Wollen, R.I., Lester Ralph, H. F. P. Battersby, A. B. Paterson, H. C.
+Shelley, and W. Blelock. We had invited Lord Kitchener, but he was
+away at Prieska. On his return he expressed his regret that he had not
+participated in this historic gathering. Excepting Lord Kitchener,
+whose field of endeavour was so ably represented, only Mr.
+Chamberlain, of all the great empire builders of the day, was missing.</p>
+
+<p>We dined at the railway station, because it had the largest room and
+best cook in the new colony.</p>
+
+<p>I hear the band outside. I see a carriage roll up, and Sir Alfred
+Milner springs out, spare-framed and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page204" name="page204"></a>(p. 204)</span> visaged like an eagle.
+The Field-Marshal follows him, precise in movement, gentle of mien but
+erect and firm as steel, with long usage of command resting as light
+and firm upon him as if he was born with it. I see the two leaders
+halt and urge one another to take the lead, but Lord Roberts is the
+firmer and will not go first. Again at the door of the dining-hall the
+two great men halt and dispute with pantomimic gestures, each anxious
+to honour the other. When the toasts came, and Mr. Landon told Sir
+Alfred Milner that he was to be toasted first, the High Commissioner
+exclaimed, "It's absolutely wrong." Mr. Landon replied, "I am under
+orders. I must obey Lord Roberts," for the Field-Marshal had already
+been consulted. All the others are in the room, under the flaming flag
+and the huge paper roses. We dine&mdash;better than at the Residency&mdash;upon
+several courses and with good wine a-plenty.</p>
+
+<p>I see my handsome and gifted colleague, Mr. Landon, rise to toast the
+High Commissioner. What's this we hear? He is welcoming the Viceroy as
+a brother in journalism, a newspaper man like ourselves. Up rises the
+man who lives in the heart of care and the furnace of
+dissension&mdash;pale, grave, concentrated, like one who thinks of but one
+thing and has but one thing to do&mdash;and that a thing gigantic. He
+replies that it is true that he was once a writer like ourselves; that
+he enjoyed those days; that he made delightful friends and spent glad
+hours in them; that he has had much to do with the gentlemen of the
+Press in Capetown, and that his relations with all have been without a
+flaw. After that he speaks but little of the heart of care where his
+official bed is laid, or of the furnace <span class="pagenum"><a id="page205" name="page205"></a>(p. 205)</span> blasts of treason
+and of discord round his chair at the Cape, but, with unassumed
+modesty, calls our attention to the military magician across the table
+and to what he has done.</p>
+
+<p>It is Mr. Gwynne who rises next&mdash;one of the very best-equipped war
+correspondents with the British forces, both as a campaigner and a
+critic of war, and high among the best as a writer. It is fitting that
+he should introduce the Field-Marshal, for he is liked and trusted by
+his distinguished guest, who has discovered, I fancy, that under the
+correspondent's khaki beats the heart of the soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts replied that he was very proud to be the guest of the war
+correspondents. He liked to have them with him, and he was glad when
+they criticised whatever was amiss, for he profited by reading what
+they said. Turning to us, the Field-Marshal remarked, "You share all
+our hardships and exposure. All the troops do not engage in every
+battle, but you go to all, so that you experience even more danger
+than most of us. May I call you 'comrades'?"</p>
+
+<p>I remember that he spoke earnestly of the work Sir Alfred Milner was
+doing, and credited that statesman with the most difficult task of any
+man who served the Empire. One other bit of his address I recall&mdash;a
+mere phrase, but a remarkable one: "The gentlemen I command&mdash;my
+gentlemanly army."</p>
+
+<p>It was my good fortune to introduce Rudyard Kipling&mdash;a delicate as
+well as a proud task, because I knew that fulsome praise, or even the
+most honest appreciation, would make him uncomfortable. I remember
+that I spoke of the narrow compass of Shakspere's renown in his day,
+and the world-wide <span class="pagenum"><a id="page206" name="page206"></a>(p. 206)</span> fame of a man like Kipling in these days
+of multitudinous newspapers and telegraphs and cables.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said the poet, "you remember the story of the artist
+Whistler in Paris. An admirer came to him and said: 'Master, you and
+Velasquez are the greatest exponents of the art of painting.' 'True,
+true,' said Mr. Whistler, 'but why drag in Velasquez?' (A pause.) In
+all sincerity I ask you why need you drag in Shakspere? There is not a
+name in all literature more disheartening to those who try to do a bit
+of earnest work at writing. There is not a thought, an emotion, a
+picture, a bit of description that has not been written before&mdash;and
+written much better than we can write it&mdash;by William. We found a
+volume of his works in the office of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>. Take war. In 'Henry
+V.' you will find all that can be written&mdash;all the glory and all the
+shame, all the valour and the sordidness, the excitement and the
+pomp&mdash;you will find it all in 'Henry V.' better than any one can write
+it now. In all sincerity, then, I ask you, why drag in Shakspere?</p>
+
+<p>"I propose to you to-night, gentlemen, the health of the man who has
+taught the British Empire its responsibilities, and the rest of the
+world its power, who has filled the seas with transports, and the
+earth with the tramp of armed men, who has made Cape Town see in Table
+Bay such a sight as she never saw before and, please God, will never
+see again; who has turned the loafer of the London streets into a man,
+and called out him who led our fathers to Kandahar, and who knew not
+what he did; who has made the Uitlander of South Africa stand shoulder
+to shoulder with the boundary rider of New Zealand, and taught
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page207" name="page207"></a>(p. 207)</span> the men of New South Wales to pick up the wounded men who
+wear the maple leaf&mdash;and all in support of the mother-country.
+Gentlemen, I give you the name of the Empire-builder&mdash;Stephanus
+Johannes Paulus Kruger."</p>
+
+<p>After the great guests went home a dozen or fifteen of us remained and
+enjoyed an impromptu little sing-song, when this to me touching and
+singular incident occurred. General Pole-Carew came to me and said,
+"Your son Lester should go home and to bed. He is in a high fever. I
+know what it means, for I have had it six times. Look after him well."
+My son was then in the thirteenth day of an attack of enteric, about
+which he had said not a word to any one. In that condition he had
+drawn the pictures on the <i>menus</i> of Lord Roberts, General Pole-Carew,
+General French (who could not come), Lord Stanley, General Colvile,
+Colonel Otter, Mr. Kipling, and others. Lester, on hearing what the
+General had said, declared it was no news to him and, after thanking
+the General, went home and to bed. There, until we could get him to a
+hospital, Mr. Kipling nursed him with consummate skill and the
+gentleness of a woman; interesting and, to me, precious memories of a
+world in which some of us find too few of such suggestions of the
+better world to come.</p>
+
+<p>In this "Free State Hospital," with the ministrations of the matron,
+Miss Young, and her devoted lady nurses, the same strong essence of
+unselfishness made the siege of sickness a period of pleasure.
+Generals, colonels, correspondents and all of the salt of the army
+went there often to cheer the patients&mdash;one of whom was Mr. Oppenheim
+of the <i>Daily News</i>.</p>
+
+<p>We four private men, who gave this dinner in our <span class="pagenum"><a id="page208" name="page208"></a>(p. 208)</span> own name to
+our own friends, have been a great deal criticised, but it is a
+noticeable fact that the only critics are the men who were not invited
+to the feast.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 10]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny.</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>GOVERNMENT NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>Notice is hereby given that, communication with the Cape Colony having
+been restored, the Laws and Regulations of the Customs Convention have
+been put into force by virture of the proclamation of Field-Marshal
+Lord Roberts, dated the 20th instant, and that from and after this
+date Government Notice, No. 106, published in the "Gouvernements
+Courant" of the 27th October, 1899, by which the Customs dues on
+provisions and merchandise were temporarily suspended will be
+considered null and void, in so far as those portions of the State now
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops are concerned.</p>
+
+<p>By order</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">J. H. Meiring</span>, Collector of Customs.<br>
+  Customs' House, Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p>Whereas it is necessary that all State and private property in the
+South African Republic and the Orange Free State shall be protected
+from wanton destruction and damage,</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">Now Therefore;</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">I, Frederick Sleigh Baron Roberts of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page209" name="page209"></a>(p. 209)</span> Khandahar</span>, K.P.,
+G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief
+the British Forces in South Africa, do hereby give notice that all
+persons who, within the territories of the South African Republic or
+the Orange Free State shall authorise or be guilty of the wanton
+destruction or damage or the counselling, aiding, or assisting in the
+wanton destruction or damage of public or private property (such
+destruction or damage not being justified by the usages and customs of
+civilised warfare), will be held responsible in their persons and
+property for all such wanton destruction and damage.</p>
+
+<p>Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Twenty-sixth day of March,
+1900.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>,<br>
+  Field Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SIR ALFRED MILNER.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY PERCEVAL LANDON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The High Commissioner of South Africa left Bloemfontein after the
+mercifully abortive conference on June 6th of last year. Yesterday he
+re-entered the town. The interval has been for some a time of hard
+fighting, for all a time of anxiety, and amid the enthusiasm of his
+welcome to the capital, his strong confidence during the darker days,
+his unswerving fidelity to the high ideal of his Imperial work, must
+be in the minds of all.</p>
+
+<p>His entry into Bloemfontein, the capital of one of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page210" name="page210"></a>(p. 210)</span> the two
+colonies destined to fall into line with the progress of United South
+Africa, is an occasion that will be recognised by the historian of
+this war as closing one "swelling act of the Imperial theme."</p>
+
+<p>Half&mdash;perhaps more than half&mdash;of Lord Roberts' work has been done; the
+greater part of Sir Alfred Milner's task lies still before him. In
+welcoming him within its walls Bloemfontein does not forget that long
+after the transports have sailed with the last of the troops of the
+expedition, the High Commissioner will still be confronted with a
+gigantic work, requiring alike foresight, tact, and strength of will.
+And Bloemfontein, like the rest of the Empire, is well content to
+leave in the hands of Sir Alfred Milner the solution of the problem
+upon the right interpretation of which the fortunes of this enormous
+federation must depend.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>"DRIVING THE OX."</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem26">
+<p>Sing they who will of the Yeomen Imperial,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Gillies, Scouts, "Tigers," and bold C.I.V.;</span><br>
+  Others may hold to more usual material,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Horse, Foot, and Rifles, and Artillerie.</span><br>
+  But there's a corps with its name writ in History&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Bold they as lions and steadfast as rocks&mdash;</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Gaily we'll troll our song,</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Slow as we stroll along&mdash;</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Trickle and roll along&mdash;</span><br>
+                    <span class="add8em">Driving the Ox!</span></p>
+
+<p>But when the war-cloud frowns thicker and lowereth,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When the quick-moving battalions are met;</span><br>
+  Not where the soft-hissing bullet most showereth,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Not in the forefront our places are set.</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page211" name="page211"></a>(p. 211)</span> Still drive we on, though a day's march in rear we be,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">O'er veldt and vlei, with the mud to our hocks&mdash;</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Still will we push along,</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Nor sadly hush our song,</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Though we don't rush along,</span><br>
+                  <span class="add8em">Driving the Ox!</span></p>
+
+<p>Fill, then, a cup to the Beeves of Her Majesty,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Long in the rear may their colours be seen!</span><br>
+  Heavy their loads, but their hearts light as anything,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Doing strong work for their country and Queen.</span><br>
+  What though they jeer who sweep by with the mounted troops?<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Treat we as nought all their jibes and their mocks.</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Though ne'er a fight we'll see,</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">Cheerful and bright we'll be,</span><br>
+            <span class="add5em">We're a grand sight to see,</span><br>
+                  <span class="add8em">Driving the Ox!</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">"Old Man."</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7" title="Go to footnote 7"><span class="smaller">[7]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smcap">The Persuasive Pom-pom.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>III.</h4>
+
+<p>A Field-Artillerist passing a newly-imported Pom-pom overwhelmed it
+with Contumely, saying, "What has a Gunner to do with an Unqualified
+Sewing-machine?"</p>
+
+<p>To this the virtuous Mechanism returned no answer, but communicated
+these Atrocious Sentiments to a fellow Pom-pom in the Opposing Army
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page212" name="page212"></a>(p. 212)</span> which, later, catching the Field-battery crossing a Donga,
+gave it Ten-a-penny for two Minutes to the Confusion of all concerned.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said the Field-artillerist as he watched his Leg disassociate
+itself from the Remainder of his Anatomy, "Who would have thought that
+an Implement officially rejected by the War Office and what is more,
+damned by Myself, could have done so neat a Trick?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Moral.</span> Do not condemn the Unofficial. It hits hard.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE MILITARY LETTER WRITER.<br>
+<span class="smcap">Forms and Models.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY TWO OF THE EDITORS AND THE AUTHOR OF A GUIDE TO POLITE LETTER
+WRITING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>No. I.</h4>
+
+<p>(<i>From a General of Division unshaven for eight days who lost his
+horse, which he had lately commandeered from a subaltern of transport,
+after having dined not wisely but too well at a Cavalry Camp, five
+miles from his own tent, to which he was conducted through a
+rain-storm by an inebriated signaller, to Captain Vanderbyl of the
+Ninety-Third Field Hospital, given by voluntary subscriptions, of
+which the larger part remain to this day unpaid, so that the hospital
+is without bandages, lint or beds, whom he suspects of being accessory
+to the animal's disappearance.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">Respected Sir:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>It is with deep pain that I take my pen in hand to trespass on your
+valuable time, but the imperative needs of the case must be my
+justification.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page213" name="page213"></a>(p. 213)</span> Twelve happy hours ago I was the proud, and I may add, the
+lawful possessor of a bay mare, off fore foot white, white blaze and
+snip, near hind pastern marked by heel rope, unshod in front and ear
+nicked, which I think I left with a man with two heads but that may
+have been on account of the sherry and bitters and she was tied up to
+the railings because my boy forgot the blanket and I borrowed one from
+the hospital but anyhow I know that when I came out she was a lousy
+mule and the saddle cost £6 10s. at the Army and Navy Stores and I may
+as well tell you at once if you have tried to dispose of it that they
+are marked all over with my name and rank. Therefore, Augustus
+Burstem, General of Division presents his compliments to Captain
+Vanderbyl and everybody in the camp knows the mule is yours and
+besides your boy was seen grooming her at the back of your tent this
+morning. I want it back by bearer.</p>
+
+<p>Yours sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Augustus Burstem</span>,<br>
+  General.</p>
+
+<h4>No. II.</h4>
+
+<p>(<i>From a saddle-chafed officer of the Staff with Evangelical
+convictions and a rooted distaste for Scouting, who has just come off
+a 10 days' march on quarter rations and has lost half his transport
+and 7 men by advancing in close order upon the white flag to his
+General, who has a taste for horse-racing and profanity and a good
+seat across country, seventeen and a half hours after his return to
+camp, and seventeen and one quarter hours after the General had
+expressed his (the General's) opinion upon his (the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page214" name="page214"></a>(p. 214)</span>
+Captain's) facial peculiarities, mental attainments, moral rectitude,
+birth, parentage, and probable future.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">My Dear Sir,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>I have been much perplexed for some days, in consequence of a growing
+conviction&mdash;which has indeed been deepening for some weeks&mdash;that we
+are each of us conscious that we have made a mistake in becoming
+engaged. I believe you have this conviction, as I am obliged to
+confess I have. Now it is infinitely better that we face it at once. I
+would gladly be convinced that we have not been mistaken; and if I am
+wrong in believing that this thought has been in your mind as well as
+my own, pray forgive me for having misjudged you. How else can I
+account for the depression which seems to rule you when in my company,
+and for the apparent relief which parting seems to bring you? Now,
+will you do yourself and me the justice to ask yourself seriously
+whether or no (I) have at all correctly gauged your feeling? If so, I
+would wish to release you, for your own sake as well as for mine. It
+really seems that we have each discovered that our ideals are not to
+be found in each other. If so we shall respect each other none the
+less in future years that we had the courage to confess to each other
+that we have been mistaken. Kindly write when you are sure of the
+answer which you are sending.</p>
+
+<p>Faithfully yours,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Walter.</p>
+
+<p>It is interesting to note that this and the following letter are taken
+literally word for word from a well-known "Letter-writer." Thus we see
+the adaptability of these invaluable helps to the epistolary art. It
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page215" name="page215"></a>(p. 215)</span> will not be necessary to suggest the original suggested
+circumstances of this correspondence.</p>
+
+<h4>No. 3.<br>
+THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.</h4>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,&mdash;I have taken a few days to sift my thoughts on the
+subject of your last. The conclusion that I have come to is
+practically the same as yours. I have no blame to lay on you; on the
+contrary, you have been most kind and considerate in all things. No
+doubt, without intending it, we have been both mistaken; and although
+we have honestly tried to be all to each other, yet that mysterious
+something which is perhaps best expressed by the word "affinity" has
+been lacking. So, without in the least losing my respect for
+you&mdash;rather it has increased&mdash;I accept the proposal contained in your
+last, viz., that our engagement should cease.</p>
+
+<p>Sincerely yours,</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">B. I. Tumen</span>, Genl.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>UNITED WE STAND.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY TROOPER G. SIMES, F SQUADRON, ROBERTS' HORSE.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>Who are these hasting with speed o'er the ocean,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Meeting together in one common cause,</span><br>
+    Proving by deeds and a whole-souled devotion,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Their love for our Flag and contempt for the Boers?</span></p>
+
+<p>These are the oversea sons of one mother,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Some bred in sunshine and some bred in snow;</span><br>
+    Meeting together as brother with brother,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">One common kindred 'gainst one common foe.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page216" name="page216"></a>(p. 216)</span> Bright sunny land in the far-off Pacific,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Fit habitation for men such as these,</span><br>
+    Proving their birthright in battle terrific,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Sons of the Mother though bred overseas.</span></p>
+
+<p>Grand snow-clad land on the stormy Atlantic,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Home of our brothers who fight with us here&mdash;</span><br>
+    Proving by deeds most high-souled and romantic<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Their love for their country we all hold so dear.</span></p>
+
+<p>This be our comfort and this be our beacon&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Blood that was shed has but bound us together,</span><br>
+    No power can conquer, no quarrels shall weaken<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Rose and the Maple, the Wattle and Heather!</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>TEN-A-PENNY'S.<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8" title="Go to footnote 8"><span class="smaller">[8]</span></a></h3>
+
+<p>A certain General has breathed vengeance against two of the Editors of
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, threatening to put them in his guard-room if he finds them
+within his lines. They are not afraid of him, but prefer to admire him
+as of old. They scorn his threats but will welcome an invitation to
+lunch.</p>
+
+<p class="p2">A linesman describing the arrival of the Guards Brigade at
+Bloemfontein after they had covered 41 miles in 22 hours: "An' they
+come in the last mile like a lot o' bloomin' Park hacks, steppin' 'igh
+an' dressin' most particular."</p>
+
+<p class="p2">A French waiter at a Parisian café recently heard the news of
+Kimberley's relief, and observed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page217" name="page217"></a>(p. 217)</span> joyously: "Bon! Fashoda
+finds itself avenged. Behold, ze English again in the consommée, for
+ze French are in Kimberley!"</p>
+
+<p class="p2">"Look here! You get away from this antheap. This is my antheap. There
+are plenty around, and you find one for yourself." The hail of Mauser
+bullets from the kopje was pretty heavy, and the nearest antheap at
+least fifty yards away, so the other Grahamstown man disputed the
+uitlander theory of his comrade, and insisted on staying. "Confound
+you, get away I tell you; your big feet are drawing the fire; if you
+don't I'll break your neck." "You shut up," said the other, "this
+antheap is as much mine as yours, besides if you talk of breaking
+necks, well&mdash;&mdash;" There appeared to be no further conversation, but the
+officer observed the two men suddenly arise and a hot set-to followed.
+The fire was too hot for immediate inquiry, but after a prolonged
+round one man was knocked down, the other drew him behind the disputed
+shelter, and resumed patient firing at the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Later a request was made for orders regarding the possession of
+antheaps by irregulars.</p>
+
+<p class="p2">A well-known scout returning from Kimberley last week was taken
+prisoner at Modder River by a party of eight Boers. He was sent in
+charge of two burghers to the Boer camp near Brandfort. On the way the
+Boers off-saddled and their horses strayed. Leaving their prisoner
+alone with their guns and ammunition, which they had laid down, they
+went after the horses. Here was an excellent opportunity. Both Boers
+were at his mercy, but it looked too much like murder, so awaiting
+their return, the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page218" name="page218"></a>(p. 218)</span> scout, who could speak the Taal, appealed
+to them to let him go, telling them that he could easily have shot
+them, but the war was nearly over, and he would not take men's lives
+in that way; further, that it would greatly inconvenience him to be
+taken North, and he might be able to put in a good word for them soon,
+if their farms should be in danger. After an hour's palaver they
+agreed to give him a show, and told him he could go. They then
+escorted him to the river and showed him the road to Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>PONT FILLED WITH BULLION.</h3>
+
+<p>This is the story of two men who, unarmed, and without a guard brought
+£25,000 in bullion from Capetown to Bloemfontein, through a country
+still seething with dangers of war. The men were L. L. Michell,
+general manager of the Standard Bank of South Africa, and W. Munro du
+Preez, formerly of the National Bank of Harrismith, now teller of the
+Standard Bank's new Bloemfontein branch, which opened to-day in the
+building on Market Square, formerly occupied by the Café Royal and
+later by the Military Post Office.</p>
+
+<p>They left Capetown on Thursday a week ago, with twelve boxes of
+specie, each one of which weighed eighty pounds. For six days they
+lived, ate, and slept on those boxes. Their only holiday was at
+Naauwpoort, when they paid a high compliment to six A. and S.
+Highlanders by putting the boxes in their charge and going out to
+stretch their legs. For hundreds of miles the train ran through
+desolate karoo in which a band of train robbers would have stood a
+fair chance of success. At Colesberg the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page219" name="page219"></a>(p. 219)</span> twelve heavy boxes
+were piled out again on the platform and into the ladies' waiting-room
+and the weary bankers stretched out on them, for the night.</p>
+
+<p>There was to have been a military guard for the gold at Norval's Pont,
+but somehow the guard did not connect. The bank men found themselves
+stalled at a broken bridge, with the choice of trusting their bullion
+to a thin wire rope slung across the broken spans, or putting it on a
+pont that formed a rope ferry across the river. They chose the pont.</p>
+
+<p>The train from Capetown reached Orange River at 2 o'clock on Tuesday
+afternoon. The train on the north side of the river had to wait until
+7 o'clock for the gold.</p>
+
+<p>The transfer across the river was the most interesting part of the
+journey. Messrs. Michell and du Preez deny that their interest had
+anything of anxiety in it. They trusted the twelve sweating volunteers
+who wandered wide from the train to the pont with its 960 pounds
+avoirdupois and 25,000 pounds sterling. Du Preez walked at the head of
+the volunteers and Michell at the tail. The volunteers seemed to be
+walking all over the country.</p>
+
+<p>So the twelve boxes were finally slammed into the guard's van on the
+north side of the river, and the bank manager and his teller clambered
+in on top of them. If there was a military guard on the train they
+didn't have the comfort of knowing it. They had been told that all the
+Boers were giving in their arms and that the country through which
+they rode was thoroughly pacified, but then, as du Preez said, "when
+you are travelling with twelve boxes of bullion you can't be dead sure
+of anything."</p>
+
+<p>When the train reached Bloemfontein on Wednesday, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page220" name="page220"></a>(p. 220)</span> the boxes
+were taken at once to the vaults of the National Bank of the Orange
+Free State, and the two men, wearied by their six days' vigil, went at
+once to bed, and to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Michell, who manages the Standard Bank affairs in all parts of
+South Africa, is only temporarily in Bloemfontein. Mr. D. Savory,
+formerly of the branch bank at Oudtshoorn, will be manager of the
+Bloemfontein branch. Mr. A. S. D. Robertson, formerly in the branch
+bank at Ceres, will be accountant, and Mr. du Preez will be teller.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page221" name="page221"></a>(p. 221)</span> CHAPTER XIII<br>
+<span class="title">We Leave "The Friend" to See a Fight</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>The Thirteenth Number, produced by Mr. James Barnes of New
+     York.</i></p>
+
+<p>The last of the dinner was still in our mouths, the last words in
+answer to the toasts had not been spoken five hours when, at daybreak
+on the 29th, we were all, except Mr. James Barnes, on the way to the
+battle of the Glen (or of Karree Siding, as it is sometimes called).
+Mr. Barnes most kindly remained to take entire control of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+which is to say that he undertook the work of four men, and had as his
+only assistant a bright young American journalist from Philadelphia,
+Mr. Joseph W. Jenkins. This young gentleman had worked hard and
+gratuitously for us from the first as the gatherer of the news of the
+little capital, and very fertile and versatile he proved.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Bennet Burleigh took Mr. Kipling to the fight in his Cape-cart,
+and they started out with more style and comfort than an Oriental
+general swaying on the cushioned howdah of his elephant charger. But
+the course of a day in war is as uncertain as that of love or as the
+nature of the white men, and, early in the day, the Poet of the Empire
+was under a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page222" name="page222"></a>(p. 222)</span> hot Mauser fire. Far from being nervous or
+regretting the experience, he seemed to feel only the tingle of the
+excitement. If you could get him to refer to it you saw that he
+rejoiced to have felt the breath and heard the weird, low song of the
+leaden rain.</p>
+
+<p>For myself I had such an inglorious escapade as no man would care to
+dwell upon who was in a war to get the best or the worst, but not to
+be incapacitated by what could have happened at home. In a word, I
+went into a wire fence off the back of a frightened racehorse, and was
+obliged to go on to the battle, belated and with both fore-arms torn
+into strips, not to speak of injuries which must stay by me as
+mementoes of the day so long as I live.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Barnes's number of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was a good one. His editorial, "As
+to the Future," was very vigorous, and must have pleased Sir Alfred
+Milner, who did us the honour to say that he valued the paper as a
+most efficient arm of the effort to pacify and reconcile to their fate
+our neighbours of the Free State. He suggested to me that we should
+address ourselves more directly to the Boers, and always with a view
+to impressing them with our magnanimous intentions, and the benefits
+and advantages of enlightened British rule. It was his suggestion,
+also, that all articles calculated to encourage resignation on their
+part should be duplicated in the Taal language, and this wise plan we
+began at once to endeavour to follow. We succeeded but feebly, because
+we did not know the Taal ourselves, and we could not trust the
+majority of the sometimes "slim" ones among the few who were able to
+perform the work of translation creditably.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page223" name="page223"></a>(p. 223)</span> In this number of the paper Mr. Barnes published No. 4 of Mr.
+Kipling's "Fables for the Staff," and the poem by Mr. Kipling on
+Perceval Landon's birthday. "A Realistic Comedy," by an anonymous
+writer, the third of Mr. Gwynne's articles on the art of war, and a
+bit of a brief correspondence between the army telegraphists and Mr.
+Bennet Burleigh were also in this entertaining number.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Barnes was exceedingly well liked by all who knew him in the army,
+and was much sought as a companion, for his unvarying good humour and
+for such a fund of anecdotes, songs, and imitations as was possessed
+by no one else of our acquaintance. I think the best of his anecdotes
+of his own experiences in the war was concerning the Boer losses at
+Driefontein. The British had found more than sixty bodies, and knew
+that fifty other Boers had been killed. (I will not say that these are
+the exact figures, but they give a just idea of the actual losses of
+the Boers.) Nevertheless, when Barnes questioned a Boer prisoner taken
+at that battle, the man said that his force had suffered a loss of
+only eight killed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then who is it that gets killed by our bullets in all these fights?"
+Barnes asked. "We fight you, and after each battle we see the dead
+being carried off; we find other dead on the field, and we see the
+loose mounds of earth under which you have hastily buried others. Who
+are these dead men?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," said the prisoner, "our commandant said we only had
+eight men killed at Abraham's Kraal (Driefontein)."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," said Barnes. "He must know how many you lost. But we
+saw over sixty dead bodies <span class="pagenum"><a id="page224" name="page224"></a>(p. 224)</span> where you had been fighting.
+Whose bodies do you suppose they were? Not Boers, of course, but
+still, they belonged to some people who had been shot. There seems to
+be in South Africa a mysterious race of people who follow you around
+in this war and persist in getting in the way of our bullets. I should
+think you would warn them of their danger, or give orders for them to
+stop coming to all the battles. They may have wives and children who
+mourn them; at all events, they are not needed as filters in all the
+rivers, or for starting informal cemeteries all over the veldt as they
+have been doing ever since the fighting began. I wonder what people
+they are."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. We only lost eight," said the Boer.</p>
+
+<p>"And we buried sixty," said Barnes. "Really you ought to find out who
+these bullet-stoppers are, and warn them not to be always getting
+killed by us who have no quarrel with them and are only trying to
+shoot Boers."</p>
+
+<p>Another of Mr. Barnes's tales is of that awful daybreak massacre at
+Maghersfontein. Mr. Barnes was forging ahead to learn what had
+happened when he met three men in kilts dashing over the veldt, away
+from the battle.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," Mr. Barnes cried, "who are you? Where are you going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mon," said one of the poor unnerved chaps, "we are a' that's left
+o' the &mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;."</p>
+
+<p>In defence of themselves against some inconvenience which Mr. Burleigh
+had complained, some telegraphers of the R.E. Corps declared that the
+staff in Bloemfontein "performed seventeen hours last Sunday in order
+to remove pressure produced to a great extent by work <span class="pagenum"><a id="page225" name="page225"></a>(p. 225)</span> other
+than military. Whilst every other arm of the service had been enjoying
+a brief and well-earned rest, our portion has consisted of at least
+twelve hours' hard work at the instrument, cooped up in a room reeking
+with a pestilential atmosphere which has, in several cases, produced
+violent vomiting.</p>
+
+<p>"After all, we can nurse to our breasts the satisfaction that our
+gallant Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to specially thank the
+much-despised corps for the indispensable services rendered by it."</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 11.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>GOVERNMENT NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>By order of his Lordship the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the
+British Forces in South Africa, it is notified that Quit Rents on
+Farms should now be paid in to the Receiver at the Landdrost's Office.
+Amounts not paid on or before the 31st May, 1900, are liable to be
+doubled.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">James A. Collins</span>, Landdrost.<br>
+  Landdrost's Office, Bloemfontein, March 26, 1900.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9" title="Go to footnote 9"><span class="smaller">[9]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smcap">Vain Horses.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>IV.</h4>
+
+<p>A Cavalry-horse of indubitable Valour, carrying a complete Wardrobe
+Office and Housekeeping <span class="pagenum"><a id="page226" name="page226"></a>(p. 226)</span> Apparatus on his back, met by chance
+a Boer pony of unprepossessing Exterior.</p>
+
+<p>"My ungroomed Friend," said the Horse, "let me draw your attention to
+my Master's portable Bath, Umbrella, Typewriter, Hair Brushes,
+Dressing-case, and complete Service of Plate; also to my own spare
+Shoes and cold Collation for the next Week. Few I opine enjoy such
+luxurious appointments."</p>
+
+<p>"They are indeed <i>fin de siècle</i> and <i>non-plus-ultra</i>," remarked the
+ewe-necked Son of the Veldt, "but You must excuse Me for I see my
+Master approaching. He does not use Hair-brushes, and I have neither
+spare shoes nor curry combs."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I must trouble you to return as my Prisoner," said the Horse.</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary," replied the Child of the ungrassed Kopje; "it is a
+condition and not a theory that confronts us. Let me draw your
+attention to my scintillatery heels."</p>
+
+<p>So saying the Unkempt Equine departed in a neat cloud of Dust, from
+the Centre of which his Master scientifically shot the Cavalry Horse
+in the Abdomen.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A BIRTHDAY GREETING.<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10" title="Go to footnote 10"><span class="smaller">[10]</span></a><br>
+(29th March.)<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem14">
+<p>Tell the smiling Afric morn,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Let the stony kopje know,</span><br>
+    Landon of the <i>Times</i> was born<br>
+      <span class="add1em">One and thirty years ago.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page227" name="page227"></a>(p. 227)</span> Whisper greetings soft and low,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Pour the whisky, deal the bun,</span><br>
+    Only Bell and Buckle know<br>
+      <span class="add1em">All the evil he has done.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS.</h3>
+
+<p>In accordance with the public notice printed in this journal, a
+meeting of war correspondents was held yesterday afternoon at the Free
+State Hotel, Bloemfontein, when the arrangements for a concert to be
+given in the Town Hall "in aid of widows and orphans" were discussed.
+Messrs. Bennet Burleigh (<i>Daily Telegraph</i>), Pearse (<i>Daily News</i>),
+Maxwell (<i>Standard</i>), and Haarburgher, were appointed members of the
+Executive Committee with power to add to their number, and it was
+decided that the proceeds of the concert should be divided equally
+between the London and Bloemfontein funds. The date, which remains to
+be fixed, will probably be Friday of next week, and the prices of
+admission 5s., 3s., and 1s., the latter for soldiers in uniform.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A REALISTIC COMEDY.</h3>
+
+<p>I haven't often been really defeated, but I felt very like it that
+Black Monday.</p>
+
+<p>My convoy consisted of self and Jimmy (my subaltern), two conductors,
+100 native drivers, about 500 oxen, and 40 waggons. We were hundreds
+of miles from the front so had no escort, and were fifteen miles from
+anywhere. The country was simply a succession of kopjes as like each
+other as a pair of ammunition boots, the map was much <span class="pagenum"><a id="page228" name="page228"></a>(p. 228)</span> too
+small a scale to be of any use, and our native guide had lost the way!</p>
+
+<p>We ought to have struck water about dawn, after trekking all night,
+but there wasn't a sign of it. The heat was awful as we toiled our
+dusty way between those glaring kopjes, until about noon we sighted a
+stagnant dam, half full, and we went for it like savages, men, oxen
+and all.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been absolute rank poison. In a couple of hours two men
+were writhing on the ground, a score more, blue and shivering, were
+feeling touched, and the whole lot were thoroughly funked. It was just
+like a native cholera camp in India, and to those who have experienced
+that I need say no more.</p>
+
+<p>We sent out our most useful men on our best horses, to hunt the
+country, five miles round for a farm or well; we started fires to boil
+water and worked our wretched little filters for all they were worth.
+Jimmy and I had a bottle of chlorodyne apiece, but they were empty in
+an hour or so and our whisky was finished soon afterward. I had meant
+to trek again as soon as it got dark, but before the sun touched the
+horizon all our scouts were back&mdash;not a drop of water anywhere! Had
+there been any, I doubt if we could have got to it&mdash;half our oxen were
+incapable of moving and the blacks were simply off their heads. But I
+noticed that our chlorodyne, either by its own power, or by the belief
+they put in it, had really done good. So I made up my mind to a night
+there and called up one of the conductors.&mdash;"Take the native guide and
+bring me two of the best horses you can find&mdash;ride straight on for all
+you are worth&mdash;find a farm&mdash;offer <span class="pagenum"><a id="page229" name="page229"></a>(p. 229)</span> them any sum to send on
+this note of mine to Viten Siding for a doctor and medicines&mdash;bring
+back any drugs they've got and brandy or spirits&mdash;come back as hard as
+you can."</p>
+
+<p>Then we settled down to the most ghastly night I've ever spent; we
+walked the bed cases up and down&mdash;don't know what good this is but had
+seen it done in India&mdash;put on mustard poultices till we fairly took
+the black's skins off&mdash;and knocked down a few who were howling about
+the camp in sheer panic. I don't know what I should have done without
+Jimmy, but even his chaff couldn't keep the poor devils amused. About
+midnight I had a bad turn myself and Jimmy put me to bed, but it wore
+off, and I fell into a nightmared slumber. Just before dawn I awoke;
+Jimmy was brewing coffee and whistling: "When we are married."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you feel?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly fit again. Any dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only two, but they were sick before. All the lot in blue funks
+still."</p>
+
+<p>"Conductor back?"</p>
+
+<p>"No." Then we strained our eyes in the direction where he had
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>I remember wondering dreamily why Jimmy whistled so damned out of
+tune, and whether any of us would ever get out of this death-trap,
+when we saw a speck far up the road. Jimmy stopped in the middle of
+"Dolly Day Dreams," spilt his coffee, and dashed off up the road.</p>
+
+<p>The conductor had killed his own horse and the guide's; had found a
+farm ten miles away; had sent on my note but Doctor could not arrive
+till to-morrow; there were no drugs at the farm, but he'd <span class="pagenum"><a id="page230" name="page230"></a>(p. 230)</span>
+brought us two bottles of Dop<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11" title="Go to footnote 11"><span class="smaller">[11]</span></a> and four loaves of fresh bread done
+up in a brown parcel!</p>
+
+<p>A crowd of niggers were hovering round as near my tent as they dared
+come, hoping to catch an inkling of the news, and I could tell from
+the tone of their low mutterings that they expected nothing good. For
+a moment I was badly defeated.</p>
+
+<p>Then a Heaven-sent inspiration seized me&mdash;"Well, Brown," I said,
+raising my voice, "So that's the chlorodyne is it?"&mdash;I seized the big
+brown-paper parcel&mdash;"It's five o'clock now; tell every Jack man in
+camp he's to fall in here sharp at six for a dose of chlorodyne."</p>
+
+<p>The conductor stared at me; I suppose he thought I was mad.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you hear," I cried; "go off at once, and don't let anybody
+interrupt us while we have breakfast." And I managed to give him the
+faintest wink&mdash;in another minute I heard him shouting my order through
+the camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Jimmy, let's make chlorodyne." Jimmy grinned. "Collis Browne's is the
+best," he said; "twenty drops for an adult."</p>
+
+<p>Then he started whistling again while we shut up the tent and went to
+work.</p>
+
+<p>"Small bottles are no use," I said, "must have wholesale manufactory;
+we'll find that demi-john."</p>
+
+<p>We started with two tins of condensed milk&mdash;to give it a bit of
+body&mdash;and a tin of Van Houten's cocoa made a grand colouring. Two big
+spoonfuls of red pepper, "to ginger it up." "Must mix our flavour,"
+said Jimmy, "or they'll recognize the brand"&mdash;so in went Bengal
+chutney and strawberry <span class="pagenum"><a id="page231" name="page231"></a>(p. 231)</span> jam. We were rummaging out our grocery
+box&mdash;"Sardines ain't much use, nor cheese, nor Danish butter; but
+here's a bottle of the nastiest pickles I ever tasted, let's give them
+the juice of that; they won't believe it's medicine unless it tastes
+bad."</p>
+
+<p>"My tooth powder is nasty enough," said Jimmy, "Carbolic something,
+and warranted to do no harm&mdash;in it goes."</p>
+
+<p>The two bottles of Dop were chucked in as a finish and the mixture was
+nasty enough for anybody&mdash;rich brown, creamy, and fiery hot.</p>
+
+<p>Jimmy had entered heart and soul into the business.&mdash;"None's genuine
+without the label," he cried, and rushed at our small stationery box.
+"Hullo, sealing wax, here, you find a cork and seal it up; these cards
+will do for labels. Some of these niggers can read and write, so we
+must play the game right through. If they spot us we're done. Now,
+men&mdash;Genuine Chlorodyne&mdash;for coughs, colds, &amp;c.&mdash;every three hours
+till the pain ceases; to be well shaken before taken. And another
+label&mdash;To O.C. No. 2, General Hospital, Viten Sideing,&mdash;On H.M.
+Service&mdash;free&mdash;franked. Dirty the paper a bit to show it's come a long
+way&mdash;then when we throw the jar away they'll see it's genuine."</p>
+
+<p>"They don't have chlorodyne in our hospitals," I suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Go to blazes! the niggers aren't cute enough for that. But look here,
+old chap, you look a bit cheap; we'll resurrect you to start with. I'm
+afraid you'll have to take some, but I'll make it as small a dose as I
+can."</p>
+
+<p>Then I lay down huddled up in a corner. The opening tableau was ready,
+and we rang up the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page232" name="page232"></a>(p. 232)</span> curtain, or rather the tent-flap. Jimmy
+was as serious as a judge: "All present, conductor? All right; where's
+that medicine got to? Oh, there; now then, anybody got a corkscrew?" A
+hum went up from the figures squatting round. Jimmy held up his hand:
+"Quiet there, the captain is very bad; I must see to him first." He
+lifted my drooping head and forced a spoonful of the filth between my
+teeth.</p>
+
+<p>I heaved a sigh, patted myself below the belt, rolled my eyes open,
+and stood up, fully recovered!</p>
+
+<p>Astonishment mingled with applause!</p>
+
+<p>We selected a hulking, big brute as the next victim. He was palpably
+shamming; he spluttered a bit over his dose, but took the cue from me:
+patted himself, rolled his eyes, and was recovered.</p>
+
+<p>Genuine plaudits.</p>
+
+<p>"Next," said Jimmy. It reminded me of the brimstone and treacle at
+Dotheboys Hall.</p>
+
+<p>Applause gave way to regular hilarity, and the blacks were soon
+ragging each other on the faces they made.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the biggest thing of modern times," said Jimmy as the last
+man went off grinning and spluttering. "Talk about
+faith-healing&mdash;well, either it's an absolute fact, or else we two are
+the leading medical stars of the new century."</p>
+
+<p>Then Jimmy and I shook hands, and he tried to whistle "Dolly Day
+Dreams" again, but couldn't manage it for a minute or two.</p>
+
+<p>There were a few real bad cases still, but they all pulled through.</p>
+
+<p>Then we served out to the men the best rations we could raise and a
+bit of 'baccy apiece. They <span class="pagenum"><a id="page233" name="page233"></a>(p. 233)</span> cooked away with a will, filled
+themselves out with breakfast, lay down beneath their wagons, and went
+to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Jimmy and I went to sleep too. At sunset we inspanned and made the 10
+miles to the farm early. Our doctor met us there.</p>
+
+<p>But I shall never hear "Dolly Day Dreams" again without thinking of
+bare veldt, black faces, and chlorodyne.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Anonymous.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE "N.C.O."</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem28">
+<p>There's some one in the Army that I'd like to write about,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">For it's seldom that he gets his share of praise;</span><br>
+  He's as gallant as most lions and you can always hear him shout,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Through the rattle of the battle now-a-days.</span></p>
+
+<p>When we read in all the papers of the Comp'ny officers killed,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">We don't stop to think who has to take their place;</span><br>
+  But if we knew, our hearts with admiration would be filled<br>
+    <span class="add1em">For the N.C.O. with grim and grimy face.</span></p>
+
+<p>His language on the barrack square, ain't quite what it should be,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And it's probable he likes his whack of beer,</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page234" name="page234"></a>(p. 234)</span> But there's nothing like that voice of his, and never yet will be<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To steady the young soldier when he's feeling "Bullet-queer."</span></p>
+
+<p>He's ahead in all the rushes, he's the last one to retire,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And in battle's got a joke for every one;</span><br>
+  He doesn't seem to mind a damn, when under Mauser fire,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And he don't forget the wounded when the day is fought and won.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then, Mr. Rudyard Kipling, here's more work for you to do,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">You've sung of gallant "Tommies" and their deeds,</span><br>
+  Just write about their N.C.O.'s and give them all their due,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">For good N.C.O.'s are what the Army needs.</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">C.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY. H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>III.&mdash;<i>Cavalry.</i></h4>
+
+<p>The "Art of War," which, I must confess, is but a feeble equivalent
+for the <i>art militaire</i> of the French, covers strategy and tactics. In
+discussing the duties of any particular arm in warfare it is obvious
+that the discussion must necessarily deal with tactics rather than
+strategy, which, I take it, will not undergo any great change as long
+as human nature remains subject <span class="pagenum"><a id="page235" name="page235"></a>(p. 235)</span> to its present limitations.
+But the arm which I am now discussing has been and will be in the
+future even more the chief instrument used by a general who wishes to
+carry out big strategic movements. Wherefore cavalry must, above all
+things, be mobile, ready to move at the shortest moment, prepared in
+every respect to carry out quickly the ideas of the commander.</p>
+
+<p>The "strategic arm," as the cavalry has been styled, has been called
+upon, during the present campaign, to face difficulties which have
+been almost unknown in former campaigns. First and foremost it has had
+to operate against an army of mounted infantry, more mobile than
+itself. Waterless plains, heat, and short rations, have been
+difficulties which in Europe would be absent. Foreign criticisms on
+the operations of our cavalry in the present campaign are based on
+false premises, inasmuch that their authors assume a plentiful supply
+of water, an equable climate, an easy transport, and a fair amount of
+supplies. They have not taken into account the fact that our cavalry
+have had to cut themselves off from all supplies in what, for all
+practical purposes, is a howling desert, for the English horses have
+steadily refused to touch the veldt-grass. If there is one criticism
+on the operations of our cavalry which can in any sense be justified,
+it is that in many cases we have made it an objective of our movements
+to charge the enemy. By doing so, we have perhaps sacrificed
+opportunities of outflanking the Boers for the illusive chance of
+proving the efficiency of the <i>arme blanche</i> on an enemy, whose only
+weapon is a rifle. I once heard a distinguished cavalry officer
+declare that it was his conviction that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page236" name="page236"></a>(p. 236)</span> in a two-mile race,
+starting fair, the Boer, mounted on his little African pony, would
+outpace our troopers riding a big English horse and carrying an
+equipment which reminded him of the picture of Father Christmas. But
+as over two million people have at different times criticised the
+weight of cavalry equipment, and nobody, except the Boer, has given us
+a remedy, we may leave this portion of our subject to lecturer&mdash;the
+U.S. Institute.</p>
+
+<p>The great question which will have to be answered in the near future
+is whether the mounted force of an army is to be cavalry or mounted
+infantry. To my mind there can be no doubt about the answer. The
+mounted forces of the future will be cavalry, and in much greater
+proportion to infantry than at present. The great force of mounted
+infantry which we have raised in the present war is intended to cope
+with an army of Mounted Infantry opposed to us. Whether they will ever
+be used again is doubtful. But what certainly will be the case is that
+the cavalry of the future will have to know how to shoot, and must be
+provided with something better than a carbine to shoot with. And
+practically they will then be Mounted Infantry with an <i>arme blanche</i>.
+"Shock tactics" will have to give place to long-range firing, and the
+cavalrymen of the future will be seen digging and holding trenches,
+holding kopjes, and <i>repelling with rifle fire the advance of the
+enemy's Cavalry</i>. This indeed will be a revolution.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page237" name="page237"></a>(p. 237)</span> CHAPTER XIV<br>
+<span class="title">My Horse Offered For Sale</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Kipling at last writes something that pleases the Boers&mdash;A
+     Predikant's letter.</i></p>
+
+<p>In the paper of March 30th we offered as complete and&mdash;you may be
+sure&mdash;as unique a newspaper as it was possible to produce. It
+contained the fresh news of the world, and it was at the same time
+full of the atmosphere of the army and the battlefield; of the
+outpourings of men who had laid down the sword and rifle to take up
+the pen. I wish I could reproduce the entire paper, but after all it
+was like many that followed, and to reproduce them all would make a
+book too cumbrous to handle and too full of warlike and military
+subjects to interest at least half of the public. Practically the
+entire first page was given up to proclamations, and looked like a
+miniature hoarding hidden under miniature posters. These crowded over
+into two columns of the second page, which also contained the still
+swelling display of advertisements of lost horses and horses for sale.
+Among the latter was this&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p class="center smcap">First-class Hunter for Sale.</p>
+
+     <p>Julian Ralph desires to sell his blooded hunter
+     "Rattlesnake," a superb horse with noted pedigree. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page238" name="page238"></a>(p. 238)</span>
+     He is in splendid working condition (<i>aside&mdash;has caused his
+     owner to wear a casing of lint, and to walk with difficulty
+     on a heavy stick</i>.) The horse can be seen at the Red House
+     behind the Dutch Reformed Church.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The italics in the above advertisement are inserted here, and were not
+in the newspaper. They suggest what novel forms advertisements would
+often take if the advertisers always truthfully explained why they
+wished to part with their property.</p>
+
+<p>W. A. Koller, the town clerk, notified all residents to call upon him
+and make a true statement of the <i>bonâ fides</i> of all their possessions
+in horseflesh. Captain P. Holland-Pryor, A.A.G., requested every
+burgher who had not given up any Government horse in his possession to
+do so without delay. Truly, the horse occupied a large share of
+interest and attention&mdash;much larger now that we were in need of horses
+than when they had come in abundance from every corner of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>We published a remarkable address to the Free Staters by the Rev. A.
+A. Van der Lingen, once a candidate for the Presidency. He asked them
+if it was right for them to assail the peaceful territories of the
+British when thousands of their kith and kin are enjoying a full and
+perfect measure of equality and justice. He demanded to know "what you
+think seriously, in your own minds, will become of you if you
+prosecute the war and lose." The "old soldiers of Bloemfontein"&mdash;it
+seems there were eight retired veterans&mdash;cheered the Field-Marshal
+with an address.</p>
+
+<a id="img011" name="img011"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img011.jpg" width="400" height="450" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>Julian Ralph and his horse "Rattlesnake.</i>"</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Our five-guinea competition for the renaming of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page239" name="page239"></a>(p. 239)</span> Colony
+went on apace, and we recorded a great day of sport among the men of
+the Sixth Division, who enjoyed the band of the Buffs and the pipes of
+the Seaforths, Gordons, Black Watch, and Argyle and Sutherland
+Highlanders. Major the Honourable Robert White directed the sports
+with greater success than had attended anything of the kind among our
+troops on this side of Natal.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers still filed into our bare and dirty quarters asking for
+the paper, and one of them complained that it was not sent out to his
+camp, and that he had to come in and get it.</p>
+
+<p>"Canadian, aren't you?" Mr. Kipling asked, "from out on the wheat
+belt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, man, then what are you talking about? You'd ride in to Winnipeg,
+twenty miles, to get a paper if you were at home."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kipling on this day wrote a tribute to General Joubert, whose
+death had just been made known to us. Hours after he wrote the poem,
+when tired of waiting to see the proof, he walked over to the
+printing-office, broke in by way of a window, and set up the last line
+of it at one of the printers' cases. What the printers thought of him
+we never knew, but he never forgot that the first bit of paper he
+picked up from the floor of the editorial room, when he was looking
+for something that had fallen from the table, was a violent attack
+upon himself in a piece of a Free State newspaper.</p>
+
+<p>The only bit of all our work that our compositors saved was this poem
+to Joubert. That and a portrait of the late firebrand, Borckenhagen,
+were the only <span class="pagenum"><a id="page240" name="page240"></a>(p. 240)</span> ornaments they deemed worthy to decorate their
+composing-room walls.</p>
+
+<p>There were at least two English-speaking men among them. I grant to
+them the benefit of the doubt whether my reflections should extend to
+them also.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 12.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>LORD ROBERTS AND THE LATE GENERAL JOUBERT.<br>
+<span class="smcap">Lord Roberts' Telegram of Sympathy.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="date smcap">Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>His Honour President Kruger, President of the South
+African Republic, Pretoria.</i></p>
+
+<p>(Clear the line.) I have just received the news of General Joubert's
+death, and I desire at once to offer my sincere condolence to your
+Honour and the Burghers of the South African Republic on this sad
+event. I would ask you to convey to General Joubert's family the
+expression of my most respectful sympathy in their sad bereavement,
+and to assure them also from me that all ranks of Her Majesty's forces
+now serving in South Africa share my feeling of deep regret at the
+sudden and untimely end of so distinguished a General who devoted his
+life to the service of his country and whose personal gallantry was
+only surpassed by his humane conduct and chivalrous bearing under all
+circumstances.&mdash;<span class="smcap">ROBERTS.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page241" name="page241"></a>(p. 241)</span> GENERAL JOUBERT.<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12" title="Go to footnote 12"><span class="smaller">[12]</span></a><br>
+(Died March 27, 1900.)<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>With those that bred, with those that loosed the strife,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">He had no part whose hands were clear of gain;</span><br>
+  But, subtle, strong and stubborn, gave his life<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To a lost cause, and knew the gift was vain.</span></p>
+
+<p>Later shall rise a People, sane and great,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Forged in strong fires, by equal war made one&mdash;</span><br>
+  Telling old battles over without hate,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Not least his name shall pass from sire to son.</span></p>
+
+<p>He shall not meet the onsweep of our van<br>
+    <span class="add1em">In the doomed city where we close the score;</span><br>
+  Yet o'er his grave&mdash;his grave that holds a Man&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our deep-tongued guns shall answer his once more!</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="smaller"><i>(Editorial.)</i></span><br>
+DEATH OF GENERAL JOUBERT.</h3>
+
+<p>No words of ours are needed to supplement the telegram of Lord <span class="smcap">ROBERTS</span>
+and the three stanzas by Mr. <span class="smcap">RUDYARD KIPLING</span>, which we print to-day,
+upon the news we have received of General <span class="smcap">JOUBERT'S</span> death. We feel
+that we are but giving expression to the feeling of every man in the
+army of occupation in expressing our most sincere regret in hearing of
+the sudden decease of the great leader of our enemy.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page242" name="page242"></a>(p. 242)</span> FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13" title="Go to footnote 13"><span class="smaller">[13]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>V.</h4>
+
+<p>A General, having offered libations to Fortuna, went out to fight a
+Battle in the course of which his Frontal Attack developed into a Rear
+Guard action, and his left Flank became a Modulus of varying
+Elasticity for several hours, owing to his right Flank having wandered
+towards the Equator.</p>
+
+<p>The Enemy seeing these Inexplicable Evolutions, were so overcome with
+Amazement that They retired in large Numbers and left the General a
+complete Victory.</p>
+
+<p>A week later, the General, learning from the Reports of his Staff that
+he was a Heaven-born Strategist, diligently read a Book and gave
+Battle upon the lines therein laid down.</p>
+
+<p>After this he was never seen to smile but frequently heard to murmur:
+"If I had only trusted my bally Luck instead of a bally Book, I should
+not be now travelling first-class to Stellenbosch."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Moral.</span>&mdash;Invention is a good servant, but the Letter killeth.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A BRAVE CANADIAN.</h3>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, <i>March 28th</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;In answer to a paragraph appearing in your paper of a past
+date under the heading of "Acts of Bravery performed during the War,"
+allow me to quote one which I witnessed at Paardeberg on the morning
+of Cronje's surrender on February <span class="pagenum"><a id="page243" name="page243"></a>(p. 243)</span> 27th. Every one knows of
+the gallant display made by the Royal Canadians on that
+never-to-be-forgotten morning, and how, as daylight broke, they had
+again occupied their trenches, leaving sixty killed and wounded on the
+field. As the sun came up behind the kopjes, revealing once more to
+Cronje and his men the exact position of our trenches, they opened a
+heavy fire upon them, and woe to the man who was indiscreet enough to
+show his head and shoulders over the earthworks! Between the trenches
+and the Boer position lay Canadian dead and dying. About 5.30 a
+wounded man about five hundred yards away was seen to be trying to
+make for our trenches under a heavy fire, but was at last observed to
+fall. Now and then, between the volleys, he was seen to wave his hands
+as if for assistance. Suddenly from the left of us a form was seen to
+climb the earthworks in front of our trenches, jumping down to make
+straight for the place where the wounded man lay, about ninety yards
+from the Boer trenches. Utterly regardless of the scathing fire which
+hissed about him, he ran on, and at last reached the wounded man and
+tried to lift him, but it was too late, for the poor fellow had
+breathed his last. Seeing it was of no avail, his would-be rescuer
+walked back over the ground he had covered, and although bullets
+whistled around him and tore up the ground in every direction, he
+coolly regained his trenches with a pipe stuck between his teeth. I
+have since ascertained his name was Private Thompson, of the Royal
+Canadians, and although I do not know whether his case is one
+<i>recommended</i> for distinction or not, still I have never during the
+campaign seen a case of such coolness and pluck <span class="pagenum"><a id="page244" name="page244"></a>(p. 244)</span> as that
+displayed by Private Thompson. Considering the galling fire that swept
+the distance of four or five hundred yards which he covered in his
+endeavour to reach the wounded man, also his close proximity to the
+Boer trenches, it seems marvellous that he ever lived to get within
+four hundred yards of him, not to mention getting back without a
+scratch. His case is one of the most deserving of recognition, coming,
+as it does, from amongst the ranks of the gallant Canadian Volunteers,
+by whose side we have fought and marched since we left Graspan, and
+than whom a jollier or pluckier lot of boys never lived.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">One of the Gordons Who Was There.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE EMPIRE'S DEFENDERS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>See, they come marching over the plain,<br>
+    Cheerfully bearing their wounds and pain,<br>
+    Soldiers and sailors alike to the work,<br>
+    Never a man of them doing a shirk.<br>
+    These are the men that you owe a debt;<br>
+    England, remember it; never forget.</p>
+
+<p>Scorched and parched 'neath the broiling sun,<br>
+    Not a word of complaint, work <i>must</i> be done.<br>
+    Wounded and shattered, bespattered with blood,<br>
+    Drinking of water akin to mud.<br>
+    These are the men you owe a debt;<br>
+    England, remember it; never forget.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page245" name="page245"></a>(p. 245)</span> Ponder it well in your leisured ease,<br>
+    These, the soldiers of lands and seas,<br>
+    Building the Empire hour by hour,<br>
+    These, the foundation of all thy power.<br>
+    These are the men whom you owe a debt;<br>
+    Empire, remember; you dare not forget.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE SILENT ARMY.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY A. E. C.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem17">
+<p>The Silent Army 'as its work,<br>
+  Duties that it cannot shirk,<br>
+  Six days a week; then there's kirk<br>
+      <span class="add2em">For us in the Silent Army.</span><br>
+  There's guards ter mount, fatigues to do,<br>
+  Bread ter make an' meat ter stew.<br>
+  If yer think there's time ter write to you,<br>
+      <span class="add2em">Well! strite! yer must be barmy.</span></p>
+
+<p>Yer says yer owns as we can fight,<br>
+  Able to read, but not to write;<br>
+  We tries to fly our own kite,<br>
+      <span class="add2em">Us chaps in the Silent Army.</span><br>
+  We're glad enough ter git your print,<br>
+  Glad enough when bound with lint,<br>
+  Y're dull if yer can't take the 'int;<br>
+      <span class="add2em">Indeed! yer must be barmy.</span></p>
+
+<p>It isn't always that us men<br>
+  Finds the time to use a pen,<br>
+  For we've work to do, sir, when<br>
+      <span class="add2em">We are in the Silent Army.</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page246" name="page246"></a>(p. 246)</span> We 'as our duties to attend,<br>
+  Food to cook and clothes to mend;<br>
+  Arsk Kiplin', he's the sojers' friend&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add2em">The friend of the Silent Army.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>[The hint has been taken as far as the hospitals are concerned. They
+get <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> on application.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Eds</span>.]</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>GRUMBLES FROM THE RANKS.</h3>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  That a soldier's life is a merry one<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Is what some people say,</span><br>
+  But when you're on short rations,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Well, it isn't half so gay;</span><br>
+  And you can't "live fat" in Bloemfontein<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Upon a bob a day.</span></p>
+
+<p class="grumble"><i>Grumble No. 1.</i>&mdash;This is a recognised fact with bread at
+     1s. per loaf, tea at 6d. per cup, and sugar at 1s. 6d. per
+     lb.</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  If you've had a present sent from home,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">You can take the tip from me,</span><br>
+  It's been "commandeered" by somebody,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And it's one you'll never see,</span><br>
+  So as each mail arrives you ask,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">"Where can that parcel be?"</span></p>
+
+<p class="grumble"><i>Grumble No. 2.</i>&mdash;Almost every man has a complaint to make
+     regarding the non-receipt of parcels despatched from home.</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  Then when you see the water-cart,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">You rush up for a drink,</span><br>
+  You're going to get a "quencher,"<br>
+    <span class="add1em">At least, that's what you think;</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page247" name="page247"></a>(p. 247)</span> But it's only there for ornament,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And you're threatened with the "clink."</span></p>
+
+<p class="grumble"><i>Grumble No. 3.</i>&mdash;According to some authorities, the
+     soldier, like the camel, can go for lengthened periods
+     without water. The soldier himself thinks otherwise.</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  By night we had to stand the cold,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">By day we stood the heat,</span><br>
+  And we got lots of duty,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">But not too much to eat;</span><br>
+  We had two biscuits daily,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Some tea(?) and half-cooked meat.</span></p>
+
+<p class="grumble"><i>Grumble No. 4.</i>&mdash;Some one having said that eating was a
+     habit, it was decided that several experiments should be
+     tried. The first (half-rations) having proved an unqualified
+     success, should be followed by another of a more exhaustive
+     nature. Tommy suggests that this one (no rations for a
+     fortnight) should be tried upon the officers.</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  We're rugged in appearance,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Of a tint distinctly brown,</span><br>
+  We're bearded and we're dirty,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">As well as broken down:</span><br>
+  So why the dickens don't they send<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our kit-bags from Capetown?</span></p>
+
+<p class="grumble"><i>Grumble No. 5.</i>&mdash;This is what we would like to know.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Plunger.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page248" name="page248"></a>(p. 248)</span> CHAPTER XV<br>
+<span class="title">General Pole-Carew in War</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A Visit to his Headquarters, and a Feast of "Tommy"
+     Poetry.</i></p>
+
+<p>At this time&mdash;on the very night before this, if recollection serves me
+right&mdash;I went up to the quarters of the Staats Artillerie, and there
+found General Pole-Carew in his headquarters. It was always like a
+breath of new life to see him, to hear his vigorous views on the war
+he believed in conducting against the Boers, and to note how
+thoroughly he was the master of all the information of value that
+could be obtained wherever he was.</p>
+
+<p>His headquarters&mdash;remember he was the dandy of the army as well as one
+of its shrewdest and bravest men&mdash;was a bare-walled building that a
+monk would have considered cheerless. The dining-room, where his
+guests were received, was not as attractive as any dining-room in any
+Tommy's barracks at home. It contained a little table heaped with
+papers and a large table set with kitchen knives and forks, enamelled
+iron mugs, and sparklet bottles by way of combined service and
+ornament. I stayed to dinner of beef and potatoes, bread and butter,
+and whisky and water, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page249" name="page249"></a>(p. 249)</span> sat next to Colonel Crabbe, of the
+Grenadiers, with his arm in a sling from his second wounding in the
+war. A brave and gallant company was there&mdash;of beaux sabreurs and
+veterans who took life as it came and enjoyed its every phase.</p>
+
+<p>Two titled ladies had been the last guests of that mess. I wonder what
+they thought when they realised how their idols of the Guards were
+living. And what they would have thought had they farther realised
+that these officers were really feeling up to their knees in clover,
+being vastly better off than they had been at any time in the previous
+five or six months. When they were enjoying the serious phases of
+campaigning&mdash;out on the veldt in tents, or oftener still with no
+shelter at all&mdash;the ladies would have found them just as spirited and
+gay&mdash;except that no ladies could ever have found them at all or
+ventured where they were.</p>
+
+<p>Those men of the Guards have long been called the "London Pets" and
+"stay at homes" and "feather-bed soldiers," but they very quickly
+lived down their nicknames in South Africa. There nobody petted them;
+they had no beds (or even tents) between Modder of evil memory and
+Koomati Poort some six or seven months distant, in time, nor did they
+manage to get sent home&mdash;or want to do so, either. Lord! what brave
+chaps they are! and what fighters! I saw them fight at Belmont, at
+Modder, and at Maghersfontein, and I know. Through all the killing and
+wounding and sickness, the forty-four miles of marching in one spell
+of twenty-two hours, the half-rations, the tropic heat and the intense
+cold, the officers were ever jocular and spirited. One said to me, as
+he pointed at Maghersfontein Kopje, "Set a brewery up <span class="pagenum"><a id="page250" name="page250"></a>(p. 250)</span> on top
+of that and my regiment will take the place in a romp." But the most
+characteristic anecdote I have to tell of one of these West-end London
+dandies is told by himself in a letter he sent to me: "It is cold and
+wet here now. I have got a bad attack of lumbago, and it took me ten
+minutes to straighten up and get on my feet when I woke this morning.
+I went off on outpost duty, and some Boers began sniping at my men
+until we could not put up with it any longer, when I gave the order to
+rush over to where they were and do them up. The devils ran away
+before we could kill them. I am sorry you are down with that leg. You
+should be here, enjoying all the fun."</p>
+
+<p>We published the sixth of Mr. Kipling's fables in this number, among
+scores of articles most interesting there and then, but not repeatable
+to advantage here and now.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 13.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>FABLES FOR THE STAFF.<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14" title="Go to footnote 14"><span class="smaller">[14]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>VI.</h4>
+
+<p>An Intelligence Officer, meeting a strayed Kaffir without visible
+Means of Subsistence, reprobated him for a Spy and Forthwith cast him
+into Jail, where he languished for two Days.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page251" name="page251"></a>(p. 251)</span> At the Expiration of his Incarceration the Kaffir fell into
+the hands of a Discerning Colonial who filled him with Cape Smoke and
+engaged him in idle Persiflage for three Hours.</p>
+
+<p>"My Word!" said the Colonial when the grateful Son of Ham had
+departed, "that Ethiop is full to the back Teeth of most valuable
+Information! Let us give him a new Coat and a Pound of Tobacco."</p>
+
+<p>"On the Contrary," said the I.O., "He is a Wastrel and a Stinker. He
+cannot reply to Direct Questions and habitually contradicts himself."</p>
+
+<p>"That," said the Discerning Colonial, "is just It! I am about to act
+upon his Inaccuracies."</p>
+
+<p>This the Colonial did with great Success, and wiped up Seven of the
+Enemy advancing up a Spruit in the Cool of the Evening.</p>
+
+<p>On reporting his Achievement, the Intelligence Officer reported the
+Colonial for supplying the Kaffir with Illicit Liquor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Moral.</span> Oh Cæsar!</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING, PERCEVAL LANDON, AND A. H. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Various.</i></p>
+
+<p>You cannot argue with a Shell, a Mule or a Press Censor.</p>
+
+<p>The nearer to the Press Censor the further from Truth.</p>
+
+<p>(N.B.&mdash;This is generally guaranteed by the Press Censor.)</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page252" name="page252"></a>(p. 252)</span> It's a wise Field Marshal that knows his own Generals.</p>
+
+<p>It's a long front that has no turning.</p>
+
+<p>"A shell in time saves nine," as the 4'7 said when it opened on the
+sniper.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven helps those who help themselves," as &mdash;&mdash;'s Horse said when
+they found the poultry yard.</p>
+
+<p>Providence and the Company Officer have a great deal to look after.</p>
+
+<p>Between two rivers, drink Modderietly.</p>
+
+<p>It's always the next shell that will do the trick.</p>
+
+<p>Five under cover is fifty in the open.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>PRICES IN BLOEMFONTEIN.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem30">
+<p>When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When you've tackled your last bit of armoured "duff,"</span><br>
+  Then you put your bally pipe on, and you puff and spit and blow,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And you realize half ration ain't enough.</span><br>
+  You go into the market and you purchase lots of grub<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Off the farmers whom friend Steyn has done a scoot from,</span><br>
+  And when you ask the price of it, that's where you cop the rub,<br>
+      <span class="add2em">For it takes away your breath just like a pom-pom.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="add1em">Duke's son, Cook's son, all of 'em want their scoff,</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Fifty thousand horse and foot struggling to get some grub,</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page253" name="page253"></a>(p. 253)</span> <span class="add1em">Each of 'em doing his country's work, and each being <i>done</i> in turn,</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">If you want to buy things in Bloemfontein you must pay! pay! pay!</span></p>
+
+<p>When they charge a "bob" for hair-cut and a tanner for a shave,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">It makes you say things that you didn't ought,</span><br>
+  And the 'umble loaf of "rootey" costs a tanner, or a bob,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Is this the kind of sympathy they're taught?</span><br>
+  There's a luxury called butter that Tommy likes to buy,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And he'll have it if he's got the oof, you bet,</span><br>
+  But three bob a bloomin' pound makes a hole in Atkins' pay<br>
+    <span class="add1em">'Cos he ain't paid C'lonial wages (not just yet).</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="add1em">Clerk's son, Grocer's son, son of a Haberdasher,</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">All the Gents in Khaki chucking their pelf away,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">Each of 'em's done his country's work,</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">It's hard to be done in turn,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">If you want to buy grub in Bloemfontein you've to pay! pay! pay!</span></p>
+
+<p>When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When you lay yourself out flat and go to sleep,</span><br>
+  Then you dream of home and mother and some glorious feasts to go,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And you wake up, pray, and find you've done a weep;</span><br>
+  For you've dreamt that bread and butter's gone up 3d. more in price,<br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page254" name="page254"></a>(p. 254)</span> <span class="add1em">(These loyal (?) folks charge really what they choose, sir),</span><br>
+  Then you say, "Well, roll on, England," where there ain't no bloomin' lice,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And where there's many a cheap and comfy booser.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="add1em">Merchant's son, Cook's son, sons of the plebs galore,</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">Rushing, in ragged Khaki, anxious to spend their brass,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">Each of 'em's done his country's work, but the extra bob a day</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">Don't go far in Bloemfontein, where you've always to pay! pay! pay!</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">"Blobswitch."</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SONS OF BRITAIN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY W. BLELOCH.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>When the bugle call to battle sounds<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Afar in the land of our birth,</span><br>
+    In the cause of race and Queen to fight,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">We rise from the ends of the earth.</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Wherever the battle may be</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">We rally by land and by sea</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">To join in the fight of the free,</span><br>
+    And our foemen have Britons to face.</p>
+
+    <p class="add4em smcap">Chorus:</p>
+
+<p>Then Britain's sons again<br>
+    Fill up the ranks with men,<br>
+    Who'll fight! who'll die!<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Whose battle-cry:</span><br>
+    "True Britons we remain."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page255" name="page255"></a>(p. 255)</span> We are sons of Britain every one<br>
+      <span class="add1em">With pride of the blood of our race,</span><br>
+    And we'll carry Britain's story on<br>
+      <span class="add1em">As our fathers did in their place.</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Whatever the work to be done,</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">We seek a full share, every one,</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">And fighting till victory's won</span><br>
+    Of the burden and glory we claim,</p>
+
+    <p class="add4em smcap">Chorus:</p>
+
+<p>Then Britain's sons again, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>The glorious deeds her great have done<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Are ours, whether Saxon or Celt,</span><br>
+    As heirs of their name and fame we come<br>
+      <span class="add1em">From snows and from bush and from veldt.</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Our honour we'll ever keep bright,</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">By holding the front of the fight,</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">And jealously guarding the right</span><br>
+    For our sons and their sons again.</p>
+
+    <p class="add4em smcap">Chorus:</p>
+
+<p>Then Britain's sons again, &amp;c.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>ORANGE PEEL.</h3>
+
+<p>It may interest our friends at the Cape to know that a certain doctor,
+who lives not 1,000 miles from the Paarl&mdash;and who came on ambulance
+business to the Free State&mdash;was very busy on his arrival here, giving
+it out as the news of the day that "officers of the English Army were
+busy with sjamboks driving Tommy off the boats as Tommy did not want
+to fight." This statement was made in the Bloemfontein Club before
+several witnesses and is quite authentic.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page256" name="page256"></a>(p. 256)</span> "THE BRAVEST DEED."</h3>
+
+<p>It was at the battle of Abraham's Kraal. The Boers had fled from a
+position which we now occupied. They, in their flight, had to cross
+the open veldt to another kopje three-quarters of a mile from the
+first. We fired volley after volley into their huddled masses. My old
+friend standing by me noticed a wounded Boer trying to escape. He
+immediately dashed out amid a perfect hail of bullets, caught the
+escaping Boer, threw him across his shoulders and dashed back to
+cover, the bullets falling all round him. Unscathed himself, his
+burden was shot to death.</p>
+
+<p class="signat">Private <span class="smcap">A. J. Hard</span>,<br>
+  N.S.W. Mounted Infantry, Australia.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;The bravest deed I witnessed while with the 6th Division
+was the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>It was at Paardeberg on Sunday, 18th February, about 5 p.m. We were
+watching a hill overlooking Osfontein farm-house, when some of the
+enemy were seen to enter the garden surrounding that house. So an
+order was given by Second Lieutenant Romilly for No. 1 section of the
+above-named company to advance and try and drive them out. We
+commenced the advance by short rushes, meanwhile the enemy sending
+down a few shots. We succeeded in getting to within four hundred yards
+of the house when a perfect hail of bullets came, both from the house
+and hill. Then the order came to retire, as the fire was becoming too
+hot to attempt to get any closer. It was during this retirement that
+what I saw happened. One of our men, Pte. Driscoll, was shot in the
+back, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page257" name="page257"></a>(p. 257)</span> down he fell, badly hurt, when Second Lieutenant
+Romilly, on seeing him fall, at once knelt down and dressed his wound,
+doing it as coolly as if on a drawing-room floor. After doing this,
+with the help of Pte. Brown of the same Company, he hurried the man
+back to safer quarters, having to go a distance of over four hundred
+yards before being out of danger. The bullets fell all around them
+quite thick. How they managed to escape is quite marvellous, as
+several bullets went through their clothing, and one, as I heard the
+officer say, went between his lips&mdash;a close shave indeed!</p>
+
+<p>Whether any recognition will be forthcoming for the above gallant
+deed, I cannot say, as there were none of those who occupy higher
+positions to testify as to its correctness; but the men certainly
+deserve something for so brave a deed.</p>
+
+<p>I am, Sir, yours faithfully,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">An Eye-witness.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page258" name="page258"></a>(p. 258)</span> CHAPTER XVI<br>
+<span class="title">Our Loss and the Army's</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>The Departure of Mr. Kipling, leaving</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> <i>vigorous
+     with the Impetus he gave it.</i></p>
+
+<p>Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown on the night of April
+1st, in the same train that bore away Sir Alfred Milner, Colonel
+Hanbury Williams, and Colonel Girouard. The High Commissioner had been
+declared to be leaving a day or two later, but started at once in
+order to avoid giving the Boers notice to prepare mischief.</p>
+
+<p>Of the happy days of boyish delight we editors spent with Mr. Kipling
+many brought incidents too trifling to be noted here, yet which went
+to fill a heaping loving cup of pleasant memories. "Heavens!" he once
+exclaimed, "how good it is to be with men who are doing things!" There
+was, for instance, the day when&mdash;as the reader may have perceived&mdash;two
+poems bore a note of merely suggested complaint from the sick in the
+hospitals. That note struck Mr. Kipling's sensibility, and he and Mr.
+Landon and I seized armsful of <span class="smcap">Friends</span> and set out upon a tour of the
+hospitals&mdash;then far too numerous in the public and semi-public
+buildings of the place. Mr. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page259" name="page259"></a>(p. 259)</span> Kipling went ahead and
+distributed the papers, and we followed and whispered who he was to
+the sufferers in the cots. I never shall forget the look that came in
+each man's eyes, or how every one of them who was able raised himself
+upon an elbow to stare after the poet as he passed from room to room.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless him," they said; "he's the soldier's friend."</p>
+
+<p>And surely a blessing proceeded from him, in response to that which he
+received, for, at the knowledge of his presence, a new vigour and a
+sense of delight, such as they had almost forgotten how to feel, came
+to the sufferers. He had nothing of the theatrical about him, made no
+speeches, conversed in hushed tones, halted nowhere, posed not even to
+the slightest extent&mdash;but went on with doctor or nurse through the
+wards, listening and looking. I think that Mr. Landon and I were more
+conscious of the reflection of his fame than was he from whom it
+proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>At one stage of our adventure we determined to cross from one hospital
+to another, over some intervening gardens. What an unsuspected
+wildness lay among those walled enclosures in the confines of a
+nation's capital. Little hills, little rivers, marshes, precipices,
+walls on the edges of tiny cliffs! It proved a better feat for Italian
+cavalrymen than for a stout poet, a man with a game leg and arms in
+lint, and a third one who did not know it, but who was already
+poisoned with fever germs. However, we had set it for ourselves to do,
+and we did it&mdash;without any more serious mishap than a kick in the
+equatorial region which I bestowed on the poet in dropping over a
+wall.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page260" name="page260"></a>(p. 260)</span> Mr. Kipling had other experiences with hospitals when we were
+with him and when he was by himself. He was qualified to testify as he
+did before the Commission that looked into the manner in which the
+care of the sick and wounded was bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>While I was in Capetown I heard a story of an adventure of his, in
+which the parts played by him and by the hospital people were
+eminently characteristic of both. To begin with, he discovered that
+there were no bandages in a certain hospital! The reader imagines that
+such a state of things must have been most extraordinary&mdash;but it was
+not. Why should we conceal facts or mince words if we are earnestly
+endeavouring to probe our own weaknesses and mend our faults? I knew
+of hospitals without cots, without sheets, without pillows, without
+measuring glasses, without thermometers. These "hospitals" must have
+been little more than mere surgeons and staffs, for they applied to
+the Red Cross people for nearly everything&mdash;except medicines&mdash;which is
+required in the care of the sick. Thus Peter was robbed to pay Paul,
+for Tommy's "comforts" were swallowed up in getting him his
+necessaries. This was the case in Kimberley after the relief of the
+town, and it was again the case in Bloemfontein. But to return to
+Capetown. There Mr. Kipling discovered a hospital without bandages, in
+desperate need of bandages, in a city containing stores of bandages on
+sale in many places.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kipling mentioned to an acquaintance that he was going to supply
+that establishment with bandages, and this acquaintance, who was
+connected with the <i>Daily Mail's</i> "Absent Minded Beggar Fund," at once
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page261" name="page261"></a>(p. 261)</span> offered to pay for all that Mr. Kipling would buy and take
+to the hospital. A cart was quickly loaded with bandages, and then Mr.
+Kipling was told that under the army rules the hospital authorities
+could not receive supplies from a private individual. "Well," said he,
+"I will dump the packages on the pavement before the door, and then
+tell them to come out and clear up the litter. They will get them into
+the building that way without tearing any red tape, I hope."</p>
+
+<p>He drove off with the bandages, I am told by the gentleman who footed
+the bill, but how the supplies were smuggled in I have never heard. I
+suspect that the rule against receiving supplies from civilians got a
+great many wrenches and fractures. But for civilians such as at least
+one Red Cross Commissioner of my acquaintance, Heaven only knows what
+these hospitals, that consisted of little else than a corps of men,
+would have been able to do. I asked my friend how it could be possible
+that an arm of the Government of Great Britain could find itself in
+such helpless and pitiable plights, and he replied that red tape was
+the root of the evil. Nobody dared to buy a measuring glass or a
+pillow-case or a cot for fear that his enterprise might bring him a
+reprimand and his bill might be repudiated. The hospitals had made
+demands outmeasuring the supplies, or the supplies had not come up
+from the Cape, or to the Cape from London. If private generosity was
+not appealed to circumlocution must be resorted to by means of
+requisitions which would be slowly forwarded to London and there
+passed upon. By this means the supplies would reach the front within
+three months after the patients were dead&mdash;provided <span class="pagenum"><a id="page262" name="page262"></a>(p. 262)</span> that all
+should go smoothly with the circumlocution machinery.</p>
+
+<p>Mind, I know how extraordinary, excessive, and sudden were the demands
+made upon the Medical Corps after such a shocking affair as the Sunday
+fight at Paardeberg and during the enteric epidemic at Bloemfontein. I
+am in no position to say that any one was blameable or that better and
+ampler means of caring for the disabled could have been arranged. But
+let us not deny the facts or try to deceive any one with regard to
+them. That is no way for an earnest and ambitious and healthy people
+to meet an unpleasant situation.</p>
+
+<p>On the contrary, that is the very way to make certain of a worse
+"breakdown" of the hospital service in the next war.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 14.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>A SONG OF THE WHITE MEN.<a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15" title="Go to footnote 15"><span class="smaller">[15]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY RUDYARD KIPLING.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>Now, this is the cup the White Men drink<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When they go to right a wrong,</span><br>
+  And that is the cup of the old world's hate&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Cruel and strained and strong.</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page263" name="page263"></a>(p. 263)</span> We have drunk that cup&mdash;and a bitter, bitter cup&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And tossed the dregs away,</span><br>
+  But well for the world when the White Men drink<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To the dawn of the White Men's day.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, this is the road that the White Men tread<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When they go to clean a land&mdash;</span><br>
+  Iron underfoot and levin overhead<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And the deep on either hand.</span><br>
+  We have trod that road&mdash;and a wet and windy road&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our chosen star for guide.</span><br>
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Their highway side by side.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold<br>
+    <span class="add1em">When they build their homes afar:&mdash;</span><br>
+  "Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And, failing freedom, War."</span><br>
+  We have proved our faith&mdash;bear witness to our faith,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Dear souls of freemen slain!</span><br>
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men join<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To prove their faith again!</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>RUDYARD KIPLING.<br>
+(<i>Editorial.</i>)</h3>
+
+<p>Mr. Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown last night to
+rejoin his family and, presently, to sail with them to England.
+Believing that the arrangement of terms of settlement with the people
+of the Boer Republics will be the next important work for the British,
+he desires to be in London, there to speak and write for such a finish
+to the war as he deems best for Britons and Boers, for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page264" name="page264"></a>(p. 264)</span>
+Africanders, for intending new settlers, for the future quiet and
+prosperity of South Africa, and for the honour and glory of the
+Empire.</p>
+
+<p>The editors of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> bade him God speed and knew, when they
+wished him health, prosperity, and a long life, that there is not a
+man in the British Army or man or woman in the Empire in whose name
+they could not have warmly and sincerely repeated their own hearts'
+utterances.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Kipling</span> came to the editorial rooms of this unique journal with an
+offer to assist us War Correspondents who are in charge, but he
+quickly and easily led us in the clearness of his views upon the
+paper's policy, in the wealth of talent he lavished upon its columns,
+and in the enthusiasm with which he collaborated with us. He evidently
+enjoyed this brief return to his old profession&mdash;as what man would not
+who ever fell under its exciting and fascinating influence? We do not
+doubt that he found an added and a powerful charm in the peculiar
+conditions under which we work&mdash;upon a journal created by and for a
+conquering army and published in a conquered capital.</p>
+
+<p>But it is of the pleasure we have known in being co-workers with him
+that we would write if it were fit that we should share our emotion
+with the public. Pleasure would be a trifling word to use were we to
+let our emotions flow. Honour and Pride were better terms, expressive
+of our stronger feelings.</p>
+
+<p>We can congratulate the friends of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> that they shall read his
+work again in these columns before he sails for home. They have not
+lost him, but we have lost his company, we who knew his genius so well
+yet could not conceive it possible <span class="pagenum"><a id="page265" name="page265"></a>(p. 265)</span> that to his talent he
+joined a personality so rich in varied charms as we have found it. For
+we have learned that he is sweet to the core, lovable, magnetic,
+modest, and sincere. He has the crystal frankness and the tireless
+enthusiasm of ever fresh and unsullied youth. Great as our readers
+know him to be in literature, we know him to be even greater as a man.</p>
+
+<p>Good luck to <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span>, always, everywhere, to the end&mdash;and,
+then, to eternity.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">J. R.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE LATE COLONEL HON. G. GOUGH.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY BENNET BURLEIGH.</span></h3>
+
+<p>And thou also hast gone over to the majority! To God's rest, most
+honest English gentleman. I saw thy bier go by but the other day in
+the streets of Bloemfontein. They gave thee, rightly, a soldier's
+funeral, and for love of thee many sorrowed and followed afoot to
+God's acre. Troopers with arms reversed were thine escort, our band
+played the "Dead March in Saul," and behind thy coffin, covered with
+the Union Jack and set upon a gun-carriage, walked that British
+Paladin, Field Marshal Lord Roberts, accompanied by a long concourse
+of all ranks&mdash;comrades of thine, men of distinguished service.
+Veterans and juniors were there, and besides these, for further token
+of the affection and esteem in which thou wert held by all who knew
+thee, a throng of the rank and file of the army.</p>
+
+<p>All was as it should be, for we had come to say our English "Goodbye;
+God be with thee." Sprung from the loins of a race of soldiers, thou
+wert all a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page266" name="page266"></a>(p. 266)</span> true soldier should be, tender, brave, and true,
+a gentleman above gentlemen.</p>
+
+<p>It seems but a breath or so that I was wont to meet thee almost daily
+in London at the War Office. Lord Wolseley will miss thee, for he will
+never find a better Military Secretary than thou. Thy courtesy was
+uniform to all, thy frankness beyond question, as was thy readiness to
+do kindnesses; whilst thy fidelity to thy Military Chief was to thee a
+sacred duty.</p>
+
+<p>Cheery and pleasant, Gough of the 14th Hussars was a "beau sabreur," a
+man who inspired friendship and commanded respect. I could recall many
+incidents in all of which thou acquitted thyself like a Gough. There
+was the morning of Abu Klea in the Soudan, after the night of alarms
+that found thy fortitude undisturbed. I stood beside thee by the screw
+guns when the Dervish bullet smote thee upon the head and thou wert
+felled to earth as with the blow of a hammer. None who saw thee as
+thou lay unconscious doubted but that thou had been killed outright.
+Even when we learned that thou survived we held to the conviction that
+to the weight of such a stroke thou must succumb. But thou recovered
+and we rejoiced. Yet such a blow must have left its impress.</p>
+
+<p>None can ever know how in secret thou must have stoically suffered,
+for thy patience was as afore, unwearied, thy fondness for work and
+duty as untiring, and thy Christian spirit as unbounded. We, thy
+friends, thank thee for thy life of gallant bearing, thy sympathies,
+thy uncomplaining bearing of burdens.</p>
+
+<p>I deplore that I was not permitted to meet thee <span class="pagenum"><a id="page267" name="page267"></a>(p. 267)</span> again in thy
+new office, a member of the Staff here in South Africa, serving under
+the worthiest of leaders, the chivalrous Field Marshal, Lord Roberts.
+Thou art in God's hands, most excellent Gough. There mayst thou abide.
+So let it be.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>FOR FREEDOM'S CAUSE.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY TROOPER G. SIMES, ROBERTS' HORSE.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>Not with vain boastfulness, careless, unheeding,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Left we our homes and prepared for the fray.</span><br>
+  Sadly we answered our wives' gentle pleading,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Hearing the summons we turned to obey.</span></p>
+
+<p>Not for the worth of the Rand's golden treasures,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Neither dominion, nor riches, nor power,</span><br>
+  Ever had moved us to leave city pleasures,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Ever had held us together an hour.</span></p>
+
+<p>'Twas not for this that we turned to assail you,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">'Twas not for this that we entered the strife.</span><br>
+  Loud though your country with tears may bewail you,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Can she blame us for this waste of young life?</span></p>
+
+<p>What we have asked of you that we have given.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Down in the South you may live and be free.</span><br>
+  When we have gained that for which we have striven,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Then we will come and will share it with thee.</span></p>
+
+<p>Freedom you value but hoard as a miser;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Freedom we value but offer to all.</span><br>
+  But of the conflict now sadder and wiser,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Blame you not us, but yourself, for your fall.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page268" name="page268"></a>(p. 268)</span> CHAPTER XVII<br>
+<span class="title">The Censor As an Editor</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Finding us without a "Leader" for the Day, Lord Stanley
+     writes one.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The Friend" of April 3rd began its reading matter with a leader by
+the Censor. When he came to look over our proofs on that day he
+learned that we had not been able to find time to write an editorial.
+The value of a series of leading articles calculated either to inspire
+the army or to pacify or instruct the Boers had been newly impressed
+upon us by Sir Alfred Milner, and had, without doubt, been discussed
+at the headquarters of the Field Marshal.</p>
+
+<p>"I will see if I can write one," said Lord Stanley, and, seating
+himself by the smaller table, where pens and paper were at hand, he
+began and finished the editorial here reproduced, without even one of
+the "false starts" which even we who are most practised so often make;
+and, so far as I recollect, without more than two or three erasures of
+words. This gave me a new view of the capabilities of our censor&mdash;a
+view in which he appeared more than ever the fittest man in all the
+army for his exacting post.</p>
+
+<a id="img012" name="img012"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<div class="ctillo">
+<table class="illo" border="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Censor." style="width: 600px; font-size: 80%;">
+<colgroup>
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="25%">
+    <col width="25%">
+</colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td colspan="2">Mr. Ralph,<br>
+<span class="add1em">Mr. Scull, of Chicago,</span><br>
+<span class="add2em">Mr. Buxton, of <i>The Friend</i></span><br>
+  are the 3 men behind the Censor.</td>
+<td>Mr. Pearse, <i>Morning Post</i>.<br>
+Mr. Bennett Burleigh, <i>Daily Telegraph</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="4">
+<img src="images/img012.jpg" width="600" height="501" alt="" title="">
+</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>W. B. Wollen, R.I.</td>
+<td colspan="2">Mr. Maxwell,<br> of the <i>Standard</i>.</td>
+<td>Mr. Melton Prior.<br>
+<span class="add1em">Mr. Rennet, of "Laffan's Bureau."</span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+<p><i>Lord Stanley Censoring Reports of a Battle. Photographed by Mr. H.
+Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Perhaps the reader will see at this date and stage of the discussion
+over the lessons of the war that the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page269" name="page269"></a>(p. 269)</span> practical, and with
+him wholly original, words spoken by Lord Dundonald in London on
+December 15th, were in some measure anticipated by Lord Stanley in
+this editorial. Both these noblemen set the same high value upon the
+services of the men of England without regard to class. Lord Dundonald
+said they would fight when called upon, but the best of them would not
+willingly or comfortably undergo the exactions of long-sustained
+military discipline. Our Censor was, at that time, for making their
+service an instantly ready organised source of strength to the Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Though there is little to republish from the columns of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> of
+that day, the newspaper was a very complete and excellent collation of
+news of South Africa, the war, and the world. On this particular day,
+April 3rd, we published one of Mr. G. W. Steevens's artistic letters
+from the Natal front, taken from the <i>Daily Mail</i>; we copied an
+important article on the lessons of the war written by Mr. Amery for
+the <i>Times</i>, and altogether the army found the number very readable.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 15.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>A LESSON LEARNED.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY LORD STANLEY.</span></h3>
+
+<p>This war, with the opportunity it has offered to all branches of the
+service to see how the military machinery works when running at high
+pressure, must teach not only those who are out here superintending
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page270" name="page270"></a>(p. 270)</span> and running the machine, but also those at home who are
+paying for its running, many a useful lesson.</p>
+
+<p>That the machine has worked smoothly nobody for one minute will
+assert&mdash;but it certainly has run sufficiently smoothly to show that,
+with some alteration which experience alone could suggest to be
+desirable, our military engine may very easily be made as perfect as
+those of the Continental Powers are popularly supposed to be.</p>
+
+<p>But it is not our intention to show what failings have been
+discovered, and what lessons in man&oelig;uvring&mdash;in transport&mdash;in
+equipment&mdash;are required to be learned. Our object to-day is to
+congratulate ourselves that one lesson at least which had to be
+learned has been partially learned&mdash;and that is that England must look
+not to one class or two classes of men for her soldiers and sailors,
+but must be able to draw upon all sorts and conditions of men, the
+rich alike with the poor, when she has to defend her honour at home or
+abroad.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of the lesson has been learned, and men of all ranks in
+life are vying with each other in their desire to serve their country
+in any capacity, however humble. This is good, but the lesson has not
+been entirely taken to heart yet. It will not do for England to have
+to wait for an hour of danger before these men come to the front. They
+must always be there at hand when required, and it behoves the
+Government at home to so legislate as to make permanent in the ranks
+of our army those classes of men who are now in it temporarily.</p>
+
+<p>Conscription may be a nasty pill for some to swallow. But what is in a
+name? Let us call it <span class="pagenum"><a id="page271" name="page271"></a>(p. 271)</span> universal service, and let us ask our
+fellow countrymen at home to be prepared to emulate the example of
+those who are on service here and to be ready at all times and in all
+places to guard and defend the national flag&mdash;the symbol of British
+prestige and integrity.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>POOR OLD CRONJE.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>Driven from pillar to post,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Battered with shot and shell,</span><br>
+    Knowing full well his cause was lost,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">When the last of his burghers fell.</span><br>
+    Surrounded on every hand,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">He and his Army lay,</span><br>
+    Determined to make a final stand,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Like a wounded stag at bay.</span></p>
+
+<p>When the British guns belched forth,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The burghers held their breath,</span><br>
+    And down in the trenches deep they hid<br>
+      <span class="add1em">From these Messengers of Death.</span><br>
+    But the British had the range,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And their lyddite and shrapnel fell</span><br>
+    Into their trenches till they thought<br>
+      <span class="add1em">We'd opened the gates of hell.</span></p>
+
+<p>Then Cronje had enough,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And a message came to say</span><br>
+    That he and his army surrendered,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And this on Majuba Day:</span><br>
+    The day that the Boers held<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And rejoiced with might and main,</span><br>
+    The day they laid their arms on the veldt;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The day they'll ne'er hold again.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page272" name="page272"></a>(p. 272)</span> For Cronje's day is done,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The despot's rule is o'er,</span><br>
+    Their hell-fire on the Women<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And the Red-cross is no more.</span><br>
+    For under escort he jogs along<br>
+      <span class="add1em">With never a word to say;</span><br>
+    He and his army four thousand strong<br>
+      <span class="add1em">All bound for Table Bay.</span></p>
+
+<p>And Cronje can pray as long as he may,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Till his poor old knees are sore;</span><br>
+    But it seems Lord Roberts has found the way<br>
+      <span class="add1em">To outwit the wily Boer,</span><br>
+    And St. Helena is his quarters<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Till the Transvaal War is o'er.</span></p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Jas. L. Watson</span>,<br>
+    <i>1st Scots Guards.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE.</h3>
+
+<p>Below we give a translation of a Dutch proclamation issued by Sir
+George Cathcart nearly half a century ago. The Capetown <i>Argus</i> says
+that it shows a marked similarity to Lord Roberts' recent proclamation
+explaining the cause of the present war, but this we confess we are
+not so certain of, as that the proclamation is of interest in and for
+itself.</p>
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p>By His Excellency Lieutenant-General the Hon. George Cathcart,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope in South
+Africa, and Territories and Dependencies thereof, and Vice-Admiral of
+the same; and Her Majesty's High <span class="pagenum"><a id="page273" name="page273"></a>(p. 273)</span> Commissioner for the
+execution and adjustment of affairs of the Territory in South Africa
+bordering on and annexed to the Eastern and Northern Boundaries of the
+said Colony, and Governor of the Orange River Territory, &amp;c., &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>Be it hereby made known to all leaders and people of all classes and
+nationalities within Her Majesty's borders of the Orange River
+Territory that I have come amongst you to offer equal rights and
+justice to all in the name of Her Majesty. I have come not to make
+War, but to settle all disputes and to establish the blessings of
+Peace.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore instruct and command all of you to remain quiet, every one
+of you in your own territory, and to await my judgment and decision.</p>
+
+<p>I have with me a sufficient number of troops of the Queen to command
+obedience, and to punish severely and punctually any Leader, Class, or
+Tribe who would dare to resist my lawful authority.</p>
+
+<p>All loyal subjects of Her Majesty will be prepared to join me, if I
+deem it necessary to call upon them for co-operation against any
+stubborn culprits.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!</p>
+
+<p>Given under my Hand and Seal, at Graham's Town, this 15th day of
+November, 1852.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">George Cathcart</span>,<br>
+  Lieut.-General, Governor.</p>
+
+<p>By order of His Excellency the Governor,</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Wm. F. Liddle</span>,<br>
+  Secretary.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page274" name="page274"></a>(p. 274)</span> CHAPTER XVIII<br>
+<span class="title">Our Christening Competition</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>I declare the Original War ended and a New One
+     begun&mdash;Enteric's ravages.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The Friend" of April 4th contained a column of offers of a new name
+for the Orange Free State in response to our promise of a five guinea
+prize to the propounder of the most suitable new title for the
+country. We published a ballot form for use by our readers in voting
+for whichever five of the proposed names they preferred. All our
+readers were asked to vote, and it was to be our part to discover what
+person was the earliest to send in either the five most popular names
+or the greater number of them. This gave us such an addition to our
+labours that I suspect we were all as sorry as I know that one of us
+was for having gone into this gift enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>I was the author of the "leader" of the day upon "The End of the War."
+In this I said that the war first planned by the Boers was already
+over and won by the British. That was a war of extermination of the
+British in Natal and the Cape, which two colonies were to be the scene
+of the fighting, and to be captured <span class="pagenum"><a id="page275" name="page275"></a>(p. 275)</span> by the Dutch. "It was to
+be fought out on British soil to the damage of British property and
+the slaughter of such British as did not flee from their homes. That
+war ended quickly in a complete failure. Now," I continued, "another
+struggle is going on to settle whether the two races are to live in
+peace together, whether the Boers are to continue to obstruct modern
+progress, and whether white men who live in South Africa are to enjoy
+white men's rights and white men's liberty."</p>
+
+<p>We published an interesting review of the life of the late Sir Donald
+Stewart, who had just died in England.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon wrote an editorial requesting the editors of the
+mischievous Capetown organ of the Bond, <i>Ons Land</i>, not to send their
+wretched paper to our office, and he added that if we could have our
+way no such publication would exist.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gwynne was the author of the witty paragraph on "How History is
+Made."</p>
+
+<p>Enteric, the ravages of which were assuming extraordinary proportions,
+now began to exact attention from our contributors. One of these wrote
+recommending the transfer of enteric patients to a building put up as
+a retreat for lepers six miles away, at Sydenham. He argued that it
+was "not fair" to mass the fever patients in the buildings of
+Bloemfontein. I cannot have seen this article at the time, or it would
+have been either left out or answered by me with a modest suggestion
+that the "unfairness" might possibly be in allowing those of us who
+were well and strong to remain in the hotels, all of which, together
+with as many dwellings as were needed, could, perhaps, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page276" name="page276"></a>(p. 276)</span> be
+turned into hospitals. To leave the fever-stricken men out in
+rain-soaked tents set up on muddy ground, where the most ordinary
+demands of nature had to be met at a risk of death&mdash;if this could be
+avoided, this was the unfair thing. I would have proposed that the
+sick soldiers and the too vigorous pro-Boers of Bloemfontein change
+places, putting our enemies in the tents, if such a course were
+possible.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 16.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>TO THE INHABITANTS OF BLOEMFONTEIN.<br>
+<span class="smcap">Notice.</span></h3>
+
+<p>There is a great want of bedsteads for the use of the sick and wounded
+in the various hospitals here.</p>
+
+<p>An appeal is hereby made to the charity of the general public. All who
+can possibly spare any single bedsteads with mattresses and pillows
+complete, are earnestly requested to communicate with Colonel
+Stevenson, Principal Medical Officer, Maitland Street, who will
+arrange to receive them. Labels, with name and address of owner,
+should be affixed to each bedstead lent, so as to ensure its return
+when no longer required.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">G. T. Pretyman</span>,<br>
+  Major-General,<br>
+  Military Governor.</p>
+
+<p>April 3rd.</p>
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Whereas</span>: it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page277" name="page277"></a>(p. 277)</span> Railway Service shall be resumed
+in the aforesaid Republic as far as circumstances permit,</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">Now Therefore,</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">I, Frederick Sleigh Baron Roberts of Kandahar</span>, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I.,
+G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the British
+forces in South Africa, do hereby appoint Lieutenant Colonel Edouard
+Percy Cranwill Girouard, D.S.O., Director of Railways, South African
+Field Force, Administrator of the State Railways in such portions of
+the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be occupied by
+British Troops. And I do hereby order that the Railway and Railway
+Telegraph Services shall be resumed in the portions of the aforesaid
+Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of March, 1900,
+under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange Free State,
+subject to such alterations as may from time to time be notified, and
+to the requirements of the army.</p>
+
+<p>Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Thirtieth Day of March,
+1900.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Field-Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief British Forces<br>
+  in South Africa.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>"THE RUSSIANS CAPTURE LONDON."<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Bloemfontein</span>, Thursday, received Friday.</p>
+
+<p>Kruger is reported to have proclaimed the annexation of the Free State
+to the Transvaal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page278" name="page278"></a>(p. 278)</span> It is also reported that he is circulating a proclamation
+that England is in dire straits, the Russians have occupied London and
+proclaimed it Russian territory (Reuter).</p>
+
+<p>It is painful to think that Lord Roberts is totally unaware that he is
+fighting for a country that has ceased to exist, that St. Paul's is
+now a Greek Chapel, that the Thames is called the Temsky River, that
+our beloved Queen is a prisoner at Moscow, and that Lord Salisbury is
+already trudging on the weary snow-bound way to the mines at Kara, in
+Siberia.</p>
+
+<p>Why do you laugh?</p>
+
+<p>To us it seems awful!</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CAUGHT BY THE BOERS.</h3>
+
+<p>After three weeks spent in "bluffing" the Colesberg Boers, by holding
+various kopjes with a half company at the bottom, I found myself one
+fine February morning seized with a sudden attack of "Mauseritis," and
+so forced to watch the rest of a disastrous rear-guard action without
+taking part in it.</p>
+
+<p>My company and one other, having spent a very cold night on a kopje
+N.W. of Rensburg, came down at 5 a.m. to find our other companies "not
+lost but gone before" to Arundel, and a sudden and unexpected Boer
+cross-fire brought on the aforesaid "attack." From 6 to 8 I lay
+watching little puffs of dust in the immediate vicinity, caused by our
+men returning the fire, as a lot of the Boers had followed us up and
+were lying down about 300 yards from me.</p>
+
+<p>At 8 our fire stopped, and up galloped batches of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page279" name="page279"></a>(p. 279)</span> the ragged
+ruffians, the first two pointing Mausers at me and asking, "Rooinek
+wounded?" My answer, "Yes," seemed to relieve them, and they jumped
+off their horses, and quickly relieving me of carbine and belt (the
+only things they took) galloped on. At intervals of ten minutes all
+sorts and conditions followed them with, "Good morning, old chap," and
+they seemed very sorry at seeing me wounded. At 10, four of them,
+under the guidance of a commandant, carried me in a bit of sacking a
+mile to Rensburg Station, to the "Station Commandant's" Room, and I
+spent a happy day till 5 p.m. with 11 of our men, all air prevented
+from coming in by our inquisitive friends, the enemy, who "held" both
+doors and windows with great success, making the place a regular Black
+Hole.</p>
+
+<p>They seemed quite happy, just standing still, staring at us, and never
+uttering a syllable, though they would do anything we asked. At last,
+after hours of waiting, they moved us to a coachhouse close by and
+"dressed" us. We stayed there till 5 the next day, and had many
+interesting talks with them. One old man gave us a blessing, with "I
+wish Chamberlain was here to see you now." Their sole idea was that
+Jos. C. and Rhodes were entirely responsible for the war. Many such
+questions as "Were you compelled to fight?" &amp;c., were asked you, and a
+small box of "sparklets" cartridges was a source of much wonder. My
+next move was to an empty store in Colesberg, where Hofman (of the
+Cape Parliament) had a Russian-German and Dutch Ambulance combined
+(one of his men had been fighting against us and now, covered with Red
+Crosses, helped to carry us about). I stayed there <span class="pagenum"><a id="page280" name="page280"></a>(p. 280)</span> a week,
+having devoured more figs and grapes than ever before.</p>
+
+<p>All the English ladies and the Dutch Minister in particular brought us
+fruit, and I should like to thank them personally. Only the Dutch
+people were allowed in to see us, and were very keen on getting our
+buttons and badges as keep-sakes.</p>
+
+<p>They turned us out of the field hospital one night at 9, and we were
+jolted along in buck-waggons till 5 the next morning, then a halt of 5
+hours, and at last we got to Norval's Pont at 5 p.m., after the worst
+journey I ever hope to have. It was quite a treat seeing trees again,
+as some of the country we passed through was really pretty. Our
+ambulance train consisted of layers of stretchers, one above the
+other, on a large "bogey" truck. At Springfontein, we were entrusted
+to a German ambulance, from Hamburg, covered with crosses, doctors,
+nurses and patient helps, but they were very kind to us.</p>
+
+<p>We got news daily from the station telegraphist, Mr. Fryer, and Mr.
+Shipp, also employed on the station, till the escape from Pretoria put
+an end to our visitors. The hospital was half full of Boers, and they
+seemed perfectly happy sitting still the whole day long doing nothing,
+but smoking hard. Two engines were always left ready for emergency,
+the line being 100 yards away, so sleep at night was a matter of
+difficulty. Just when I was hoping we should be relieved, they moved
+us under the safe keeping of a Bloemfontein policeman in a gorgeous
+blue uniform to the Volks Hospital here, passing through hundreds of
+sleeping burghers in the station. Here we languished in the utmost
+comfort, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page281" name="page281"></a>(p. 281)</span> till the famous Tuesday when little black specks on
+the veldt and the arrival here of "Bobs" made our scarce-believing
+eyes quite certain that we were no longer Boer prisoners.</P>
+
+<p class="signatsc">Anon.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>ENTERIC FEVER.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY AN ARMY SURGEON.</span></h3>
+
+<p>No disease causes such havoc in modern campaigns as typhoid or enteric
+fever, and it becomes the duty of every one having authority to
+impress this fact upon the men committed to their charge. More
+especially is this duty imperative when troops are on the march, for
+many a valuable life is thrown away by the want of the strong hand of
+a wise discipline. When thirsty, men will drink anything, and it is
+here that good may be done. It is reported that one regiment on the
+march recently made the use of water-bottles a matter of drill, the
+word of command being given every hour for a mouthful of water to be
+drunk. As a result, men arrived in many cases at their bivouac with
+some water still left from their morning supply, without being one
+whit more thirsty than their neighbours.</p>
+
+<p>Typhoid in the vast majority of cases is waterborne, and hence the
+greatest care should be taken to avoid any dubious pan or pool. The
+only real preventative of this disease is to boil all water used, and
+although this may be impracticable on service, surely discipline will
+prevent the drinking of doubtful water. No medical observer can help
+wondering why more men were not inoculated on their way out from home.
+The inoculation does no harm, its <span class="pagenum"><a id="page282" name="page282"></a>(p. 282)</span> pain is a small matter,
+and its utility in modifying the severity of the disease is now well
+established. Take a case in point: two officers in the same regiment,
+one aged 31 and the other 24, contracted the disease on the same day
+from the same source. On the usual lines, the younger man should have
+had the worst attack, and yet, although physically the weaker, he
+recovered and his senior died. The younger man had been inoculated but
+the other had not! Some will say that it was the senior's kismet, but
+let that pass. The campaign is now well begun, and it is not too late
+even now to furnish supplies of lymph to Medical Officers for use with
+their units.</p>
+
+<p>The disease now so rife is marked by an absence of abdominal symptoms
+and may, in its early stage, be overlooked. It is during this period
+of uncertainty that harm may be done by a solid diet, and it is safer
+by far for any one suspecting himself to be suffering from influenza
+or other vague disease to restrict himself for a few days to a milk
+diet. Then if the febrile condition passes off, no harm is done, but
+it is to be feared that few will take this amount of trouble over
+themselves.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page283" name="page283"></a>(p. 283)</span> CHAPTER XIX<br>
+<span class="title">Fooled by the Boers</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>British Leniency and Credulity abused Past Endurance.</i></p>
+
+<p>For several days <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> had been publishing this short but
+imperative announcement:&mdash;</p>
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>From to-day (inclusive) all civilians must be in their homes after 8
+p.m., unless provided with a <span class="smcap">Special Pass</span> allowing them to be out.</p>
+
+<p>The Police have orders to arrest all persons breaking this rule.</p>
+
+<p>N.B.&mdash;This does not refer to civilians who are in the employ of the
+British Government, who will have a pass to this effect. By order,</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">B. Burnett-Hitchcock</span>, Lieutenant,<br>
+  Asst. Provost Marshal to Military Governor.</p>
+
+<p>Government Buildings, April 1st, 1900.</p>
+
+<p>This notice was but one of many of the signs we gave forth that we
+were being fooled by the tricky Boers, and that at last we were
+compelled to admit it. Far back at De Aar I had seen how
+constitutionally unsuspicious was the average army officer, how
+certain he <span class="pagenum"><a id="page284" name="page284"></a>(p. 284)</span> felt that, because he would not himself stoop to
+deception and treachery, no one else could miss the ennobling
+contagion of his example; how set he was upon carrying leniency and
+magnanimity to unheard of lengths, even with an enemy which neither
+practiced nor appreciated such treatment.</p>
+
+<p>Back in the days at De Aar the Boer spies were thick among us,
+pretending to have horses or forage for sale, but in reality watching
+us, and making daily reports to the enemy. Even then I begged my
+friends among the officers to observe what was going on, and to take
+steps to keep all Dutch-speaking men out of our slenderly guarded
+great storage camp of supplies. But the typical officer said then, as
+he said afterwards for months, "Oh, there's nothing to worry about.
+These people are our friends." And the occasional wide-awake
+non-typical officer ground his teeth and whispered, "Lord! Lord! how
+we are being played with! They know everything about us at every hour,
+in every move&mdash;and we not only know nothing of them, but are being fed
+up with lies."</p>
+
+<p>Far from merely keeping the Dutch out of our camps, we engaged the
+people of the country as transport drivers and waggon hands, and
+even&mdash;it used to be said&mdash;let them find their way into our corps of
+scouts and regimental guides. We demanded that they should know the
+Taal lingo and the country, and the result was that when we marched
+into a Boer village or hamlet we saw our own people hobnobbing with
+the residents, and asking, "Where's Piet? How's Billy? How have all of
+you been getting on?"&mdash;hail-fellow-well-met with these alleged
+"loyalists," who were among the most tricky, shuffling <span class="pagenum"><a id="page285" name="page285"></a>(p. 285)</span>
+hypocrites I have ever met in any of my travels. On and on we went,
+never knowing anything of the Boers, and the Boers always thoroughly
+informed about us.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere the slimy, slippery ranchers and tavern-keepers and
+merchants welcomed us with the heartiest speech, and always were we
+fooled by it. They had been born in the country, half the people or
+more in all that great region were out "on commando," no man except a
+pro-Boer or a born Boer could have been where we found these
+double-faced people, with their Judas-like pretence of friendship. It
+was self-evident that they must have been siding with our enemies. Had
+they been for us when our backs were turned, the Boers would have
+offered them a choice between joining their fighting forces or losing
+their property and their right to stay in the land. Capetown, Durban,
+and Port Elizabeth were crowded by the refugees who had taken an open
+stand for the British side, and been obliged to leave their homes.
+Nothing of this needed telling; it was indisputable, it was logical,
+it was common knowledge.</p>
+
+<p>At last we came to fighting battles that were surprises&mdash;to meeting
+Boer forces where we were told there were no Boers. When, at Modder
+River, Mr. Knox, of Reuter's, and I saw a large force of Boers ahead,
+and rode back to tell our friends in the army what we had seen, we
+were informed that what we announced was ridiculous. There were only
+"three hundred Boers within a dozen miles," and these would be quickly
+dislodged by our Ninth Lancers. We were to meet the Boers at
+Spytfontein, miles and miles ahead. Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes
+we began one of the chief battles of the war, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page286" name="page286"></a>(p. 286)</span> against the
+largest force that had up to that time opposed our army.</p>
+
+<p>The next day saw us in the village of Modder River, welcomed by the
+men of the place, whose shops and taverns had been preserved in the
+very midst of the Boer army by&mdash;by what shall we say? It must have
+been either by the force of comradeship with the Boers or by
+miraculous and Divine intervention; one or the other, for there is no
+explanation of the phenomenon outside of these two alternatives. Did a
+single man from that village manage to cross the drift and warn us
+that six miles of trenches were ready to be filled by Boers when we
+should reach there? And why did no single individual among all these
+"friends" do us that service? Our guides and others rode far forward,
+and were gone for hours. What did they see or find, and why did they
+not discover the facts?</p>
+
+<p>We were fooled! fooled!! fooled!!!</p>
+
+<p>Without martial law in force behind us, as it should have been in
+force from Capetown to Kimberley, at the very beginning of the war,
+without maps of the country, surrounded by malignant enemies, who were
+the more dangerous in that they declared themselves friends. Knowing
+nothing, but betrayed in everything, we stumbled on&mdash;into Modder
+battle, up against Maghersfontein Kopje&mdash;fooled and tricked and played
+with for months on end.</p>
+
+<p>We caught one of two men who fired at us from beneath the white flag
+at Belmont. The other one our soldiers killed, but the one we
+caught&mdash;what of him? The quicker he was hanged and left hanging on top
+of a high kopje the sooner would have ended the contempt of the Boers
+for our methods, and the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page287" name="page287"></a>(p. 287)</span> sooner would have come the end of
+the war. But I never was able to learn that he was treated otherwise
+than were the rest of our prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>When we came to a village like Modder River, where the Boers had been
+entertained and assisted in bridge-destroying and trench-digging, did
+we <i>reconcentrado</i> the little population? What a lesson to the
+disloyal, what a strength to our arms that would have been! We did
+nothing; we left them in their homes; we found them with Boer warrants
+for pay for forage on their persons; we saw them slipping to and from
+our camp at night, while by day they loitered around our headquarters
+and told us how loyal they were. Fooled were we&mdash;to the brim, up to
+our eyes, past all understanding.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts came, and the Boers tried the same old tricks. It is true
+that he maintained the same mistaken course of leniency&mdash;making war as
+light as possible for the Boers while they heaped its terrors upon
+us&mdash;but this mischievous, war-prolonging policy was so unvarying from
+Capetown to Bloemfontein that I always suspected it to have been
+ordered from home&mdash;perhaps by whoever it was that "preferred unmounted
+men" to catch the De Wets of the veldt. I cannot believe that Lord
+Roberts fought England's enemies in India in that way, or that he is
+blamable for that policy in South Africa. He was fooled, however, but
+not as others had been, nor did he evince the same fondness for being
+victimised as did certain of his subordinates. From the outset he took
+all ordinary precautions against treachery and double-dealing, and he
+was the first general to insist that the coloured native (very often a
+Boer spy) should be kept under supervision and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page288" name="page288"></a>(p. 288)</span> should be at
+least as orderly, civil, and well behaved as white men were required
+to be.</p>
+
+<p>It was while we were at Bloemfontein that the Boers presumed too much
+upon our credulity and trustfulness at last. They did this by the most
+barefaced and wholesale act of hoaxing ever practised upon a modern
+army. We sent out our forces, small and large, over the whole southern
+half of the Free State, distributing Lord Roberts' promise of
+protection to all who surrendered their arms and signed an agreement
+to fight us no more. Gaily and trustingly our troops went here and
+there, and everywhere the people came out to meet them in apparently
+the same cordial spirit of goodwill. As they handed in their
+grandfathers' old elephant rifles and whatever other fire-arm curios
+had been thrown aside in their garrets, they assured us that they were
+sick of the war, that they had been tricked by Steyn, that they had
+only fought to prevent the Transvaalers from confiscating their cattle
+and perhaps to save themselves from being murdered. It was a beautiful
+spectacle of erring brotherhood repentant&mdash;for those who enjoy being
+played upon and laughed at.</p>
+
+<p>Even while the old junk was being brought to the railway we began to
+hear that wherever, in isolated cases, a man had honestly given up his
+Mauser and signed the British papers he was being plundered and
+persecuted by his neighbours, most of whom were still either fighting
+or awaiting orders to resume hostilities. My printers told me of
+friends whom they believed to have been shot for failing to take part
+in the hoax, and for seriously giving up the contest.</p>
+
+<p>And at Ladybrand the "friendly" and "repentant" <span class="pagenum"><a id="page289" name="page289"></a>(p. 289)</span> Boers, who
+had been giving tea and entertainment to General Broadwood to hold his
+force until the enemy could capture it, fired on him from the very
+houses in which he had been drinking tea, when he got wind of the trap
+and slipped away&mdash;to Sanna's Post.</p>
+
+<p>The air began to fill with rumours of murder and pillage, the veldt
+again resounded with the hoof-beats of fighting commandos. We had the
+affairs at Reddersburg, Wepener, Karree Siding, Sanna's Post. We found
+that we were brushing our coatsleeves against those of active enemies
+in Bloemfontein&mdash;men who were apprising the enemy of our army
+movements and plans, who were even said to be slipping out at night,
+armed sometimes with messages and sometimes with Mausers.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the Boer cunning over-reached itself. It was the biggest hoax,
+the climax of the long course of hoaxing. It was the first time it had
+been practised upon Lord Roberts, but I also believe it was the last
+time as well.</p>
+
+<p>This was the meaning of the notices that now began to appear in
+different forms in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>: that the Army was to be fooled no
+longer by mere lies and Iscariot handshakings. This was the purport of
+Lieutenant Burnett-Hitchcock's command that we should all carry
+passes; of Town Clerk Koller's order for all the Free Staters to give
+an account of their horses with proofs of ownership; of General
+Kelly's command that all troops "when out in positions" (around the
+town and elsewhere) "should invariably entrench themselves ... being
+careful that their flanks are secure"; of Lord Roberts's warning that
+our "friends" and others were to be held responsible in their persons
+and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page290" name="page290"></a>(p. 290)</span> property for all wanton destruction of or damage to
+public or private property, which meant railway-wrecking principally.</p>
+
+<p>The Army at last was tired of being fooled.</p>
+
+<p>The editorial of the day was conceived in the same spirit of
+resistance to a farther continuance of the experiences of the Army in
+the past. It was headed "British Leniency," and was, I am almost
+certain, written by Mr. Gwynne under "inspiration."</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p>What about British leniency and long-suffering? (the writer
+     asked). Let it be remembered we are still an army on active
+     service fighting a vigorous enemy. There are people to whom
+     British magnanimity has always and will always spell
+     weakness. We cordially welcome and will gladly receive our
+     new fellow-subjects. We shall not make our welcome depend
+     upon whether they fought against us or not. Those who stood
+     in the enemy's trenches and fought bravely for what they
+     considered to be their liberty will soon be convinced that
+     their struggle was prompted by men who knew not liberty, and
+     that Great Britain will extend to them a degree of freedom
+     which they never knew before. But&mdash;and let us here emphasise
+     the "but"&mdash;we will have no half measures. We do not ask the
+     newly-conquered Free Staters to take up arms against their
+     kinsmen now fighting against us, but we do ask and shall
+     maintain, with sternness, if necessary, a strict and rigid
+     neutrality on the part of those who have promised it by
+     oath. Let all take to heart this decision, that while Great
+     Britain will remorselessly punish all and any who interfere
+     with those who claim her protection, so will she as sternly
+     and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page291" name="page291"></a>(p. 291)</span> severely bring heavy punishment on those who
+     misuse her tolerance and leniency.</p>
+
+     <p>The great extent of country through which the British army
+     has to operate has made difficult to afford that adequate
+     protection to those who have laid down their arms, convinced
+     that they were risking their lives uselessly. In some cases
+     these men have been molested and ill-treated by the enemy.
+     Full punishment will be meted out to those who have been
+     guilty of such acts. We have shown an example of leniency
+     and tolerance towards rebels, taken with arms in their hand,
+     which we did expect would have been followed by those who
+     direct the affairs of our enemies, and we shall exact of the
+     two Presidents a full and complete reparation for acts of
+     cruelty and inhumanity committed by those under their
+     control.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 17.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1900</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p>The following Military Officers are hereby appointed Justices of the
+Peace for the District of Bloemfontein during pleasure:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Major-General <span class="smcap">G. T. Pretyman</span>, C.B., Military Governor.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-Colonel <span class="smcap">C. V. F. Townshend</span>, C.B., D.S.O., Assistant to
+Military Governor.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant-Colonel <span class="smcap">B. E. B. Lord Castletown</span>, Special Service Officer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page292" name="page292"></a>(p. 292)</span> Major <span class="smcap">R. M. Poore</span>, Provost Marshal.</p>
+
+<p>Captain <span class="smcap">W. A. J. O'Meara</span>, Chief Intelligence Officer.</p>
+
+<p>Captain <span class="smcap">P. Holland-Pryor</span>, D.A.A., General.</p>
+
+<p>Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Fourth Day of April, 1900.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Field Marshal,<br>
+  Commanding-in-Chief British Forces in South Africa.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY FRED EYRE, YORKSHIRE GREEN HOWARDS.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>Far in a land so distant,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Out on the battle-field,</span><br>
+    Raising the lance or carbine,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Or a sharp-edged sword they wield.</span><br>
+    There lie the British Soldiers,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Fighting for home and Queen,</span><br>
+    Marching by day, and by night as well,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Hard times are often seen.</span></p>
+
+<p>Weary they tramp for their Country,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Marching when only half fed;</span><br>
+    He'll rest where he can when they're halted,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Without sheet or blanket or bed.</span><br>
+    Dreams of sweet home and of childhood<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Will pass through his weary brain,</span><br>
+    Restless he'll lie till morning,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Then he'll move on the march again.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page293" name="page293"></a>(p. 293)</span> But what of his wife and baby,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">That he's left far behind at home?</span><br>
+    Where is their love's protection?<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Where is his heart to roam?</span><br>
+    Urged on by a stern Commander,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Pushed by a Sergeant there,</span><br>
+    Bullied by bits of Lance Corporals,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">No wonder the poor soldiers swear.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now then he's fighting like blazes,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The artillery guns loudly boom,</span><br>
+    His rifle comes up to his shoulder,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And another brave Boer meets his doom.</span><br>
+    Crack! crack! 'tis the brave soldier's music,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">His spirits rise up&mdash;he can feel,</span><br>
+    It's this music that raises his spirits,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And makes them as fearless as steel.</span></p>
+
+<p>He is fighting for Queen and for country,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">For his dear little baby and wife,</span><br>
+    He knows that the foe must be beaten<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And for this end he'll risk his dear life.</span><br>
+    At last the day's fighting is over,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The wounded and dead lie around,</span><br>
+    All now is quiet and peaceful,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">From the guns we can hear not a sound.</span></p>
+
+<p>But his poor wounded comrades lie moaning,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And gasping for life's loving breath,</span><br>
+    But the great God of Love calls their spirits,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And they're clasped in the cold arms of death.</span><br>
+    All things seem so strange and so dreary,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">As sadly he gazes around,</span><br>
+    He heaves a deep sigh and a tear dims his eye,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">As he lies on the cold sodden ground.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page294" name="page294"></a>(p. 294)</span> NEVO!</h3>
+
+<p class="cpoem20">
+  But still we are here, what is left of us,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Noble and brave to be seen,</span><br>
+  We've proved ourselves brave British soldiers,<br>
+    <span class="add1em"><i>And willing to die for our Queen</i>.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>JOKES TO BURN.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;Is it true that a certain
+cavalry general, on finding good grass for his horses for the first
+time at Koodoesrand, exclaimed, "By Jove, this will supply a
+long-veldt want"?</p>
+
+<p>That, to remind the burghers of the disgrace of Bloemfontein's fall
+into British hands, President Kruger has changed the name of the
+Transvaal capital to "Oomfontein"?</p>
+
+<p>That the landdrost has caused to be written on the gates of Kroonstad,
+"Nil sine Laboere"?</p>
+
+<p>That the Welshman called Mr. Kruger's son "ap-Paul" and the son's
+father "appalling"?</p>
+
+<p>That the man who said that President Steyn "showed no signs of
+stayin'" when we got near Bloemfontein was shot on the spot by his
+rear-rank man?</p>
+
+<p>That "The Gay Lord Treks" and the "Man&oelig;uvres of Steyn" will be
+acted in London in the winter?</p>
+
+<p>That, in view of the late change of political opinion of the chief
+Bloemfontein newspaper, its name is to be changed to "Our Mutual
+Friend"?</p>
+
+<p>An early answer to some of these important questions will oblige,</p>
+
+<p>Yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">H. Atter.</p>
+
+<p>Glen Siding, O.F.S., March 30th.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page295" name="page295"></a>(p. 295)</span> ARMY TEMPERANCE.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY CHAPLAIN T. F. FAULKNER.</span></h3>
+
+<p>A most interesting meeting was held at the Town Hall on Monday evening
+in connection with the "Army Temperance Association," an organisation
+which owes its existence to the efforts and personal interest of
+Field-Marshal Lord Roberts which, as one of the speakers on the
+platform so rightly said, are always exercised in everything which is
+to the benefit of the British soldier. As, therefore, there are at
+present with our troops at Bloemfontein the President and Founder of
+the Association, two members of the Executive Committee, and many
+hundreds of members, it was a happy conception to call a meeting of
+those interested in Temperance work under the auspices of the
+Association, and one which commended itself to the approval of the
+Commander-in-Chief, who, in spite of many things which daily press
+upon him, readily consented to preside and speak at the meeting.</p>
+
+<p>Much is due to the energy of the Rev. Canon Orford for arrangements
+made, and the kindness of residents in the city, all of which tended
+greatly to the success of the meeting. Disappointments were
+inevitable. Sudden movements and the exigencies of the service robbed
+us of the company of many who would otherwise have been present, and
+we missed the promised help of the band of "The Buffs."</p>
+
+<p>On the platform were, besides the Commander-in-Chief and his personal
+staff, the Very Rev. the Dean; the Venerable the Archdeacon; Mr.
+Meiring, of the Customs, Mr. Falck, of the Post-Office; the Revs.
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page296" name="page296"></a>(p. 296)</span> T. F. Faulkner, F. B. N. Norman-Lee, and H. T. Coney,
+Chaplains to the Forces; Captain A. H. Webb, R.A.; Mr. Goddard, and R.
+Grindel, Esq., 2nd Coldstream Guards.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Roberts in his address expressed his great pleasure in being able
+to preside, and sketched clearly and briefly the history of the
+beginning of the Association in India, its rapid growth in spite of
+antagonism, its ultimate and acknowledged success, and eventually its
+introduction into England, where now it can boast of a branch in
+almost every regiment and depôt in the kingdom. He particularly
+emphasised its being a <i>temperance</i> and not only a "total abstainer"
+society, and lastly pointed to the work done by the troops under his
+command during the past few weeks as an evidence of what can be done
+by temperate, or in this case almost entire non-abstaining, men, than
+whom (he said) he had never seen any to march better, endure
+privations more contentedly, or to be better behaved.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Lodge followed with an excellent song, admirably sung, which
+promptly elicited an "encore," which he kindly granted.</p>
+
+<p>Rev. T. F. Faulkner then gave a short address about the principles of
+the Association and how they might affect and be affected by the
+exigencies of the march, and expressed the feeling of gratitude and
+pleasure which all A.T.A. members must share at the interest shown in
+their undertaking by the clergy and citizens of Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>A treat was then accorded to the audience in two songs sung by Miss
+Fraser, who most willingly responded to the vigorous appeal of our
+soldiers. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page297" name="page297"></a>(p. 297)</span> Such singing by a lady we had not heard for a long
+time, and the men were not slow to detect the high order of Miss
+Fraser's powers. The Very Rev. the Dean gave a warm welcome as
+temperance workers in the name of those in Bloemfontein who had the
+work at heart, and spoke of the encouragement to them which such a
+meeting afforded.</p>
+
+<p>An amusing song by Capt. Webb, R.A., also loudly encored, formed a
+pleasing contrast in the programme. Mr. Lodge and Miss Fraser were so
+good as to sing yet another song each, much to the delight of our
+members. Two short speeches by Mr. Grindel and Capt. Webb on the
+subject of the Association's worth and object and the members' duties
+in connection with it, brought the programme to a close save for the
+few graceful words spoken by Rev. F. B. N. Norman-Lee, in expressing
+the thanks of the meeting to Lord Roberts for his presence, and to
+those who had, by their kind help, conduced towards the success of the
+meeting and the pleasure of those who had attended it. The Rev. H. T.
+Coney, who had taken an active part in getting up the meeting, proved
+himself an excellent accompanist. The National Anthem closed the
+proceedings.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="center"><i>The same by Another Contributor.</i></p>
+
+<p>The presence of the Field Marshal, who may be called the father of the
+Association, attracted many who, perhaps, have not been identified
+with the movement. All who attended were repaid by getting a sight of
+the man of the hour in South Africa, and listening to his speech of
+introduction. In well-chosen <span class="pagenum"><a id="page298" name="page298"></a>(p. 298)</span> words he gave a brief outline of
+the founding of the Association, its growth from the Total Abstinence
+Association first founded in India, and the gradual broadening of its
+scope and purposes. He told of the influence of the A.T.A. in the
+army, how it was free from prejudice and sectarianism, and he pointed
+out to the soldiers the advantages of joining. Every member was known
+to his commanding officer, and for important posts men were often
+chosen because of this membership.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers who filled the body of the hall dwelt on every word that
+fell from the lips of the man they loved. When he spoke of the "Army
+it was now his great honour to command," the Field Marshal showed his
+depth of feeling in his voice. He was proud to be the leader of "the
+best-behaved army in the world"; he spoke of the splendid way in which
+the troops had marched, of how uncomplainingly they had endured the
+hardships of the campaign and how well they had fought. In a
+half-joking manner he spoke of them as having all been members of the
+A.T.A. Modder River water was all they had to drink, and sometimes
+little of that. In a graceful way the Field Marshal thanked the people
+of Bloemfontein for the interest shown by their attendance, and he
+expressed his gratitude to Miss Fraser and Mr. Lodge for voluntarily
+helping the success of the meeting with their songs. Constantly the
+soldiers interrupted the speech with applause, and when Lord Roberts
+had concluded, it was some time before it died away.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page299" name="page299"></a>(p. 299)</span> VOICES FROM OVER THE SEA.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY G. SIMES, OF ROBERTS'S HORSE.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem18">
+<p>Though thirteen thousand miles of foam<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Divide us from the land</span><br>
+  That bred our sires, yet we their sons<br>
+    <span class="add1em">With you united stand,</span><br>
+  And in this year of warring strife<br>
+    <span class="add1em">From over all the earth</span><br>
+  We haste to help the grand old land<br>
+    <span class="add1em">That gave our fathers birth.</span></p>
+
+<p>From inland plain, from mountain height,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">From city and from coast,</span><br>
+  From divers ends of all the earth,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">From the dear land we boast</span><br>
+  Our proud descent; and never where<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our language may be spoken</span><br>
+  Shall the strong tie that binds us to<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our mother land be broken.</span></p>
+
+<p>All round the world we live in lands<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Thy enterprise has won,</span><br>
+  And when the day with you is past<br>
+    <span class="add1em">With us the rising sun</span><br>
+  Brings light to carry on the work<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Bequeathed to us by Thee;</span><br>
+  We make and shape an Empire that<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Extends from sea to sea.</span></p>
+
+<p>The same clear head, the same firm tread<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And independent air</span><br>
+  That made all other men seem mean<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Who with thy sons compare;</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page300" name="page300"></a>(p. 300)</span> The same cool, prudent common-sense<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And strong decision that</span><br>
+  Conquer with the tools of peace<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Or weapons of defence.</span></p>
+
+<p>Nor Greece, or Rome, or France, or Spain<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Had at their highest hour</span><br>
+  One-half thy Empire, half thy wealth<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Or world-embracing power,</span><br>
+  And not to any race that lives<br>
+    <span class="add1em">In History's wondrous story</span><br>
+  Has ever been vouchsafed on earth<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Such universal glory.</span></p>
+
+<p>And we thy sons as much as those<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Who stay at home with thee,</span><br>
+  All seedlings planted far away<br>
+    <span class="add1em">From the ancestral tree,</span><br>
+  Breed true and show in branch and sap<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The same old sturdy merit,</span><br>
+  And plant our British customs in<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The lands that we inherit.</span></p>
+
+<p>And now from all your distant lands<br>
+    <span class="add1em">With haste we come to show</span><br>
+  We do not wait for you to ask<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our help against the foe,</span><br>
+  But gather round thee pleased to have<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The opportunity</span><br>
+  Of proving to the world in arms<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Our splendid unity.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page301" name="page301"></a>(p. 301)</span> RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MR. LIONEL JAMES.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>I.</h4>
+
+<p>Events have followed each other during the last week in such rapid
+succession that it is impossible to give more than a short epitome of
+the engagements at Karree Siding and Waterfall Drift. The cavalry
+reconnaissance to Brandfort showed that there was a considerable
+concentration of the enemy in that town, and as the Intelligence
+Department had information that a large force of Boers, re-equipped
+and remounted, had come down from Kroonstadt, it was deemed necessary
+to occupy the clump of kopjes in which Karee lies.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy forestalled this move, and on 27th March the hills round
+Karee were reported held. As both flanks of the Karee position
+presented ground over which it was possible for cavalry to work, a
+plan of operations was made by which it was hoped that our occupation
+would result in the capture of the enemy's advance guard.</p>
+
+<p>With this object a Cavalry division under General French, a brigade of
+Mounted Infantry and an Infantry division under Lieut.-Gen. Tucker
+concentrated at Glen on April 28th. On the following morning the
+Cavalry made a detour round the right of the enemy's position, the
+mounted Infantry under Lieut.-Col. Le Gallais making a similar
+movement round the left. The object of this operation was obvious. The
+mounted Corps were to be prepared to come into action at the rear of
+the Boer position as soon as General Tucker delivered his Infantry
+attack.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page302" name="page302"></a>(p. 302)</span> At 10 a.m., having received heliographic communication from
+Gen. French, Gen. Tucker put his division in motion&mdash;he advanced it
+across the four miles of plain leading to the foot of the range of
+kopjes in echelon of battalions, Gen. Chermside's Brigade on the
+right, General Wavell's on the left. The position which he essayed to
+attack, in the vicinity of Karee, may be roughly termed three parallel
+ridges with a stretch of valley between each.</p>
+
+<p>Contrary to all expectation, the first ridge was found unoccupied and
+the infantry advanced without opposition, until the leading battalion
+(Lincolns) reached the foot of the second parallel. Here they were
+fired into by a patrol, which itself fell back at once. Under cover of
+a few rounds from the guns which came into action on the left of the
+advance, the second range was occupied. Beneath this lay the plain of
+Karee, a flat of about 2,000 yards, the station standing in the
+centre.</p>
+
+<p>At first it was not evident that the third parallel of hills was held.
+But as the Norfolks, Lincolns, and six companies of the King's Own
+Scottish Borderers scaled a considerable kopje which commanded the
+left of the final parallel, shrapnel was burst over them from a field
+gun which appeared to be in the valley below. The rest of Chermside's
+brigade, covered by a few of the C.I.V., were pushing across the open.
+The mounted men and two companies of the K.O.S.B.'s advanced to within
+200 yards of the final position before the enemy declared their
+presence by opening fire. The reception which the advanced line
+received from the marksmen lining the hill east and from individuals
+ensconced in the bushes on the slopes of the hills <span class="pagenum"><a id="page303" name="page303"></a>(p. 303)</span> was so
+sharp that the line was checked and part of it forced to retire. The
+three field batteries then came into action against a high tableland
+kop which formed the right of the held position, the advance remaining
+checked the while.</p>
+
+<p>A battery was detached to aid the right, as the K.O.S.B.'s were
+suffering from a well-directed and well-ranged shrapnel fire. This
+battery was not able to come into action, as the teams were unable to
+bring the guns up the slope of the position chosen. But three of
+Wavell's battalions were brought across the open and an assault was
+attempted on the main kopje.</p>
+
+<p>Matters practically remained at a deadlock until four p.m., when the
+sound of French's guns was heard in the rear of the enemy's position.
+Three shrapnel burst on the nek connecting the left and centre of the
+Boer position. The Mauser fire stopped as if by magic, and the enemy
+vacated. The whole line then advanced and occupied the enemy's
+position, the latter retreating across the plain in the direction of
+Brandfort, taking their guns with them, which they unlimbered at
+intervals to shell the cavalry.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>RICOCHETS.</h3>
+
+<p>Lady Edward Cecil and Lady Charles Bentinck are here on a visit.</p>
+
+<p class="p2">An amusing incident occurred the other day at the Glen. An officer of
+one of the Guards Battalions, whose name resembles that of the
+station, was found bathing in the Modder by a flying sentry stationed
+there to prevent the men from bathing. The sentry <span class="pagenum"><a id="page304" name="page304"></a>(p. 304)</span> knew his
+duty, and unceremoniously ordered the delinquent to come out of the
+water, whereupon the gallant captain, in all his nakedness, approached
+the bank and indignantly asked the man, "Can't you see I am an
+officer?"</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page305" name="page305"></a>(p. 305)</span> CHAPTER XX<br>
+<span class="title">Dr. A. Conan Doyle Contributes</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>And this suggests a few remarks about the much-discussed
+     Treatment of our Sick.</i></p>
+
+<p>The editorial in the number of April 6th was written by me, with the
+assistance of Mr. Kipling, who aided me in phrasing concisely and with
+force the declaration of British principles in the body of the
+article. The manuscript was set up and "proved" while he was with us,
+and then was sent to the Residency in order that the authorities might
+look up some one capable of translating it into the Taal language. It
+was the first of our editorials to be printed, like Lord Roberts's
+proclamation, in both tongues. In English it was entitled, "to the
+People of the Free State," and this line was paralleled in our columns
+with this counterpart in Taal:</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap">Aan Het Volk van Den (? Oranje) Vrij-Staat.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. A. Conan Doyle, who has since written so excellent a book upon
+"The Great Boer War," had recently arrived in Bloemfontein, and
+enjoyed his first welcoming dinner with the editors of <span class="smcap">The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page306" name="page306"></a>(p. 306)</span>
+Friend</span> at the Free State Hotel. He took a keen interest in our strange
+newspaper venture, and willingly wrote for us when we asked him to do
+so. The ringing, sturdily-phrased article, "A First Impression," which
+appeared in this number of April 6th, was by him.</p>
+
+<p>But he came at the head of the Langman Field Hospital, and was, at
+first, busy in establishing that most excellent, much-needed
+institution on the cricket-ground; then busier far in looking after
+the enteric patients who passed under his care in numbers startling to
+record. It fell to me to write a notice of his arrival, in which I
+said&mdash;and from my heart&mdash;"We welcome him to the British Army. We had
+hoped to welcome him to the staff of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, but, in view of the
+humane and philanthropic work which busies him night and day, we
+cannot betray such selfishness as to express any disappointment over
+this loss.</p>
+
+<p>"So true a talent as his compels him to write, whether he will or no,
+and he has promised us a thought or an observation, now and then, out
+of his golden store. Perhaps at the end of the war he may give to the
+world a companion book to his undying 'White Company.' If it is called
+the 'Khaki Company,' and deals with the exploits of Englishmen of
+to-day, there will be, thank God, no lack of deeds of valour as
+stirring, courage as calm, and warfare as enthusiastic as he found to
+electrify the pages of the earlier work."</p>
+
+<a id="img013" name="img013"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img013.jpg" width="400" height="535" alt="" title="">
+<p>A first Impression</p>
+<p style="text-align: justify;">It was only Smith-Dorrien's brigade marching into Bloemfontein but if
+it could have passed just as it was, down Piccadilly and the Strand it
+would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck which we
+were unloading and watched them, the ragged bearded fierce-eyed
+infantry straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who could
+conceive who has seen the prim soldier of peace that he could as
+quickly transform himself into this grim virile barbarian. Bulldog
+faces, hawk faces, hungry wolf faces&mdash;every kind of face except a weak
+one. Here and there a reeking pipe&mdash;here and there a man who
+smiled&mdash;but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little forward,
+their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute. Baggage
+waggons were passing, the mules all shin &amp; ribs, with the escort
+tramping beside the wheels.</p>
+<p><i>A Page of Dr. Conan Doyle's "Copy."</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>All who were in Bloemfontein spoke as highly of the Langman Hospital
+as I have done, and in the same&mdash;even in a more ardent manner&mdash;had we
+all praised the Australian Field Hospital, which we got to know
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page307" name="page307"></a>(p. 307)</span> before Lord Roberts took command. Especially did we exalt
+these institutions in our mind, because of the way in which we
+contrasted them with the outfits of the R.A. Medical Corps. We could
+not then see why it was that private individuals and colonies should
+surpass the richest nation on earth in their equipments for the care
+of the sick and wounded, or why the richest nation on earth should
+have to rely on these outside establishments, and beg of the Red Cross
+agents and of the people of South Africa for the means to complete the
+equipment of her own field hospitals.</p>
+
+<p>It is not a pleasant subject. It does not force itself into a book
+upon "the brighter side of war" by reason of any especial harmony with
+that title. But it suggests a story which England needs to know&mdash;which
+England must wish to know if she means to keep her place among the
+fighting powers by the only means by which that status can be
+maintained&mdash;which is the stopping of every source of weakness and the
+reform of every evil in her army. As I said when I was urged to
+testify before the Commission which inquired into the subject, I did
+not study the matter when I was with the army. I was conscious of the
+general belief that the hospital service did not meet the demands of
+the situation either after the awful losses at Paardeberg, or, later,
+when enteric claimed between 5,000 and 7,000 victims at Bloemfontein.</p>
+
+<p>Death was thick in the air. Nearly every correspondent and officer
+counted more friends who were sick than he had known to be wounded or
+killed in battle. The rains had set in. The veldt was like a marsh.
+The nights were bitterly cold. The dead in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page308" name="page308"></a>(p. 308)</span> their blankets
+pursued us in the streets of the town and on every ride we took upon
+the veldt. My concern for my son took me daily to the Volks Hospital,
+where the doctor and nurses said that enteric in Bloemfontein took on
+so mild a form that they should "consider it a lasting disgrace to
+have a patient die of that disease," and yet every time I went to that
+hospital I heard from other visitors how many were the deaths in the
+army hospitals. I heard, too, how bad were the sanitary arrangements,
+how inefficient were the often untrained "Tommy" nurses, how dreadful
+were the risks the patients were obliged to take (in some field
+hospitals) in obeying the commands of nature.</p>
+
+<p>Now that I have returned to England I have had a high official of the
+Medical Corps say to me, "It was known beforehand that the service
+must break down in war because it was undermanned; it was never made
+familiar with its work, it had too few reserves to draw upon; when it
+was distended by the sudden and extraordinary demands of war it had to
+grow on paper, but not in fit and proper <i>personnel</i> or <i>materiel</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Here, then, is the basis for what must, sooner or later, be exposed to
+all the nation. Knowing that things were amiss, and that they could
+not have been otherwise, the people need not wait two or five years
+for all the facts, or for the creation of a mis-applied "sensation."
+Let them doggedly and firmly insist that the loudly promised reform of
+the army shall be certain to include the establishment of a properly
+trained, equipped, and proportioned R.A.M.C., and that the lingering
+prejudice of the regular army officer against this most useful,
+economic, and essential corps shall vanish before the will of the
+people as stubble is swept up by a prairie fire.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page309" name="page309"></a>(p. 309)</span> Mr. Gwynne wrote the obituary notice of Archibald Forbes, Mr.
+Fred W. Unger wrote a descriptive article called "The Inexpressible
+Veldt," and we were rejoiced once again to publish a contribution in
+verse by Mr. A. B. Paterson, of Sydney.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 18.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1900</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>TAKEN FROM THE OFFICE OF "THE FRIEND."</h3>
+
+<p>Monday or Tuesday, a pair of Field Glasses, a pair of Wire Cutters,
+and Leather Pouch. Please return same and claim reward.<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16" title="Go to footnote 16"><span class="smaller">[16]</span></a></p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>The time by which Civilians have to be in their houses is extended to
+9 p.m. on Sundays, to enable them to return from Church.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">B. Burnett Hitchcock</span>, Lieutenant,<br>
+  Asst. Provost-Marshal to Military Governor.</p>
+<p>April 6th, 1900.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THAT V.C.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY A. B. PATERSON.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>'Twas in the days of front attack,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">This glorious truth we'd yet to learn it,</span><br>
+    That every "front" has got a "back,"<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And French is just the man to turn it.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page310" name="page310"></a>(p. 310)</span> A wounded soldier on the ground<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Was lying flat behind a hummock;</span><br>
+    He proved the good old proverb sound,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">"An army travels on its stomach!"</span></p>
+
+<p>He lay as flat as any fish,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">His nose had worn a little furrow,</span><br>
+    He only had one frantic wish&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">That like an ant-bear he could burrow.</span></p>
+
+<p>The bullets whistled into space,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">The pom-pom gun kept up its braying,</span><br>
+    The four-point seven supplied the bass;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">You'd think the Devil's band was playing.</span></p>
+
+<p>A valiant comrade crawling near<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Observed his most supine behaviour</span><br>
+    And crawled towards him, "Eh! what cheer?<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Buck up," says he "I've come to save yer!"</span></p>
+
+<p>"You get up on my shoulders, mate!<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And if we live beyond the firing,</span><br>
+    I'll get a V.C. sure as fate,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Because our blokes is all retiring.</span></p>
+
+<p>"It's fifty pound a year," says he,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">"I'll stand you lots of beer and whisky."</span><br>
+    "No," says the wounded man, "not me,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">I won't be saved; it's far too risky!</span></p>
+
+<p>"I'm fairly safe behind this mound,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">I've worn a hole that seems to fit me,</span><br>
+    But if you lift me off the ground<br>
+      <span class="add1em">It's fifty pound to one they'll hit me!"</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page311" name="page311"></a>(p. 311)</span> So off towards the firing-line<br>
+      <span class="add1em">His mate crept slowly to the rear, oh!</span><br>
+    Remarking, "What a selfish swine!<br>
+      <span class="add1em">He might have let me be a hero!"</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FREE STATE.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MESSRS. KIPLING AND RALPH.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The British have come to stay.</p>
+
+<p>Our students of political economy have taught us that the constitution
+and laws of the old Free State were as nearly perfect as any that
+could be framed for a democracy.</p>
+
+<p>The basis of the British Government is that of an enlightened and
+progressive democracy.</p>
+
+<p>It is therefore certain that British rule will not bring any violent
+or revolutionary changes to the conditions under which you citizens
+have been living.</p>
+
+<p>What are British principles?</p>
+
+<p>The absolute independence of the individual, so long as he does not
+interfere with his neighbour's rights.</p>
+
+<p>Prompt and equal justice, before the Lord, to all men.</p>
+
+<p>A natural and rooted antipathy to anything savouring of military
+despotism, in any shape or form.</p>
+
+<p>Absolute religious toleration and freedom of belief for all peoples.</p>
+
+<p>Prompt and incorruptible justice to all men in every walk of life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page312" name="page312"></a>(p. 312)</span> The right of every man to make his home his castle.</p>
+
+<p>In view of these things and of the unalterable fact that the country
+has passed under a new rule, why should burghers hesitate or delay in
+making friends with the new situation?</p>
+
+<p>We are your friends. We have never felt unfriendly toward you; for
+even in war we realised that you were deceived by unwise and selfish
+leaders.</p>
+
+<p>Let us, then, repeat the new motto of the Free State, printed at the
+head of the newspaper, "All has come right," for we are certain that
+as soon as your people realise what is to be the new rule under which
+you are to live, you will know and acknowledge that the right has
+prevailed, and that never again shall you stand in fear of a military
+oligarchy like the Transvaal; or of tyranny or injustice in any form.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>A FIRST IMPRESSION.<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17" title="Go to footnote 17"><span class="smaller">[17]</span></a><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY A. CONAN DOYLE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>It was only Smith-Dorrien's Brigade marching into Bloemfontein, but if
+it could have been passed, just as it was, down Piccadilly and the
+Strand it would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck
+which we were unloading and watched them, the ragged, bearded,
+fierce-eyed infantry, straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who
+could conceive, who has seen the prim soldier of peace, that he could
+so quickly transform himself into this grim, virile barbarian? Bulldog
+faces, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page313" name="page313"></a>(p. 313)</span> hawk faces, hungry wolf faces, every sort of face
+except a weak one. Here and there a reeking pipe, here and there a man
+who smiled, but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little
+forward, their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute.
+Baggage waggons were passing, the mules all skin and ribs, with the
+escort tramping beside the wheels. Here are a clump of Highlanders,
+their workmanlike aprons in front, their keen faces burned black with
+months of the veldt.</p>
+
+<p>It is an honoured name that they bear on their shoulder-straps. "Good
+old Gordons!" I cried as they passed me. The sergeant glanced at the
+dirty enthusiast in the undershirt. "What cheer, matey!" he cried, and
+his men squared their shoulders and put a touch of ginger into their
+stride. Here are a clump of Mounted Infantry, a grizzled fellow like a
+fierce old eagle at the head of them. Some are maned like lions, some
+have young, keen faces, but all leave an impression of familiarity
+upon me. And yet I have not seen irregular British cavalry before. Why
+should I be so familiar with this loose-limbed, head-erect, swaggering
+type; of course it is the American cow-boy over again. Strange that a
+few months of the veldt has produced exactly the same man that springs
+from the western prairie. But these men are warriors in the midst of
+war. Their eyes are hard and quick. They have the gaunt, intent look
+of men who live always under the shadow of danger. What splendid
+fellows there are among them!</p>
+
+<p>Here is one who hails me; the last time I saw him we put on seventy
+runs together when they were rather badly needed, and here we are,
+partners in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page314" name="page314"></a>(p. 314)</span> quite another game. Here is a man of fortune,
+young, handsome, the world at his feet, he comes out and throws
+himself into the thick of it. He is a great heavy-game shot, and has
+brought two other "dangerous men" out with him. Next him is an East
+London farmer, next him a fighting tea-planter of Ceylon, next him a
+sporting baronet, next him a journalist, next him a cricketer, whose
+name is a household word. Those are the men who press into the
+skirmish-line of England's battle.</p>
+
+<p>And here are other men again, taller and sturdier than infantry of the
+line, grim, solid men, as straight as poplars. There is a maple-leaf,
+I think, upon their shoulder straps, and a British brigade is glad
+enough to have those maples beside them. For these are the Canadians,
+the men of Paardeberg, and there behind them are their comrades in
+glory, the Shropshire Light Infantry, slinging along with a touch of
+the spirit of their grand sporting colonel, the man who at forty-five
+is still the racquet champion of the British army. You see the dirty
+private with the rifle under his arm and the skin hanging from his
+nose. There are two little stars upon his strained shoulders, if you
+could see them under the dirt. That is the dandy captain who used to
+grumble about the food on the P. and O. "Nothing fit to eat," he used
+to cry as he glanced at his menu. I wonder what he would say now? Well
+he stands for his country, and England also may be a little less
+coddled and a little more adaptive before these brave, brave sons of
+hers have hoisted her flag over the "raad zaal" of Pretoria.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page315" name="page315"></a>(p. 315)</span> THE MODERATE DRINKER'S LAMENT.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MARK THYME.</span><br>
+(<i>From the Household Brigade Magazine.</i>)<br>
+WITH APOLOGIES TO RUDYARD KIPLING.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem32">
+<p>When you've done your meat and jipper&mdash;when you've 'ad your go o' beer&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">When your duff 'as filled the corners of your shape&mdash;</span><br>
+    P'raps you'll kindly spare some sympathy, and drop a silent tear<br>
+      <span class="add1em">For a gentleman in khaki at the Cape.</span><br>
+    'E's an absent-bodied beggar&mdash;as it's needless to relate&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">An' 'is most frequented pub'll fail to find him,</span><br>
+    For 'e doesn't get a chance to chalk 'is drinks up on a slate<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Cause 'e's left Three-thick and Drug-'ole far behind 'im.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Lime-juice mixed with water the colour of mud</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>(Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),</i></span><br>
+    <i>Bully beef and rooty, and where shall we find a spud?</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!</i></span></p>
+
+<p>Now we falls in of a mornin', an' we knows there's work to do<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Simultaneous with the risin' of the sun;</span><br>
+    We can see 'em on the kopjes, and their numbers isn't few,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">An' it's more than rather likely there's a gun.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page316" name="page316"></a>(p. 316)</span> When we get within "fixed sights" it's ten to one the blighter's gone,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And an absent-bodied beggar we shall find 'im,</span><br>
+    For 'e mounts 'is 'orse an' offs it when 'e finds us comin' on,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">An' e' never leaves a drop o' drink be'ind 'im.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Pile arms! Lie down! Now let the Transport come!</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>(Am I 'ungry and thirsty? Wait till I let you see!)</i></span><br>
+    <i>Bully beef and rooty, and somebody's pinched my rum.</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!</i></span></p>
+
+<p>There's a chap called Wilfrid Lawson as is always on the squeak,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">An' 'e turns the liquor question inside out;</span><br>
+    But a bloke can do a gallon&mdash;if the tiddley's fairly weak&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Without actually going on the shout.</span><br>
+    But the absent-bodied tippler feels a temporary check<br>
+      <span class="add1em">When 'e tastes a kind of something to remind him,</span><br>
+    There's a Boer up the river with a stone around 'is neck<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'As a filter what old Cronje's left be'ind 'im.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Fill mine! Mine too! (Smells like a bloomin' drain!)</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>Fill at the nearest water, spite of the M.F.P.</i></span><br>
+    <i>Bully beef and rooty, and something's give me a pain,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!</i></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page317" name="page317"></a>(p. 317)</span> Don't you fancy I'm a-grousin'. You can look me in the face<br>
+      <span class="add1em">An' judge if I'm a coward or a cur,</span><br>
+    When I tells you 'ow I scrambled up each blood-an'-thunder place<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Without any 'esitation or demur.</span><br>
+    Still, your absent-bodied comrade's got a thirst what's run to waste,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And 'e'll show you in the future, when you find 'im</span><br>
+    Back in Wellington or Chelsea, as 'e's not forgot the taste<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Of the beer what 'e's at present left be'ind 'im.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Wayo! 'Ere's luck! Drink to your sweet-'eart dear<br>
+      (Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),<br>
+    Wait till the war is over, then for the pint o' beer,<br>
+      Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page318" name="page318"></a>(p. 318)</span> CHAPTER XXI<br>
+<span class="title">Loot and Lurid Crazes</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A chapter in which we also tell of a modest Prince and a
+     gallant Adventurer.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>" contained notices of Kruger sovereigns and Transvaal
+pennies for sale, of Boer rifles and saddles, but none of the postage
+stamps of the former Free State or the newly surcharged ones in use by
+the Army. Though Transvaal pennies fetched twenty-five shillings and
+were in great demand, the real enthusiasm of collectors was for
+postage stamps, and officers and others were busy as bees buying
+stamps and having them erased to make them the more valuable.</p>
+
+<p>South Africa is as bare and barren a place for collectors, and even
+for the modest traveller who wishes for merely one trifling souvenir,
+as can be imagined. The war provided some trophies in the way of
+shells and Mauser rifles, but outside these there was nothing except,
+perhaps, the empty ostrich eggs to be found in every Boer house&mdash;and
+also to be found everywhere else in the civilised world.</p>
+
+<p>The most coveted war trophies were: first, the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page319" name="page319"></a>(p. 319)</span> Transvaal and
+Free State flags; second, the extraordinary waistcoats worn by a few
+Boers, and covered all over with cartridge slits or pockets made
+especially to hold the Mauser "clips" of five cartridges each; third,
+old Dutch Bibles illustrated by quaint woodcuts, and fourth, Boer
+rifles. However, even the war trophies were few and hard to get, and
+the singular energy of collectors expended itself in the gathering of
+new and old postage stamps, at which generals, colonels, and Tommies
+busied themselves, and a well-known London man of my acquaintance
+cleared a profit of £300, still reserving for himself a handsome
+collection.</p>
+
+<p>The name of Prince Francis of Teck no longer appeared in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>
+beneath the demand he had been making for horses. I remember that the
+circus-ground he had pre-empted for the safe-keeping of his stock was
+now full of animals one day, half-empty the next day, and full again
+on the third, as he bought and distributed his live stock. I want,
+before I forget it, to tell how some of us editors entertained him
+without having the vaguest idea who he was.</p>
+
+<p>He was invited to dinner at the Free State Hotel by Mr. Landon, who
+saw him seated and then introduced him to the rest of us, but in so
+indistinct a manner that we did not catch his name. We simply saw in
+our company a handsome and stalwart young officer of imposing stature,
+and evidently profound good-nature. We all conversed upon the current
+topics of the day and place, and one of us, I remember, had occasion
+to differ with our guest, diametrically, upon some point&mdash;doing so as
+bluntly, though not at all rudely, as men were apt to do in such a
+place and at such a time&mdash;when the extra and more elaborate
+formalities are apt to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page320" name="page320"></a>(p. 320)</span> be laid aside for future use at the
+Mount Nelson Hotel, and later in the routine of life at home.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner our guest suggested that he should enjoy a chat and smoke
+in our company elsewhere than in the noisy dining-room, so we invited
+him to Mr. Kipling's bedroom, which was larger than Mr. Landon's or
+Mr. Gwynne's or mine. We spent a very pleasant hour in freest
+converse, one of us being prone upon one bed and rolling around on it
+pipe in mouth, while our guest lolled upon a cot beside the chest of
+drawers, and the others held down two chairs and looked after the
+distribution of the cigarettes and the less dry refreshments at our
+command.</p>
+
+<p>We were not able, by any means, to agree with some of the propositions
+of our guest, but he accepted our views in a spirit of good-humour, or
+of a desire to learn what we had seen and studied. He talked a great
+deal about horses, and about the fertile ingenuity of the native horse
+trader, as well as of his own ability to defeat him at his wiles&mdash;but
+we took no hint from this. When he had gone we asked Mr. Landon, "Who
+was that? We did not catch his name."</p>
+
+<p>The largest advertisement in the paper was that of Murray Guthrie,
+Esq., M.P., whose address just then was "the Railway Station." He was
+most generously giving up his time to the receipt and distribution of
+those parcels for the troops which were now beginning to come from
+England in great and little packing-cases, and large and small bundles
+numbering enough to be reckoned by the car-load.</p>
+
+<a id="img014" name="img014"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/img014.jpg" width="500" height="320" alt="" title="">
+<p><i>The Capitulation of Bloemfontein.</i><br>
+<i>From a painting by Lester Ralph.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>We had received the news of the killing of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil in an engagement with Lord <span class="pagenum"><a id="page321" name="page321"></a>(p. 321)</span> Methuen's
+force, and Mr. Gwynne wrote a spirited leader in honour of the
+Frenchman's memory.</p>
+
+<p>We heard some interesting details about the capture of Villebois,
+which I think have never been published. His commando threatened
+Boshof, and when our force began to attack the kopje where he was
+lodged our second shell killed him. He was not the only nobleman in
+his commando, for among the prisoners we captured one was a Russian
+prince and another was the Comte Breda, a Frenchman, like his leader.
+Another prisoner was a stalwart Englishman named Simpson, whose long
+beard was braided to keep it out of the way when he was shooting.
+Physically, he was the most splendid specimen of manhood our soldiers
+had seen in the Boer ranks. Lord Methuen ordered a military burial,
+and commanded Colonel Higgins of the Third Welsh Borderers to obtain a
+fitting tombstone. The English general attended the funeral, which
+took place in Boshof cemetery. "General" Villebois was buried in a
+blanket, but this was covered by the Union Jack when the body was
+solemnly borne to the grave between the lines of the men of the Loyal
+North Lancashire Regiment. No chaplain officiated, but none of the
+formalities of a complete military service were omitted. The Comte
+Breda made a little speech at the close, thanking the British for
+their courtesy and kindness. After that our own dead were buried in
+the same little cemetery.</p>
+
+<p>The affair provoked great and deep discussion, and so many British
+officers were displeased by what Lord Methuen had seen fit to do that
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was at pains to try and clear the air of the false
+impression <span class="pagenum"><a id="page322" name="page322"></a>(p. 322)</span> that one brave general had not a right to honour
+another in this soldierly way. We also pictured Villebois as he
+appeared to us, a knight of ancient pattern, a restless, gallant
+warrior, who had political reasons for wishing to keep himself in the
+mind of his people while waiting for the ripening of his plans. The
+line on his gravestone, "died on the field of Honour," was originally
+written "on the field of battle," and was ordered to be changed at the
+last moment. This phrase also angered many British, who, presumably,
+thought that a grand monument had been set up over the unfortunate
+Frenchman. In fact, the stone only cost ten pounds when dressed and
+inscribed, and in a country where such things fetch twice their value
+here.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 19.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>COL. DE VILLEBOIS-MAREUIL.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MR. H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="noindent smaller">(<i>The following message has been received by F.M. Lord
+     Roberts from Lord Methuen: "Arrangements have been made for
+     the burial of Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil this evening with
+     military honours."</i>)</p>
+
+<p>A short, well-built, admirably proportioned man, with quick,
+expressive eyes, and an open, frank countenance was the late Colonel
+de Villebois-Mareuil. He was a soldier, and a gallant soldier, from
+the top of his close-cropped head to the soles of his daintily-shod
+feet. Wherever there was war, or the possibilities of war, de
+Villebois-Mareuil was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page323" name="page323"></a>(p. 323)</span> on the spot ready to fight for
+whichever side, in his eyes, appeared to have the greater claims on
+justice. Impulsive to a degree, he was often drawn to conclusions for
+which he could never give logical grounds. The picturesqueness of the
+Boer side of the war, the presence of old Huguenot names among those
+of the Boer leaders, the imagined wrongs of the two Republics, were
+quite sufficient to attract the generous and emotional Frenchman into
+the struggle. And once in the struggle, he gave the whole of his
+energy to it. Not content with drawing the sword for the two
+Republics, he wielded a charming pen on their behalf. Some of his
+letters to the Paris <i>Liberté</i> prove that if the world has lost a
+gallant soldier, it has also lost a brilliant war correspondent.</p>
+
+<p>To us English, imbued as we are with a full appreciation of everything
+which appears manly or sporting, the figure of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil is particularly sympathetic. We overlook his
+somewhat illogical defence of what appears to us the gross injustice
+of the Transvaal's dealings with Englishmen, and we only see a gallant
+Frenchman fighting and laying down his life for a cause which he
+espoused with the warmth of a generous nature. There is something
+touching in a sentence of his which appears in one of his letters from
+South Africa. "When I came here I believed I was going to the
+sacrifice." Gallant, generous, chivalrous soldier: May God rest his
+soul!</p>
+
+<p>Over his grave we forget that he fought against us, and we think only
+of the gallant soldier. A British bullet laid him low, but a British
+General lays him to rest with full military honours.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page324" name="page324"></a>(p. 324)</span> A BALLADE OF TEN-A-PENNY.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY J. H. M. A.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>Kopjes are steep, and the veldt is brown&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">(Utterly true, if you pause to think)</span><br>
+  Biscuits are done and your luck is down;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">"Modder" is not an inspiriting drink</span><br>
+  (Dead Boers' taint, and defunct mules stink).<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Better the sound of the screaming bomb,</span><br>
+  Excitement and hurry of Hell's own brink&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Alas! for a tune on the gay Pom-pom.</span></p>
+
+<p>"Action front!"&mdash;And the guns are round,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Teams go back with the chains a-clink.</span><br>
+  We're reaping the storm that the scouts have sown<br>
+    <span class="add1em">(The sun gets red and the clouds are pink).</span><br>
+  "Show for the lyddite, that's all"&mdash;you think<br>
+    <span class="add1em">(Frenchmen would shrug, with a <i>sacré nom</i>),</span><br>
+  When out in the dusk, in the half of a jink,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Suddenly singeth the brisk Pom-pom.</span></p>
+
+<p>"Pom-pom-pom"&mdash;and the shells have flown;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">"Bang-bang-bang"&mdash;without rise or sink&mdash;</span><br>
+  Accurate sameness to half a tone&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Whizzing one-pounders&mdash;don't stop to think&mdash;</span><br>
+  Open the ranks like a "spieler's" wink.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">This is a speedy and frolicsome bomb,</span><br>
+  Do not despise it, but do not shrink,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">This is a nerve-test, this swift Pom-pom.</span></p>
+
+<p class="add4em">ENVOI.</p>
+
+<p>Oom, when you sit in the dark and think,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">After the war, and your nights are long,</span><br>
+  Bitterness sweeten of cups you drink<br>
+    <span class="add1em">With a memory sad of your sweet Pom-pom.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page325" name="page325"></a>(p. 325)</span> HOW THE CALF WAS AVENGED.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY LEONARDITE, 82ND BTY., R.F.A.</span></h3>
+
+<p>It happened about the time of the Paardeberg affair, or, to be exact,
+at 12.10 a.m. on the 22nd of February, 1900, our battery (the 82nd
+R.F.A.) had throughout the day catered diligently and well for the
+tastes of Cronje and his followers. They had breakfast betimes in the
+shape of shrapnel (unboiled), liberally and impartially distributed to
+all and sundry within the laager; luncheon, tea, and supper followed
+in due succession, each consisting principally of the same palatable
+diet, flavoured at intervals with the celebrated Lyddite sauce. This
+same is noted for its piquancy and marvellous power of imparting
+elasticity to the lower extremities (gouty and dropsical people please
+copy).</p>
+
+<p>We returned to camp that night pretty well tired out, and hungry
+enough to eat "beef" (troop horse, isn't it?), and wondering what our
+good Poulter, the battery <i>chef</i>, had prepared in the shape of
+grub&mdash;we had fought all day on a couple of "Spratt's gum-hardeners."
+As we neared the camp a most appetising odour smote our olfactory
+nerves. "Beef stew," says our No. 1, who has a wonderful nose for
+odours. "Garn," retorts Driver Jones, who loves a joke; "more likely
+an old goat that's 'scorfed' the inside of one of 'Redfern's trenches'
+(this is a battery joke); too strong for beef." Well, by this time we
+had arrived, and some one who knew said it was veal, and that Mason,
+our Mason, Mason the mighty hunter and what-not, had commandeered it.</p>
+
+<p>Presently arrived the cooks and camp kettles, and we settled down to a
+good "buster." When nothing <span class="pagenum"><a id="page326" name="page326"></a>(p. 326)</span> was left but empty pots and vain
+longings, we lit our pipes, and the aromatic fumes of our Boer's Head
+<i>cabbagio</i> were wafted heavenwards, our veracious raconteur related
+how he had captured the calf. How our pulses throbbed and our blood
+rose to fever heat as he told how he tore away his game from under the
+very horns of its enraged mother; and how, with the calf on his back,
+he had been chased five miles and over a big kopje strewn with
+boulders as big as an A.S.C. waggon, and finally, seeing no other mode
+of escape, had hurled the animal (the calf, not its maternal relative)
+from the top of the kopje, and in sheer desperation had leaped down
+after it, breaking his fall by alighting on its body.</p>
+
+<p>Bidding us good-night, he left us to imagine what he would have broken
+had he alighted off its body.</p>
+
+<p>Feeling the spirit of contentment hovering o'er us, we prepared to
+turn in. The guns had previously been unlimbered and were ready for
+action, with their muzzles pointing to the enemy. Formed up in rear
+were the six gun limbers and six ammunition waggons, each with its
+team of six horses still hooked in in case of any emergency. In
+addition were the horses of the single riders, tied by their headropes
+to different parts of the carriages, making a total of somewhere about
+a hundred horses.</p>
+
+<p>Well, we had comfortably settled down and were enjoying our first
+sleep when the sentries were startled by a most unearthly noise from
+the vicinity of the camp. It sounded like a dyspeptic groan from a
+more than ordinarily cavernous stomach. The horses pricked up their
+ears and the sentries clutched their carbines tighter as they peered
+into <span class="pagenum"><a id="page327" name="page327"></a>(p. 327)</span> the darkness. Suddenly came the sound again&mdash;a
+mournful, melancholy, hair-raising sound. Like a flash the whole
+battery of horses, as though acting on a signal, stampeded into the
+night, taking the waggons with them; over sleeping men they went,
+stopping for no obstacles, overturning guns in their mad career, and
+heading straight for the enemy's trenches. The outposts, thinking the
+Boers were trying to break through the lines, opened fire at nothing.
+The Boers, thinking they were attacked, did ditto. It was a perfect
+pandemonium for a few minutes. The spiteful spit-puff of the Mauser
+and sharp crack of the Lee-Metford, the whole blending with the cries
+of the injured and the shouts of the men who were trying to stop the
+runaways, made an impression that few who witnessed the scene will
+ever forget.</p>
+
+<p>We had several more or less severely injured, lost about thirty horses
+and one waggon, besides several that were overturned and smashed.</p>
+
+<p>All this damage was caused by the lowing of an old cow who had
+wandered through the camp seeking her lost offspring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Moral.</span>&mdash;Hanker ye after the fleshpots, commandeer ye not, but buy!
+buy! buy!</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note.</span>&mdash;Wanted to know&mdash;<i>vide</i> the Press report of Paardeberg
+action&mdash;Since when has the 82nd Battery, R.F.A., become a mule
+battery?</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page328" name="page328"></a>(p. 328)</span> 'ORSE OR FUT?<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MARK THYME.</span><br>
+(<i>A Song of the Household Brigade.</i>)</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem24">
+<p class="center">I.</p>
+
+<p>It ain't a fatigue to see him,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'E's a taller than usual man,</span><br>
+    As 'e struts down the road 'e's as smart as be blowed,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And 'is swagger would stop Big Ben,</span><br>
+    'E's a fair take-in for the ladies,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">For of course it's a maxim trite</span><br>
+    When a cove's in the Guards, why it's just on the cards<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'E's a bit of the best All-Right.</span></p>
+
+<p class="add4em">CHORUS.</p>
+
+<p><span class="add2em">Whether 'e wears a 'elmet,</span><br>
+            <span class="add4em">Or 'airy 'at on 'is nut,</span><br>
+    When all's done and said, 'E is 'Ousehold Brigade,<br>
+            <span class="add4em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span><br>
+           <span class="add4em"> (<i>Shouted ad lib.</i>): THAT'S RIGHT</span><br>
+            <span class="add4em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">II.</p>
+
+<p>O' course 'e's fond of 'is lady,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Is lady she doats on 'im,</span><br>
+    And it's princip'ly that what's the cause of 'er 'at,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">With its feathers and twisted brim.</span><br>
+    When 'e takes 'er out of a Sunday<br>
+      <span class="add1em">She says, "What a lovely sight!</span><br>
+    "Oh! there isn't a doubt, But I'm walking about<br>
+      <span class="add1em">"With a bit of the best All-Right."</span></p>
+
+<p class="add4em"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page329" name="page329"></a>(p. 329)</span> CHORUS.</p>
+
+<p><span class="add2em">And when 'e looks in promisc'ous</span><br>
+              <span class="add4em">'Taint often the door is shut,</span><br>
+    For she's fond of a mash, with a curly moustache,<br>
+               <span class="add4em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span><br>
+               <span class="add4em">(<i>As before</i>): That's Right</span><br>
+               <span class="add1em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">III.</p>
+
+<p>And then, when the war-clouds gather,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">On Service 'e goes away;</span><br>
+    And it's "Goodbye, Sal, God bless you, my gal!"<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And the woman is left to pray.</span><br>
+    Then whether it's toil and 'ardship,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Or whether it's march and fight,</span><br>
+    'E's a joker, we know, As is certain to show<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'E's a bit of the best All-Right.</span></p>
+
+<p class="add5em">CHORUS.</p>
+
+<p><span class="add2em">Whether it's sword or bayonet,</span><br>
+              <span class="add4em">Whether it's lance or butt,</span><br>
+    'E's bound to go large When they're sounding the Charge,<br>
+              <span class="add5em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span><br>
+              <span class="add5em">(<i>As before&mdash;only more so</i>): That's Right!</span><br>
+              <span class="add5em">Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>HAS THE WAR JUST BEGUN?</h3>
+
+<p>The Cradock Dutch newspaper, the <i>Middellandsche Afrikaander</i>, says:
+"Our English contemporaries are greatly mistaken in thinking that the
+war has now virtually ended. The Republicans are now going to act on
+the defensive, and now one can expect a deathly struggle. The war has
+now lasted nearly six months, and, however much we desire it, there is
+no prospect of peace as yet."</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page330" name="page330"></a>(p. 330)</span> CHAPTER XXII<br>
+<span class="title">In the Shadow of Sanna's Post</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>We try to Name the New Colony, and describe the Kornespruit
+     Fight.</i></p>
+
+<p>Our ten thousand readers had been invited to send in their suggestions
+for a new name for the Free State, and then to express their opinions
+upon the names thus suggested. The first person to have sent in the
+name preferred by the greater number of readers was to receive five
+guineas, and perhaps the honour of naming a new colony of the greater
+Empire. The names suggested by the Army and the Bloemfontein readers
+of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> were as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="quote">
+     Alexandra, Adamantia, Albertia, Altruria, Atkinsdom,
+     Aurania, Brand State, Brandesia, British South Africa,
+     Britannia, British Colonia, Brandsland, Buckland, Burghers'
+     State, Central Colony, Centuria, Campania, Carnatia,
+     Cameraria, Chamberlainia, Cecilia, Crucipatria, Colonia,
+     Cisvaal, Closer Union, Conquered Territories, Crown State,
+     Centralia, Capricornia, Cilionia, Concordia, Diamond Colony,
+     Diadem State, Empire State, Esicia, Empressland, Frere
+     State, Fonteinland, Fonteinia, Freer State, Frereland,
+     Federalia, Filia State, Federaldom, Grassland, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page331" name="page331"></a>(p. 331)</span>
+     Gariep Sovereignty, Guelfland, Helenia, Immigratia, Imperial
+     Orange Colony, Imperia, Jubileeland, Kandaharia, Khaki
+     State, Khakiland, Kopjesia, Lanceria, Leonida, Marchland,
+     Mimosaland, Malaria, Milneria, Midland, Middle Colony,
+     Mid-South Africa, Modrieta, New Ireland, New Alexandria, New
+     Victoria, North Cape Colony, New Albion, New Era, New
+     Canada, New Colony, New Rietana, Northern Province, New
+     Gualia, New Victoria, New Edward's Land, New Egypt, Orange
+     State, Orange, Orangia, Orangeland, Orange Colony, Orange
+     Sovereignty, Provincia, Pasturia, Pastoria, Queen's Free
+     State, Robertsland, Rietania, Robertesia, Robertsin,
+     Robertina, Robertonia, Robertshire, Roberterre, Roberton,
+     Robertsdale, Robertsia, Robiana, Robermain, Reconquered
+     Land, Regina Land, Stellaland, Stellarland, Sylvania,
+     Suzerainia, Steyn's Folly, Salisbury, Tableland, Trans
+     Garep, Transgarepian Territory, Trans Orange, Uitland, Union
+     Era, United British Empire, Union State, U.S. South Africa,
+     Victory, Victorialand, Victoria Robertsia, Victoriafontein,
+     Veldtland, Veldt.</p>
+
+<p>The voting closed on April 7th, and on April 9th we announced that the
+name Brandesia, honouring a late President of the State, an upright
+man and a friend of Great Britain, had secured by far the greater
+number of votes. Taking the whole vote, and separating from it the
+votes for those names which were formed upon or out of the name of
+Roberts, it was seen that the desire of the Army to honour its Chief
+was stronger than the expression of the Free Staters in remembrance of
+President Brand. But "Brandesia" secured the most votes, and Mr. P.
+Johnson, whom we were not able to discover afterwards, won the five
+guineas. Private W. Cooper, H Company, 5th Regiment of Mounted
+Infantry, won the two-guinea prize for guessing <span class="pagenum"><a id="page332" name="page332"></a>(p. 332)</span> nearest to
+the five names that secured the greatest number of votes. Now that the
+Government has named the country "The Orange River Colony" we see that
+whoever sent in the name "Orange Colony" really deserved the most of
+whatever credit goes with guessing blindly.</p>
+
+<p>Coming upon Mr. James' clear and accurate account of the Corne Drift
+(Kornespruit or Sanna's Post) ambuscade reminds me of how the heroic
+survivors of that red-hot fight drifted back to town, drifted into the
+hotel dining-rooms&mdash;actually drifted into my bedroom in the case of
+Colonel Pilcher&mdash;and I missed the chance at the time of looking at
+them with eyes that saw the hell they had been through; without the
+understanding by which I could measure their pluck.</p>
+
+<p>There had been a fight at the Waterworks, and we had been beaten, and
+had suffered a shocking loss of men and guns&mdash;that was all that most
+of us knew on the Sunday that followed the fighting on Saturday, March
+31st. Afterwards I saw a score of the dare-devils who had squeezed out
+between the fingers of Death's clenched hands, and I made the fight my
+most serious study in the war&mdash;but I missed the chance of seeing it
+for myself, and then I lost the glow of knowing what I looked at when
+I saw the survivors come in.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gwynne went out to the scene and caught a glimpse of the end of
+it. As there are few living correspondents better equipped to judge
+events in war, and as it is the pride of more than one general to
+obtain his views and accounts of the actions he witnesses, I will
+quote a bit of his editorial of April 5th, in which he touches upon
+the Sanna's Post affair: "Perhaps never <span class="pagenum"><a id="page333" name="page333"></a>(p. 333)</span> in the history of
+British campaigns have our soldiers shown more splendid courage, more
+dogged resistance and greater coolness. General Broadwood has covered
+himself with glory by the masterly way in which he extricated his
+little force from a veritable death-trap. And who is there who can pay
+adequate tribute to the behaviour of our gunners, and the gallant band
+of British soldiers who held off a greatly superior force under most
+difficult and trying circumstances?"</p>
+
+<p>It was while Mr. Gwynne was at the scene that a Boer suddenly appeared
+and advanced toward him unarmed like himself; indeed, Mr. Gwynne
+believes the man was a war correspondent. The two talked of the fight:
+"Your people showed wonderful courage," said the Boer; "we thought we
+had bagged your whole force. I am bound to say that had the Boers been
+in such a tight place they would have surrendered."</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>BOER PLANS AND VIEWS.</h3>
+
+<p class="noindent smaller">"<i>The following is a literal translation of a genuine Boer
+     document recently discovered. It has been forwarded to us
+     for publication by an officer of the Intelligence
+     Department, to whom we tender our best thanks.</i>"</p>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Observations on the Present War.</span><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY CAPTAIN I. D.</span><br>
+(<i>A Translation.</i>)</h3>
+
+<p>In order to form an opinion on the manner of operations of both
+hostile parties, at present or in the future, it is necessary, as far
+as possible, to endeavour to obtain an understanding of the different
+properties and conditions of both belligerents.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page334" name="page334"></a>(p. 334)</span> From a physical point of view, the Boer stands far above his
+enemy in respect to bodily strength and perseverance.</p>
+
+<p>He inherits from his Teuton ancestor a quiet and patient nature,
+coupled with a strong frame, which makes him less liable to be
+affected by troubles and loss of spirit under the continued strains
+which are inseparable from the campaign, while the Huguenot blood
+which flows through his veins continually gives him fresh power and
+energy, which is much in his favour in a final attack; further he is
+filled with an unlimited faith in his God and the assurance of the
+righteousness of his cause, which fills him with superhuman strength
+and lion-like courage.</p>
+
+<p>Open-air life has given him a clearness of sight, and perseverance
+which is probably without equal in the world's history, while his
+monotonous life is the cause that he, though a lower member of the
+force, can act independently. By lack of discipline and organisation,
+his movements are sometimes clumsy, which, however, tends to his
+benefit in an uneven field, and taken altogether are little to his
+detriment, as he is not bound by special rules respecting formation or
+otherwise. In contrast, the British troops are (notwithstanding there
+may be many brave soldiers found among them) on account of their
+organisation and equipment, &amp;c., little adapted to keep up their heads
+against the mental and bodily strain of a continued and wearisome war.</p>
+
+<p>They are mostly obtained out of cities and towns, which leaves much to
+be wished for in their clearness of sight, steadiness of arm, and
+power of self-reliance, while the discipline, organisation, rules and
+directions to which they must hold weaken them <span class="pagenum"><a id="page335" name="page335"></a>(p. 335)</span> more, so that
+they are merely tools, standing under their officers' commands, of a
+fighting machine. The officers in many instances are young and without
+experience, and mentally and bodily unfit to fulfil their serious and
+responsible duties, chosen to be officers not for their ability, or
+natural talent, but because they are sons of the noble, or of the
+respected of the land.</p>
+
+<p>It is, however, not intended here, by any means, to throw the blame on
+the valour of the officers or men.</p>
+
+<p>When the nature of both armies is considered, one comes to the
+conclusion that the British troops all gain an advantage in an attack
+on equal ground, if a strong force is used in it, while the Boers will
+obtain one in case there are fewer attackers brought into the field.
+The English will benefit by defending, especially if time be given
+them to build defences, and also where towns and camps must be held.</p>
+
+<p>Over hilly and uneven ground the Boer has by far the best chance to
+attack, while in an eventual defence he has everything in his favour,
+and is practically not to be got at.</p>
+
+<p>The British authorities have apparently too much trust in the result
+of their Artillery. It is plain that they cherish the idea that it
+will have a demoralising effect on the Boers, and therein they have
+fortunately been mistaken. They did not calculate that the effect
+could not be so great on scattered troops, and that the result cannot
+be equal to the expenditure and difficulties of transport. On the
+other hand, the Artillery of the Boers necessarily has a powerful
+result on troops which, like the British, are formed in close order,
+notwithstanding, according to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page336" name="page336"></a>(p. 336)</span> the ideas of the writer of
+this, enough use is not made of "black gunpowder" with a view to find
+the distances by trial shots with that powder, to be afterwards
+followed by burstable shells with "time fuse" to produce great
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>As the ground is mostly soft, shells which burst on impact, so-called
+percussion shells, cannot mostly be used with favourable results,
+except under special circumstances. To bombard camps or towns
+"cordite" or "melanite" should not be used, as both explosives contain
+no inflammable properties, which are so necessary to set houses,
+waggons, forage, &amp;c., on fire.</p>
+
+<p>The greatest care should be taken that the mounted Boers should not be
+exposed in the open plain to the attacks of the enemy's cavalry,
+unless they are protected by quick-firing Maxim-Vickers guns and
+shells, seeing that the British Cavalry have a great advantage at
+short distances in the use of lances, swords and pistols.</p>
+
+<p>It is highly desirable that the Boer commandos should not be
+accompanied by many commissariat waggons laden with provision, tents
+and other things, as they tend to hinder them, and prevent their
+executing quick movements.</p>
+
+<p>In calculating the chances in this war, it has always been considered
+that the Boers have their greatest advantage in being independent of
+commissariat transport, and although provision must be made to be in
+touch with certain points with the necessary provision for the
+commissariat, these, notwithstanding, must be viewed as items
+wherewith, considering the great interests at stake, too much care is
+not needed to be taken.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page337" name="page337"></a>(p. 337)</span> On this ground the British troops are far ahead of the Boers,
+on account of their proper organisation, and it is indeed to be
+regretted that a like department has not been established, especially
+as the Boers would be specially fitted for it, and have up to this
+time made so little use of their talent in this direction. Herein a
+serious instance is brought as an example, namely, the fact that the
+English troops could retreat in order from Dundee, without its being
+directly known. Also the disaster at Elandslaagte must be ascribed
+thereto, where small isolated troops, consisting of a mixed commando,
+were surrounded in positions not advantageous to their mode of
+warfare, and, even had our troops at that place been in a defensible
+position, they were "not in touch" with other troops, who could hasten
+to their assistance.</p>
+
+<p>As to plans which are reckoned to be the best to obtain the victory
+for the Republican arms, it is an axiom that the deeper one penetrates
+into an enemy's country, the more one's power is weakened by the
+necessity for keeping up communication, but there is an exception to
+every rule, and this war at the present time makes the exception. The
+Boer forces strengthened their resources, instead of weakening them,
+by their invasion of Natal and of the Cape Colony. A great proportion
+of the inhabitants of these Colonies are friendly, and they will thus
+always keep communication open, even when they take no active part in
+warlike operations. Taking this as granted, the conclusion is arrived
+at that the whole design of the Republican commanders should be to
+push their troops as far as possible, until they reach a war basis or
+boundary line.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page338" name="page338"></a>(p. 338)</span> Our Governments employ too many troops for Bechuanaland and
+Rhodesia without obtaining benefit therefrom. A picked commando of
+1,000 men would possibly be sufficient to keep control over
+Mashonaland, while 1,500 at Mafeking would suffice to cut off the
+Bulawayo division, and in that case the troops which are now occupied
+about Mafeking and Kimberley could be better employed and with
+likelihood of good results, by being pushed South. If a sufficient
+number of men are left behind to dispute an eventual sortie from
+Kimberley and Mafeking, there is little benefit obtainable in the
+investment of towns which probably can hold out six or eight months.
+As long as they are well watched they cannot do much harm.</p>
+
+<p>Much more could have been gained in Natal immediately after the
+Imperial troops were surrounded at Ladysmith, by sending a strong
+commando at once to the "Town Hill" at Pietermaritzburg, and if that
+commando was not strong enough to offer resistance, on retirement it
+could have broken up the railway, and thereby the siege of Ladysmith,
+which is now being prosecuted, would have been a shorter and less
+troublesome task.</p>
+
+<p>It appears that the Boer forces have not directed their attention to
+making a series of attacks in the night. For such a purpose their
+troops are specially adapted, and the result on the enemy would
+certainly be terrible, as the loss of sleep would weary them bodily as
+well as mentally. A certain number of men could be picked to trouble
+the enemy every night; for instance, 500 men at Ladysmith, 100 at
+Mafeking, and 250 at Kimberley, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page339" name="page339"></a>(p. 339)</span> without doing that injury to
+the Republican troops which would tend to weaken the command of
+British officers, and make the men grumble and dissatisfied, even if
+the number in killed and wounded was not especially great. There
+should also be, when British troops are marching, a division of picked
+sharpshooters to be used in attacking them on the flanks, without much
+damage to the Republican troops, while doing much damage to the enemy.
+The killing of a mule or ox belonging to a waggon or gun necessitates
+delay and inconvenience.</p>
+
+<p>Under ordinary circumstances, this war will necessarily continue some
+time, possibly even over a year, and seeing that there is such a
+number of burghers commandeered, it would be well if the authorities
+could arrange a plan to relieve them, say, for instance, ten in each
+month per hundred. Some men of every commando will be desirous to
+visit their relations in case of sickness, or to rest, or to attend to
+private matters. When not relieved it may be that the men may become
+listless and dissatisfied; while the force will not be appreciably
+weakened by the absence of 10 per cent., such a rule would be pleasing
+to the burghers, and in every sense satisfying to their officers.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY LIONEL JAMES.</span></h3>
+
+<h4>II. <i>Corne Drift.</i></h4>
+
+<p>The outline of the history of Colonel Broadwood's column appears to be
+as follows: When Colonel Pilcher made his dash for Ladybrand, the
+place was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page340" name="page340"></a>(p. 340)</span> found teeming with the enemy. In fact, when the
+Landdrost was carried away, fire was opened on the abducting <i>cortège</i>
+from the very garden gates of professed loyalists. The whole
+country-side was so disturbed that it was time for the little column
+holding Thaba 'Nchu to fall back upon Bloemfontein. Information was
+despatched to headquarters and reinforcements urgently asked for. When
+commenced, the march from Thaba 'Nchu became virtually a pursuit. The
+enemy were reported on the flanks and rear of the column all through
+Friday, March 30.</p>
+
+<p>On Friday night the column arrived at a camp this side of the Modder,
+about two miles distant from the Waterworks. The actual rear-guard was
+not into camp until after 2 a.m. on Saturday. So anxious was Colonel
+Broadwood for the safety of his column that he determined upon a start
+before daylight. At 6 a.m. the enemy opened on the camp with rifle
+fire. The order was immediately given for the force to stand to their
+horses, and in a quarter of an hour the head of the transport column
+was leading out of camp. At 7 a.m. "U" and "Q" batteries R.H.A. moved
+off in battery column, following the transport. Roberts' Horse, in
+fours, moved parallel to them on their left.</p>
+
+<p>About three miles from the camp the road crosses a drift known locally
+as Corne Drift. The approach to this drift is peculiar. The actual
+crossing practically lies in the apex of a triangle, the two sides of
+which are formed by a railway embankment under construction and a
+bush-grown donga. Opposite the drift is a farm-house and some rising
+ground commanding, not only the drift itself, but all the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page341" name="page341"></a>(p. 341)</span>
+approaches. This drift the enemy had occupied before daylight, and
+here they lay in ambush for the advancing column.</p>
+
+<p>Their dispositions were most perfect, as the head of the column
+marched right into their arms, and they were able to take possession
+of the transport without a warning shot being fired. When "U" Battery,
+which was leading, arrived at the drift it found that it was
+surrounded by dismounted enemy. The spokesman called upon the gunners
+to surrender. They told the drivers that they might dismount and keep
+their coats. The surprise was absolute. Major Taylor commanding the
+battery managed to warn "Q" Battery. Then the ruse was "up"&mdash;as soon
+as the enemy saw this they opened fire from all their points of
+vantage. From the rising ground, from the cover of the donga and from
+between the wheels of the captured guns and waggons. As soon as the
+firing opened, the teams of the captured battery stampeded and added
+to the general chaos of the moment.</p>
+
+<p>Under a blaze of fire, four guns of "Q" Battery and one of "U" trotted
+clear, and came into action about a thousand yards away at the tin
+buildings which are destined to be the Corne Drift Railway Station. A
+few seconds later Roberts' Horse rallied upon them. But here the
+nucleus of the front was formed which saved the whole force from
+disaster.</p>
+
+<p>The carnage was ghastly for a few minutes, but as the gunners stood
+devotedly to their pieces and Roberts' dismounted troopers commenced
+to keep down the fire, Broadwood was able to form dispositions by
+which to extricate the force. This was done&mdash;the British cavalry were
+sent to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page342" name="page342"></a>(p. 342)</span> clear the flank of the donga and, covering each
+other, the mounted infantry corps were able to withdraw after the
+remnants of the batteries had fallen back.</p>
+
+<p>The action of the gunners was magnificent. In the face of a bitter
+short-range fire they stood to their pieces until, of the five gun
+groups, there were only ten men and one officer left unscathed to
+serve the guns. Then with dilapidated teams and manual haulage they
+dragged the battery out of action, only to come into action again when
+Broadwood strained every nerve to regain the baggage and the guns. And
+even while this action was taking place the relieving division was
+only four miles distant. It was a sad yet brilliant affair. Sad that
+the column ever fell into the ambush&mdash;brilliant in the manner in which
+the force was extricated.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS.<br>
+<i>A Recipe.</i><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MARK THYME.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>The man what writes a poem<br>
+    <span class="add1em">In praise of our Tommy A.'s</span><br>
+  Ain't got no call to study<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Their manners, nor talk, nor ways,</span><br>
+  'E's only to fake up something<br>
+    <span class="add1em">What's Barracky&mdash;more or less&mdash;</span><br>
+  And civilians don't know as it's rubbish and so<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The Ballad's a big success.</span></p>
+
+<p>Don't 'ave no truck with the drill-book&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">You might get a bit at fault,</span><br>
+  It's best to confine your attentions<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To simple commands, like "'Alt";</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page343" name="page343"></a>(p. 343)</span> For a 'aporth of 'Industanie<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And a pennorth of Sergeants' mess</span><br>
+  (Though the meanin's all wrong) is enough for a song<br>
+    <span class="add1em">To make it a big success.</span></p>
+
+<p>If you wants to say anything coarse-like,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Well, say it out plain, don't 'int,</span><br>
+  And fill each line with expletives<br>
+    <span class="add1em">As don't look pretty in print&mdash;</span><br>
+  If you sneers at the "Widow of Windsor,"<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And laughs at 'er soldiers' dress,</span><br>
+  And connects the word "'Ell" with an orficer, well,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Your ballad's a big success.</span></p>
+
+<p><i><span class="add2em">Take the slang of the camp</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">(What's easy to vamp)</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">And some delicate soldier wheeze,</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">Call the Guard-room the "Clink,"</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">And describe any drink</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">As a "Fall in" or "Stand at ease";</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">Then you mix the 'ole lot</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">And you serve it up 'ot;</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">From ingredients sich as these</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">Form that singular salad</span><br>
+      <span class="add2em">A Barrack-room Ballad</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">In Rudyardkiplingese.</span></i></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THEY WANT MORE OF TOMMY.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY W. T. R.</span></h3>
+
+<p>Being among a group of Australians the other day, I noticed them
+watching the Guards drill, and, as <span class="pagenum"><a id="page344" name="page344"></a>(p. 344)</span> they seemed to be
+interested, I thought it a good opportunity of getting their ideas of
+Thomas Atkins. With the object in view, I engaged one of them in
+conversation. I ventured a remark on the drill.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, they drill all right," said the Australian, "but you see
+they get a bit too much of it, I think; I mean as regards the
+goose-step business. You know, we Australians," he went on, "never
+have too much of that. It may give a man more steadiness in marching
+on parade, but we don't have many show parades during the year,
+Queen's Birthday being the most important."</p>
+
+<p>"How often do you drill there?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see&mdash;of course I'm speaking of New South Wales. There we
+have about twenty-five half day drills during the year. These take
+place on a Saturday afternoon. Out of these they take sixteen and give
+us an encampment at Easter. It is at this encampment that we receive
+the most good as regards learning our work. I was almost forgetting
+the annual Musketry Course, when we get through our firing. Of course,
+we have plenty of firing practice on our other parades as well."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you chaps come to be sent to Africa?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! we all volunteered," he replied, "and a great job they had of it
+in selecting the men to come. So many wanted to come and so many were
+disappointed, and I can tell you that if they would only send them,
+there's thousands who would come. Why, to give you an idea of it, do
+you know there are men in the ranks who are worth thousands, and some
+of the highest families are represented in the war in the ranks?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page345" name="page345"></a>(p. 345)</span> "How do you get on with the soldiers from home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we get on first-class; but what we would like is more opportunity
+of mixing with them and becoming better acquainted. You see, there's
+so much work to be done that we don't get a chance to mix together.
+Down at the Modder where we did get a bit chummy, Tommy would have
+done anything for us. He would have given us the shirt off his back if
+we'd wanted it, and we can't help liking him, as the song used to say,
+because you can't beat him down. No matter in what circumstances you
+find him he's always in a good humour and ready for what's coming
+next. You can see him in rags that used to be in khaki, and you can
+see him just after he has received his kit-bag and he's always the
+same. He seems to have plenty of money and spends it just as readily
+as if he had the Bank of England behind him. But I think if you want
+to see him in one of his happiest moments, you want to look at him
+when he is carrying a bag of bread and other treasures out of
+Bloemfontein."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you Australians rather like Tommy?" I said.</p>
+
+<p>"Like him? Of course we do. We've fought alongside of him, and what we
+want is more of him&mdash;that's all. You know, we want to show the world
+that we are all one, no matter what part of the world we Britons come
+from, and we're going to do it, too."</p>
+
+<p>I was very pleased with my new-found friend and his outspoken way, and
+glad to have got rid of an idea that the Colonials didn't take well to
+Tommy.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page346" name="page346"></a>(p. 346)</span> CHAPTER XXIII<br>
+<span class="title">A Complete Newspaper</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Full of matter which is no longer a tenth as interesting as
+     it was there and then.</i></p>
+
+<p>Number 21 of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, dated April 10th, was a splendid number for
+Bloemfontein, and for the time, yet there is nothing to reproduce
+except an Australian's trooper's poetic salute to the eucalyptus, or
+gum-trees, that he recognised as fellow inhabitants of his distant
+land, whence they have been sent to cheer the waste places of
+California, the American Plains, and all South Africa.</p>
+
+<p>Three solid columns of the paper were justly given up to Mr. Kipling's
+exposure in the London <i>Times</i> of the treacherous element of the Cape
+population, and its relations with those neighbours who are honest and
+loyal subjects of the Queen and with the army. Two columns of
+"Reuter's" despatches from abroad, one column of similar telegrams
+from South African points, and a notable leader by Mr. Perceval Landon
+on Mr. Kipling's article, made up the contents of the reading page.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Guthrie, M.P., now required two columns of the paper in which to
+announce the cases and parcels <span class="pagenum"><a id="page347" name="page347"></a>(p. 347)</span> he had in hand for the
+soldiers. The railway had just delivered to him five truck-loads of
+those most welcome necessaries and luxuries sent out from home.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 21.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>The Field-Marshal Commanding in Chief having decided that
+     twenty Railway Trucks are to be placed at the disposal of
+     the tradesmen of Bloemfontein for the conveyance of food
+     necessaries, it is requested that those wishing to take
+     advantage thereof will communicate with the Director of
+     Supplies at his office at the corner of Green Street and
+     Douglas Street, between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. on
+     Wednesday and Thursday next, 11th and 12th inst.</p>
+
+<p>As the amount of truck accommodation will be divided by the
+     Director of Supplies among the various applicants, a
+     statement of the Supplies required as a first consignment
+     must be submitted. When the statements have been received an
+     allotment will be made among the applicants.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>OLD FRIENDS.</h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem22">
+<p>Gum trees! Here in the Dutchman's land?<br>
+    <span class="add1em">(You'll lie of a kangaroo)</span><br>
+  Seen them?&mdash;Yes&mdash;Well, I'll understand<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The truth when I see them too.</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page348" name="page348"></a>(p. 348)</span> Lord!&mdash;There they are, by the old brick wall,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Shiny and green and high,</span><br>
+  Best of the sights we've seen at all<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Is this, to a Cornstalk's eye.</span></p>
+
+<p>Back, by the creeks in the far-off plains;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Over the ranges blue;</span><br>
+  Out in the West where it never rains;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">We whispered "good-bye" to you.</span><br>
+  We left you alone on the high clay banks,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">On a fringe round the dry lagoon,</span><br>
+  Where your white trunks gleam by its empty bed<br>
+    <span class="add1em">In the pale, soft summer noon.</span></p>
+
+<p>It's carry me back to the Castlereagh,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Or pack me along to Bourke;</span><br>
+  On the Wallaby-track to the west of Hay&mdash;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Wherever there's sheds or work.</span><br>
+  It's cattle on camp or colts to brand;<br>
+    <span class="add1em">It's brumbies about the Peel&mdash;</span><br>
+  It's all we've here of our own good land,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And this is the way we feel.</span></p>
+
+<p>Oh, hurry the show, and give us a lead,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And march us beyond the Vaal,</span><br>
+  For the lambing's near, and the ewes will breed<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And it's close up time to "tail,"</span><br>
+  And we've shearing them, and the wool to load,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And the ships are at Circ'lar Quay&mdash;</span><br>
+  So loot it along the red Veldt road,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">A sight for Oom Paul to see.</span></p>
+
+<p>And when we are back on the Murray lands,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Or up in Mouaro hills,</span><br>
+  You may collar the Fonteins, and Drifts, and Rands,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And the Boers will pay the bills.</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page349" name="page349"></a>(p. 349)</span> But we'll be back where the gum-tops wane,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Or the Myall hangs and droops;</span><br>
+  With a good veranda round the house,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And none of your dirty stoops.</span></p>
+
+<p>So hurry it up, for we've work to do<br>
+    <span class="add1em">In a far better land than here.</span><br>
+  We will swap the veldt and the parched Karoo,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">For the plain and ranges clear.</span><br>
+  But we'll never forget, in the days to come,<br>
+    <span class="add1em">The friends that we've left behind&mdash;</span><br>
+  For the Dutchman who planted yon tall, white Gum<br>
+    <span class="add1em">Was a little bit more than kind.</span></p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">J. H. M. A.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>BRAVE YOUNG HIGHLANDERS.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;In your Saturday's issue an
+appreciation of the R.A.M.C. appears, in which the <i>Morning Post</i>
+correspondent speaks of their services as stretcher-bearers at
+Magersfontein with the Highland Brigade, whereas the R.A.M.C. has
+furnished no stretcher-bearers to the Highland Brigade, the whole of
+this dangerous work having been done by the Regimental bearers, and
+"A" Company Volunteer Ambulance (King William's Town), and as this
+company&mdash;consisting principally of mere striplings&mdash;has "faced the
+music" right through, and kept shoulder to shoulder with the veterans
+of the Highland Brigade, they surely should be credited with the work
+they have so gallantly performed.</p>
+
+<p>Yours very truly,</p>
+  <p class="signatsc">Britisher.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page350" name="page350"></a>(p. 350)</span> CHAPTER XXIV<br>
+<span class="title">False Hearts around us</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Where only the Women were frank&mdash;The art of the War
+     Artist.</i></p>
+
+<p>Miss Bloemfontein was not alone in disliking to recognise the presence
+of the British army. Her mother was not the only person who could not
+bear to see Englishmen marring the scenery of the pest-ridden little
+town. Even while the tricky among the people joined in singing
+"Soldiers of the Queen," one man in the crowd turned to a war
+correspondent and said, "You English are strutting about very proudly
+and confidently, and think you own the country, but when you go away
+from here you will be sniped at from every bush and spruit wherever
+you show yourself."</p>
+
+<p>I took a little walk up past the English Cathedral one day and saw a
+woman seated upon her front <i>stoep</i>, sewing. "Good morning," said I,
+"do you speak English?" She rose and glared at me with scorn in her
+eyes. "No," said she, "but I hate the English."</p>
+
+<p>A little girl ran out of a doorway a few houses farther along and
+called to me, "Mister, mister! Please wear the red, white and blue,"
+and she pinned <span class="pagenum"><a id="page351" name="page351"></a>(p. 351)</span> a knot of the British and American colours on
+my coat lapel.</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a lady is it who lives in that house?" I asked; "she
+says she hates the English."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, she is Dutch," the little girl replied; "almost everybody here
+hates you."</p>
+
+<p>I turned a corner and went down a side-street. Two young women in a
+doorway beamed upon me. I was out to study the town and the people, so
+I halted and engaged them in conversation. One was married, and her
+husband, who was of English stock, had cleverly managed to be away
+when the war broke out, after which he found it impossible to return
+and join a Boer commando as he would have had to do, being only a poor
+working man.</p>
+
+<p>"We are on the police books as English sympathisers," said one of the
+women. "We have had to be very careful, as we were warned that if we
+gave further offence we would be punished. What happened was this: You
+see the town is full of Germans, who have been most bitter against the
+English. We went to the railway station when some English prisoners
+were being sent to Pretoria. As the train moved off we waved our hands
+to them and wished them better luck. A German saw us do it, and
+reported us to the authorities, so we were taken up and examined, and
+had our names put in the 'black-book.'"</p>
+
+<p>A score of the honest people of the town who had been avowedly true to
+their English blood, which was by no means the case with all the
+British Uitlanders, told me that they suffered petty persecution all
+the time until the town was captured. Note what "Miss <span class="pagenum"><a id="page352" name="page352"></a>(p. 352)</span>
+Uitlander" said in her reply to "Miss Bloemfontein" in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> of
+March 26th:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p>The "loving hand" you boast of having extended to us has
+     long since been covered by an iron glove, the weight of
+     which we have daily been made to feel, and to <i>that</i> you
+     must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+     face. His coming meant freedom&mdash;the sweetest thing in the
+     world&mdash;to us.</p>
+
+     <p>You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled
+     your oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You
+     threw white feathers into our carriages as they passed you
+     by. You loudly bemoaned your fate as a woman and longed to
+     don masculine garments to aid your beaux in exterminating
+     the hated English. Could we remember a "loving hand" then?</p>
+
+     <p>You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us
+     to live beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back
+     to the sea. The hated English had never been wanted, and
+     would not be allowed to stay. And since you continue to make
+     no secret of your hatred, the same remedy is now in your
+     hands. But it will be difficult to find a spot where Mr.
+     Englishman is not <i>en evidence</i>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Such was Bloemfontein to those who saw into its heart and knew its
+temper. Some of us conquerors saw a little way behind the garlanded
+curtain the false-hearted pretenders of friendship drew down before
+our faces, but for what now seems a long time the Army fed itself upon
+the honeyed lying of those people who had not the courage or honesty
+to play the part of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page353" name="page353"></a>(p. 353)</span> open enemies to the last. As for Tommy
+Atkins, he seemed oblivious of everything but that which he
+enjoyed&mdash;which was simply to walk about the town spending his money,
+and taking insults and bouquets equally as a matter of course, just as
+they happened to come.</p>
+
+<p>Let the reader note two things of the first interest, and of great
+human and historic value. The persons who did not come out and pretend
+to be our friends were the women. The part of the population that did
+not join in singing "Soldiers of the Queen" was the feminine part. The
+only person who openly and plainly espoused the cause of the Boers was
+Miss Bloemfontein&mdash;a woman. The only person who answered her and
+proudly asserted her loyalty to Great Britain was Miss Uitlander&mdash;a
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere in every war it is Lovely Woman who fans the flames, who
+urges on the fighting, who charges the men to win or die, but never to
+give up; who nurses the hatreds of the strife to her breast and keeps
+them hot. Everywhere it is the civilised and the savage woman who does
+this, and only the half-civilised have made a contrary record, for I
+am told that in one strife there was an exception. That was "the
+Mutiny" in India, where the ayahs and other Indian female servants
+stuck to their posts in the British households, and played no part in
+the awful affair.</p>
+
+<p>But in the great Civil War in America it was the women who kept the
+strife in progress fully a year and a half, if not two years, after
+their husbands and brothers realised it was useless, and that the
+North must win. "Go, and do not come back while there is <span class="pagenum"><a id="page354" name="page354"></a>(p. 354)</span> a
+Yankee alive!" they said to sweethearts, sons, and brothers. So has it
+ever been in times of war. The women, roused from their quiet lives
+and excited by the animosities which develop war and the horrors which
+go with it, remain undisturbed by the considerations which cause men,
+with their wider interests and experiences, to waver in their faith.
+And among the savage peoples of the earth it is, as a rule, the women
+who garnish war with its most fearful accessories. The bucks and
+braves do the fighting, the women follow after them to torture the
+wounded and mutilate the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Think you that this is a terrible indictment of a sex? Do you see in
+this nothing but the anger and the cruelty that lie on the surface?
+Then you are to be pitied, for the moral of these reflections is that
+in womanhood are treasured the faith which inspires mankind, the
+convictions that nerve our arms in a world which progresses only
+through strife, the enthusiasm which not even the hell of war can
+destroy.</p>
+
+<p>The leader of April 14th was my own, entitled "Mr. Lecky on the War."
+Again we had a complete newspaper full of the too-often delayed or
+strangled Reuter despatches, which told us of other wars, in Ashantee
+and the Philippines, of the Queen's visit to Ireland, of the Prince's
+narrow escape from an assassin, and of all that was going forward in
+our own little contention with the Boers.</p>
+
+<p>This number was singular in containing no original verse. It did,
+however, contain something more full of sentiment, and, if possible,
+more unexpected and foreign to war; to wit: a notice of a wedding:&mdash;</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page355" name="page355"></a>(p. 355)</span> MARRIED.</h3>
+
+<p class="quote">
+     By special license, on the 11th inst., by the Rev. Franklin,
+     at her father's house, Alexandra Cornelia, youngest daughter
+     of W. H. v. B. Van Andel, Orphan Master, to Arthur M. Stone,
+     eldest son of the late T. C. Stone, Esq., from Folkestone,
+     England. No cards.</p>
+
+<p>Orange-blossoms might, possibly, be looked for in the Orange State,
+but blended with the bandages and laurels of war they seem peculiar.
+One cynic asked us, when he read the wedding notice, "Is this
+prophetic of concord, or is it merely strife breaking out in a new
+place?" He was a soulless man. I am sorry I have quoted or noticed one
+so deficient in feeling, poetry, humanity, and sentiment.</p>
+
+<p>In furtherance of the knowledge that the Army was tired of being
+fooled, and growing weary of the upstart behaviour of the too often
+treacherous negro natives, we published a notice by Assistant
+Provost-Marshal Burnett-Hitchcock: "No pass is sufficient for a native
+to pass through the outpost lines unless countersigned by a Staff
+Officer, and it should state where and whence the native is going."
+Other rigid restrictions upon the freedom of the negroes are enforced
+by this order.</p>
+
+<p>The same energetic officer also forbade the selling of any article
+within the town by hawkers and camp sutlers, under a penalty of fine
+on conviction. This was in order to protect the local tradesmen from
+army competition&mdash;including those who barricaded their shops when the
+Boer combatants fled from the town, lest we should loot their stores
+of goods, who then <span class="pagenum"><a id="page356" name="page356"></a>(p. 356)</span> calmly told us they put up the barricades
+because "the Boers were such thieving scoundrels," and who, now that
+they knew our temper only too well, regaled us with accounts of how,
+while they were in commando, they had fought us at Belmont, Graspan,
+Modder, and a dozen other places.</p>
+
+<p>We published on this day an article by Mr. H. Owen Scott on "The War
+Artist of To-day," in which he, a photographer, seriously extolled the
+work of the camera as compared with that of the genius and training of
+the true artist. We hoped the real artists thus relegated to a
+subordinate and vanishing place would enliven our columns by their
+replies.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="hr80">
+<span class="floatleft">No. 22.]</span>
+<span class="floatright">[Price One Penny</span>
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>The Bands of the 12th Brigade will play in the Market Square this
+evening between the hours of 4 and 6.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE CIRCULATION OF "THE FRIEND."</h3>
+
+<p>The present circulation of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> is 4,750 copies daily.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>WE APOLOGIZE.</h3>
+
+<p>In our modest way as Editors of quite the most extraordinary newspaper
+on earth, we endeavoured to publish yesterday, with due credit to the
+<i>Times</i>, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page357" name="page357"></a>(p. 357)</span> for which it was written, Mr. Rudyard Kipling's
+masterly article "The Sin of Witchcraft." We may as well acknowledge
+here and now that though <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> is declared to be edited by a
+committee of war correspondents, it is, in fact, the daily product of
+a struggle between the correspondents and their printers, the latter
+being the more numerous, and, we sometimes fear, the more in earnest
+in their determination to keep the paper unique. This results in a
+paper which is often as great a novelty to the Editors as to the
+public, being like Shakespeare's soldier in "The Seven Stages of Man,"
+"full of strange oaths," and words of which we never heard, as well as
+ideas to which we never gave birth.</p>
+
+<p>With this by way of preface, will the <i>Times</i> accept our apology for
+not crediting it with Mr. Kipling's article, will it believe us that
+we really did write in the "credit" after the article, and will it
+commission its correspondent with this Army to go to our printing
+works and reason with our printers from "the devil" upwards?</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. OWEN SCOTT.</span></h3>
+
+     <p>The present campaign has undoubtedly commenced a new era in
+     the history of illustrated journalism, which change has been
+     brought about by a new school of war artists, whose method
+     is camera work, and whose aim is to faithfully produce the
+     actualities demanded by a picture-loving, yet critical
+     public.</p>
+
+     <p>The artistic value of this means of illustrating is becoming
+     more and more realised every day, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page358" name="page358"></a>(p. 358)</span> will prove
+     an effectual factor in crowding out the old-fashioned war
+     artist who draws on his imagination.</p>
+
+     <p>The only excuse for artists of any description being at the
+     front is their capacity for reproducing true and vivid
+     impressions of what they have seen.</p>
+
+     <p>This is where the importance of the new school is at once
+     apparent, and as long as the men practising this art are
+     honest and do not attempt to foist "faked" work on the
+     public, their efforts are bound to be acceptable and of
+     artistic value.</p>
+
+     <p>In speaking of camera work as an art and the individuals
+     adopting it as artists, I do not include the persons who
+     simply press a button and expose yards of film, regardless
+     of subject, but the few who make pictures intelligently and
+     pay as much attention to composition and lighting as a
+     painter would when commencing a fresh canvas. The camera is
+     not going to destroy the painter&mdash;and I say painter
+     advisedly&mdash;as no black and white artist is any good unless
+     he is a painter, and has a keen appreciation of colour
+     value. Nature is teeming with colour, and unless this is
+     felt how can it be suggested in line?</p>
+
+     <p>Why does Rembrandt stand out as the greatest master of
+     etchings? Simply because his etched works suggest colour,
+     and it is this power of suggesting colour that placed
+     Charles Keene head and shoulders above all other black and
+     white men. The power of selection of subject is not
+     developed in all artists to an equal extent, but there is
+     always room for such men as Melton Prior, W. B. Wollen,
+     Lester Ralph, and a few others, whose work will always be
+     looked for as representing actuality.</p>
+
+     <p>If the two schools of artists mentioned work with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page359" name="page359"></a>(p. 359)</span>
+     the full knowledge of the limitations of their mediums,
+     there will always be a place for both.</p>
+
+     <p>The mechanical draughtsman is dead. He has been killed by
+     the camera.</p>
+
+     <p>How would it be possible in Fleet Street or De Aar, quietly
+     sitting in a little room with a north light, to give a true
+     impression of Cronje's surrender, or of that wonderful
+     sight, the approach of the captured army, like a cloud of
+     locusts, over the expanse of veldt at Klip Drift?</p>
+
+     <p>If ever the surrender at Paardeberg is painted, it must be
+     done by a man who saw it.</p>
+
+     <p>I shall never forget the defeated General's arrival, or the
+     solemnity of it: this giant, broken sulky, his career
+     finished. Everything was shown in the man, and shown in a
+     way no imagination could possibly conceive.</p>
+
+     <p>I was privileged to view a sketch of Cronje leaving our
+     camp, the work of Mortimer Menpes. It was a vivid slight
+     impression. True, yet the economy of means&mdash;a few lines
+     wonderfully placed&mdash;was wonderful, showing the artist a
+     great master of technique. Now, talented as he undoubtedly
+     is, he could not have imparted such a feeling of actuality
+     to his work if he had not been present and studied his
+     subject with the greatest attention. The long-haired,
+     velvet-coated gentleman of Bond Street is not the man to
+     depict the incidents of war, or to put up with the hardships
+     of a great march, and I am perfectly sure that the success
+     of a war artist depends on physique. He is required to
+     tackle his subject quickly and vigorously. Trickery does not
+     help actuality, straightforward manly work being absolutely
+     necessary to the war artist of to-day.</p>
+
+     <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page360" name="page360"></a>(p. 360)</span> (We are sure that if the men in this Army who are
+     engaged as artists or who feel strongly and lovingly the
+     relation of true art to war, to photography and to the
+     refinement of mankind&mdash;if these will take the trouble to
+     answer this letter, we shall have a rich
+     correspondence.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Editors, Friend.</span>)</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page361" name="page361"></a>(p. 361)</span> CHAPTER XXV<br>
+<span class="title">The End Approaches</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>We arrange to retire from our posts, but still possess the
+     enterprise to start a Portrait Gallery.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">The Friend,</span>" No. 23&mdash;actually the 25th number we had
+edited&mdash;contained a notice that Mr. Kipling had sailed for England on
+the previous day (April 11th), and we were doing our utmost to get rid
+of our offspring, to find some one to adopt it.</p>
+
+<p>As long ago before this as when Sir Alfred Milner was with us in
+Bloemfontein, we had made known to him and to Lord Roberts, through
+Lord Stanley, that the employers of certain ones among us were
+complaining of our expending part of their time and our energy upon
+this outside work. I am certain that no interest with which any of us
+were connected suffered the least slight or injury, for the result of
+our labour of love for Lord Roberts was simply that we worked twice as
+hard&mdash;and learned twice as much of what was going on as those
+correspondents who held aloof and let the whole burden fall upon us.
+My employer, Mr. Harmsworth, uttered no sound of criticism or
+complaint, by the way, and the only word about <span class="smcap">The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page362" name="page362"></a>(p. 362)</span> Friend</span>
+that reached me from the <i>Daily Mail</i> was a cablegram wishing us
+success.</p>
+
+<p>We were all tiring fast. I was lame with an injury which kept laying
+me up, and otherwise my condition was such that for weeks I had not
+been able to partake of any food except milk and soda water. I owe a
+great deal for moral and physical stimulus to Dr. Kellner, ex-mayor of
+Bloemfontein and head of the Free State Hospital, whose services to
+the British army should not be allowed to pass into history without
+his receiving some substantial honour and acknowledgment from this
+government. He told the noble matron, Miss Maud Young, and her nursing
+assistants (when they gave notice that they wished to leave at the
+outbreak of the war) that he "never heard before that politics had
+anything to do with the care of sick and wounded men," and up to that
+standard of duty he worked on with them as enthusiastically under the
+Union Jack as he had under the four-colour flag.</p>
+
+<p>I did not know how ill and dispirited I was until one evening I went
+to the room of my assistant, Mr. Nissen, of the <span class="smcap">Daily Mail</span>, and heard
+through his closed window in the Bloemfontein Hotel the sound of a
+banjo. It is a purely American instrument, and the plunk-plunk of its
+strings made my heart leap. I threw open the window and heard in nasal
+tones, affected by a Yankee colleague for the purpose of his song, a
+sentiment like this:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="cpoem20">
+<p>Oh, I want ter go back to Noo York,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Ther "tenderloin's" ther place,</span><br>
+    Where the men are square and the women are fair<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And I know evurry face.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page363" name="page363"></a>(p. 363)</span> I want ter go back to Noo York<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Ter hear Gawd's people talk.</span><br>
+    Yer may say what yer please<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Only just give ter me</span><br>
+    My little old Noo York.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>I felt like shouting, "fellow citizens, them's my sentiments."
+Suddenly I, too, wanted "ter go back ter Noo York"&mdash;with London as an
+alternative. I had not known it or felt it before, but that song, as
+new to me as any that will be written five years hence, touched the
+button that produced a nostalgia which Heaven knows I had good reason
+to feel without any such additional or peculiar incentive.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon was also very ill of what I took to be a slow African
+fever. We laid the facts before the authorities, and suggested that
+our colleague, Mr. F. W. Buxton, now back at work with us, was able to
+promise that the accomplished staff of the <i>Johannesburg Star</i> would
+gladly take <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> off our hands if its members could be passed up
+to Bloemfontein on their way to Johannesburg. They were all receiving
+salaries though nearly all were idle; the owners had suffered
+grievously by the closing of their establishment at the outbreak of
+the war, and they certainly deserved well of the British Army.</p>
+
+<p>With this view our military editorial chiefs coincided, and Mr. Buxton
+busied himself in arranging for the coming of the editors, reporters,
+and printers, and the transfer of the little Organ of the Empire to
+their charge.</p>
+
+<p>This number of April 12th began with a leader on "The Queen in
+Ireland," and this was followed by a play upon the society notes of
+other papers, written <span class="pagenum"><a id="page364" name="page364"></a>(p. 364)</span> by Mr. Gwynne. Our prolific
+soldier-poet, "Mark Thyme," contributed two sets of verses, and once
+again we published the news of the world, like any genuine newspaper
+at home.</p>
+
+<p>On this day we printed our first "alleged" portrait, No. 1 of a series
+of pictures of the notable characters in town. We selected Mr.
+Burdett-Coutts as the leading figure in this gallery, and made a most
+modest announcement that we had secured the portrait and were able to
+present it to our readers.</p>
+
+<p>I am quite certain that never before in the Free State had a newspaper
+published a portrait made on the spot and of a newly arrived visitor.
+There were in the Free State no means for doing such work. But such is
+the non-thinking habit of the human race that not a soul questioned
+what we announced, or asked how the feat was accomplished. It was
+declared to be, in a way, like Mr. Burdett-Coutts, and every one took
+it for granted that there was nothing <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> and its editors could
+not do if they tried.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>NOTICE.</h3>
+
+<p>By kind permission of Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B., the massed
+bands of the 6th Division will play on the Market Square from 4 to
+5.30 p.m. on Easter Monday.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SOCIETY'S DOINGS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>A most successful dinner was given by &mdash;&mdash; Battery on Saturday night.
+The A.S.C. awning was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page365" name="page365"></a>(p. 365)</span> most artistically arranged between two
+buck waggons and was decorated with much taste, the junior subaltern
+having attached to it the fashion-plates and pictorial advertisements
+from <i>The Queen</i>. The "Maggi" soup was pronounced a success, and it
+was evident that the battery <i>chef</i> had put his heart into the work. A
+somewhat unpleasant incident occurred soon after dinner, which put
+rather a damper on the evening's hilarity and dispersed the party. An
+order had come for one of the ammunition waggons to go into
+Bloemfontein to fetch ammunition, and the sergeant, wholly without
+malice prepense, hitched his horses to one of the sides of the
+dining-room and removed it suddenly. We are glad to say that the
+collapse consequent upon this man&oelig;uvre, although very disagreeable,
+produced no injury, and the company was able to leave sound in limb
+but swearing strange oaths.</p>
+
+<p>&mdash;&mdash; Horse, always to the fore, whether bullets are about or the
+scarcely less dangerous glances of female eyes, entertained at tea
+yesterday a great number of guests of both sexes. It is a pity,
+however, that their camp is so far out of town, for most of their
+gentlemen guests were obliged to walk home, having "lost" their
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>The Naval Brigade gave a <i>soirée musicale</i> on Monday night, which was
+perhaps the most brilliant affair of the season. The proverbial
+hilarity of sailors induced in their guests a corresponding feeling,
+and songs, toasts, speeches made the time pass merrily enough. A new
+game, the details of which we hope to give in a further issue, was
+played with great success. It is called "Hunt the Tompion." At the
+beginning of the evening Captain Bearcroft, R.N., <span class="pagenum"><a id="page366" name="page366"></a>(p. 366)</span> gave a
+most instructive and bright lecture on the "New Tactics&mdash;Horse
+Marines."</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p>A "small and early" was given yesterday by the Royal Diddlesex
+Regiment. Dancing went on briskly until a transport mule came and died
+in the extemporised ball-room, causing two ladies to faint.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p>A <i>conversazione</i> was given by the A.S.C. in their camp within the
+immediate confines of the town. The novel subject, "When will the War
+end?" was chosen for discussion. The arguments, which were often of a
+highly intellectual grade, were punctuated by sniping from trees and
+bushes on the kopje side. Two of the attendants who were distributing
+the choice and light viands to the guests were shot. True, their
+wounds were slight, yet the incident interrupted the even tenor of the
+<i>conversazione</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>SOCIALISM IN VERSE.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MARK THYME.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem24">
+<p>Now, I always was a 'ardly-treated bloke,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">I'm a martyr to my cause, as you may say&mdash;</span><br>
+    I used to own a barrer and a moke,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And I'd sometimes earn a thick-un in the day.</span><br>
+    But them Socialists they comes along our court,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And they says as 'ow all things should common be,</span><br>
+    So, to 'elp the cause on quicker, I goes off and lifts a ticker,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page367" name="page367"></a>(p. 367)</span> Well, for that I 'ad to do a bit o' time,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Though I argued it afore the majerstrit</span><br>
+    As I'd done it out o' politics, not crime;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">But the cuckoo couldn't understand a bit.</span><br>
+    So I says when I 'ad left the bloomin' jug,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">"I must strike a bigger blow to set us free;</span><br>
+    I must play a nobler game." So I forges Rothschild's name,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, living in a 'ouse acrost the street,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">There used to be a very tasty gal;</span><br>
+    She'd curly 'air and dainty 'ands and feet,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And was married to my very dearest pal.</span><br>
+    'E says to me, says 'e, "When you're our way<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Step in, old cull, and 'ave a dish o' tea."</span><br>
+    Thinks I, "My dooty this is." So I offs it with 'is missis,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to 'er than me.</span></p>
+
+<p>But I won't be beat by any bloomin' lor,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">To 'ave my rights, I tell yer straight, I'm game;</span><br>
+    And, once I gets outside this prison door,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">I'll strike another blow in Freedom's name&mdash;</span><br>
+    The lor and all its engines I defy,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">From the Stepper to the gloomy gallows-tree;</span><br>
+    I'll go and get a knife, and I'll take some joker's life,<br>
+      <span class="add1em">'Cause the bloke 'as no more right to it than me."</span></p>
+
+<p><i>For my motto is: All should be common to all,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>This covey is equal to that;</i></span><br>
+    <i>And if I'm short you've no right to be tall,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>If I'm thin you've no right to be fat.</i></span><br>
+    <span class="pagenum"><a id="page368" name="page368"></a>(p. 368)</span> <i>To call me a criminal's fair tommy-rot,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>It's on principle all what I've done:</i></span><br>
+    <i>Yet, perish me, all the reward as I've got</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>Is my number</i>&mdash;201.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>"SMART."<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MARK THYME.</span></h3>
+
+<p>(<i>Being a few hints to any of the fair citizens of this town who may
+contemplate spending a season or two in London.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="cpoem30">
+<p>Ye Belles of Bloemfontein, pray hearken unto me,<br>
+  And I'll show you how to sparkle in polite Society.<br>
+  Never fear that you'll be visited with contumely or scorn<br>
+  If you happen not to be aristocratically born,<br>
+  For mere birth is not essential to means, if only you<br>
+  Have the luck to be related to a brewer or a few;<br>
+  And if only you have money, you need never be afraid<br>
+  To swagger of the swindles of your former days of trade.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">Each to each will the opinion impart:</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">"She is vulgar, I admit,</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">I don't like her, not a bit,</span><br>
+  But then you know, my dear, she's smart."</p>
+
+<p>Your dress must be&mdash;well&mdash;daring! You must have a tiny waist<br>
+  And the colours must be splashed about in execrable taste.<br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page369" name="page369"></a>(p. 369)</span> Your bodice may be decent while you've still the gift of youth,<br>
+  But must lower in proportion as you're longer in the tooth.<br>
+  The colour of your hair and your complexion must appear<br>
+  To vary with the fashionable fancies of the year,<br>
+  And though your wit lack lustre, the tiara must be bright<br>
+  That you've hired out from a jeweller's at ten-and-six a night.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">Each to each will the opinion impart:</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">"Looks quite odd, I must admit,</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">I don't like her, not a bit,</span><br>
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."</p>
+
+<p>Then, as to conversation, let each syllable you speak<br>
+  Be vehemently vapid or else pruriently weak;<br>
+  Tell some tales distinctly risky, if not actually obscene,<br>
+  While artfully pretending that you don't know what they mean.<br>
+  In the intervals of slander you must prate in flippant tone<br>
+  On some Theologic subject that you'd better leave alone;<br>
+  And, though your speech be witless, nay, to some may seem absurd,<br>
+  It matters not if reputations die at every word.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,</span><br>
+  <span class="pagenum"><a id="page370" name="page370"></a>(p. 370)</span>   <span class="add1em">Each to each the opinion will impart:</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">"She's ill-natured, I admit,</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">I don't like her, not a bit,</span><br>
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."</p>
+
+<p>Your parties must be "tidy," so to bring about these ends<br>
+  Find some lady with a title who likes living on her friends;<br>
+  Hint that you'll supply the money that's essential to the task,<br>
+  If only she will condescend to tell you whom to ask.<br>
+  On your former friends and relatives politely close the door,<br>
+  Though they may have been of service in the days when you were poor,<br>
+  Be each guest of yours a beauty, full of pride,<br>
+  A tiara on her head, a co-respondent by her side.<br>
+    <span class="add1em">And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,</span><br>
+    <span class="add1em">Each to each will the opinion impart:</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">"She's a snob, I quite admit,</span><br>
+          <span class="add4em">I don't like her, not a bit,</span><br>
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.</h3>
+
+<a id="img016" name="img016"></a>
+<div class="floatleft">
+<img src="images/img016.jpg" width="100" height="148" alt="Sketch." title="">
+</div>
+
+<p>We have to announce the arrival in Bloemfontein of Mr. Burdett-Coutts,
+of London, of whom we have secured a portrait which we present to our
+readers.</p>
+
+<h2 class="nofloat"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page371" name="page371"></a>(p. 371)</span> CHAPTER XXVI<br>
+<span class="title">Wanted, a Millionaire</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>A number as sparkling as a string of jewels&mdash;Joke Portrait
+     Number Two.</i></p>
+
+<p>A singular thing about <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was that the readers could make sure
+at a glance, each afternoon, what had been the spirits of the editors
+earlier in the day. The issue of April 13th was positively frisky. We
+were all in our gayest moods, and the principal page was made to
+sparkle with most unlooked-for fun and flashes of wit.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Landon set out with his pen in search of an English millionaire
+who would supply us daily with a budget of home news cabled direct to
+us from London. Continually disappointed by the non-arrival of the
+Reuter despatches, he urged that some wealthy man should pay to have a
+long special cablegram sent to us daily, with a hint of all the
+world's happenings. "To us," did I say? no; for, as Mr. Landon
+expressed it, "All there is of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> belongs to the Army. Its
+existence began for the soldier, and its profits pass back to his
+interests. If some of the kind-hearted people in England who are so
+ready to put their hands in their pockets in the interests of 'The
+Soldiers of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page372" name="page372"></a>(p. 372)</span> Queen,' only knew what the dearth of news
+from England means to the men, they would at once supply the want." It
+is too late now. That editorial never was copied in the English
+papers, I suppose; but you millionaires who want to reach Heaven&mdash;and
+you others who want to earn handles to put before your names&mdash;remember
+this in the next war, and send news to your army wherever it is halted
+in the field.</p>
+
+<p>We found that the newsboys were charging two-pence for <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, and
+that many complaints were pouring in upon us; therefore, in the
+blackest type, I rhymed to the readers&mdash;that being the most likely way
+to impress them with the truth&mdash;in couplets such as this&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  Who pays a penny for <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,<br>
+  Pays all he needs to gain his end.</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">and this&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="poem30">
+  Whoever pays us more than a penny,<br>
+  Should guard his brains, if he has any.</p>
+
+<p>Fancy me dropping into rhyme! But, as I have said, the "Tommies" all
+did verse&mdash;or worse&mdash;and the example was epidemically contagious.
+Perhaps in another month we should have all turned versifiers, and
+produced copies of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> wholly in rhyme.</p>
+
+<p>In this number we published portrait No. 2 of our unique gallery,
+selecting Lord Stanley as the subject. My son Lester had made a
+cartoon in which the censor figured, and with which, for a very
+peculiar reason, Lord Stanley was not pleased, but this second venture
+of the family to do him justice in portraiture was eminently
+successful. It was precisely the same picture as that which we called
+a portrait of Mr. Burdett-Coutts on the previous day, but though
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page373" name="page373"></a>(p. 373)</span> Lord Stanley knew the joke no one else saw it. One of the
+censor's friends took from me a damp fresh copy of the paper, as I
+came out of the works with an armful, and looking at the portrait
+remarked, "I say, I did not know that Lord Stanley had an
+imperial&mdash;'goatee,' as you call it&mdash;funny I never noticed that he
+wears one. Devilish good portrait; clever of you to publish it." Mr.
+Burdett-Coutts was the only other man beside Lord Stanley to
+understand what we were doing. He fathomed the joke because we
+explained it to him, and I sincerely hope that he appreciated the pure
+fun and harmless pleasantry of the spirit in which it was conceived
+and carried out.</p>
+
+<p>We had, from a coloured man, a letter complaining that we declared the
+British policy to be "equal rights for all white men, without respect
+of race or creed." To this he objected. He said that we were
+advocating the policy of the Republics, and added, "I would like to
+point out to you that when once your policy is known in this colony by
+our people it will cause universal dissatisfaction." He was presumably
+one of those natives, most numerous in the towns, who, by reason of
+their intelligence and ambition, deserve most helpful, generous
+consideration. But the "Universal dissatisfaction" which he threatened
+would include a myriad negroes of the Karroo and the so-called "farms"
+of the Boers. These form the mass of the natives; clothed in their
+complexions and living in huts of twigs and matting. Equality with
+white men can be offered to them by statute; but they cannot realise
+it, and the world has seen mischief, unhappiness, and perplexing
+political problems result from over-haste in this direction.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page374" name="page374"></a>(p. 374)</span> We did succeed in arousing an artist to defend his calling
+against the boasts of the mechanical manipulation of the camera. Mr.
+W. B. Wollen, R.I., was the champion of art, and he spoke for it with
+the ardour of conviction, and the force of one who is right and cannot
+be gainsaid.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot think why we omitted to call upon Mortimer Menpes, Esq., the
+distinguished painter, then in Bloemfontein, to add his views to the
+series of letters we hoped to secure upon this subject, the Camera
+<i>v.</i> Art. Mr. Menpes had come to the war because, he said, nothing
+else was talked or thought of in London, and an exhibition of
+paintings of ordinary subjects, such as he gives with distinguished
+success each year, would have fallen flat. He was very busy, very
+popular, and very successful with the army. This issue (April 13)
+contained a witty letter by him upon the postage stamp craze.</p>
+
+<span class="floatright box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<span class="floatleft box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="p2 hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>PROCLAMATION.</h3>
+
+<p class="procla smcap">TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICTS OF ALBERT, STEYNSBURG,
+     MOLTENO, WODEHOUSE, ALIWAL NORTH, BARKLY EAST AND COLESBERG.</p>
+
+<p>On the recent retirement of the enemy to the north of the Orange
+River, the rebels who had <span class="pagenum"><a id="page375" name="page375"></a>(p. 375)</span> joined them in the Northern
+Districts of Cape Colony were treated by Her Majesty's Government with
+great leniency in being permitted, if not the ringleaders of
+disaffection, to return to their farms on the condition of
+surrendering their arms and of being liable to be called to account
+for their past conduct.</p>
+
+<p>I now warn the inhabitants of the Northern Districts, and more
+particularly those who were misguided enough to join or assist the
+enemy, that, in the event of their committing any further act of
+hostility against Her Majesty, they will be treated, as regards both
+their persons and property, with the utmost rigour, and the extreme
+penalties of Martial Law will be enforced against them.</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, Field Marshal,<br>
+  Commander-in-Chief, South Africa.</p>
+
+<p>Army Headquarters, Bloemfontein, <i>April 9, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.</h3>
+
+<div class="floatright">
+<img src="images/img016.jpg" width="100" height="148" alt="Sketch." title="">
+</div>
+
+<p>It is with great pleasure that we present to our readers to-day a
+portrait of Lord Stanley, the present popular Press Censor with Lord
+Roberts' Field Force in South Africa. The portrait is by W. B. Wollen,
+R.I., and is a masterpiece. We like it, but we are surprised that the
+censor should wear precisely such an antediluvian collar as we saw on
+Mr. Burdett-Coutts in yesterday's view of our Portrait Gallery.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10 nofloat">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page376" name="page376"></a>(p. 376)</span> THE ABSENT-BODIED BURGHER.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY A. B. PATTERSON.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="center"><i>A Screaming Farce now being played daily with great success
+     in the Theatre of War near Bloemfontein.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center smcap">Characters:</p>
+
+<p>1. <span class="smcap">Jacobus Johannes van der Mauser</span> (The absent-bodied Burgher).</p>
+
+<p>2. <span class="smcap">Katinka van der Mauser</span> (His Wife).</p>
+
+<p>3. <span class="smcap">Reginald Talbot de Vere-Cr&oelig;sus</span> (English Cavalry Officer).</p>
+
+<p class="scene"><i>Scene</i>: A Farm in the Free State. Pony saddled at the door.
+     J. J. van der Mauser preparing to mount.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">J. J. van der Mauser</span> (<i>Centre of Stage</i>). Katinka! Katinka! Bring me
+the old rifle that is in the barn among the sheep-skins. The old
+muzzle-loading Boer rifle, with which my ancestor, the great
+Ten-britches van der Mauser shot the lion in the days of the Great
+Trek.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Katinka</span>: Nay, Jan! Pause and reflect! 'Twill blow thy head off. It has
+not been fired these thirty years.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Jan</span>: Nay, woman! I purpose not to fire it. I intend to hand it in to
+the British&mdash;I only wish they'd try to let it off! Then will I return
+speedily, provided with a pass, and go up into the laager to do a
+little Rooinek shooting. While I am gone, Katinka, be not afraid. The
+English will put a sentry on the farm so that not a blade of grass
+shall be touched, not an onion taken from the ground. Be diligent, and
+sell them all the butter you can.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page377" name="page377"></a>(p. 377)</span> <span class="smcap">Katinka</span>: The proclamation says the price of butter is to be
+two-and-sixpence a pound!</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Jan</span>: Then don't take a penny less than three shillings and sixpence.
+If you run short of milk, drive in the cows of our neighbour Smith,
+who has fled to the English. And Katinka (<i>whispers tenderly</i>), if you
+see the Rooineks out in the open, don't stand anywhere near them,
+darling! You might get hit! You understand? Now, farewell!</p>
+
+<p>(<i>Proceeds to pull on an extra pair of breeches, and so goes off to
+the laager, while the band plays "My dear old Dutch."</i>)</p>
+
+<p>[Interval of some days, during which the British encamp near the farm,
+and Katinka sells them, at famine prices, every drop of milk and every
+pound of butter that the cows will yield, and every egg that the hens
+can be induced to lay.]</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">SCENE TWO.</p>
+
+<p>The open veldt. Row of kopjes in the middle distance. Enter cavalry
+patrol with Reginald Talbot Vere-Cr&oelig;sus at their head. (Band
+playing, "Let 'em all come.")</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">First Soldier</span>: I thought I heard a rifle shot.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Reginald Talbot de V.-C</span>.: Nay. 'Twas but a soldier being shot for
+stealing a bar of soap from an enemy's cottage. Serve the miscreant
+right. Take open order, there. Walk, march!</p>
+
+<p><i>They ride round the stage with one eye on the kopjes and the other
+admiring the fit of their breeches. Rifle shots are heard from the
+kopjes. Band changes to, "You never know your Luck!" Heavy rattle of
+musketry from kopjes. Patrol driven back and retire <span class="pagenum"><a id="page378" name="page378"></a>(p. 378)</span> to
+pom-pom accompaniment from the big drum</i>. R. T. de V.-C. <i>falls prone
+from his charger</i>. <span class="smcap">Katinka</span> <i>rushes in (r.u.e.) weeping hysterically
+and throws herself on his body</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="p2"><span class="smcap">Enter Jacobus Johannes van der Mauser</span> <i>(l.e.), and leans on his
+rifle, staring gloomily at the scene.</i></p>
+
+<p class="p2"><span class="smcap">Jacobus</span>: Ha! ha! So it has come to this! She secretly loves the young
+English officer who reconnoitres kopjes with an eye-glass! (<i>Sticks
+his chin out, claws the air and ambles about the stage à la Henry
+Irving.</i>) But I will be revenged! Ha! ha! I have it! I will go and
+join the Johannesburg police! False woman, what sayest thou?</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Katinka</span> (<i>hysterically</i>): I am innocent, Johannes. I am innocent!
+(<i>Coils herself round the body of R. T. de V.-C. à la Sarah
+Bernhardt.</i>)</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Jacobus</span>: Innocent! Then why weepest thou?</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Katinka</span> (<i>rising suddenly</i>): Weep! I should think I <i>would</i> weep.
+Didn't he owe us three pound seventeen and sixpence for milk! How am I
+to make the dairy pay if you persist in shooting my best customers?</p>
+
+<p class="p2">(<span class="smcap">Jacobus</span> <i>embraces her</i>. <span class="smcap">Reginald Talbot de Vere-Cr&oelig;sus</span>
+     <i>being, fortunately, shot exactly through the head with a
+     Mauser bullet, recovers at once and embraces her also, and
+     joins in a song-and-dance trio, "Be careful what you're
+     doing with the gun," and the curtain falls to the tune of,
+     "It mustn't occur again</i>.")</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note.</span>&mdash;This farce will be continued till further orders.</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">A. B. P.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page379" name="page379"></a>(p. 379)</span> THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;The present campaign has most
+decidedly, as your correspondent in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> of the 11th says,
+commenced a new era in the history of illustrated journalism, but not
+to the extent that he thinks.</p>
+
+<p>The camera and the pencil can, and will, live together during a
+campaign, but I venture to doubt if the camera will be able to do all
+that its champion claims for it, and the war artist who knows his
+business, which cannot be learnt in a single campaign, will come out
+on top. For reproducing and putting before the public scenes
+representing the strife and clamour of war, with its accompanying
+noise and confusion, the man with the kodak cannot compete for one
+single moment with the individual who is using the pencil.</p>
+
+<p>How can he produce a picture that will show the public at large
+anything like an accurate bird's-eye view of what a modern battle is
+like? The brain of the camera cannot take in all that is going on. The
+man with the pencil does so. A few lines to indicate the background
+and the characteristics of it, and he is able to put before the world
+what has taken place, that is if he knows and has seen what troops
+have been doing.</p>
+
+<p>In another paragraph there is a sentence which is a very unjust
+reflection upon "the old-fashioned war artists, who draw on their
+imagination." I should very much like to know who the old-fashioned
+war artists can be who are referred to in this manner. The few men who
+are still alive, and there never were many of them, are all men who
+have seen a large amount of fighting, have <span class="pagenum"><a id="page380" name="page380"></a>(p. 380)</span> sketched and
+worked under fire, sent their work home often under enormous
+difficulties, and been in very many tight places. Why should these men
+be referred to in this way?</p>
+
+<p>I suppose there has not been one single campaign in which the camera
+has been in such frequent use; but is it possible, by this means, to
+bring before us the various phases of a battle&mdash;a modern battle, I
+mean, with its absence of smoke, enormous expanse of front and general
+invisibility of both the attackers and defenders? Take a battery in
+action. Can it show us the excitement and turmoil round the guns, will
+it show us (unless it is a cinematograph) the trouble amongst the
+teams when a shell drops near them? I think not. What it can do, and
+does, is scenes which are more or less peaceful, such as camp views,
+incidents in regimental life and also bits on the line of march, but
+of an action&mdash;no! None of us artists are at variance with Mr. Scott in
+other parts of his very able letter, and we cordially welcome the
+camera artist, knowing very well that he has his field of work in
+which we cannot hope to compete with him for a moment; but to put the
+camera, which, after all, is only a very fine piece of mechanism, on a
+par with a sketch is more than most people can put up with, especially</p>
+
+<p>Yours very faithfully,</p>
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">W. B. Wollen</span>, R.I.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CHESTNUTTY&mdash;BUT GOOD.</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;Is this a chestnut? Johannes
+Paulus Kruger sent a commissioner home to England to find out if there
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page381" name="page381"></a>(p. 381)</span> were any more men left there. The commissioner wired from
+London to say that there were 4,000,000 men and woman "knocking about
+the town," that there was no excitement, and that men were begging to
+be sent to fight the Boers. Kruger wired back "Go North." The
+commissioner found himself in Newcastle eventually and wired to
+Kruger, "For God's sake, stop the war! England is bringing up men from
+hell, eight at a time, in cages!"</p>
+
+<p>He had seen a coal mine.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Circulation, April 11, 5,500.</span></h3>
+
+<p>The circulation of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> is as large as that of all the
+Bloemfontein papers combined.<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18" title="Go to footnote 18"><span class="smaller">[18]</span></a></p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>DOTS OR NO DOTS.<br>
+<i>All about the New Stamp Issue.</i><br>
+<span class="smaller">BY MORTIMER MENPES.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="quote">
+     <p>How strange a thing it is that so small a matter as a
+     general taste for collecting stamps should, as it were,
+     elevate a man at a single bound into a position where his
+     slightest tact at discrimination in detecting the difference
+     of shades between two bits of paper of the same colour will
+     sway and determine the destinies of a horde of fanatical
+     collectors!</p>
+
+     <p>That a man should occupy so exalted a position <span class="pagenum"><a id="page382" name="page382"></a>(p. 382)</span> was
+     accidentally brought to my notice after a return to
+     Bloemfontein from a run to the Cape, where I found the
+     Market Square, the club, the hotels and the street corners
+     grouped with people who appeared to be intensely interested
+     in the discussion of some all-important subject. Thinking
+     that some radical proclamation had been issued, I paused to
+     listen, but instead of legal phrase and technical form
+     greeting my ear, the only intelligible word which I could
+     detect in the buzz which emanated from the centre of the
+     group was "Dot."</p>
+
+     <p>I passed on to another group, where the same "dot" arrested
+     my attention; then to a third, which was also "dotty,"
+     until, feeble and bewildered, I helplessly wandered about on
+     the verge of an incurable "dottiness" myself.</p>
+
+     <p>Finally, I pulled myself together again and, blind to all
+     danger, plunged into a group of "dotters," grasped one of
+     them by the arm, and in reply to my appeals heard him hiss,
+     as he roughly shook me off, "Surcharged stamps, you fool,
+     misprinted, without dots." Then I understood. My curiosity
+     was stimulated, I soon learned the subtle differences which
+     add to or subtract value from the surcharged Free State
+     stamps. Finally I became the proud possessor of a dotless
+     one myself. That settled it; I became hopelessly "dotty"
+     myself, and to the end of my natural days will always
+     realise that affairs of State, literature, art, even money,
+     are secondary to the importance of obtaining "the entire
+     set," especially if they are from "the bottom row" and
+     "dotless." This mania has taken possession of the entire
+     army.</p>
+
+     <p>From Tommy to General, the last biscuit or a drink of
+     whisky, or a pass to be out after 8 p.m. can <span class="pagenum"><a id="page383" name="page383"></a>(p. 383)</span> be
+     extracted after a dozen refusals by producing a dotless
+     stamp.</p>
+
+     <p>Kruger could end this cruel war in an afternoon by simply
+     sending out a dozen men mounted on swift horses, wearing
+     white coats with the entire set without dots pasted on the
+     back. These scouts should be unarmed and should ride in
+     close to our lines and then turn round showing their backs.
+     The moment the army would see the set, they would make a
+     rush, and all the scouts would have to do would be to ride
+     fast enough and in different directions, and by nightfall
+     the Imperial forces would be hopelessly scattered, and lost
+     in the boundless veldt. Kruger's scouts would be perfectly
+     safe, for no one would dare to raise a rifle in their
+     direction. Such an act might bring down a set; but imagine
+     if you can the fate of the miscreant if one dotless stamp
+     should be punctured or if&mdash;horrible thought!&mdash;a chance
+     scattering of the lead should dot some of the precious bits
+     of paper!</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>In my inquiries during the first stage of this disease, I found that
+Major O'Meara was the supreme authority on this subject. I found the
+Major seated in a small room of the National Bank sorting out from a
+huge collection the stamps which were to be surcharged. For three
+hours I watched him, as with wonderful skill and discrimination he
+picked out bits of paper which were obsolete and which an accidental
+surcharging would have made of untold value, and set the whole world
+of collectors into a palpitating hysteria of speculation, until
+finally catalogued and bought by some multi-millionaire bent upon
+ruining himself to appease his craze. That all the legally surcharged
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page384" name="page384"></a>(p. 384)</span> stamps are carefully catalogued in the Major's busy brain
+will doubtless surprise at some no distant date a few rascally
+speculators, who, possessing obsolete issues, have surreptitiously
+surcharged them, in the hope of creating a rarity to sell at fabulous
+prices. Leaving the Major's presence, I realised that the last stage
+of dotlessphobia had fastened itself on me, and, knowing that recovery
+is hopeless, have abandoned myself to full indulgence, hoping to
+derive at least some miserable satisfaction before the end. With this
+one reservation, I am determined never to surrender to the universal
+stamp collector's weakness of stealing. Others may walk uprightly
+through six days of the week about their ordinary affairs and turn
+aside on Sunday afternoon from the path of blindness to pilfer another
+collector's treasure while his face is turned away, out of politeness,
+to sneeze. But I; no, I shall never, never, no&mdash;I won't steal.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page385" name="page385"></a>(p. 385)</span> CHAPTER XXVII<br>
+<span class="title">A Notable Number</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>Captain Cecil Lowther joins the Wits and Poets again. A
+     Report by Mr. Jenkins, who was "our Staff in himself."</i></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Buxton wrote the stern editorial, "Judge ye," with which we led
+off the issue of April 14th. He reminded the Free Staters that England
+had, at the outset, no quarrel with them, but on the contrary had
+given them the "solemn assurance" that their independence and
+territory should be respected. The people of the little Republic had
+been led astray, had suffered conquest, and now were able to judge
+between the wicked whisperings of the two Presidents and the
+promptings of common sense and of regard for their future, "for,"
+wrote Mr. Buxton, "brothers you must be with us, heirs and possessors
+of world-wide citizenship and Empire."</p>
+
+<p>We had recorded our first wedding, and now was the day when we
+received the first application from an English firm desiring to
+advertise in our columns. A well-known house-furnishing firm were the
+enterprising inquirers. They said that they looked for a great
+development of the country and meant to send <span class="pagenum"><a id="page386" name="page386"></a>(p. 386)</span> agents there
+when the war ended. On our part we made this request the basis of an
+editorial in which we said that this business letter "foreshadows the
+coming changes in local conditions with a prophetic touch."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Gwynne concocted a clever set of quotations which he called
+"Gleanings from Great Minds," and we published number three of our
+series of home-made portraits, choosing Dr. A. Conan Doyle as the
+subject. At this the Army at last began to whisper and suspect, and
+many a smile greeted each allusion to our enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>But our <i>chef d'&oelig;uvre</i> was a second contribution by "Bertie," whom
+all our readers knew to be none other than the handsome, the witty,
+the travelled, and the popular Adjutant of the Scots Guards, Captain
+Cecil Lowther. As the first letter had already been published in the
+<i>Household Brigade Magazine</i> I will not repeat it here, but the one
+that is now reproduced will give a lively hint of what our readers
+missed by the fact that Captain Lowther was away on duty in the boggy,
+sodden veldt, and could neither write nor think of writing, even to
+<span class="smcap">The Friend</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A large collection is made from this issue of the paper of April 14th.
+All that is in this book reflects the excitement, the routine, and the
+dramatic and picturesque phases of a soldier's life, as well as the
+strange situations and conditions produced by the conquest and
+occupation of a city in war. If that is true (and it is true in a very
+great degree as I believe), then in no chapter are more of all these
+novel views of irregular life mirrored than in this. From this you
+shall learn what a soldier had in the way of rations, how a great and
+majestic <span class="pagenum"><a id="page387" name="page387"></a>(p. 387)</span> mind dealt with the rumours that British prisoners
+were being far from generously, or even humanely, dealt with by the
+semi-civilised foe; how a polished wit out of his superabundant humour
+found time to set down his sparkling thoughts in a soaking wet camp or
+a cold, wet plain, within sniping distance of the enemy, and finally,
+how drained of almost every line of foodstuffs, medicines, clothing,
+and luxuries the over-burdened town we lived in was becoming.</p>
+
+<span class="floatleft box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<span class="floatright box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="p2 hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>SICK AND WOUNDED PRISONERS.</h3>
+
+<p>The following communication has been addressed to President Kruger:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="procla">From Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commanding in Chief in
+     South Africa, to His Honour the President, S.A. Republic,
+     Pretoria,</p>
+
+<p class="date"><i>April 12, 1900.</i></p>
+
+<p>It has been reported to me that the Non-Commissioned Officers and men
+of Her Majesty's Colonial Forces, who have been made prisoners of war,
+are treated as criminals and confined in Pretoria jail, where they are
+very badly fed. It has also been brought to my notice that at the
+beginning of March there were ninety cases of enteric fever <span class="pagenum"><a id="page388" name="page388"></a>(p. 388)</span>
+and dysentery among the Non-Commissioned Officers and men in the camp
+at Waterval, and that, as Dr. Haylett, the Medical Officer in charge,
+failed to obtain from your Government the medicines and medical
+comforts which he required for the sick, he resigned, Dr. von Greldt
+being appointed in his place.</p>
+
+<p>It is stated that the prisoners at Waterval have to bivouac on the
+open veldt without overhead shelter and with only a layer of straw to
+lie on, while the sick are placed under an open shed with iron roof. I
+am informed that it was only upon Dr. von Greldt threatening to resign
+that medicines and mattresses were supplied for the sick. I can hardly
+believe that your Honour is aware or approves of the harsh treatment
+of the prisoners belonging to the Colonial Forces, or of the want of
+consideration shown to the prisoners at Waterval. The former are Her
+Majesty's subjects, are duly enlisted, are subject to military
+discipline, and wear uniform. According to the recognised customs of
+war, they are entitled to be treated in the same way as any other
+soldiers of Her Britannic Majesty, and I must remind your Honour that
+all prisoners captured by the troops under my command are equally well
+treated, whether they are burghers or foreigners. The utmost care has
+been taken of your sick and wounded, and no distinction has been made
+in the field hospitals between them and our own soldiers.</p>
+
+<a id="img015" name="img015"></a>
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a href="images/img015.jpg">
+<img src="images/img015tb.jpg" width="400" height="605" alt="" title=""></a>
+<p><i>The Front Page of "The Friend" of April 4, 1900.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>I invite your Honour's early attention to this matter, and I request
+that orders may be given for the Non-Commissioned Officers and men of
+the Colonial Forces to be released from jail and to be treated, not as
+criminals, but as prisoners of war.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page389" name="page389"></a>(p. 389)</span> I also request that the prisoners at Waterval may be provided
+with overhead shelter, and that the sick and wounded may be properly
+entertained and taken care of in accordance with Article Six of the
+Geneva Convention.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>MY COMRADES' CONVERSATION.<br>
+<span class="smaller">(ANONYMOUS.)</span></h3>
+
+<div class="cpoem30">
+<p>When I was quite a young recruit, not very long ago,<br>
+    My comrades' conversation was a talk I didn't know;<br>
+    I really thought to some far-distant country I'd been shipped<br>
+    When they said I was a "jowler," and described me as "just nipped."<br>
+    If I was "slightly dragged," or with my "praco" couldn't cope,<br>
+    They said I'd "lost my monnicker" and earned an "extra slope,"<br>
+    And, though I'm known as Ferdinand to all my kin and kith,<br>
+    They went and dropped my Christian name and called me "Dusty Smith."<br>
+      <span class="add1em">They called me "Dusty Smith."</span></p>
+
+<p><i>But a soldier's life is the life for me,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,</i></span><br>
+    <i>For you won't feel queer on "Drug-hole beer,"</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>What's called "three-thick" in the Army.</i></span></p>
+
+<p>I asked them what my food would be. They said: "Your food? Oh, that's<br>
+    'Meat,' 'jipper,' 'spuds' and 'rooti,' with occasional 'top-hats.'"<br>
+    <span class="pagenum"><a id="page390" name="page390"></a>(p. 390)</span> They said I'd find coal-hugging quite a lively little job,<br>
+    Then they put me "on the timber" and they called me "Junior Swab."<br>
+    But when my work was over, after "tapping up" a bit,<br>
+    I'd take my own "square missus" out&mdash;you bet we made a hit.<br>
+    And when I had to go on guard she'd come there every day<br>
+    To see me marching down the street and hear the "fiddlers" play.<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Just to hear the "fiddlers" play.</span></p>
+
+<p><i>So a soldier's life is the life for me,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,</i></span><br>
+    <i>As I slope my gun in Number One</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>What's called "Long-Swabs" in the Army.</i></span></p>
+
+<p>But now I understand them 'cause I know my way about,<br>
+    And comprehend the Sergeant's unintelligible shout;<br>
+    When he says: "Shooldare Hipe!" I know that he means: "Shoulder hup"<br>
+    So I'm never for "Small-dodgers" and I never got "Built-up."<br>
+    I'm not a mere "Jam-soldier," I've extended sure enough,<br>
+    And been made "Assistant-bully" so I help to cook the "Duff."<br>
+    I keep my kit and rifle clean, so's never to be rushed,<br>
+    And I've never been "done-tired" and I've never once been "pushed."<br>
+      <span class="add1em">No, I've never once been "pushed."</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page391" name="page391"></a>(p. 391)</span> <i>Then a soldier's life is the life for me,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,</i></span><br>
+    <i>And soon I shall be Corporal,</i><br>
+      <span class="add1em"><i>What's called "Sauce-Jack" in the Army.</i></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>GLEANINGS FROM GREAT MINDS.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. A. GWYNNE.</span></h3>
+
+<p>"The horse is the natural enemy of Man: the horse is the only animal
+that will dash himself over a precipice to avoid the shadow of his own
+feed-bag."&mdash;<i>Kipling.</i></p>
+
+<p>"All civilians must remain in their houses after eight o'clock at
+night."&mdash;<i>Hints on Housekeeping</i> (by Lord Roberts).</p>
+
+<p>"Your Mounted Infantry&mdash;it is as much as they can do to keep their
+hats on."&mdash;<i>Albrecht</i>, captured Boer Artillerist.</p>
+
+<p>"I call the Cavalry the Oh, Lor! regiments. They ride up to a kopje
+and stare about till they are fired at, when they say, "Oh, Lor," and
+gallop off."&mdash;<i>Albrecht.</i></p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather be a coward all my life than a corpse half a
+minute."&mdash;<i>Solomon</i> (junior).</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page392" name="page392"></a>(p. 392)</span> OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.<br>
+No. 3.<br>
+<span class="smaller">DR. A. CONAN DOYLE.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="floatleft">
+<img src="images/img016.jpg" width="100" height="148" alt="Sketch." title="">
+</div>
+
+<p>The accompanying wood-cut is a portrait of the well-known author, Dr.
+A. Conan Doyle. The author of "Sherlock Holmes," who is so generously
+giving his time and whole-hearted attention to the sick and wounded,
+will, by the use of the "Holmesian method," be able to tell, without a
+moment's hesitation, at what period of his eventful life the
+photograph was taken, of which the accompanying block is a
+representation.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10 nofloat">
+
+<h3>ANOTHER LETTER HOME.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY CAPTAIN CECIL LOWTHER.</span></h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My dear Father</span>,&mdash;Since I last wrote to you we have been having a quiet
+time down South "pacifying the country." This consists in collecting
+arms&mdash;which we keep&mdash;and inviting the burghers to take oaths&mdash;which
+they don't keep&mdash;at least some of them don't. Every one seemed pleased
+to see us and very ready to tell all about their neighbours'
+misdoings. If one believes only half of what one was told, the smiling
+little village where we were quartered must be only one station this
+side of a very warm place.</p>
+
+<p>A spice of danger is added to police work if there are other
+detachments in the neighbourhood. It is this wise. Two of our captains
+who were out after <span class="pagenum"><a id="page393" name="page393"></a>(p. 393)</span> springbok one day were suddenly glued to
+the ground by the well-known whistle of bullets over their heads.
+Leaving their respective hills after dark, they returned and, with
+quivering lips, recounted to us the dangers through which they had
+passed. An eviction party was organised and a thorough search made for
+hidden rifles on the farm where the incident had occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Not unnaturally, none were found, as we heard on our return that Stoke
+had been out with six Non-Commissioned Officers and had walked the
+country in line shooting at everything that moved.</p>
+
+<p>You remember Stoke, don't you? He was the fellow who was not going to
+bring a knife and fork out with him as everybody on service would of
+course eat with his fingers.</p>
+
+<p>Do you remember that rather pretty song that MacRavish in the A.S.C.
+used to sing? "Lay down thy lute, my dearest." The Provost-Marshal has
+now adopted it for his own, and I have had to give up all the loot I
+had collected in the last three months. It is very disappointing, but
+I suppose he will give it back when his staff have taken what they
+want.</p>
+
+<p>We have been having a bad time the last few days, as there are
+detachments of troops constantly passing to the front, and unless one
+lies quite quiet they shoot at one. Their scouts, too, bang through
+the middle of the kitchens and camp "looking for the enemy," which is
+rather annoying for us, but it does not do to interfere.</p>
+
+<p>All the rifles are supposed to have been given up in the
+neighbourhood, so I was hurt in two senses&mdash;when I sat down on a very
+hard sofa in a farm close by and found that the cushion was stuffed
+with two Mausers and a lot of ammunition. The farmer professed
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page394" name="page394"></a>(p. 394)</span> to be as surprised as I was, but I don't see why he should
+have objected to my taking them away. He said they must have been left
+there accidentally by Potgieter or Pienaar. As you cannot throw a
+stone without hitting some one of those two names his statement was
+rather indefinite, besides being untruthful. It is awfully good of you
+sending me out all those woollen comforters and meat tabloids, but
+next time you are sending I wish you could send me enough stuff to put
+a new seat and knees to my breeches, as they are both deficient at
+present and even on active service they scarcely come under the head
+of "luxuries."&mdash;Your affectionate son, "<span class="smcap">Bertie</span>."</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>RATION SCALE.<br>
+<i>Get all you can but don't take less.</i></h3>
+
+<p>It is all right to claim as much as you think you can get and to get
+all you really can, but in case of argument it may be just as well to
+have this little list stuck inside your helmet. You may know some way
+of getting more than this&mdash;striking the A.S.C. when it is badly
+rushed, or very sleepy&mdash;but if you reach the issue depôt when it is
+too wide-awake for you, here is the list, just to make sure you'll not
+take less than regulations give you.</p>
+
+<p>One man, one day:&mdash;Biscuits, 1 lb.; fresh bread, 1-1/2 lb.; preserved
+meat, 1 lb.; fresh meat, 1-1/4 lb.; coffee, 2/3 oz., or tea 1/3 oz.,
+or 1/2 oz. of each; pepper, 1/36 oz.; salt, 1/2 oz.; sugar, 3 ozs.
+(including sugar for lime-juice); compressed vegetables, 1 oz.; fresh
+vegetables, 8 oz. (when available); rice, 2 oz. (in lieu of
+vegetables); cheese, 2 oz. (in lieu of 4 oz. of meat); jam, 1/4 lb.
+(three times a week); rum, 1/64 of gallon&mdash;when <span class="pagenum"><a id="page395" name="page395"></a>(p. 395)</span> ordered; lime
+juice, 1/320 of a gallon, if certified to be necessary by the medical
+officer; candles, 1 per officer; office authorised canteen.</p>
+
+<p>Meal or flour for natives 1 lb. a day, which may be increased to 1-1/4
+lb. when supplies are plentiful; natives receive the same ration as
+soldiers with the exception of vegetables. Meal or flour is usually
+substituted for bread.</p>
+
+<p>Indians enjoy a special scale of rations.</p>
+
+<p>Forage:&mdash;English horses: oats, 9 lbs.; oat-hay, 7 lbs.; bran, 3 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.</p>
+
+<p>Colonial horses: Mealies, 8 lbs.; oat-hay, 4 lbs.; bran, 2 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.</p>
+
+<p>Mules: Mealies, 5 lbs.; bran or chaff, 2 lbs.</p>
+
+<p>To officers.&mdash;If you countersign a claim for any more than this you
+had better be sure it is in the hands of a very "trustworthy" man, who
+can bluff it through, and get the A.S.C. men mixed up. If he doesn't
+know his way about they'll catch him up and send him back.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>HUNGRY BLOEMFONTEIN.<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY J. W. JENKINS.</span></h3>
+
+<p class="procla">[<i>A young Philadelphian who very cleverly united in his own
+     work and person the entire reportorial staff of the paper.</i>]</p>
+
+<p>This town is hungry. The shops are practically bare. Nothing worth
+speaking of comes to market. The matter has passed from the stage at
+which it might be regarded as a joke. Bloemfontein really hungers for
+necessary articles of diet, and it has one week in which to raise an
+extra appetite before the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page396" name="page396"></a>(p. 396)</span> first train of foodstuffs comes to
+its stores. The hopes of two trucks a day for Bloemfontein merchants,
+held out two weeks ago by the Imperial Military Railway Officials,
+have proved vain. The two trucks never came. The line has been taken
+up wholly by the transportation of troops and army supplies. Next
+Thursday, however, unless the present plan is changed, a train of 20
+trucks will leave Port Elizabeth with goods for merchants here. There
+will be one train a week thereafter. All day on Wednesday and Thursday
+the business men flocked to the Director of Supplies, who will assign
+to each his proportion of tonnage.</p>
+
+<p>For a week the best families of Bloemfontein have been without butter
+or sugar. The hospitals have commandeered nearly all the fresh milk.
+There is not a can of condensed milk to be bought in town, nor a can
+of jam, nor of cocoa, nor a pound of coffee. The last candles sold in
+town were sent in from a country store. They disappeared in a day. The
+town depends for its potatoes on the few which come into town every
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>The daily supply of fresh vegetables is so small as to be hardly worth
+mentioning.</p>
+
+<p>Toilet soaps and English laundry soap disappeared long ago. You cannot
+buy a razor or a shaving-brush or a tooth-brush.</p>
+
+<p>More than one druggist lacks material for putting up prescriptions:
+glycerine, cascara, bromide of potassium, boracic acid, carbolic
+disinfectants, ginger, zinc oxide, blue ointment, acetate of lead, and
+iodoform. Absence of some of these from the prescription shelves might
+result seriously.</p>
+
+<p>Eno's Salts and chlorodyne cannot be bought in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page397" name="page397"></a>(p. 397)</span> town.
+Beecham's Pills were "all out" four months ago.</p>
+
+<p>The flour mills have been closed for several days for want of water.
+They will resume, feeding their boilers with well water, but the end
+of the wheat supply is in sight. There is still mealie meal, but
+bakers declare that it won't make bread.</p>
+
+<p>Cigars that are worth smoking and whisky worth drinking haven't been
+seen for a week. Hospitals take all the soda-water that the factory
+can make.</p>
+
+<p>Shoemakers have not even veldschoens in ordinary sizes. They have had
+no leather for two weeks, so shoe repairing is out of the question.</p>
+
+<p>Winter is coming on, the mornings are already growing chilly, but
+clothiers have no hose and no heavy underwear of white man's quality.
+All hats suitable for army wear were sold long ago.</p>
+
+<p>Merchants declare that if they had not been promised two trucks a day
+by rail they would have brought supplies from Kimberley by ox-waggon.
+It would have taken six days, but would have been worth while.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page398" name="page398"></a>(p. 398)</span> CHAPTER XXVIII<br>
+<span class="title">Our "Friend" no Longer</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>We retire from the paper, leaving it in able and patriotic
+     hands.</i></p>
+
+<p>The unique and delightful episode had ended. On April 16th, just one
+month after we established this new departure in war, we turned <span class="smcap">The
+Friend</span> over to the proprietor of the <i>Johannesburg Star</i>, upon an
+arrangement quickly and generously made by Lord Stanley. Within a week
+I was ordered home by the surgeons who saw the state my battered body
+was in. Mr. Landon preceded me by a few days, invalided also. Mr.
+Buxton remained upon the paper under its new proprietors, who were old
+workmates with him, and Mr. Gwynne remained, and yet remains as a war
+correspondent (January, 1901), sturdily doing his always excellent
+work in the field. In that work I think he has few superiors among
+living English-speaking correspondents, and I know that many military
+and journalistic experts agree with me. The pity is that the nature of
+his work for Reuter's has kept his genius as a writer practically
+hidden from the public.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Shelley took up the photographer's side of the entertaining duel
+between the men of his calling and the actual and proper artists; Mr.
+Melton Prior indignantly lamented an indignity or an attempted theft
+of which he had been the victim. We reported a great football match
+between the officers of the Gordons and those of the First Contingent
+of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page399" name="page399"></a>(p. 399)</span> Royal Canadian Regiment; and, finally, we perpetrated
+the fourth hoax, in what we called "Our Portrait Gallery." The
+"portrait" was in each case from the same advertisement block which
+Mr. Gwynne and I had found on the floor of the <i>Express</i>
+composing-room, which he had thought nearly enough like Mr.
+Burdett-Coutts to bear production as a likeness, and which we
+presently resolved to publish every day as a picture of a different
+man each time.</p>
+
+<p>The notice of a concert in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund refers
+to a notable enterprise engineered by the universally distinguished
+Mr. Bennet Burleigh of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, aided by Mr. Maxwell,
+the very talented correspondent of the <i>Standard</i>, and others. They
+carried it out with such skill that the entertainment proved the
+greatest social event, if we may so term it, of the army's sojourn in
+the capital. Every one of note who was able to be there attended it,
+and the receipts at the doors and in the competition over the works of
+Messrs. Prior and Wollen, were very considerable.</p>
+
+<span class="floatleft box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<span class="floatright box">Price<br> One Penny</span>
+<p class="p2 center">THE FRIEND.<br>
+(<i>Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.</i>)</p>
+
+<hr class="p2 hr80">
+<p class="center">BLOEMFONTEIN, EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1900.</p>
+<hr class="hr80">
+
+<h3>"OUR FRIEND" NO LONGER<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY JULIAN RALPH</span></h3>
+
+<p>At some time all friends must part, and the time and parting have come
+to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, its friends <span class="pagenum"><a id="page400" name="page400"></a>(p. 400)</span> of the public and those war
+correspondents who have been conducting this journal just one month
+to-day.</p>
+
+<p>To-morrow this paper will be turned over from the charge of those who
+were only writers to the hands of men who are practised and able in
+the management of all departments of a daily journal.</p>
+
+<p>In bidding farewell to our trust, we can boast of nothing unless it be
+that we have entertained the troops and the town, and made no enemies
+of whom we know. The rest of what we have done has only been
+trying&mdash;though we have tried hard.</p>
+
+<p>We have said before in this column that it has been an unique
+experiment&mdash;to make one loyal newspaper out of two that were none too
+English, to make it with talent unused to the work, to make it, often,
+without news and to conduct it so as to produce something palatable to
+both the conquerors and the conquered.</p>
+
+<p>We take this occasion to thank the Field Marshal, Lord Roberts, for
+the trust he reposed in us, and to express the hope that we did not
+disappoint him.</p>
+
+<p>We also wish to thank those who have assisted us, both among our
+fellow correspondents and the talented men of the army. Poets we find
+the latter to be, for the most part. We hope all these will continue
+to give the helpful right hand to the enterprise under its new
+managers.</p>
+
+<p>And so we say "adieu" to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, and good luck to its new
+conductors.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page401" name="page401"></a>(p. 401)</span> OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY<br>
+No. 4.<br>
+<span class="smaller">LIEUT.-GENERAL POLE-CAREW, C.B.</span></h3>
+
+<div class="floatright">
+<img src="images/img016.jpg" width="100" height="148" alt="Sketch." title="">
+</div>
+
+<p>We feel that we owe an apology to our readers for presenting the
+portrait of one of our first fighting generals in civilian costume,
+but our artist left his colours at home and refused to paint at all
+unless with plain black. The artist in question is Captain Cecil
+Lowther, of the Scots Guards, and this is his first effort in art. For
+General Pole-Carew, the subject of this masterpiece, what is there to
+say except that his promotion has gratified the entire army and evoked
+the heartiest congratulations from <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>?</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10 nofloat">
+
+<h3>THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY<br>
+<span class="smaller">BY H. C. SHELLEY.</span></h3>
+
+<p><i>Editors</i>, <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;Can you inform me whether there has
+been a sudden exodus from Bloemfontein of war correspondents armed
+with cameras? There ought to have been, and yet I have inquired in
+vain whether such an event has taken place. For, look you, the
+judgment has gone forth from the pen of Mr. Wollen that the "war
+artist"&mdash;meaning the man with a pencil as opposed to the men with a
+camera&mdash;"will come out on top." Truly, this is most disheartening. No
+one likes to be thrust to a bottom position, and if that is to be
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page402" name="page402"></a>(p. 402)</span> the fate of the man with a camera, why should he any longer
+endure the hardships of campaigning and the sorrows of separation from
+the comforts and companionships of home?</p>
+
+<p>But the war correspondent with a camera has not gone home. He has no
+intention of doing so. He is unrepentant enough to believe that he,
+and not the man with a pencil, is going to "come out on top."</p>
+
+<p>Let us have the point at issue clearly defined. War correspondents are
+with the army to report the war&mdash;some by word pictures, others by
+camera or pencil pictures. Sight-seeing is a passion with humanity.
+Every inhabitant of the British Isles would like to have a personal
+vision of the conflict in South Africa, but&mdash;save for two or three
+irresponsible persons whose presence at the front no one can
+understand&mdash;those inhabitants are compelled to rely upon the eyes of
+others. Now, leaving aside the correspondents who devote themselves to
+word pictures solely, the question to be decided is&mdash;does the man with
+the camera surpass the man with the pencil in depicting the actuality
+of warfare?</p>
+
+<p>An astounding claim is made on behalf of the man with the pencil. He
+can, we are told by Mr. Wollen, show the public "an accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like." And he does it by "a few
+lines to indicate the background and characteristics of it." The same
+authority assures us that "the brain of the camera cannot take in all
+that is going on. The man with the pencil does so." Such is the case
+for the man with the pencil. Now for the test of cross-examination.</p>
+
+<p>Modder River and Maghersfontein may be cited as two representative
+battles of the war, and so may <span class="pagenum"><a id="page403" name="page403"></a>(p. 403)</span> be honestly used as
+touchstones to try the claim Mr. Wollen makes on behalf of the man
+with a pencil. In each case there was a battle-line of some five or
+six miles, in each case the enemy was invisible, in each case it was
+physically impossible for any one man to see more than a small portion
+of the battle. A spectator on the right flank at Modder River could
+have no personal knowledge of incidents which were happening in the
+centre of the bridge, or down the river on the left flank. Even of his
+own particular section on the right flank that spectator could not
+attain to a perfect knowledge. But the man with a pencil is
+untrammelled by such minor matters as time and space; he "takes in all
+that is going on." Or, if he does not take it all in, he puts it in
+his sketch. The result is no more "an accurate bird's-eye view of what
+a battle is like" than a photograph of Oom Paul is like a photograph
+of Mr. Chamberlain. In short, the facility with which the pencil-man
+can jot down what he did not see is his ruin.</p>
+
+<p>It will be obvious that the man with the pencil, not being ubiquitous,
+<i>cannot</i> "take in" all that happens on a battlefield; he sees just as
+much as, and no more than, the man with the camera; for the
+rest&mdash;which forms so large a proportion of his sketch&mdash;he has to rely
+upon the testimony of others. Now, when the public have in their hands
+a result attained by this method, what is its value as an "accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like?" Absolutely <i>nil</i>. People at
+home want to see a battle as they would have seen it if they had been
+present, and no sane man will contest the assertion that the best
+medium for giving them that vision is the camera rather than <span class="pagenum"><a id="page404" name="page404"></a>(p. 404)</span>
+the pencil. Try as he may after the actual, the man with the pencil
+thrusts his personality between the event he sees and the people at
+home for whom he wishes to reproduce it, and consequently his sketch
+becomes a miserable failure when considered as an "accurate bird's-eye
+view of what a battle is like."</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, what does the man with the camera do? He and his
+lens see at least so much of a given battle as any man with a pencil,
+and what they see they see with unfailing accuracy. Take that battery
+in action which Mr. Wollen choses to cite as a subject wherein the
+powerlessness of the camera is supposed to be illustrated. The camera
+man does not fear the test. He can show the guns coming into action,
+record their unlimbering, depict the preparation for firing, and time
+a photograph at the actual moment of firing. It is true that his
+picture will not show quite such a volume of smoke as the sketch of
+the man with the pencil. But why? <i>Because the smoke is not there.</i>
+The man with the pencil puts it in because other men with pencils have
+been putting it in for generations. Perhaps, too, the public would not
+mistake the sketch for a battle-scene if the smoke were absent.
+Anyhow, what becomes of the boast of <i>accuracy</i>? Moreover, the man
+with a camera will not present his public with a twelve-pounder firing
+from the carriage of a howitzer.</p>
+
+<p>There is something more to be said for the man with a camera.
+Now-a-days he is in the habit of screwing a telephoto lens to the
+front of the camera, and with that lens he can immensely outdistance
+the vision of even that all-seeing man with the pencil. Objects a
+couple of miles off are brought near, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page405" name="page405"></a>(p. 405)</span> groups of men can
+be photographed at such distances as prevent them assuming any posing
+attitudes. In this way actuality takes on the added charm of natural
+grouping, and I shall be greatly surprised if some of the telephoto
+pictures of this war do not take rank as the most artistic as well as
+realistic records of its incidents.</p>
+
+<p>After all, the man with a camera may safely leave his case in the
+hands of others. Take a negative and a positive witness on the
+question in the abstract. Mr. Julian Ralph writes that "the pictures
+of our battles which are coming back to us in the London weeklies are
+not at all like the real things," and then he adds: "I saw the other
+day a picture in one of the leading papers by one of the best
+illustrators. It showed the British storming a Boer position. In the
+middle ground was a Boer battery, and the only gunner left alive was
+standing up with a bandage round his head, while smoke and flame and
+flying fragments of shells filled the air in his vicinity. In the rush
+of the instant he must have been bandaged by the same shot that struck
+him, and as for smoke and <i>débris</i> in the air, there was more of this
+in a corner of that picture than I have seen in all the four battles
+we have fought."</p>
+
+<p>Now for the positive witness. He is no less a person than the art
+critic of the <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i>, who can no more be charged with a
+predilection for photography than Messrs. Steyn and Kruger can be
+saddled with a predilection for truthfulness. This critic dwells, as
+Mr. Scott did in the letter which opened this discussion, upon the old
+and new methods of war illustration, and then candidly adds: "I would
+like to say that the artists score <span class="pagenum"><a id="page406" name="page406"></a>(p. 406)</span> off the photographer,
+<i>but they do not</i>. The public wants the facts as near as may be, and
+are too deeply stirred to be put off with melodrama."</p>
+
+<p>One other witness may be called to give Mr. Wollen an idea of how the
+work of the man with the pencil is faring at home. Here is a recent
+private letter from England, which makes merry in the following
+fashion over those sketches which are so inclusive and accurate:
+"There is a picture of two gunners standing to attention after having
+exhausted their ammunition. The man nearest the gun is looking
+straight in front of him, with a bandage round his head, a
+bullet-wound in his face (close to the left ear), two in the right
+side of his chest, and one in his right leg, some distance above the
+knee. Within a yard of him is a bursting shell. But that man ignores
+such trivial things. Still he stands. I suppose the weight of so much
+lead in him keeps him up. One wonders whether he is hollow inside, so
+that the bullets all drop down into his feet."</p>
+
+<p>No wonder, worthy editorial sirs, you have not witnessed an exodus of
+men with cameras from Bloemfontein; they are staying to "come out on
+top." Sincerely yours,</p>
+
+<p class="signatsc">H. C. Shelley.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3>CORRESPONDENCE.<br>
+"<span class="smcap">Who Stole the Cart?</span>"</h3>
+
+<p><i>To the Editors of</i> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,&mdash;<span class="smcap">Sirs</span>,&mdash;Practical jokes are out of
+date, and the perpetrators have universally come to be regarded as a
+mixture of fools and knaves. It is intolerable to attempt a practical
+joke upon a friend, but to play one upon a stranger is downright
+rascality. To accept an excuse for such a thing is to admit the pleas
+of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page407" name="page407"></a>(p. 407)</span> man who took a piece of old rope that he did not mean
+to take the horse that was at the other end; or that of other fellows
+who sneak property, pick pockets, or forge cheques, that these acts
+were all done in fun.</p>
+
+<p>I have been much interested in reading in <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> about horses,
+saddles, bridles, and even riems being stolen in this campaign, but I
+think I can add to the list with a more startling experience of my
+own. I bought a waggon from a well-known man in this town and had it
+sent to a coach repairer to be overhauled. It was a conspicuous
+vehicle, as much so as a Soudan pantechnicon van, with white wall
+sides, upon which were painted, in letters that could be read half a
+mile away, the owner's name, business, and address. This waggon was
+impudently taken in the night-time, dragged to stables some distance
+away, and there left. From the police I have learned that paint had
+actually been purchased, and it was evidently the intention of the
+thieves to transform my waggon, by painting out the name and address,
+and so daub it with khaki or some other colour that it should become
+unrecognisable. By a fortuitous accident the waggon was discovered in
+the nick of time.</p>
+
+<p>The law here is such that an aggrieved party must become a prosecutor,
+which is an undertaking a transient visitor naturally shirks.</p>
+
+<p>I think it my duty to call attention to the circumstances and the
+inadequacy of the existing means for the prevention of wrong-doing and
+the punishment of the wrong-doers.&mdash;I am, sirs, yours truly,</p>
+
+<p class="signat"><span class="smcap">Melton Prior</span>,<br>
+  War Artist, <i>Illustrated London News</i>.</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<h3><span class="pagenum"><a id="page408" name="page408"></a>(p. 408)</span> WEDNESDAY EVENING CONCERT.</h3>
+
+<p>Thanks to the kindness of the Military Governor, Major-General
+Pretyman, the concert in aid of the "Widows' and Orphans' Funds,"
+London and Bloemfontein, will be held next Wednesday evening, instead
+of during the afternoon. Major-General Pretyman has conceded that upon
+the date in question, Wednesday, 18th inst., the pass regulation will
+not come into force until midnight. That means that citizens may move
+about after 8 p.m., or until twelve o'clock, without requiring any
+special pass or being called upon to produce a permit.</p>
+
+<p>The committee of war correspondents declare that the entertainment
+will require no booming. It is to be a red-letter day in the calendar
+of concerts given for charitable purposes in Bloemfontein, both in
+respect to talent upon the platform and to the celebrities who will
+crowd the Town Hall that evening.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst those who will appear will be Miss Fraser, the Free State
+nightingale, who will sing original verses written by Mr. Rudyard
+Kipling for the occasion; Miss Leviseur, Miss Jessie Fraser,
+Lieut.-Colonel Townshend, C.B., Surgeon-Major Beevor, Scots Guards,
+Lieut. James Forrest, Captain Nugent, the celebrated vocalist; Captain
+Wright, R.N. (The Skipper); the Lightning Cartoonists, <i>alias</i> The
+Gemini; Mr. Preshaw, Major Jones, R.E., besides, in the language of
+the <i>entrepreneurs</i>, "a coruscation and galaxy of stars of the first
+magnitude too numerous to mention in the brief space afforded." It is
+hoped that the military band will be present, but, at any rate, that
+the concert will <span class="pagenum"><a id="page409" name="page409"></a>(p. 409)</span> be high-class without being dull is
+guaranteed from the fact that Messrs. Ivan Haarburgher and King are in
+charge of the musical arrangements.</p>
+
+<p>Tickets may be had and seats booked at Messrs. Borckenhagen and Co.
+Prices: 5s., reserved seats; gallery, 2s. 6d.; soldiers in uniform to
+gallery, 1s.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page410" name="page410"></a>(p. 410)</span> CHAPTER XXIX<br>
+<span class="title">Adieu to "The Friend"</span></h2>
+
+<p class="resume"><i>We made a money profit as well as a good newspaper&mdash;but the
+     entire experience thus quickly passed into history.</i></p>
+
+<p>Thus ends the history of this new departure in war and in journalism.
+Of it Mr. Kipling wrote afterwards, "Never again will there be such a
+paper! Never again such a staff! Never such fine larks." It has been
+impossible, after all my good intentions, to tell of scores of the
+peculiarities of the paper, and its editors' experiences. Sometimes
+copies of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> did not look twice alike for days at a time, as
+we strove to make it more and more workmanlike, and more and more
+original and attractive.</p>
+
+<p>We began, as I have said, with advertisement "ear-tabs" on either side
+of the heading. Then we put the Royal coat-of-arms in their places.
+Next we put the arms in the middle of the title space and published
+mottoes and notices in new "ear-tabs." At first we put double leads
+only between the lines of the leading article each day, but presently
+we dignified the cable news and Mr. Kipling's contributions in that
+way. We once put some editorial notices in rhyme, and set <span class="pagenum"><a id="page411" name="page411"></a>(p. 411)</span>
+them up in black job type&mdash;when we changed the price of the paper to
+one penny for everybody.</p>
+
+<p>We knew that our money returns were in confusion, but because we had
+taken over a business manager from one of the two commandeered
+newspapers, whom we could hardly expect to be in sympathy with us, and
+because we had established two prices for the paper and were being
+victimised by some of our customers, we could not see how the finance
+of our venture was likely to come out.</p>
+
+<p>A practised man of affairs, from the City Imperial Volunteer Mounted
+Force, Mr. Siegfried Blumfeld, most kindly took the trouble to look
+into our accounts, and we learned from his report that we were making
+money, but not nearly enough to satisfy our pride and hopes. However,
+as events proved, we gained a splendid profit, and were able to make
+Tommy Atkins's newspaper pay a handsome sum toward "Tommy's" relief.
+All that any of us have even thus far learned of the profits is to be
+found in the following formal letter I received from Lord Stanley:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">ARMY HEADQUARTERS, PRETORIA,</p>
+<p class="date"><i>3rd October, 1900</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;I have been asked by Major-General Pretyman, C.B., to
+     forward you a copy of a letter which he has received bearing
+     reference to the use made of the profits of <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>
+     newspaper.</p>
+
+<p>General Pretyman adds that there will be a further cheque,
+     which he proposes to send to some other charity, but which
+     he does not specify to me.</p>
+
+<p>Yours sincerely,</p>
+  <p class="signatsc">Stanley.</p>
+
+<p>Julian Ralph, Esq.,</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page412" name="page412"></a>(p. 412)</span> (<i>Enclosure.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Stellenberg, Kenilworth, Cape Colony</span>,<br>
+20/8/00.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,&mdash;As Honorary Treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families
+Association, I enclose a formal acknowledgment of the cheques for £136
+17s. 3d. so kindly sent to our Association by the War Correspondents.
+Should you have an opportunity of doing so, I should be very glad if
+you would convey to Lord Stanley and the other gentlemen our great
+appreciation of this kind and thoughtful gift.</p>
+
+<p>Yours very truly,</p>
+<p class="signat">(<i>Signed</i>) <span class="add2em smcap">W. L. Sclater.</span></p>
+
+<p>Had we been able to "inspan" a proof-reader with a Lee-Metford rifle
+and a determination to use it to enforce his "corrections," we should
+not have announced the Queen's reception in Dublin as a great tribute
+by London, neither should we have made Mr. Kipling speak of a
+"shixlvl" when he wrote a "shovelful." Four of us had to fill a great
+chasm nine columns long and wide every day, and to do proof-reading as
+well. We produced the nine columns incidentally as a thing done with
+our left hands, the while that our minds and souls and master-hands
+were devoted to correcting proofs. Bravely as we battled with them,
+they kept coming like a swift tide, until, in a reckless way of
+putting it, they were heaped on our table as high as the top button on
+each of our coats. When it came to time to go to press we regularly
+and daily observed that we had not only overlooked errors enough to
+wreck our reputations, but that the compositors had failed to correct
+many of those which we had marked. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page413" name="page413"></a>(p. 413)</span> Gravely, in a body, we
+used to march to the printing-office and threaten to send the
+guiltiest culprits as prisoners to Simonstown, charged with being
+hostile to the blessings of enlightened government. Then we would go
+to lunch and the paper would come out&mdash;so full of mistakes that there
+was clearly nothing to do but to allow the humour of the situation to
+have its way, and to laugh until we almost cried at the extravagance
+of the offences we were committing against journalism and "the art
+preservative of arts."</p>
+
+<p>Despite its whimsicalities, <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> was a dignified newspaper, and
+very nearly a complete one. The largest daily circulation of any
+Bloemfontein newspaper had been 400 copies, but we regularly sold from
+5,000 to 5,500 copies. We published Reuter's telegrams from all over
+the world (semi-occasionally when military messages did not block the
+wires), and the <i>Capetown Argus's</i> tidings of what went on in South
+Africa.</p>
+
+<p>As I have written elsewhere, "its unique origin and purpose, and its
+eccentricities, combined to make it the basis of a collecting mania."
+Copies with a mistake in a date line, corrected after one hundred
+papers had been struck off, brought five shillings on the date of
+issue, and ten shillings two days later, and the price had risen to a
+guinea by the time the newspaper was turned over to the managers of
+the <i>Johannesburg Star</i> and <i>Capetown Argus</i>. This took place when it
+was apparent to all of us that two or three of us were not in the
+physical trim to serve <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> and our distant employers without
+causing one or the other to suffer great neglect.</p>
+
+<p>The competition for complete sets of the newspaper <span class="pagenum"><a id="page414" name="page414"></a>(p. 414)</span> ran the
+price up to £10, and this strife ran neck and neck with the rivalry to
+obtain sets of Free State postage stamps made British by the letters
+V.R.I. on an overline of printing. One of these stamps was quoted at
+£10 while the army lingered in Bloemfontein, but I have my own reason
+for thinking that <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> will receive a higher valuation than any
+"pink sixpenny stamp" or any set of stamps, for it fell to the lot of
+that journal to emphasise the present power and usefulness of the
+press as no other journal has ever done.</p>
+
+<p>A single copy of this newspaper is reported to have fetched £25 at a
+London charity bazaar.</p>
+
+<p class="p2">Since the return to England of three of the editors we have decided to
+perpetuate the little organisation in a fraternal "Order of
+Friendlies," and Rudyard Kipling has designed a badge which Messrs.
+Tiffany &amp; Co., jewellers, of Regent Street, have most ably and
+artistically executed in gold and enamel. Facsimiles of it adorn the
+cover of this book. It is of the size of a two-guinea coin. On its
+obverse side are the colours of the old Free State and Transvaal, upon
+which is imposed the red cross of Saint George. In the ends of the
+cross are the initials of the four editors in Greek capitals. Lord
+Roberts's badge has his initials in the centre of the cross in green
+under a golden coronet, and where the ring is, on top of our badges,
+his has a green enamel shamrock leaf. On the reverse side are four
+pens crossed and surrounded by a motto, "Inter Prælia Prelum," "In the
+Midst of War the Printing Press," here couched in monkish Latin. Lord
+Roberts's badge has a drawn <span class="pagenum"><a id="page415" name="page415"></a>(p. 415)</span> sword of gold on top of the
+crossed pens. Only seven men in all the world belong to this order:
+Lord Roberts, Lord Stanley, Messrs. Gwynne, Kipling, Landon, Buxton,
+and myself. All others are eligible, however, who have dedicated
+themselves to "telling the truth at all costs and all hazards," so
+that the mind fails to grasp the future possibilities of its
+membership.</p>
+
+<p class="p2 center">THE END.</p>
+
+<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page417" name="page417"></a>(p. 417)</span> INDEX</h2>
+
+<div class="index">
+<p>Barnes, James&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Anecdotes by,</span>
+<a href="#page223">223</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Edits the thirteenth No. of</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page221">221</a><br>
+
+    Battersby, Prevost, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page132">132</a><br>
+
+    Bloemfontein&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Concert in,</span>
+<a href="#page227">227</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Cronje warned that we should march to,</span>
+<a href="#page2">2</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Evening Concert in Aid of the Widow' and Orphans' Fund,</span>
+<a href="#page408">408</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Fooled by the Boers in,</span>
+<a href="#page283">283</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Free State Hospital" and Staff,</span>
+<a href="#page207">207</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Settles down under Lord Roberts' Rule,</span>
+<a href="#page115">115</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">State of the Army on arrival at,</span>
+<a href="#page1">1</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Boer women in,</span>
+<a href="#page350">350</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">The Club at,</span>
+<a href="#page48">48</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">War Trophy Mania in,</span>
+<a href="#page318">318</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Women of, The,</span>
+<a href="#page353">353</a><br>
+
+    Burleigh, Bennet, Experience of,
+<a href="#page35">35</a><br>
+
+    Buxton, F. W., Facts about,
+<a href="#page10">10</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Canadians on Majuba Day, Description of,
+<a href="#page22">22</a><br>
+
+    Christian, Pt. Ewan, Story of a Colonial Hero,
+<a href="#page39">39</a><br>
+
+    Colvile, Gen. Sir Henry, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page131">131</a><br>
+
+    Conan Doyle, Dr. A.&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Arrival of in Bloemfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page305">305</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Contributor to</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page312">312</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Enteric and its Ravages in Bloemfontein,
+<a href="#page275">275</a><br>
+
+    Eyre, Fred, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page292">292</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Faulkner, Chaplain T. E., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page295">295</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Gatacre and Clements join hands, Account of how,
+<a href="#page76">76</a><br>
+
+    Guards, The, Splendid characteristics of,
+<a href="#page249">249</a><br>
+
+    Guthrie, M.P., Mr. Murray, And the soldiers' comforts,
+<a href="#page346">346</a><br>
+
+    Gwynne, Mr. H. A., Facts about,
+<a href="#page9">9</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Hospitals and supplies from civilians,
+<a href="#page260">260</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">I (Julian Ralph)&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Get ill and dispirited,</span>
+<a href="#page362">362</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Replenish the Mess,</span>
+<a href="#page184">184</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Visit Miss Bloemfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page160">160</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">James, Mr. Lionel, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page132">132</a>,
+<a href="#page301">301</a><br>
+
+    Jenkins, J. W., Reporter to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page395">395</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Kellner, Dr., Tribute to,
+<a href="#page362">362</a><br>
+
+    Kipling, Rudyard&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And myself lunch with Lord Roberts,</span>
+<a href="#page113">113</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">And the Tommies in hospital,</span>
+<a href="#page259">259</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">And Tommy's poetry,</span>
+<a href="#page83">83</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">As Associate Editor,</span>
+<a href="#page99">99</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">At work for</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page133">133</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Birthday Greeting by,</span>
+<a href="#page226">226</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Departure of from Bloemfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page258">258</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Editorial on,</span>
+<a href="#page86">86</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Enthusiasm of,</span>
+<a href="#page132">132</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Fables for the Staff"</span> by,
+<a href="#page134">134</a>,
+<a href="#page167">167</a>,
+<a href="#page211">211</a>,
+<a href="#page225">225</a>,
+<a href="#page242">242</a>,
+<a href="#page250">250</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"General Joubert" by,</span>
+<a href="#page241">241</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">I toast,</span>
+<a href="#page205">205</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Kopje-Book Maxims" by,</span>
+<a href="#page168">168</a>,
+<a href="#page251">251</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Pen portrait of,</span>
+<a href="#page113">113</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"St. Patrick's Day" by,</span>
+<a href="#page31">31</a>,
+<a href="#page116">116</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Sends his first contribution to</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page28">28</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Song of the White Men, A," by,</span>
+<a href="#page262">262</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Landon, Perceval, Facts about,
+<a href="#page9">9</a><br>
+
+    Langman Hospital, The, Facts about,
+<a href="#page306">306</a><br>
+
+    Love Letter, to Miss Bloemfontein,
+<a href="#page32">32</a><br>
+
+    Lowther, Capt. Cecil, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page392">392</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Menpes, Mortimer, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page381">381</a><br>
+
+    Milner, Sir Alfred, Speech by, at our Dinner,
+<a href="#page204">204</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Newman, R.N., Lieut. E. J. K., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page141">141</a><br>
+
+    Nicholson, K.C.B., Sir William, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page131">131</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Order of the Friendlies, The, Seven members of,
+<a href="#page414">414</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Paterson, A. B., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page92">92</a>,
+<a href="#page309">309</a>,
+<a href="#page376">376</a><br>
+
+    Poems&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Advice to an Officer on going to the War,"</span>
+<a href="#page180">180</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page324">324</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Barrack-Room Ballads,"</span>
+<a href="#page342">342</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Birthday Greeting, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page226">226</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Commandeering,"</span>
+<a href="#page134">134</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Driving the Ox,"</span>
+<a href="#page210">210</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Empire's Defenders, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page244">244</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Fed up,"</span>
+<a href="#page92">92</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"For Freedom's Cause,"</span>
+<a href="#page267">267</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"General Joubert,"</span>
+<a href="#page241">241</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Grumbles from the Ranks,"</span>
+<a href="#page246">246</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Moderate Drinker's Lament, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page315">315</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"My Comrades' Conversation,"</span>
+<a href="#page389">389</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Old Friends,"</span>
+<a href="#page347">347</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"'Orse or Fut?"</span>
+<a href="#page328">328</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Poor Old Cronje,"</span>
+<a href="#page271">271</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Prices in Bloemfontein,"</span>
+<a href="#page252">252</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Quartermaster's Yarn, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page141">141</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"St. Patrick's Day,"</span>
+<a href="#page31">31</a>,
+<a href="#page116">116</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Silent Army, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page245">245</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Smart,"</span>
+<a href="#page368">368</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Socialism in Verse,"</span>
+<a href="#page366">366</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Soldiers of the Queen,"</span>
+<a href="#page292">292</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Song of the White Men, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page262">262</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Sons of Britain,"</span>
+<a href="#page254">254</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"That V.C.,"</span>
+<a href="#page309">309</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The N.C.O.,"</span>
+<a href="#page233">233</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Weary Trek,"</span>
+<a href="#page110">110</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"To the Soldiers' Poet,"</span>
+<a href="#page59">59</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"United we Stand,"</span>
+<a href="#page215">215</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Voices from over the Sea,"</span>
+<a href="#page299">299</a><br>
+
+    Pole-Carew, General&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Headquarters of,</span>
+<a href="#page248">248</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">In War,</span>
+<a href="#page248">248</a><br>
+
+    Press Censors, Examples of,
+<a href="#page4">4</a><br>
+
+    Prince Francis of Teck, H.H.&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And the Artist,</span>
+<a href="#page101">101</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Duties of, The,</span>
+<a href="#page100">100</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Our guest at dinner,</span>
+<a href="#page319">319</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Ralph, Lester, Ill with enteric,
+<a href="#page207">207</a><br>
+
+    Roberts, V.C., Field-Marshal Lord&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">And</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page84">84</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Communication to Kruger from,</span>
+<a href="#page387">387</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Dines with the Staff of</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page202">202</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">I am introduced to,</span>
+<a href="#page114">114</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Speech of, at our Dinner,</span>
+<a href="#page205">205</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Telegram of sympathy on General Joubert's Death from,</span>
+<a href="#page240">240</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Scott, H. Owen, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page357">357</a><br>
+
+    Shelley, H. C., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page401">401</a><br>
+
+    Simes, Tr. George, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page215">215</a>,
+<a href="#page267">267</a>,
+<a href="#page299">299</a><br>
+
+    Smith-Dorrien, Maj.-Gen., Letter from,
+<a href="#page37">37</a><br>
+
+    Stanley, Lord&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Contributor to</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page269">269</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Daily visits of, to</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> Office,
+<a href="#page164">164</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Office of, at Bloemfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page5">5</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Tribute to, as Press Censor,</span>
+<a href="#page3">3</a><br>
+
+    <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>, and its Contents&mdash;<br>
+     <span class="add1em">"Absent-bodied Burgher, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page376">376</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Advertisement in,</span>
+<a href="#page14">14</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Advice to an Officer on going to the War,"</span>
+<a href="#page180">180</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">All Ranks contribute to,</span>
+<a href="#page131">131</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Anecdotes,"</span>
+<a href="#page8">8</a>,
+<a href="#page66">66</a>,
+<a href="#page380">380</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Another Letter Home,"</span>
+<a href="#page392">392</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Army Orders,"</span>
+<a href="#page15">15</a>,
+<a href="#page49">49</a>,
+<a href="#page50">50</a>,
+<a href="#page108">108</a>,
+<a href="#page295">295</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"As to the Future,"</span>
+<a href="#page222">222</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Australian Correspondent, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page67">67</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, The"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page324">324</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Barrack-room Ballads"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page342">342</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Birthday Greeting, A"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page226">226</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Boer Plans and Views,"</span>
+<a href="#page333">333</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Brave Canadian, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page242">242</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Brave young Highlanders,"</span>
+<a href="#page349">349</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"British Leniency,"</span>
+<a href="#page290">290</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Canadians on Majuba Day,"</span>
+<a href="#page22">22</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Caught by the Boers,"</span>
+<a href="#page278">278</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Christening Competition in,</span>
+<a href="#page274">274</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Circulation of,</span>
+<a href="#page413">413</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil,"</span>
+<a href="#page322">322</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Colonial Hero, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page39">39</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Commandeering"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page134">134</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Concerning Acrostics,</span>
+<a href="#page188">188</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Confession of a Horse-stealer,"</span>
+<a href="#page46">46</a>,
+<a href="#page53">53</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Corne Drift,"</span>
+<a href="#page339">339</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Correspondence,</span>
+<a href="#page37">37</a>,
+<a href="#page90">90</a>,
+<a href="#page111">111</a>,
+<a href="#page188">188</a>,
+<a href="#page406">406</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Death of General Joubert,"</span>
+<a href="#page241">241</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Don't" (Advice to Looters),</span>
+<a href="#page197">197</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Dots or no Dots" (Stamps),</span>
+<a href="#page381">381</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Driving the Ox" (Poem),</span>
+<a href="#page210">210</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Editorial Announcements in,</span>
+<a href="#page17">17</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Empire's Defenders, The"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page244">244</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Enteric Fever,"</span>
+<a href="#page281">281</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Fables for the Staff,"</span>
+<a href="#page134">134</a>,
+<a href="#page167">167</a>,
+<a href="#page211">211</a>,
+<a href="#page225">225</a>,
+<a href="#page242">242</a>,
+<a href="#page250">250</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Facts and Otherwise,"</span>
+<a href="#page22">22</a>,
+<a href="#page120">120</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Fed up"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page92">92</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"First Impression, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page312">312</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">First Issue of,</span>
+<a href="#page14">14</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"For Freedom's Cause"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page267">267</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">From Enslin to Bobsfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page153">153</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Gatacre and Clements join Hands,</span>
+<a href="#page76">76</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"General Joubert" (Poem),</span>
+<a href="#page241">241</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Gleanings from Great Minds,"</span>
+<a href="#page391">391</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Grumbles from the Ranks"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page246">246</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"G. W. Steevens,"</span>
+<a href="#page155">155</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"How the Calf was Avenged,"</span>
+<a href="#page325">325</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Humorous Side of the Campaign Recorded,"</span>
+<a href="#page20">20</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Hungry Bloemfontein,"</span>
+<a href="#page395">395</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Is the Art of War Revolutionised?"&mdash;</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Artillery,</span>
+<a href="#page172">172</a><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Cavalry,</span>
+<a href="#page234">234</a><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Infantry,</span>
+<a href="#page148">148</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Its Infancy,</span>
+<a href="#page12">12</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Jokes to Burn,"</span>
+<a href="#page294">294</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Karree Siding,"</span>
+<a href="#page195">195</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Kopje-Book Maxims,"</span>
+<a href="#page168">168</a>,
+<a href="#page251">251</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Lesson Learned, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page269">269</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Love Letter to Miss Bloemfontein,"</span>
+<a href="#page29">29</a>,
+<a href="#page32">32</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Military Law,"</span>
+<a href="#page118">118</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Military Letter Writer, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page212">212</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Miss Bloemfontein's Answer,"</span>
+<a href="#page70">70</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Miss Uitlander replies to Miss Bloemfontein,"</span>
+<a href="#page169">169</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Moderate Drinker's Lament, The"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page315">315</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Money Profit on, handed over,</span>
+<a href="#page412">412</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"My Comrades' Conversation"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page389">389</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Names sent in for the New Colony,</span>
+<a href="#page330">330</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"New Machine Gun, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page179">179</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Offices of,</span>
+<a href="#page12">12</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Official Dinner at Government House,</span>
+<a href="#page129">129</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Old Friends"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page347">347</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Orange Peel,"</span>
+<a href="#page255">255</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"'Orse or Fut?"</span> (Poem)
+<a href="#page328">328</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Our Friend"</span> no longer,
+<a href="#page399">399</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Our Portrait Gallery,"</span>
+<a href="#page370">370</a>,
+<a href="#page375">375</a>,
+<a href="#page392">392</a>,
+<a href="#page401">401</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Our Reply to Miss Bloemfontein,"</span>
+<a href="#page74">74</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Parodies,</span>
+<a href="#page65">65</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Peculiarities of,</span>
+<a href="#page410">410</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Pont filled with Bullion,"</span>
+<a href="#page218">218</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Poor Old Cronje" (Poem),</span>
+<a href="#page271">271</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Price of,</span> The,
+<a href="#page85">85</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Prices in Bloemfontein"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page252">252</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Printing Machines used for,</span>
+<a href="#page44">44</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Proclamations"</span> in,
+<a href="#page25">25</a>,
+<a href="#page45">45</a>,
+<a href="#page62">62</a>,
+<a href="#page107">107</a>,
+<a href="#page208">208</a>,
+<a href="#page272">272</a>,
+<a href="#page276">276</a>,
+<a href="#page291">291</a>,
+<a href="#page374">374</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Queen's English and Dutch Compositors,</span>
+<a href="#page83">83</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Ration Scale,"</span>
+<a href="#page394">394</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Realistic Comedy, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page227">227</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Recent Engagements,"</span>
+<a href="#page301">301</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Recent Experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh,"</span>
+<a href="#page35">35</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Rights of Purchased for £200,</span>
+<a href="#page8">8</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Rudyard Kipling"</span> (Welcome and Farewell to),
+<a href="#page86">86</a>,
+<a href="#page263">263</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"St. Patrick's Day"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page31">31</a>,
+<a href="#page116">116</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Second Issue of,</span>
+<a href="#page28">28</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Second Relief of Kimberley,"</span>
+<a href="#page142">142</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Serious Matter, A,"</span>
+<a href="#page60">60</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Should Beards be worn in War?"</span>
+<a href="#page157">157</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Silent Army, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page104">104</a>,
+<a href="#page245">245</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Sir Alfred Milner,"</span>
+<a href="#page209">209</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Sir William Lockhart,"</span>
+<a href="#page136">136</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Smart" (Poem),</span>
+<a href="#page368">368</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Socialism in Verse"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page366">366</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Society's Doings,"</span>
+<a href="#page364">364</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Soldiers' Battles and Generals' Campaigns,"</span>
+<a href="#page125">125</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Soldiers of the Queen"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page292">292</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Song of the White Men, A"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page262">262</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Sons of Britain"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page254">254</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Strange Editorial Adventure,</span>
+<a href="#page42">42</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Sulk or Duty,"</span>
+<a href="#page18">18</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Ten-a-Penny's,"</span>
+<a href="#page216">216</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"That V.C."</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page309">309</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Bravest Deed,"</span>
+<a href="#page256">256</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Down-trodden (?) Negro,"</span>
+<a href="#page63">63</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Great Ride,"</span>
+<a href="#page94">94</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The late Colonel the Hon. G. Gough,"</span>
+<a href="#page265">265</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The N.C.O."</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page233">233</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Quartermaster's Yarn,"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page141">141</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Russians Capture London!"</span>
+<a href="#page277">277</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Soberest Army in the World,"</span>
+<a href="#page88">88</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Steynless City"</span> (Loot News),
+<a href="#page31">31</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"The Weary Trek"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page110">110</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"They Want More of Tommy,"</span>
+<a href="#page343">343</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"To the People of the Free State,"</span>
+<a href="#page311">311</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"To the Soldiers' Poet"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page59">59</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Tommy in a Lady's Eyes,"</span>
+<a href="#page182">182</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Towards War,"</span>
+<a href="#page189">189</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"United we Stand"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page215">215</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"Voices from over the Sea"</span> (Poem),
+<a href="#page299">299</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">We begin to feel at Home,</span>
+<a href="#page41">41</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">We Retire from,</span>
+<a href="#page398">398</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Working Staff of,</span>
+<a href="#page12">12</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">"War Artist of To-day, The,"</span>
+<a href="#page357">357</a>,
+<a href="#page379">379</a>,
+<a href="#page401">401</a><br>
+
+    <span class="add1em">Thyme, Mark,</span> Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page315">315</a>,
+<a href="#page328">328</a>,
+<a href="#page342">342</a>,
+<a href="#page366">366</a>,
+<a href="#page368">368</a><br>
+
+    "Tommy"&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">As a Poet,</span>
+<a href="#page82">82</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">In Bloemfontein,</span>
+<a href="#page184">184</a><br>
+
+    Tucker, Charles, Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page59">59</a>,
+<a href="#page244">244</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">Villebois-Mareuil, Colonel de, Facts about his Death,
+<a href="#page321">321</a></p>
+
+
+<p class="p2">War Correspondents&mdash;<br>
+      <span class="add1em">Battersby, Prevost,</span>
+<a href="#page132">132</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Burleigh, Bennet,</span>
+<a href="#page35">35</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Buxton, F. W.,</span>
+<a href="#page6">6</a>,
+<a href="#page10">10</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">James, Lionel,</span>
+<a href="#page132">132</a>,
+<a href="#page301">301</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Gwynne, H. A.,</span>
+<a href="#page6">6</a>,
+<a href="#page9">9</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">Landon, Perceval,</span>
+<a href="#page6">6</a>,
+<a href="#page9">9</a><br>
+      <span class="add1em">We Four&mdash;</span><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Asked to undertake the bringing out of a Paper,</span>
+<a href="#page6">6</a><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Grand Dinner-party given by,</span>
+<a href="#page202">202</a><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Leave</span> <span class="smcap">The Friend</span> to see a Fight,
+<a href="#page221">221</a><br>
+        <span class="add2em">Sent for by Lord Stanley,</span>
+<a href="#page3">3</a><br>
+
+    Wilkinson, F., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page67">67</a><br>
+
+    Wollen, R.I., Mr. W. B., Contributor to <span class="smcap">The Friend</span>,
+<a href="#page379">379</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="p4 center smaller"><i>The Gresham Press</i>,<br>
+  UNWIN BROTHERS,<br>
+  WOKING AND LONDON.</p>
+
+<div class="advert">
+<h2><i>Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson's<br> List of Announcements</i></h2>
+
+<p class="center">SPRING 1901</p>
+
+<hr class="hr10">
+
+<p class="book"><b>THE SIEGE OF KUMASSI</b></p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Lady Hodgson</span>, wife of Sir <span class="smcap">Frederick M. Hodgson</span>, Governor of the
+Gold Coast. Demy 8vo. Profusely Illustrated. Price 21s.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">Lady <span class="smcap">Hodgson</span> has in a high degree the gift of vivid and
+     realistic description. The reader shares with her the
+     privations of the siege, the tense excitement of her
+     marvellous escape, and the peril of the bush. The account is
+     written with an unusual power of description and facility of
+     style.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>ABYSSINIA</b></p>
+
+<p class="quote">Through the Lion Land to the Court of the Lion of Judah.</p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Herbert Vivian</span>, Author of "Tunisia," "Servia." Demy 8vo. With 2
+Maps and 80 Illustrations. Price 15s.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">The Land of the Lion offers much that is of great interest
+     to the student of ethnology and geography. Mr. <span class="smcap">Vivian</span> has
+     made a valuable addition to the library of travel. His
+     observations show a keen appreciation of surroundings,
+     whether social, religious, or political. His style is
+     bright, and holds the reader's interest to the last page.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>CYPRUS TO ZANZIBAR BY THE EGYPTIAN DELTA.</b></p>
+
+<p class="quote">The Adventures of a Journalist in the Isle of Love, the Home of
+Miracles, and the Land of Cloves.</p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Edward Vizetelly</span>. With many Illustrations. Demy 8vo. Price 15s.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">Few have had better opportunities of studying the
+     vicissitudes through which the little island of Cyprus has
+     passed than Mr. <span class="smcap">Vizetelly</span>. From Cyprus he leads the reader
+     through the stirring times of the occupation of Egypt, and
+     thence to Zanzibar. He has clothed the dry bones of
+     political history with the living flesh of graphic
+     description and humorous incident.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>AT PRETORIA</b></p>
+
+<p class="quote">The Capture of the Boer Capitals, and the Hoisting of the Flag at
+Pretoria. A Companion Volume to "Towards Pretoria."</p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Julian Ralph</span>, Author of "Towards Pretoria." Extra crown 8vo. Price
+6s.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>A SACK OF SHAKINGS</b>: Essays from <i>The Spectator</i>, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Frank T. Bullen</span>, Author of "The Cruise of the 'Cachalot,'" &amp;c. &amp;c.
+Extra crown 8vo. Price 6s.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">Mr. <span class="smcap">Frank Bullen</span> has taken advantage to the full of the
+     opportunities which are granted only to those who go down to
+     the deep waters, and has embodied his experiences in a
+     collection of delightful essays. These show the writer to be
+     possessed of deep sympathies, quick perception, and vivid
+     power of narration. The style shows distinction of thought
+     and expression, and the book may be summed up as
+     "fascinating."</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>THE SPANISH PEOPLE</b></p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Martin A. S. Hume</span>, Author of "The Courtships of Queen Elizabeth,"
+&amp;c. Vol. I. <span class="smcap">The Great Peoples Series</span>. Edited by <span class="smcap">F. York Powell</span>, M.A.,
+Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford. Crown
+8vo. Price 6s.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>THE GAME OF BILLIARDS AND HOW TO PLAY IT</b></p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">John Roberts</span>. With about 400 Diagrams, including complete sets of
+some famous breaks. Demy 8vo. Price 6s.</p>
+
+<p class="quote">The latest book on the game, and one for novice and skilled
+     player alike. Almost every imaginable stroke on the table is
+     explained in the clearest possible manner, and the
+     explanation is assisted by well-drawn diagrams.</p>
+
+<p class="book"><b>WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE</b></p>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Julian Ralph</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 6s.</p>
+
+<div class="quote">
+<p>This consists of the History and Contents of the Unique
+     Newspaper published at Bloemfontein at the special request
+     of Lord <span class="smcap">Roberts</span>, and during his occupation.</p>
+
+<p>It contains many contributions by <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span>, Dr. <span class="smcap">Conan
+     Doyle</span>, Lord <span class="smcap">Stanley</span>, and many Officers and other eminent
+     men, and was edited by <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling</span>, <span class="smcap">Julian Ralph</span>
+     (Special War Correspondent to the <i>Daily Mail</i>), Mr. <span class="smcap">Landon</span>
+     (Special War Correspondent to <i>The Times</i>), Mr. <span class="smcap">Gwynne</span>
+     (Reuter's Special War Correspondent).</p>
+
+<p>Most of <span class="smcap">Rudyard Kipling's</span> contributions to this paper are
+     now published in this country for the first time, and the
+     contents of the book make one of the most interesting and
+     entertaining books of the war.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<h2>Notes</h2>
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag1">1</a></b>: Gilbert H. Stevens.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag2">2</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by Mr.
+Kipling's leave.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag3">3</a></b>: Cape brandy, also known as "Cape smoke."</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag4">4</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America, used here by
+permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag5">5</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here with the
+author's permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag6">6</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America, and used here by
+permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag7">7</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here by
+permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag8">8</a></b>: "Ten-a-Penny" was a soldiers' nickname for the Pom-pom.
+"The &mdash;&mdash;y Doorknocker" it was christened in the Highland Brigade. The
+word "Pom-pom" came first into use immediately after the battle of
+Modder River.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag9">9</a></b>: Copyrighted, used by the author's permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag10">10</a></b>: The birthday of Mr. Perceval Landon. Copyrighted, and
+used here by permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag11">11</a></b>: Cape Good Hope brandy.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag12">12</a></b>: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by
+permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag13">13</a></b>: Copyrighted; used here by permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag14">14</a></b>: Copyrighted; used here by permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag15">15</a></b>: The poem by Rudyard Kipling which we publish in this
+issue was written some time ago to be read at a dinner in Canada and
+then published in the <i>Toronto Globe</i>. It has never been read in
+public, and it has never before been published. Like all his poems and
+writings, it is for all time&mdash;as good next year as to-day and always
+excellent in all seasons. It is copyrighted in England and America,
+and used here by Mr. Kipling's permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag16">16</a></b>: The victim of this bold theft out of our sanctum was Mr.
+James Barnes, our occasional contributor and assistant.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag17">17</a></b>: Copyrighted. Used here with the author's permission.</p>
+
+<p><a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a>
+<b><a href="#footnotetag18">18</a></b>: This was a transparent joke, as there was no other paper
+in the town. But, joking apart, there never had been a newspaper in
+that country or region with such a circulation as ours enjoyed; yet it
+could have been twice as large had we employed our carts to circulate
+it in the outlying camps.&mdash;J. R.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of War's Brighter Side, by Julian Ralph
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: War's Brighter Side
+       The Story of The Friend Newspaper Edited by the
+       Correspondents with Lord Roberts's Forces, March-April, 1900
+
+Author: Julian Ralph
+
+Release Date: June 2, 2012 [EBook #39881]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Christine P. Travers and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Badge specially made for the Editors of THE FRIEND.]
+
+[Illustration: The editors at Work.
+
+Photographed by H. Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."]
+
+
+
+
+  WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE
+
+  The Story of =THE FRIEND= Newspaper
+  Edited by the Correspondents
+  With Lord Roberts's Forces,
+  March-April, 1900 + + + +
+
+
+  By
+
+  JULIAN RALPH
+
+  (_One of the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND")
+
+  Author of "Towards Pretoria," "At Pretoria," "Alone in
+  China," etc., etc.
+
+
+  With 15 Illustrations
+
+
+  London
+  C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd.
+  Henrietta Street
+  1901
+
+
+
+
+  [_The coloured reproductions on the cover of this book are
+  fac-similes of a badge specially made for the Editors of_
+  THE FRIEND.]
+
+
+
+
+  With his Kind Permission
+  this History of his
+  Unique and Historic
+  Experiment in Publishing a Newspaper
+  for an Army in the Field
+  is Dedicated to
+
+  FIELD MARSHAL, EARL ROBERTS, V.C., K.G., K.P., ETC.
+
+  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM EARL ROBERTS TO LORD STANLEY REGARDING "THE FRIEND."
+
+
+                                                    BLOEMFONTEIN,
+                                              _April 13th, 1900_.
+
+     DEAR LORD STANLEY,--I understand that on Monday next, the
+     16th inst., THE FRIEND will come under the new management,
+     and it will, I hope, continue to thrive now that it has been
+     established on a sound basis.
+
+     The Army owe a deep debt of gratitude to the gentlemen who
+     so kindly came forward, and who have given their services
+     gratuitously in the management of the paper.
+
+     That their labours are appreciated is evident from the
+     eagerness with which the paper is purchased by officers and
+     soldiers alike.
+
+     On behalf, therefore, of the troops, I would ask you to
+     convey my best thanks to all who have contributed towards
+     making the paper such a success, especially to the following
+     gentlemen, Messrs. Landon, Ralph, Gwynne, and Buxton.
+
+     Believe me to be
+                     Yours very truly,
+                                                         ROBERTS.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Lord Roberts is the first General of whom I have heard who ever
+recognised and acknowledged the Value and Power of the Press by
+establishing a Newspaper as a source of Entertainment and Information
+for an Army in the Field, and as a Medium for conveying such Arguments
+and Appeals as he wished to make to the Enemy. This he did, as one
+might say, the instant he conquered the first of the Boer Capitals,
+almost simultaneously with his appointment of a Military Governor and
+a Provost Marshal, and the establishment of a Police Force.
+
+The story of Lord Roberts's experiment and the Experiences of the Men
+he selected for his Editors must be especially attractive to all
+Journalists, and they will find here set forth whatever is of purely
+professional interest to them. To those details I have added the most
+Notable Contributions with which each of the twenty-seven Numbers of
+THE FRIEND was made up, and here this narrow limitation of the
+interest in the book is broken wide asunder. These newspaper articles
+are mainly the Works of Fighting Men, at rest between Battles, and of
+others who were at the moment going to or coming from Engagements.
+They hold the Mirror up to the Life of an Army, in Camp, on the
+March, in Battle, and in a Conquered Capital.
+
+In these Letters, Sketches, and Verses the Reader lives with the
+Soldiers in camp. He sees what they work and play at. He hears of
+their Deeds of Daring, Mishaps and Adventures. He catches their
+strange Lingo. He observes what they Eat--(and what they do not get to
+Drink). He notes how they speak of their Faring in Battle. In all the
+Wealth of English Literature I know of no such a Mirror-reflection and
+a Phonograph-echoing of Soldier Life as is here.
+
+Generals, Colonels--in fact, men of every rank and grade contributed
+their shares; of every rank down to "Tommy Atkins," who, in general,
+sings his Songs in the background, in verse, like the Chorus in an
+Ancient Drama.
+
+To these features I have added many Personal Recollections, as well as
+Anecdotes and Stories told by or about the men around me in camp, and
+in the conquered Capital of the Free State, with Notes and Comments
+upon a wide variety of subjects suggested during the editing of the
+other Matter here collated.
+
+In the Proclamations of the wise and great Field-Marshal, and the
+Notices, Ordinances, and Camp Orders of his Lieutenants set to rule
+Bloemfontein after its capture by us, are to be found an account of
+the Methods by which a Triumphant Army establishes its own new rule in
+a Conquered City and Territory. This peculiar and most interesting
+history runs, like a steel thread, through the book from beginning to
+end. I do not know where else it is told, or even hinted at, in what
+has thus far been written of the War.
+
+It was because each of the chief elements that make up this book of
+THE FRIEND is equally fresh and impossible to obtain elsewhere, that I
+undertook the labour of compiling this work.
+
+It was my first intention to reproduce all the Reading Matter which
+appeared in THE FRIEND during the period in which we managed it (March
+16th to April 16, 1900) but this would have formed a ponderous book of
+270,000 words--without including the Military Proclamations. Such a
+work could not be produced for a price at the command of the general
+reader, and, furthermore, the general reader would have found it too
+tiresome to work his way through the many Technical Articles and
+others which time has rendered stale or of little interest. Therefore,
+not without regret, I felt obliged to select, as my best judgment
+prompted, the matter of the Most Peculiar character, or of Widest
+Interest for reproduction here.
+
+As the former Editors of THE FRIEND have now formed themselves into an
+Order to which none is eligible except he or she who tells the truth
+without fear of consequences, the reader may as well prepare himself
+to meet with that rare quality in some of the pages that follow.
+
+                                                      THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAP.                                                 PAGE
+
+       I. THE BIRTH OF "THE FRIEND"                        1
+
+      II. ITS INFANCY                                     12
+
+     III. WE PUBLISH A "CURIO" NUMBER                     28
+
+      IV. WE BEGIN TO FEEL AT HOME                        41
+
+       V. TREATING OF MANY PEOPLES                        63
+
+      VI. OURS WAS NO BED OF ROSES                        82
+
+     VII. RUDYARD KIPLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR               99
+
+    VIII. LORD ROBERTS'S HEADQUARTERS                    112
+
+      IX. "OH, HOW GOOD IT WAS!"                         131
+
+       X. I VISIT MISS BLOEMFONTEIN                      160
+
+      XI. OUR VERY MIXED PUBLIC                          182
+
+     XII. "VIVE LA COMPAGNIE"                            200
+
+    XIII. WE LEAVE "THE FRIEND" TO SEE A FIGHT           221
+
+     XIV. MY HORSE OFFERED FOR SALE                      237
+
+      XV. GENERAL POLE-CAREW IN WAR                      248
+
+     XVI. OUR LOSS AND THE ARMY'S                        258
+
+    XVII. THE CENSOR AS AN EDITOR                        268
+
+   XVIII. OUR CHRISTENING COMPETITION                    274
+
+     XIX. FOOLED BY THE BOERS                            283
+
+      XX. DR. A. CONAN DOYLE CONTRIBUTES                 305
+
+     XXI. LOOT AND LURID CRAZES                          318
+
+    XXII. IN THE SHADOW OF SANNA'S POST                  330
+
+   XXIII. A COMPLETE NEWSPAPER                           346
+
+    XXIV. FALSE HEARTS AROUND US                         350
+
+     XXV. THE END APPROACHES                             361
+
+    XXVI. WANTED, A MILLIONAIRE                          371
+
+   XXVII. A NOTABLE NUMBER                               385
+
+  XXVIII. OUR "FRIEND" NO LONGER                         398
+
+    XXIX. ADIEU TO "THE FRIEND"                          410
+
+   INDEX                                                 417
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  THE EDITORS AT WORK                            _Frontispiece_
+
+  JULIAN RALPH                                _Facing page_  42
+
+  A CORRECTED "PROOF" BY RUDYARD KIPLING            "    "   99
+
+  EARL ROBERTS                                      "    "  112
+
+  MISS BLOEMFONTEIN                                 "    "  160
+
+  MENU OF A NOTABLE DINNER                          "    "  202
+
+  JULIAN RALPH AND HIS HORSE "RATTLESNAKE"          "    "  238
+
+  LORD STANLEY AT WORK AS CENSOR                    "    "  268
+
+  A PAGE OF CONAN DOYLE'S "COPY"                    "    "  306
+
+  THE CAPITULATION OF BLOEMFONTEIN                  "    "  320
+
+  THE FRONT PAGE OF "THE FRIEND" OF APRIL 14, 1900  "    "  388
+
+
+
+
+WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE BIRTH OF "THE FRIEND"
+
+     _Showing how it was Fathered by a Field Marshal, sponsored
+     by a Duke and three Lords, and given over to four
+     certificated male nurses._
+
+
+We reached Bloemfontein with men who had done extraordinary marching,
+fighting, and feats of exposure and privation. Some of the troops,
+notably the Guards, had walked more than thirty (more than forty, if I
+am not mistaken) miles in one of the three days' continuous marching.
+Many had fought at Jacobsdahl, Paardeberg, and Driefontein, not to
+speak of lesser actions at Waterval Drift and Poplar Grove.
+
+During at least the last week of this almost unprecedented military
+performance the army had been reduced to less than half rations. We
+were very short of food for beasts as well as men. We had lost a large
+number of transport waggons, with their contents and the animals that
+drew them, and we had put the torch to two great hillocks of food
+which we could not take with us beyond Paardeberg. All our four-footed
+helpers were spent, hundreds of horses were ill, hundreds of bodies
+of others were lying along our wake upon the veldt, with flocks of
+glutted, yet still gluttonous, aasvogels feeding upon their flesh.
+
+Worse, far worse than all else combined, the dreadful microbes of
+enteric had entered the blood of thousands of the soldiers, who had
+found no other water to drink than that of the pestilential Modder
+River which carried along and absorbed the bodies of men and horses as
+well as the filth of the camps of both the Boers and ourselves.
+
+We had done as the Boers had said we never would do--as only one man
+of their forces (Villebois-Mareuil) had foreseen that a great general
+like Lord Roberts must be certain to do: we had left the railway and
+swept across the open veldt for one hundred miles, from Jacobsdahl and
+Kimberley to Bloemfontein. For warning his brusque and opinionated
+commander-in-chief, Cronje, that we would do this, Cronje insulted the
+brilliant Frenchman grossly, and bade him keep his idiotic notions to
+himself. But we had done it, and Cronje had lost his army and his
+liberty for failing to heed the warning. At Bloemfontein we came upon
+the steam highway once more, but to the south of Bloemfontein it was
+wrecked at many points, while to the northward it was in the enemy's
+country and control.
+
+There was therefore nothing for us but to rest. Yet how heroically we
+had worked to make rest necessary! How well we had earned the right to
+enjoy rest if we had been of the temper to desire it! In one month
+under the great Field Marshal we had gone further and accomplished
+more than all the other British armies had done in nearly six months.
+We had won over the eagles of victory to perch upon our standards. We
+had freed Ladysmith and Kimberley, drawn the Boers away from the Cape
+Colony border, captured the best army and leading general of our foes,
+and were encamped around Bloemfontein with President Steyn's Residency
+in use as our headquarters.
+
+The manner in which four of the war correspondents first learned that
+we were not to push on to the northward in an effort to seize the
+Transvaal capital, but were to halt at Bloemfontein, was most
+peculiar. It was so peculiar as to have led to the establishment of
+the first newspaper ever conducted by an army for an army on the field
+of battle. It was so unique an episode that this volume is published
+to commemorate and explain it; and I trust that no one who reads this
+will decide that it was not an episode worthy of an even more marked,
+substantial, and valuable memorial than I possess the talent to
+construct.
+
+We entered Bloemfontein on March 13th. Two days later I was asked by
+Mr. F. W. Buxton, of the _Johannesburg Star_, to attend a meeting of
+some other correspondents and Lord Stanley in Lord Stanley's office on
+that day. I had caught up with the army by a dangerous journey with
+only two companions across the veldt from Kimberley, where an injury
+to my leg had laid me up. I had reported myself to Lord Stanley, the
+censor. I had previously carried on some correspondence with him, but
+our personal acquaintance had not been of more than five minutes'
+duration. I could not, therefore, know at that time that he was to
+prove himself the most competent of all the censors appointed to
+supervise the work of us correspondents. In saying that he was the
+"most competent" I mean that he ranked above all the others in every
+quality which goes to make up fitness for this unceasing and exacting
+work. He had quick intelligence, great breadth of judgment, unfailing
+courtesy, unbroken patience, and all the modesty of a truly able man.
+
+Hardly can the average reader estimate the degree of satisfaction with
+which we correspondents came quickly to realise the admirable
+qualities of this first and only fair and considerate censor that most
+of us had known in the war. At one place we knew a censor who read the
+letters which came to officers and privates from their wives in
+England, and who used to regale his chance acquaintances with
+comparisons between the sterling virtues and deep affection of the
+letters to Tommy, and the colder, more selfish, and even querulous
+messages of the wives of officers.
+
+At another place we had a censor who obliged us to hand to him our
+letters to our wives and sweethearts unsealed, and in one case this
+censor kept for twenty-four hours a letter I had written to my family.
+
+Still another censor showered his contempt upon certain correspondents
+who, in every way which goes to make up refinement, self-respect, and
+dignity, were many times better men than he. It amused him to take the
+despatches of a Colonial lad, who was doing his best to enter upon an
+honourable career, and throw them in his waste basket daily for ten
+days without informing the youth of their fate. It pleased him to
+insult me by telling me that the only message I could send to England
+must be a description of a sandstorm; while to Mr. E. F. Knight, a man
+Lord Methuen said he "was proud to have with his army," this censor
+said, "There is only one thing I will allow you to write--that is, a
+description of a new Union Jack which has just been run up over the
+headquarters."
+
+With such ill-chosen, mistaken men had we undergone experiences, and
+now, at last, we met with Lord Stanley, who had the most intense likes
+and dislikes for those around him, yet never let these hinder or
+temper his unvarying fairness; who was as firm as iron and yet always
+gentle; a stout, strong, stalwart man in build, hearty and kindly in
+manner; a man who took command as easily and exercised it as smoothly
+as if he had been a general at birth.
+
+I speak of him at some length not merely because his case proves that
+the one well-equipped censor appointed in the armies on the west side
+of the continent was a civilian, and not only because this one
+competent censor gave equally complete satisfaction to both the Army
+and the Press, but because he assumed a conspicuous and important part
+in the story I am telling.
+
+His office was as nearly literally a hole in a wall as a room in a
+house could well be. It was in the corner of the Free State Post
+Office building, facing the great central square of dirt, in the
+middle of which stood the market, under whose open shed the mounted
+men of the City Imperial Volunteers lived among their saddles and
+bridles, and slept on the tables of the greengrocers, whose place this
+once had been. On the Post Office side of the square was the Free
+State Hotel, the best in the town. On the opposite side, an eighth of
+a mile away, was the Club. Between the two ends ran a double row of
+such shops as one looks for in a small village, and behind one of
+these was the office of a newspaper called _The Friend of the Free
+State_.
+
+Lord Stanley's office was a wretched poke-hole of a room. It boasted a
+door with glass panels and no window. Its floor was of bare boards.
+Its walls were partly made of soiled plaster and partly of bare
+boards. Opposite the door, in the corner, stood a kitchen table which
+was never used, and in the other dark end of the room was another
+kitchen table, behind which, on a kitchen chair, the ex-Guardsman and
+Whip of the Unionist Party sat nearly all day, and some hours of every
+evening, with one hand full of manuscript and the other holding the
+little triangular stamp with which he printed the sign manual of his
+approval upon nearly every despatch which was written by those
+correspondents who kept within the law governing the cabling of news
+to their journals. A kerosene lamp, an inkpot and pen, and a litter of
+papers were the other appointments of the room. The censor was clad in
+khaki like all the rest of us, but the collar of his tunic bore on
+each side the short bit of red cloth which marked him as a staff
+officer.
+
+To this office, at the censor's invitation, came Perceval Landon,
+correspondent of the _Times_, H. A. Gwynne, of Reuter's Agency, F. W.
+Buxton, of the _Johannesburg Star_, and myself.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Lord Stanley after the door had been closed and
+locked to keep out the current of "Tommies" with telegrams which
+flowed in and eddied before the desk all day, "Lord Roberts wants to
+have a daily newspaper published for the entertainment and information
+of the Army while we are here. I may tell you that we are likely to
+stay here four weeks. You four are asked to undertake the work of
+bringing out the newspaper. Will you do it?"
+
+Three of us did not clearly see how we could undertake so laborious
+and exacting a task and still do justice to our newspapers at home;
+nevertheless, the censor's words had been, "Lord Roberts wants this."
+
+"We must do it if Lord Roberts desires it," was the reply of one of
+us. The rest nodded acquiescence, but said nothing.
+
+"I am very glad," the censor replied.
+
+Mr. Buxton, who knew South Africa and its Press very well, appeared to
+have devoted some attention to the matter earlier in the day. From him
+and from the censor we learned that two daily newspapers had been
+published in Bloemfontein up to the time that we took possession of
+the town. One was the _Express_, the property of the widow of one
+Borckenhagen--a Boer organ of the most pronounced type, and notorious
+for the virulence of its attacks upon the British, for its lying
+reports, and its mischievous influence. That paper had been stopped by
+Lord Roberts, and its machinery, type, and all else belonging to it
+were for us to do with as we pleased.
+
+The other paper was the little _Friend of the Free State_, owned, as I
+understand, by an Englishman named Barlow, who was out of the country
+and had left the property in the care of his son. This younger Barlow
+had not conducted the paper in such a spirit toward us as one would
+have looked for from a man of English blood; but, either for good
+cause, worldly interests, or wholly despicable reasons, there was so
+much disloyalty and so much more of fence straddling throughout South
+Africa that a very lenient view was taken of this case, and we were
+asked to find out what sum of money would satisfy Barlow for the loss
+of income from his paper while we conducted it. He was to be told
+that he could not be permitted to continue his editorship, and that
+therefore it was necessary to settle on some figure covering any
+shrinkage that might occur in his customary profits while the
+newspaper was in our charge.
+
+Mr. Buxton was appointed to confer with Barlow, and in a few hours we
+all met again to hear that the dethroned editor would be satisfied
+with a guarantee of L200, or L50 a week during the month of our
+editorship.
+
+Mr. Landon had already approached Mr. Gwynne and myself with a
+proposition that we should offer to make good any losses that might
+occur during our management; but other ideas prevailed.
+
+"No," said the censor, "you cannot be allowed to lose anything by your
+kindness. Two hundred pounds will be the utmost cost, eh? Well, I
+think that Westminster, Dudley, and I, can raise that between us."
+
+We held our breaths for a moment as he said this, for it flashed upon
+us that the heir of Lord Derby, the owner of the great Dudley estates,
+and the greatest landlord of London, were to be our backers, that they
+were high up among the richest men of England, and that one of them
+was saying he was hopeful that among all three two hundred pounds
+might not prove an impossible sum to raise.
+
+"Yes, that's all right," Lord Stanley repeated; "I think that Dudley,
+Westminster, and I can manage it."
+
+The reader will not be prepared to hear that anything funnier than
+that could grow out of this situation. But it was to be so. Weeks
+after our singular editorial experience ended I received, while in
+Capetown, a letter from an interested Afrikander asking me whether I
+thought the three men who guaranteed Barlow against a loss of profits
+from his paper were responsible men, and Barlow would be likely to get
+his money.
+
+I went away to nurse my injured leg, and the other editors went their
+ways to arrange for getting out a new paper, which all of us agreed
+should be christened with the now historic name of THE FRIEND. While
+we are thus separated from them let me draw a pen picture of each.
+
+Perceval Landon, representing the _Times_, is a university man, who
+has been admitted to the bar, and who took up the work of a war
+correspondent from an Englishman's love of adventure, danger, and
+excitement. It can be nothing but his English blood that prompted him
+to this course, for in mind and temperament, tastes and
+qualifications, he is at once a scholar and a poet rather than a man
+of violent action. Had the _Times_ so desired he would have charmed
+the public with letters from the front as human and picturesque in
+subject and treatment as any that were sent to London. His charms of
+manner and of mind caused his companionship to be sought by the most
+distinguished and the most polished men in the army, and all were
+deeply sorry when, at the close of the army's stay in Bloemfontein,
+illness forced him to return to London, though not until he had served
+in the war as long as any man at that time on the west side of the
+continent.
+
+Mr. H. A. Gwynne, representing Reuter's Agency, is a veteran war
+correspondent, though a young man otherwise. He is Landon's
+diametrical opposite, being above all else a man of action and a born
+soldier. As an author and as a mountain climber of distinction he was
+known before he adopted the profession of journalism and took part in,
+I think, ten campaigns: The Turko-Greek, the Omdurman campaign, the
+Egyptian campaign preceding it, and others. It was Gwynne who, with
+Mr. George W. Steevens, received the surrender of the town of Volo
+from the Greek authorities before the Turks entered the town. Mr.
+Gwynne has superabundant strength, health, and spirits, loves
+soldiering and adventure, and is so shrewd in his judgment of men, and
+practised in his observations of war, that more than one general made
+it a practice to consult him upon what he knew and saw during the
+South African campaign. How well he can write the pages of THE FRIEND
+attest.
+
+Mr. Buxton is a specialist in the interests which are uppermost in
+Johannesburg, where, as a member of the staff of the _Star_, and as a
+citizen of consequence, he has made himself intimately known to the
+forceful men of South Africa, and has mastered the problems that lie
+before the British in reconstructing the government and welding the
+two leading races together. He had accompanied Lord Methuen's
+unfortunate army from its start to its rescue by Lord Roberts, and
+during all that time his knowledge of the country and of the Boers
+might have been turned to good account had he been consulted. It was
+fitting that the staff of the newspaper should have had upon it a
+representative colonial of English stock, yet of long and masterful
+local experience such as Mr. Buxton.
+
+For a striking picture of the minor characters who figured as our
+foremen and compositors in the newspaper office the reader will do
+well to read Rudyard Kipling's "A Burgher of the Free State," one of
+the short stories he wrote after his return from South Africa in the
+early summer of 1900.
+
+It showed us associates of the master storyteller how instantly,
+broadly, and accurately he is able to imbibe and absorb the colour and
+spirit, and even the most minor accessories of any new and strong
+situation around him. It will show the reader better than any amount
+of another man's writing the characters of our helpmeets and
+neighbours, and the atmosphere in which they moved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ITS INFANCY
+
+     _A little Thing, puling Great Promises in its Nurses' Arms._
+
+
+On March 16, 1900, there glimmered (it cannot be said to have flashed)
+upon the Army and the half-wondering, half-treacherous population of
+Bloemfontein, the first number of THE FRIEND. It was produced in the
+office of the former _Friend of the Free State_--an office that had
+the appearance of having been arranged out of a dust-heap, and stocked
+with machinery, type, and furniture that had been originally bought at
+second-hand and left to itself through fifty years of frequent
+dust-storms.
+
+Everything in it was either the colour of dirt or the tone of
+type-dust--everything, including the window-panes and the printers. Of
+the latter we never knew the number, names, or characters. Of two men
+whom we got to know one was a gnomish figure who only now and then
+appeared at large out upon the uncharted floor of the composing-room,
+and he was elderly and silent--a man grown mechanical, and now making
+but a feeble fight against the dirt and type-dust which was slowly
+covering him in what was apparently to be another such upright tomb
+as held the last of the wife of Lot. He sometimes came into the
+editorial dust-hole--if we yelled and stamped our loudest and our
+longest. He came wearily and softly, heard our orders, and vanished in
+the type-dust as we used to see our army friends at Modder step out of
+our tents into a dust-devil and disappear on the ocean of veldt and at
+high noon.
+
+The other printers lived in the little side alleys between the rows of
+type-cases. They were evidently drawn there by the feeble, straggling
+light that still shone faintly through the filth upon the
+window-panes. I judged that they were older than the foreman, and too
+feeble, too nearly entombed by the dirt, to be able to go out upon the
+floor. We only got glimpses of them, and never heard one speak.
+
+Out in the back yard, behind Barlow's stationery shop, the sun glared
+fierce and hot upon a strip of desert ground, a blue gum-tree, and a
+preternatural boy. He lived out there, refusing to be drawn into the
+dust-heap until the awful sentence of serving as a printer should, at
+last, be read out to him. We had a fancy that each of the old men
+inside had begun like that boy, clinging as long as possible to the
+region of air and light, that each in his turn had been sucked in at
+last, and that it was this last boy who went in at lunch time and led
+the old fellows out of their solitary, silent cells, and gave each a
+push in the back to start them toward their homes.
+
+How Messrs. Gwynne, Buxton, and Landon managed to get out the first
+paper, which they forgot to mark with what a great man once said were
+"the saddest words ever seen in print," that is to say, "Vol. I., No.
+1," I never asked them, though I wondered. They did produce it,
+however, and called it
+
+    Playing Cards.  }   THE FRIEND.   { Cue Tips and
+  All Qualities at  }                 {   Wafers
+      Barlow's.     } 3d.         3d. { at Barlow's.
+
+  --------------------------------------------------
+  VOL. IV.                             No.  1,027.
+  --------------------------------------------------
+
+Its sheet was of the size of two copies of the _Spectator_ laid side
+by side. Each of its four pages measured twenty inches long by fifteen
+wide. Far more striking than its title was this sentence, in blackest
+type: "If you once use Vereeniging coal you will never use any other."
+All the advertisements, except the very many scattered about for
+Barlow's stationery business, and for which I hope he was made to pay
+at the highest rates, were old notices carried on from the days of
+Boer rule.
+
+Upon the second page two advertisements were brand new. They were
+proclamations signed "By order, G. T. Pretyman, Major-General,
+Military Commandant, Bloemfontein." One was in the Taal language, the
+other was in English, and both announced that a market would be held
+daily, near the town, for the sale of such local produce as butter,
+eggs, milk, poultry, and vegetables. The prices to be charged were
+laid down by this sapient and enterprising general, who declared eggs
+to be worth two shillings a dozen, milk fivepence a bottle, turkeys
+five shillings and sixpence and higher, butter two shillings a pound,
+&c. The English proclamation was headed "Notice." The Dutch copy bore
+the title "Kennisgeving," and was signed, "Bij order, G. T. Pretyman,
+Majoor-Generaal, Krijgs-Kommandant van Bloemfontein."
+
+On the third, or editorial page, was another military notice entitled
+"Army Orders," which I reprint in full, as showing how almost
+instantly Lord Roberts established his own rule in the conquered
+capital. General Pretyman's market notice was dated the day we took
+the town, and we knew that on that day a local police force was
+established, headquarters and quarters for all the branches of the
+military rule were at once set up, and here on the 15th there had been
+found time to arrange and prepare for publication a directory of the
+new arrangements.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA
+
+  ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                  BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 15, 1900_.
+
+I. _Civil Population to be unmolested._
+
+It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be
+assured that so long as they remain peaceably disposed their civil
+rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that
+any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by
+other than the authorised Supply Officers.
+
+All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.
+
+These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is specially the duty of all officers to
+put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.
+
+  By order,
+            J. W. KELLY,
+                         A.-G. for C. of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+6. _Office of Departments._
+
+The offices of the various Departments are situated as shown below:--
+
+  Military Secretary      }
+  Chief of Staff          } At Government
+  G.O.C. Royal Artillery  }     House.
+  Chief Engineer          }
+  Director of Transport   }
+  Director of Supplies    } At Government
+  Provost Marshal         }    Buildings.
+  P.M.O.                    3, Maitland Street.
+
+The office of the Press Censor is established next door to the
+entrance to the Telegraph Office. All telegrams except official ones
+must be censored. Office hours from 7 to 8 a.m., 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 3
+to 5 p.m.
+
+7. _Supply Department._
+
+As soon as the Supply Park arrives, a Supply Depot will be established
+at Mr. Beck's Store, on Baumann's Square.
+
+8. _Divisions, Brigades, &c., where quartered._
+
+The following units are quartered as shown below:--
+
+CAVALRY DIVISION.
+
+  Headquarters--Club, Market Square.
+  1st Brigade--About 2 miles W. of town.
+  2nd Brigade--Bloemspruit, about 3 miles east of town.
+  3rd Brigade--Rustfontein, about 1 mile N. of town.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. James Collins, under State Secretary to the late O.F.S.
+Government, has been appointed Landdrost of Bloemfontein.
+
+The period for handing in arms and ammunition by burghers and
+residents of this town and district has been extended to March 26th.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After a notice that Major Hamilton, the Carabineers, would like to
+receive two L5 notes, a Mauser pistol, a pair of Zeiss glasses and a
+grey gelding, all lost by various persons in and near the town, we
+published our editorial announcement that the paper was established by
+and for Lord Roberts's army:--
+
+     EDITORIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.
+
+     The events of the last few days have rendered it expedient
+     that an official organ should be published in Bloemfontein
+     during the period of Military Governorship. With that end in
+     view, and also to provide for public requirements, a small
+     committee formed from the corps of war correspondents with
+     Lord Roberts's Field Force has been entrusted with the
+     control and management of the long-established paper
+     hitherto known as THE FRIEND OF THE FREE STATE.
+
+     In future this will be issued under the style and title of
+     THE FRIEND, and will be a daily publication, containing
+     military intelligence and orders for the general information
+     of the troops now quartered here, and other matter.
+
+     We are glad to be able to announce the immediate publication
+     of contributions from the pens of such well-known writers as
+     Rudyard Kipling, Julian Ralph, Bennet Burleigh, and other
+     distinguished journalists. We congratulate our readers upon
+     the happy chance which has enabled us to offer the public
+     the voluntary services of such a staff of writers as cannot
+     be paralleled elsewhere in South Africa.
+
+     In conclusion we wish to state briefly the simple policy
+     which will be adhered to in these columns.
+
+     The maintenance of British Supremacy in South Africa and
+     Equal Rights for all white men without respect of race or
+     creed.
+
+     These two principles in our opinion embody the essentials of
+     sound government, the prosperity of this country, and the
+     happiness of the people.
+
+     For the Committee of Management,
+
+                                             P. LANDON,
+                                          E. W. BUXTON,
+                                          H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mr. Buxton explained to me, with unnecessary but commendable delicacy,
+that only three of our four signatures were appended to this notice
+because I was better known as a writer than as an editor, and it was
+deemed best not to give me the double credit of serving in both
+capacities.
+
+The first editorial in this new and unique journal was entitled,
+"Sulk or Duty," and was written by Mr. Buxton. It was an appeal to all
+Afrikanders not to sulk, but to "buckle to the work of making their
+country become what it shall be, a great and glorious home for
+countless millions yet unborn." The remainder of the page was given
+over to a report of the letter of Kruger and Steyn to the Marquis of
+Salisbury, insisting upon the independence of the two Republics, and
+Lord Salisbury's reply that his government was "not prepared to assent
+to the independence of either republic." To us of the army this was
+great news. It stirred the camp, and was well suited to attract the
+widest attention to our journalistic enterprise. But Lord Salisbury's
+answer seemed to us the only answer he could make, whereas the comment
+upon it by our Colonial editor in THE FRIEND showed a feeling of
+relief and of delighted surprise which was born of the bitter
+disappointments the loyal men of Africa had suffered in the past.
+"Now, at last, we know the foundation upon which we shall build. The
+unhappy issue of Lord Wolseley's promise at Pretoria in 1879 is still
+fresh in our minds ... late, indeed, but still, to the letter, that
+solemn undertaking shall be fulfilled. At last we see the one obstacle
+vanish that has for these long years stood between South Africa and
+her prosperity."
+
+Whoever can feel the spirit of that cry of satisfaction needs not to
+be told how just and necessary was the war we were waging. Few of us
+in the army could probe the sources of the war to their depths.
+Comparatively few men in England thoroughly grasped the situation. It
+is all revealed in this shout by Mr. Buxton in THE FRIEND. The
+long-protracted feud between the two races, the injustice of Boer
+rule, the sufferings of the British, the threats of the semi-civilised
+men in power, the past troubles all ending in broken promises or
+shameful neglect by the British Government--these are all apparent in
+that cry of delight. The war had not produced such satisfaction. There
+had been war before, and nothing but humiliation of the loyal
+Uitlander had come of it. But a decided, firm declaration that the war
+could only end in British sovereignty--that was news that thrilled the
+heart of every Anglo-Saxon colonial in the republics and the adjacent
+colonies.
+
+Other articles and official notices of the first interest or
+importance were as follows:--
+
+     THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF THE CAMPAIGN.
+
+     War is grim and fearsome and horrid as we know, or rather as
+     we are being continually told, but nobody seems to have
+     noticed that there is a humorous side to it, and sometimes
+     the spectre Death wears the cap and bells. Up to the present
+     the campaign has not been without its little amusing
+     incidents. In the camp they have been quite numerous, and
+     even on the battlefield itself they have not been
+     unfrequent. The story of a private at Paardeberg who lay
+     behind one of those ever-to-be-blessed antheaps, and
+     contemplating a shattered tibia, exclaimed, addressing the
+     injured member, "Well, you ain't done me badly after all.
+     You 'elped to carry me 'ere, and now you've got me a life
+     pension and free baccy from the parson," has the merit of
+     being true. One cannot refrain a smile at the soliloquy of
+     another private who wished to exhibit a bullet-riddled
+     helmet to his friends at home. He was firing from behind a
+     big boulder on which he placed his helmet. The inevitable
+     shower of bullets followed, but, as has been so often the
+     case with Boer marksmen, not a single one touched the
+     helmet, but one "fetched" its owner in the shoulder,
+     whereupon he took the helmet from its exposed position, and,
+     looking at his bleeding shoulder, remarked, "that comes of
+     cursed pride and nothing else."
+
+     The removal of all badges of rank from officers has been the
+     source of many amusing mistakes. On the march from Poplar
+     Grove here, it is related that a certain general officer was
+     returning to camp after a terribly hard, dusty, dry day. A
+     subaltern of the A.S.C. sat under his canvas awning, and
+     thus addressed this distinguished general, "Now look here,
+     if this happens again I'm d--d if I don't report you. For
+     the last two hours you have been away, and heaven knows what
+     the mules are up to." It is true it was dusk, but that was
+     hardly a sufficient excuse for mistaking General ---- for a
+     conductor. "I say, old cocky," was the remark made once by a
+     captain to a full colonel, "hadn't you better see about
+     getting some grub?" Apologies followed, of course.
+
+     Then who can resist laughing at the tale of woe unfolded by
+     one of our most distinguished correspondents who dined one
+     night with the ---- Guards and slept in the tent of his
+     host? The next morning he walked into the mess hut and sat
+     down to breakfast. But imagine the trembling horror which
+     seized hold of him when he looked round at his hosts of the
+     night before and failed to recognise a single one of them.
+     Was it a failure of memory, or was it incipient paralysis of
+     the brain?--it could not, of course, have been the whisky.
+     And so he sat in a bath of hot and cold perspiration,
+     thinking that the blow which had so often attacked and
+     destroyed fine intellects had reached his. But sudden as a
+     straw is whisked past the drowning man by the fast current,
+     so there passed through his brain one ray of hope. He
+     remembered the name of his host, and turning quickly to his
+     neighbour, fearing lest his brain might again fail him and
+     he should forget the name, asked, "Where is ----?" The
+     answer was a relief and yet a horror, "---- is having
+     breakfast in the mess tent of his battalion,"--and, pointing
+     through the door, "there it is over there." It was with
+     slow, sobered steps that our correspondent left the table
+     and made his way to the hut of his host. He had made what,
+     after all, was not an uncommon error, and had mistaken the
+     S---- Guards' hut for that of the C---- Guards.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FACTS AND OTHERWISE.
+
+Mr. Arthur Barlow has resigned his position as Editor of THE FRIEND.
+
+               *       *       *
+
+Original contributions and correspondence are invited from all ranks
+of the Field Force.
+
+               *       *       *
+
+As in all probability the territory hitherto known as the O.F.S. will
+in the near future be designated by a different title, the Committee
+of Management offer a prize of L5 for the best suggestion for renaming
+this country.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.
+
+On the afternoon of Monday, the 26th February, the 6-in. howitzers
+bombarded Gen. Cronje's laager at Paardeberg with Lyddite shells. The
+effect of the salvos viewed from a distance of 3,000 yards was
+terrific. What the occupants of the laager felt cannot be told, for
+the reason that no truthful account is obtainable. The explosions in
+appearance were not unlike the great dynamite explosion in
+Johannesburg in 1896, only the great cloud of smoke was
+greenish-yellow instead of grey. An air of expectancy pervaded the
+British camp, every one knowing that the morrow was Majuba Day, and it
+was thought that something decisive would be done. Early next morning,
+about 3 o'clock, the silence of the night was broken by the softened
+spit-puff sound of the Mauser rifle, and immediately after the firing
+became a fierce fusillade, the sharp crack of the Lee-Metford joining
+in. The crackling concert lasted about an hour, rising and falling
+with sudden acute crises like a passage of Wagner's music. Bullets
+were falling around the camp at distances up to 3,000 yards, from the
+Boer laager, and it was evident that the firing was wild.
+
+At first streak of dawn a ride to the advanced trenches of the
+Canadians on the river bank enabled one to learn the wherefore of the
+night's disturbance. The ambulance waggons were already proceeding
+quickly up the south bank of the river. A pontoon ferry was plying
+from bank to bank bringing across wounded Canadians, nearly all
+suffering from bullet wounds, but some few had by accident been struck
+by the bayonet.
+
+The Canadians occupied trenches on the both banks of the river, and
+were within about 500 yards of the enemy. On their left--that is some
+distance north of the river--were the Gordons, and further to the
+south the Shropshires. The orders were that the four companies of
+Canadians on the north bank should advance under cover of the darkness
+and try to gain the enemy's trenches, or at least get nearer. They
+advanced in two lines of two companies each, the front line having
+bayonets fixed and the second carrying rifles slung with picks and
+shovels in their hands to dig an advanced trench, should it be thought
+advisable to go right to the trenches.
+
+When the Canadians left the Gordons were to occupy the left of their
+trenches, and the Shropshires placed in advance in a position to
+command the Boers, should they rise in their trenches to fire on the
+Canadians. They were told to hold their fire until the Mausers first
+spoke. The Canadians and Gordons were not to fire at all. The
+operation was one requiring coolness, nerve, and pluck, and the
+Canadians did it magnificently. They advanced as quietly as possible
+about 400 yards, and then halted, the order being conveyed by pressure
+of the hand from one to another. Every one thought that the second
+line would now dig the trench, but another pressure ordered a further
+advance. Five paces had been covered when Mauser bullets hissed past,
+and the men, as ordered, fell flat, just in time to avoid the terrific
+fire that was immediately poured from the Boer trenches. A minute or
+two elapsed, and the order came to retire. Not a shot was fired by the
+Canadians, and they quietly crept back, gaining their trenches with
+comparatively little loss. Meanwhile the Shropshire men, who had
+carefully taken the range and direction before dark, opened fire on
+the Boers, and at the end of an hour put them to silence. A bugle
+sounded "cease fire," and all was still again. That morning (Majuba
+Day) Cronje surrendered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION
+
+TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.
+
+The British troops under my command having entered the Orange Free
+State, I feel it my duty to make known to all Burghers the cause of
+our coming, as well as to do all in my power to put an end to the
+devastation caused by this war, so that should they continue the war
+the inhabitants of the Orange Free State may not do so ignorantly, but
+with full knowledge of their responsibility before God for the lives
+lost in the campaign.
+
+Before the war began the British Government, which had always desired
+and cultivated peace and friendship with the people of the Orange Free
+State, gave a solemn assurance to President Steyn that if the Orange
+Free State remained neutral its territory would not be invaded, and
+its independence would be at all times fully respected by Her
+Majesty's Government.
+
+In spite of that declaration the Government of the Orange Free State
+was guilty of a wanton and unjustifiable invasion of British
+territory.
+
+The British Government believes that this act of aggression was not
+committed with the general approval and free will of a people with
+whom it has lived in complete amity for so many years. It believes
+that the responsibility rests wholly with the Government of the Orange
+Free State, acting, not in the interests of the country, but under
+mischievous influences from without. The British Government,
+therefore, wishes the people of the Orange Free State to understand
+that it bears them no ill-will, and, so far as is compatible with the
+successful conduct of the war and the re-establishment of peace in
+South Africa, it is anxious to preserve them from the evils brought
+upon them by the wrongful action of their Government.
+
+I therefore warn all Burghers to desist from any further hostility
+towards Her Majesty's Government and the troops under my command, and
+I undertake that any of them who may so desist and who are found
+staying in their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations
+will not be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of
+their having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their
+Government. Those, however, who oppose the forces under my command, or
+furnish the enemy with supplies or information, will be dealt with
+according to the customs of war.
+
+Requisitions for food, forage, fuel, or shelter, made on the authority
+of the officers in command of Her Majesty's troops, must be at once
+complied with; but everything will be paid for on the spot, prices
+being regulated by the local market rates. If the inhabitants of any
+district refuse to comply with the demands made upon them the supplies
+will be taken by force, a full receipt being given.
+
+Should any inhabitant of the country consider that he or any member of
+his household has been unjustly treated by any officer, soldier, or
+civilian attached to the British Army he should submit his complaint,
+either personally or in writing, to my Headquarters or to the
+Headquarters of the nearest General Officer. Should the complaint on
+enquiry be substantiated, redress will be given.
+
+Orders have been issued by me prohibiting soldiers from entering
+private houses or molesting the civil population on any pretext
+whatever, and every precaution has been taken against injury to
+property on the part of any person belonging to, or connected with,
+the Army.
+
+                                               ROBERTS,
+                                                   Field Marshal,
+                                    Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+WE PUBLISH A "CURIO" NUMBER
+
+     _Also a Kipling Poem, a Bogus Love-letter, and other
+     Novelties._
+
+  Cue Tips and   }  THE FRIEND.   {  Playing Cards.
+     Wafers      }                { All Qualities at
+  at Barlow's.   } 3d.        3d. {    Barlow's.
+
+  _(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+
+The above was hereafter to be the wording of the full title of the new
+paper. It was again of the small size, necessitated by the infirm and
+petty possibilities of the dust-heap in which it was produced.
+
+In this second number appeared a verse of a poem by Rudyard Kipling,
+who, unknown to us and unsuspected by himself, was soon to be so
+closely connected with our enterprise. As soon as we agreed to take
+control of the new paper, Mr. Landon had wired the news to Mr.
+Kipling, then in Capetown, with a request for a contribution for the
+first number. The fact that the poetic reply reached Bloemfontein
+twenty-four hours later was a matter of delight and surprise to all of
+us, for the chained lightning of the wired highway of correspondence
+loses its chief characteristic of speed where the military make first
+use of it in time of war.
+
+I should not like even to imagine the disgust with which some of the
+lower order of censors, at terminal and junctional points, viewed this
+bit of poetry as it crawled along and they were called upon to approve
+it, perhaps, as "unseditious matter not calculated to give information
+to the enemy." But then I do not like to think of that breed of
+censors under any circumstances. It wrinkles my temper.
+
+Mr. Landon's journalistic enterprise not only turned the eyes of all
+the Kipling collectors of the world upon our newspaper, but, because
+our printers left the date line "March 16" unaltered on an inside page
+of this number of the 17th, that issue became a curio among our
+readers. On the next day copies of the first hundred papers, which
+were issued before the mistake was noticed, fetched five shillings
+each. Within a month their price was twenty-five shillings. But that
+is only a twentieth part of what an odd and not specially
+distinguished number of THE FRIEND sold for at a bazaar in London last
+summer (1900).
+
+Mr. Landon wrote a notable and brilliant editorial on "The Collapse of
+the Rebellion"; General Smith-Dorrien replied to the remarks about the
+Canadians at Paardeberg in the previous day's issue; Lord Roberts's
+congratulation to the Army was published in this number; and there
+also appeared my "love letter to Miss Bloemfontein."
+
+As this love-correspondence attracted great interest then and was
+peculiar in its commencement, continuation, and end, I will tell,
+briefly, what the facts are concerning it. I was invalided and
+confined to my bedroom in the Free State Hotel, and, being advertised
+as a contributor, bethought me that it would be a graceful and
+pleasant thing to act as spokesman for the army in praising the
+pretty town, and acknowledging the gratitude we felt to the people for
+their friendly behaviour to us conquerors.
+
+I did not know at that time that the town was a pestilential,
+bacillus-soaked headquarters for disease, or that far too many of
+those who smiled upon us hated us bitterly, and were even then engaged
+in encouraging the Boers, conveying information to them, and sneaking
+out at night to fight with the enemy or to snipe our outposts. In a
+word, though I had studied the Boer more closely and longer than any
+other London correspondent, I had not measured the breadth and depth
+of his contempt for truth, honour, and fair play. Therefore I wrote
+the letter to Miss Bloemfontein which, with certain other
+contributions to that day's paper, is herewith republished.
+
+On this day the advertisements for what were then called "lost" horses
+already numbered three, and, already, we published a communication
+headed "Loot News" in which was stated the fact that the
+horse-stealing had become so bold that a horse had actually been taken
+from in front of the Club.
+
+"Please note the following," the reporter wrote, "Section I, clause 1,
+of the newly promulgated constitution of the city without a Steyn--A
+man may kill a man and live, but a man who steals a horse may not
+live." Whether there will occur an opportunity in this book to explain
+how the neighbourhood of the Boers affected the moral atmosphere and
+demoralised our earlier views of property rights, especially in
+horse-ownership, I cannot yet say, but whenever the tale is told it
+will be discovered to be extraordinary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1900.
+
+LINES BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+MARCH 17, 1900.
+
+ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
+
+  Oh! Terence dear, and did you hear
+    The news that's going round?
+  The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law,
+    Where'er her sons be found.
+
+  From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack
+    'Tis ordered by the Queen,
+  We've won our right in open fight
+    The wearing of the Green.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE STEYNLESS CITY.
+
+_Loot News._
+
+Absent-minded beggars please note following intimations displayed at
+the Club House, Market Square:--
+
+Taken from a boy in front of the Club on 15th inst., about 7 p.m., a
+bay gelding, about thirteen hands, star on forehead, white patch on
+top lip, tick marks on hind quarters, long tail trimmed square,
+branded R G off forehoof. A 15 near forehoof.
+
+Will the gentleman who took a brown pony _by mistake_ from a boy at
+the door of this Club-house on March 15 kindly return it to manager?
+
+Also please note following:--
+
+Section I, clause I, of newly-promulgated constitution of the City
+without a Steyn--A man may kill a man and live, but a man that steals
+a horse may not live.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE LATE PRESIDENCY.
+
+The official Headquarters of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts and his staff
+are at the Residency.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+A LOVE LETTER.
+
+Come, little Miss Bloemfontein, sit down beside me and let me hold
+your dimpled hand and look into those eyes which have caught the
+wonderful blue of these heavens, and the tints of your gardens and
+your bowery streets. I think our whole army likes you, you belle of
+the Boer aristocracy. You certainly change your lovers easily and
+lightly, but soldiers are reported not to mind a little coquetry when
+they are far from home. You have tripped out to meet us so enticingly,
+you have so led us into your bower with your warm little hand, and you
+have spoken so kindly to us, that we dislike to think you were quite
+the same to your earlier beaux in their homespun suits, their flapping
+hats, and their lavish indulgence in whiskers and beards, which, as
+you must know, are the cheapest of luxuries--prodigalities in which
+misers indulge to make a show and save a barber's bill.
+
+You might have been hateful to us and we could not have blamed you,
+for we came too nearly, as certain other soldiers came to the Sabine
+sisterhood, with blood in our eyes and weapons in hand, fancying that
+you would cling to your old love, and never dreaming that he would run
+away and leave you unprotected in this placid and pretty little
+boudoir that you have set up here. You won't forget that little
+episode, will you, Miss Bloemfontein? And you did take note, didn't
+you, my dear, that when we found you deserted, all forlorn, we changed
+from lion to lamb, from blustering warrior to soft-spoken wooer? We
+spoke no harsh word to your people and did their goods no violence.
+Even now, we stand aside in our own place, crowding none of your
+servitors, but smiling back the smiles you bathe us in, and breathing
+our admiration softly--for you are a pretty miss and gentle--and we
+are not so stupid as to fail to see that you are no Boadicea, but a
+lover of peace and concord, if ever one has lived on earth since the
+Muses took to the clouds. Sweetness of loving sighs its soft song of
+delight in every breeze that rustles the leaves of your tree-garlands.
+Domesticity asserts its command, by your order, in the aspect of every
+cottage in your park-like nest. Homely comfort radiates from the
+hearths and the faces of all who live under your delightful rule.
+
+I never anywhere saw a prettier or a more astonishing scene than I
+witnessed in your market-square on the second night of the stay, which
+we hope you will invite us to prolong to eternity. We sent a few
+greasy and stained melodists with pipes and drums to play in the
+square, partly to show you that we had dethroned Mars and substituted
+Pan in the best niche in our hearts, and partly to set our own
+pleasure tripping to gay tunes. And lo! out you came with your maidens
+and their lovers, your old men and matrons, and the children within
+your gates. And we all forgot that we had quarrelled with your
+cast-off favourite, that each of us had shed the other's blood, and
+that we had come to you with an anger that we supposed you matched
+within your own fair bosom. Your people and ours touched elbows and
+laughed and sang together. For one I was amazed. Of all the sharp
+contrasts of strife I know of none so bold and strong as that scene
+when it was compared with the scenes of only a few days back at
+Paardeberg and Driefontein.
+
+It was your magic, your witchery, your tact that brought it about, you
+South African beauty. Without these helps we never could have enjoyed
+that evening as we did, and that evening was the bridge that spanned
+the gulf between the angry past and the happy future in our lives,
+little miss.
+
+Draw closer, Miss Bloemfontein. Let our arms touch, and the thrill of
+ardent friendship vivify our new relation. You do like us British,
+don't you, dear? You don't have to be British yourself, you know. You
+can stay on being Dutch and piously Presbyterian and all the rest. We
+will respect whatever you admire, and we will promise to make you
+richer, freer, happier and even more beautiful--with the ripened
+charms of a long-assured content, if only you will let your chief
+predikant publish the banns next Sunday--or sooner, if you will.
+
+                                               JULIAN RALPH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A RECENT EXPERIENCE.
+
+A recent experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh and his colleague, Mr.
+Percy Bullen, of the _Daily Telegraph_, affords a fitting illustration
+of the dangers to which those attached to Field Forces are exposed.
+These two gentlemen left Poplar Grove last Saturday with the object of
+reaching General Kelly-Kenny's column, which had preceded them by
+several hours travelling along the high road running almost parallel
+with the Modder River. Near Abrahamskraal they caught sight of the
+central division fighting the Boers along the kopjes lying to the
+right. Mr. Burleigh, who was travelling in a Cape cart drawn by four
+horses, stepped down to survey matters, and while looking through his
+glasses along the high road he saw a party of Boers digging trenches.
+Some of them wore khaki, others were dressed in a style of the
+country, which betrayed their identity to the experienced eye. It was
+decided to return by the same road, further progress being obviously
+very hazardous, as the enemy was within a distance of 500 yards. The
+two carts occupied by the correspondents had barely turned round when
+a shower of bullets was sent in their direction, several striking Mr.
+Burleigh's vehicle, and others falling immediately in front of Mr.
+Bullen. A desperate race followed over a distance of several miles, in
+the course of which a convoy of several mule waggons was met. The
+officer in charge ordered the convoy to return immediately, and his
+instructions were quickly followed. Meantime a messenger was sent
+across to the central division to ask for assistance, as the Boers,
+though a considerable distance behind, were still shooting. By dint of
+hard work and much lashing of horses and mules, every one got safely
+away, but one of Mr. Bullen's team fell a victim to the enemy's fire.
+Fortunately the shot came from across the river, and the remaining
+animal, though sorely tried by the boulders and sluits of a bad road
+over which the whole of the convoy and escort had likewise proceeded
+at a break-neck pace, was able to pull the cart out upon the veldt and
+so elude further damage. By this time some of Rimington's scouts
+appeared, and one of the number kindly lent the correspondent his
+horse, by means of which he was able to rejoin his colleague at Poplar
+Grove, where the entire party passed the night. It was an exciting
+chase extending over several miles, and the safety of the
+correspondents and convoy was largely due to the zeal of the native
+drivers, who worked as if life as well as liberty depended on the
+result. The huge column of dust thrown up by the carts and horses was
+sufficient to baffle even the most expert riflemen, and the Boers who
+pursued were certainly not good shots even at close quarters. In order
+to assist his flight Mr. Bullen jettisoned a large quantity of horse
+fodder, whereas his experienced colleague, Mr. Burleigh, arrived in
+camp with all his goods intact, including a live sheep. It transpired
+subsequently that the messenger despatched for assistance, as well as
+two others who followed him, were captured. The correspondents state
+that the skill displayed by their drivers in avoiding the huge
+boulders which lined the high road, and especially in descending and
+ascending the banks of a very precipitous sluit with a twelve feet
+dip, was a most creditable performance, reminding one of the wonderful
+exercises of our artillery drivers at the Islington Military
+Tournament.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+CANADIANS ON MAJUBA DAY.
+
+BY MAJOR-GENERAL SMITH-DORRIEN.
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 17, 1900.
+
+_To the Editor of_ "THE FRIEND."
+
+DEAR SIR,--I have read your account of "The Canadians on Majuba Day"
+in your issue of yesterday. It is correct up to a certain point, but
+the last part of it is quite erroneous.
+
+In justice to this gallant corps, and to the Company of Royal
+Engineers who were with them, I trust you will publish this
+letter--which recounts what actually happened from the moment the
+Royal Canadians advanced from the trench, 550 yards from the enemy,
+until they established themselves and made a new trench within 93
+yards of the Boer trenches.
+
+At 2.15 a.m. (on the 27th February), the Royal Canadians with 240 men
+in the front rank, the latter with rifles slung and entrenching tools,
+and about 30 officers and men, Royal Engineers under Lieut.-Colonel
+Kincaid forming the right of the rear rank of the Canadians, moved
+steadily from the trench, shoulder to shoulder in the dark night,
+feeling their way through the bushes, and keeping touch by the right.
+
+At 2.50 a.m. they were met by a terrific fire from the enemy's trench,
+now only 60 yards in front of them.
+
+The line was forced to fall back, but only a very small distance, the
+right of it under Captains Stairs and Macdonell, Royal Canadians, some
+twenty yards, where they lay down in the open and returned a steady
+fire--mostly volleys--for the next one and a half hours; the left had
+had to fall back rather further.
+
+Under cover of these two Captains, Lieutenant-Colonel Kincaid and his
+R.E. officer and men, and the Canadian working party in that part of
+the line constructed trenches in spite of the galling fire, and by
+daylight had completed a most admirable work which gave grand cover
+against fire in all threatened directions, and was so well traversed
+with banks and sand-bags that not a single casualty occurred after it
+was occupied.
+
+As day dawned a ruined house was noticed on the opposite bank of the
+river, from which this work could be enfiladed, and a party from the
+reserve was sent up the left bank to occupy it.
+
+To cover the early morning attack as soon as the fire opened at 2.50
+a.m., the Shropshires, in order to hold the enemy in the main laager,
+engaged them with long-range volleys, whilst the Gordons remained
+partly in the open and partly in the most advanced flank trench, which
+latter they lengthened and enlarged, ready to move forward in support.
+
+Shortly after daylight a white flag was flying in the Boer trench,
+which was 93 yards from our newly-constructed trench, and soon the
+Boers came trooping into our line. They stated that they had no orders
+from General Cronje to surrender, but that they heard he intended to
+give in on the 28th February.
+
+The result, however, of this gallant operation was that General Cronje
+altered his date one day earlier.
+
+Your account says that our losses were comparatively small; so they
+were for the results gained, and considering the heavy fire which
+continued for nearly two hours at 80 yards' range. They only amounted
+to 45 casualties in the Brigade--thus, 12 N.C.O.'s and men Royal
+Canadians killed, 30 N.C.O.'s and men Royal Canadians wounded, and 3
+officers wounded, Major Pelletier and Lieut. Armstrong, Royal
+Canadians, and Lieut. Atchison, King's Shropshire Light Infantry--a
+fold in the ground exactly covered the spot where the party was
+working, hence the absence of casualties in the Royal Engineers, and
+the slight losses in the working party of Royal Canadians.
+
+  Yours faithfully,
+                                            H. L. SMITH-DORRIEN,
+  Major-General, Commanding 19th Brigade.
+
+(We are glad to be able to supplement our contributor's account of the
+gallant action of the 27th by General Smith-Dorrien's categorical
+letter, which supplies details which could hardly be obtained
+accurately at second-hand.--EDS. FRIEND).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A COLONIAL HERO.
+
+While scouting at Makouw's Drift, two troopers of Rimington's Guides
+were fired on from a small kopje at close range. One had his horse
+shot, and the other, young Ewan Christian, son of Mr. H. B. Christian,
+of Port Elizabeth, rode back to bring him away. As he was bending down
+to help his comrade up behind he was himself fatally shot, the bullet
+passing through his back and out through his chest. He rolled off his
+horse and told his comrade to mount and ride away. Shortly afterwards
+Major Rimington and more men came up and heard the last words of the
+dying hero: "Tell my old governor I died game." On retiring the party
+were under a hot fire, several horses, including that of Major
+Rimington, being shot. Mr. Christian was buried with military
+honours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WE BEGIN TO FEEL AT HOME
+
+     _A Strange Editorial Adventure--Lord Roberts's New
+     Government under Way--The Sin of Horse Theft._
+
+
+Once, far along the Grand Canal in China, where the people were all
+afraid or hostile at the first sight of me, a beautiful girl of
+sixteen or seventeen ran along the bank of the canal after my boat,
+beckoning to me and to Mr. Weldon, the artist, who was with me, to
+disembark and visit her home. She was out walking with her mother.
+There was no doubt when one considered how far from any big town she
+was, and the fact that she was large-footed and willing to be seen of
+men, that she was a poor peasant girl, a farmer's daughter, either
+curious to see us strange men, or anxious to prove herself a Christian
+convert and to repay the hospitality and kindness she had received at
+the hands of Christian missionaries.
+
+That was what I thought, at any rate, and in that view I told of the
+happening in _Harper's Magazine_. At once a cry arose, in the
+companies of men I met and even in some newspapers as well, against my
+introducing so _risque_ a subject in my account of my adventures.
+Until then I had no idea how prone to evil-thinking is the world, how
+anxious to twist impurity out of innocence even though it required
+violence to do it.
+
+Once again, and here, I am going to tell of an incident equally sweet
+to memory and the reflection of wholesome minds; equally delicate in
+the perfume of innocence which it exhales. After the second issue of
+THE FRIEND, Sunday gave us a day of rest. We had known and seen no
+women for months. They were to us as our homes were, as civilisation
+itself was--mere memories, vague and shadowy, beside the substantial
+realities of fighting, marching, thirsting, and going hungry in the
+company of men--of men by the tens of thousands, but of no women.
+
+There was in Bloemfontein a very blond young woman of sixteen who
+served behind the counter of a shop in the main street--a slight,
+sunny-haired, blue-eyed miss, sparkling with fun and excited by the
+novelty of waiting upon British soldiers and living in the middle of
+what had changed from a dead-and-alive Boer village to a great armed
+British camp. The soldiers had noticed her as well. Generals and
+colonels compared notes of what gossip she and they had exchanged, and
+sent their friends to the shop to see her. The appearance of a few
+unattractive women among the soldiers in the village streets had made
+a mild sensation; but the discovery of a fair-haired, rosy-cheeked
+girl of English blood was the talk of the camp.
+
+[Illustration: _Julian Ralph._]
+
+Among the first men in Bloemfontein and the first to make the
+acquaintance of this maiden was Mr. Gwynne, of THE FRIEND. Foreseeing
+Sunday, and scenting a chance to revive the best memories of
+civilised life, he proposed to gather two army friends if she would
+invite two of her feminine friends for a drive and a luncheon on the
+veldt on Sunday. He invited James Barnes, the talented American
+correspondent, and myself. In two Cape carts we called for the young
+ladies at their homes. They proved to be the very blond young woman, a
+fourteen-year-old friend, and a little girl of ten or eleven years of
+age.
+
+I confess that I never would have asked mere children upon such an
+outing; but it is equally true that I could not have experienced
+either the same or as great and peculiar pleasure with others of older
+growth. They were frank and free, and merry as grigs. They came as
+near to having us killed or captured by the Boers as I wanted to be,
+and from them we learned most interesting and valuable information
+about the enemy and about the town as it was before we captured it. We
+proposed to visit the home of one of the girls, a farm which the girls
+said was "quite close." It proved to be miles beyond the British
+outposts in a country that seemed to us to be uncomfortably peopled
+with Boers and which proved afterwards to have been alive with them.
+Of the danger to us which lay in such a situation the girls took no
+account. They had been born there. They had seen nothing of war, and
+did not understand it. The Boers were their lifelong neighbours. And,
+in a word, they were going to visit friends and to have fun, and
+nothing else entered their minds.
+
+When we were miles away and among some very suggestive little kopjes
+we discovered that our friends had lost their way and that we were
+adrift on the veldt. Boers dashed up to the crests of the hills, saw
+us and disappeared. Boers were on every hand. Why we were not gobbled
+up and sent to Pretoria none of us can explain. Eventually, with only
+one mishap--the overturning of one of the carts--which seemed for a
+moment more terrible than capture by the enemy--we reached the
+farm-house, and aided by several tiny boys and the farmer and his
+wife, spent a happy hour and a half. We made our way back to
+Bloemfontein in the evening, and within a day or two Colonels Crabbe
+and Codrington and Captain Trotter were wounded and the Honourable
+Edward Lygon was killed, at the Glen--a rifle shot from where we had
+picnicked!
+
+The adventures and hairbreadth escapes in war are apt to take only
+three or four well-ordered forms. This adventure was in no way like
+those of the stereotyped kinds.
+
+Monday came, and, with it, the third number of THE FRIEND. It was now
+of the enlarged size, which it retained to the end--a sheet 19 inches
+wide by 32 inches in length. We continued to do the editorial work in
+the old dustbin, as at first, but we had discovered that the _Express_
+works were more modern and capable of turning out a paper of the size
+we preferred. The _Express_ works were two blocks away from our little
+den, in a side street behind the main thoroughfare of the town. They
+belonged to Frau Borckenhagen, but had been seized by order of Lord
+Roberts and sealed up. The printing office and engine and press rooms
+were afterward made over to us, the bindery was used by the military,
+and only the office of the departed editor, whence had proceeded the
+most mischievous reflections of Krugerism and the policy of the
+insidious Afrikander Bond, remained sealed. Frau Borckenhagen sent
+her agents to the military to ask leave to recover some of her
+husband's private papers. By this means she showed us that, like all
+other Boers, she put the very lowest valuation upon our intelligence.
+But in this case she only succeeded in turning the attention of the
+military to her husband's papers without getting the shading of a
+degree nearer to the possession of what must have been--and I think I
+have heard, really proved--of the utmost interest to us.
+
+However, we were able by using the commandeered property of the Boer
+frau, to produce a newspaper of pretentious size and considerable
+importance.
+
+THE FRIEND now began to bristle with proclamations, and their number
+appeared to be doubled because each one was repeated in the Taal
+language under the heading "Proclamatie." In one "I, Frederick Sleigh
+Baron Roberts of Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief the British forces in South
+Africa, appoint George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts
+and Telegraphs in such portions of the Orange Free State as have been
+or may hereafter be occupied by British troops."
+
+Another proclamation related to bills of exchange and promissory
+notes; and a third, by General Pretyman, appointed James Allison
+Collins as "Landdrost of Bloemfontein to administer the ordinary civil
+and criminal laws." In this proclamation the landdrost's court was
+ordered to resume its work on Monday, March 19th. A district surgeon,
+clerk, receiver, and second clerk to the landdrost's court were also
+appointed.
+
+General Pretyman extended his original market proclamation so that it
+established the ruling prices of cattle, meat, breadstuffs, and
+groceries. In the Field Marshal's proclamation as translated into the
+Taal, Lord Roberts was declared to be "Ik (I), Frederick Sleigh Baron
+Roberts van Kandahar, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C.,
+Veld-maarschalk, Opperbevelhebber van de Britsche Krijgsmachten in
+Zuid-Afrika."
+
+In a notice to the Army we said that our chief aim was to make the
+paper welcome to and supported by all ranks, and we invited all in the
+Army to write for us. It is true that when, in the previous day's
+issue we published a poetic contribution by a kind friend, who was the
+first to come to our assistance; we did not precisely encourage others
+to follow his example. On the contrary, we accompanied the verses with
+the remark to the writer, "Your verses are execrable. See for yourself
+in print." But this was merely one of the many interesting
+peculiarities of the paper. We published the fact that Miss Elliott,
+daughter of the General Manager of the Cape Government Railways,
+arrived with her father by special train on the previous night, and
+was the first lady to cross the Free State border and to visit
+Bloemfontein. The editorial of the day was by Mr. Buxton, and was
+entitled "Uitlander or Rebel, Subject or Burgher."
+
+The most notable article was called "The Confession of a
+Horse-stealer," and was written by one of the editors. In the same
+number another member of the editorial quartette wrote a strong little
+article calling attention to the prevalence and brazenness of horse
+thieves, and deploring the facts in earnest and indignant language. I
+was now at work at a desk in the editorial room, and was forced to
+act as judge between the outraged virtue of my colleague who detested
+horse-stealing and the pained surprise of my other colleague who
+(shall I say pretended or) confessed in writing that he was an expert
+at the crime.
+
+"Surely you agree with me that this thing has got to stop?" said the
+one editor.
+
+"Surely you will not allow such canting nonsense to go into the
+paper?" said the other, "especially where the entire army has become
+adept at the practice of looting Boer horses or exchanging worn-out
+steeds for the fresher ones of friends."
+
+Being a born diplomat I agreed with both my colleagues, praised both
+their articles, and voted that both should ornament the columns of THE
+FRIEND.
+
+I was in a position to behave with this impartiality. My character and
+reputation at home forced me to the side of the indignant moralist,
+and yet, on the other hand, certain episodes in my recent experience
+inclined me to view the confessions of the horse-stealer with
+leniency. More than once I had been forced to choose between walking
+for days in the enemy's country or utilising horses that had been
+abandoned by the Boers. If I were again placed in such a position I
+would surrender myself a prisoner to the Boers rather than touch even
+a little thing like a horse that did not belong to me. I have had time
+to reflect, and I see how weak I was; but at that time I was in the
+Boer country where stealing is called "commandeering," and seems a
+trifling thing, rather creditable if practised successfully and with a
+high hand. In justification of my course in commending the high, moral
+view of my other colleague, I could say with pride that the horses I
+had taken were both dead, and with them also disappeared the former
+stain upon my character.
+
+The happy combination of these points in common with both my
+colleagues, enabled me to publish both their articles and bring them
+back to the friendliest terms. So successful was I that we allowed our
+feelings to carry us beyond the bounds of reason--that is to say, we
+agreed to go to the Club and take a drink. It was a thing which no
+intelligent man would lightly agree to do. The only liquid
+refreshments then obtainable at the Club were enteric germs in water,
+gin, vermouth, and port wine. It required an occasion of the first
+importance to induce any of us to go to the Club, which was always as
+crowded as an egg is with meat. All day, and until late in the
+evening, the principal apartment barely afforded standing room. The
+porch was equally well filled, and horses in dozens were tethered
+before the house. It was the social exchange and rendezvous of the
+officers of something like 80,000 men, and I can hardly believe that
+anywhere in the world was there a club-house so constantly crowded.
+
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+_(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that Postal and Telegraph Services shall be resumed
+in the aforesaid Republic, as far as circumstances permit,
+
+NOW THEREFORE
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint David
+George Anosi Falck Administrator of the Civil Posts and Telegraphs in
+such portions of the Orange Free State as have been, or may hereafter
+be occupied by British troops. And I do hereby order that the Postal
+and Telegraph services shall be resumed in the portions of the
+aforesaid Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of
+March, 1900, under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange
+Free State, subject to such alterations as may from time to time be
+notified.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein this Seventeenth Day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
+
+                                                    ROBERTS,
+                                                  Field-Marshal,
+                     Commanding-in-Chief British Forces, South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 15, 1900.
+
+I. _Civil Population to be unmolested._
+
+It being desirable and in the interest of both the British Government
+and the inhabitants of this country that all residents should be
+assured that, so long as they remain peaceably disposed, their civil
+rights and property will be respected, it is strictly forbidden that
+any private property should be compulsorily taken possession of by
+other than the authorised Supply Officers.
+
+All articles required by the troops must be obtained and paid for in
+the ordinary way, and no trespassing or interference with the
+inhabitants will be permitted.
+
+These instructions apply to detached bodies of troops as well as to
+the Force generally, and it is especially the duty of all officers to
+put a stop to all attempts to infringe them.
+
+  By order,
+                    J. W. KELLY,
+                                   A.-G. for C. of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 14, 1900.
+
+It affords the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the greatest pleasure
+in congratulating the Army in South Africa on the various events that
+have occurred during the past few weeks, and he would specially offer
+his sincere thanks to that portion of the Army which, under his
+immediate command, has taken part in the operations resulting
+yesterday in the capture of Bloemfontein.
+
+On the 12th February this force crossed the boundary which divided the
+Orange Free State from British territory. Three days later Kimberley
+was relieved. On the 15th day the bulk of the Boer Army in this State,
+under one of their most trusted generals, were made prisoners. On the
+17th day the news of the relief of Ladysmith was received, and on the
+13th March, 29 days from the commencement of the operations, the
+capital of the Orange Free State was occupied.
+
+This is a record of which any army may well be proud--a record which
+could not have been achieved except by earnest, well-disciplined men,
+determined to do their duty and to surmount whatever difficulties or
+dangers might be encountered.
+
+Exposed to extreme heat by day, bivouacking under heavy rain, marching
+long distances (not infrequently with reduced rations), the endurance,
+cheerfulness, and gallantry displayed by all ranks are beyond praise,
+and Lord Roberts feels sure that neither Her Majesty the Queen nor the
+British nation will be unmindful of the effort made by this force to
+uphold the honour of their country.
+
+The Field Marshal desires especially to refer to the fortitude and
+heroic spirit with which the wounded have borne their sufferings.
+Owing to the great extent of country over which modern battles have to
+be fought, it is not always possible to afford immediate aid to those
+who are struck down; many hours have, indeed, at times, elapsed before
+the wounded could be attended to, but not a word of murmur or
+complaint has been uttered; the anxiety of all, when succour came, was
+that their comrades should be cared for first.
+
+In assuring every officer and man how much he appreciates their
+efforts in the past, Lord Roberts is confident that, in the future,
+they will continue to show the same resolution and soldierly
+qualities, and to lay down their lives, if need be (as so many brave
+men have already done), in order to ensure that the war in South
+Africa may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
+
+  By order,
+          (Sd.)       W. F. KELLY,
+                                  Major-General,
+                          Deputy-Adjutant-General, for Chief of Staff.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS--SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March_ 16, 1900.
+
+1. _Telegrams._
+
+The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegrams which have been received:--
+
+(_a_) From Her Majesty the Queen: "Accept my warmest congratulations
+for yourself and those under you on your great success. Trust all
+wounded doing well."--V. R.
+
+(_b_) From His Excellency the High Commissioner: "In a spirit of deep
+thankfulness I congratulate you and your gallant Army on the rapidity
+and completeness of success which has attended the recent
+operations--crowned by the occupation of the enemy's capital."--MILNER.
+
+(_c_) From the Rear Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, Simonstown:
+"My personal and Navy's heartiest congratulations on your
+success."--ADMIRAL.
+
+(_d_) From Chairman of the London County Council: "On behalf of
+Metropolis, whence many of your brave soldiers have been drawn, I
+congratulate your Lordship's having gloriously reached a point which
+brings you one step nearer towards final success and peace."--DICKINSON,
+Chairman of the London County Council.
+
+(_e_) From the Lord Provost of Glasgow: "The Corporation of Glasgow in
+Council assembled offer you and Her Majesty's troops under your
+command their hearty congratulations on the success of your
+operations, culminating in your occupation in the Capital of the Free
+State, and their earnest hope for a speedy termination of the
+War."--LORD PROVOST.
+
+2. _Distinction._
+
+Referring to Army Order (of March 11, 1900), it is notified for
+information that Her Majesty orders that all Irishmen, whether serving
+in Irish Regiments or not, shall be allowed to wear the Shamrock on
+St. Patrick's Day.
+
+  By order,
+               W. KELLY,
+                           Major-General,
+                                              Deputy-Adjutant-General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The first hundred copies of our last issue--Saturday, March 17, were,
+by accident, wrongly dated under the title on the front page.
+
+The Editors are willing to pay Five Shillings each for a few clean
+copies of this portion of the issue.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CONFESSIONS OF A HORSE-STEALER.
+
+(_N.B.--This article is privileged. The Provost Marshal cannot,
+therefore, take proceedings against the author._)
+
+When somewhere about the beginning of December I arrived at Modder
+River, I think I may say I was as honest as the generality of
+mankind. I do not remember any incident in my early childhood and
+youth which could in any way have been cited as a proof that I had
+predatory instincts. At home I never stole, at schools I never stole,
+at Colleges I never stole, and during several years of wandering about
+the face of the globe I never stole. But since I accompanied Lord
+Roberts' force from Enslin to Bloemfontein I have stolen freely, and I
+as freely admit it. Why? Ah, the answer to that question involves deep
+ethical considerations, and cannot be answered right off. Let me tell
+my tale, and I fancy that I shall receive the sympathy of most members
+of the force, and even the Provost Marshal will no longer pine to hang
+me.
+
+When I left Enslin I was the proud possessor of three fine
+saddle-horses and two decrepit-looking but sturdy cart-horses. Now I
+have to hire a man to repeat daily to me the number of my
+riding-horses, and I drive about Bloemfontein with a spanking team. I
+am aware that this confession will make the Provost Marshal's hair
+stand straight on his head; but let him have a little patience. Let
+him think what a glorious thing it is to find the one horse-thief in
+the army. I calculate that about 5,000 horses have illicitly changed
+hands during the advance from Modder River, and yet I have never found
+a man who has not most indignantly denied the merest, slenderest
+imputation of being concerned in a horse "transaction." Therefore--the
+army is honest, and there is only one horse-thief in it. The honour of
+the force is saved, and I am the only culprit. This is centralisation
+with a vengeance, and no longer need the Provost Marshal send his
+myrmidons galloping far and wide in search of horse-thieves. When next
+he hears of the loss of a horse, let him come to me--the only thief. I
+will let him know my address when Martial Law is replaced by the
+ordinary procedure of justice.
+
+But let me recount, to what, I hope, will be a sympathetic public, how
+I fell from honesty into the blackest depths of dishonesty. At
+Jakobsdal, Messieurs les Boers shot my finest horse. I was grieved
+naturally, and hurt too, that a poor non-combatant should have been
+treated so cavalierly. But "a la guerre comme a la guerre," I
+whispered to myself, and hoped for better luck next time. I followed
+the force from Jacobsdal to Klipkraal and Paardeberg, and at the
+last-named camp I awoke one morning to find my sturdy black pony had
+been taken quietly from under my very nose. I raved and stamped and
+swore at the loss. My sympathetic black boy tried to console me. "If
+master like," he said, "I go catch another horse." But so high and
+pure was my morality at that time that I almost thrashed him on the
+spot for daring to make such a suggestion. I walked away disconsolate,
+and sought a friend whose ribboned breast showed that he had seen
+service in every quarter of the globe. His answer to my request was
+short and simple. "Go and see whether he is picketed with ---- Horse"
+(wild rhinoceri will not drag from me the name of that gallant
+regiment of M.I.). I went, and there conspicuously displayed in the
+front rank of the tethered horses was my black pony. I did not
+hesitate, but, blessing the members of ---- Horse for so kindly caring
+for my poor wandering pony, I began to untie the ream of the halter.
+But the watchful eye of one of the men was open, and I was startled
+to hear a noise at my side say, "Well, upon my soul, this beats
+cock-fighting. You come to the wrong shop if you think you can steal a
+horse from _this_ regiment," and he roughly took the ream out of my
+hand.
+
+I protested. "The horse is mine," I said, "I'd know him anywhere."
+"Get on," was the answer, "he belongs to my captain. Why, look at the
+brand." And, sure enough, on my poor pony's quarters were three big
+letters which represented, I suppose, his initials.
+
+But I was in no way cast down. To go and explain to the officer that a
+little mistake had occurred was, after all, quite an easy matter, and
+I approached the gentleman who was sitting under a mimosa bush having
+breakfast. I explained the matter to him, and asked permission to lead
+my property home. But the captain roared with laughter. "Lead my horse
+home?" he shouted in another burst of laughter. "I like that. Why, do
+you know that the dam of that horse belonged to my Uncle Jim? He was
+the first man in that part of the country. Why," and again he laughed,
+"I remember when that black pony of mine was foaled. It was the 7th,
+no--the 10th of October. I remember quite well, for three weeks after
+we had a big garden party and all the ladies fell in love with the
+little beggar because he ate bread and butter from their hands and was
+the greediest beggar you ever saw after chocolate creams. Why, damme,
+if I didn't take that pony home again, I believe my old governor would
+cut me off with a shilling."
+
+I stood aghast. What a fool, what a sanguinary fool I was to go and
+make such a mistake. My apologies were ample, humble and profuse. But
+as I passed the horse-lines again I could not help thinking how
+singularly like my lost pony was the animal which, as a foal, so
+amused the ladies at the garden party.
+
+And then I did the foolishest thing I ever did in all my life. I
+bought a new horse. Twenty-four hours afterwards it was claimed by
+four different officers, and I narrowly escaped hanging at the hands
+of the Provost Marshal, who at once ordered me to return the animal to
+its rightful owner. I gave it up to the four claimants, and let them
+decide among themselves the question of ownership.
+
+And now I had but one pony left--and I guarded it as the apple of my
+eye. But again the Fates were against me, and it went off--I do not
+for a moment suggest that it was taken off. Again I tried ----'s Horse
+and all the Regular and Irregular Corps in the force, and was
+indignantly rebuked for daring to look for a stray horse in their
+lines. And so I was reduced to walking to and fro at Paardeberg Camp.
+But one fine afternoon, returning across the huge endless plain, I was
+nearly ridden down by a subaltern, and as I glanced at the reckless
+rider I saw that he was riding _my_ pony. I shouted and yelled to him
+to stop, which he did.
+
+"You are riding my pony," said I.
+
+"I'm not," was the laconic answer.
+
+"But I'm sure of it."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"Well, you're wrong this time. That pony is mine. I've had him for
+three months and I know him as well as I know my own boots."
+
+But there was never a blush on the face of the subaltern. The pony he
+rode was, he admitted, of a very common type as regards colour and
+height. And he discussed at great length the difficulty of recognising
+horses. He told us that one of the greatest horse-dealers in London
+failed to recognise a horse that he had himself ridden a whole year.
+And then he drowned me in dates. The pony he was riding was bought for
+the remount of December 13th, kept at Stellenbosch till January 4th,
+arrived at De Aar on January 6th, was used there by a staff officer
+who did not like him and sent him up to Orange River on February 1st.
+On February 5th he became the property of the subaltern, who appeared
+to have tethered the beast at night to his waist, so positive was he
+that "he had never lost sight of the pony since."
+
+What could I say? I couldn't call him a liar, for he was a tall,
+well-made subaltern, and he might have knocked me down, so I let him
+ride my pony away, and I trudged home to my camp beside the river.
+
+Early next morning I collected all the servants and I addressed them
+as follows: "I have not got a single riding-horse left, and I want
+some; go and get some."
+
+It was a laconic speech, but wonderfully effective. By five o'clock
+that afternoon three grand beasts were standing under the shelter of
+the river bank close to my camp, undergoing the different processes of
+hogging, tail-cutting, dyeing and other forms of transformation used
+by horse-stealers. In ten days I could have mounted a whole troop of
+cavalry. I will confess that I was a bit frightened, when, at five
+o'clock one morning, they brought me two magnificent chargers, for I
+recognised them as the property of the Commander-in-Chief. But
+although I delayed His Excellency's departure to Kimberley for an
+hour, I succeeded in sending them back to his lines unperceived.
+
+I now possess a splendid stud of saddle-horses. I find it so difficult
+to feed them all, however, that it is my intention to offer them for
+sale next Wednesday. The conditions of sale are the usual ones, but it
+is to be distinctly understood that if any person dares to claim one
+of the animals as his own he will be turned out of the enclosure with
+ignominy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE SOLDIERS' POET.
+
+BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.
+
+  So you've come, Mynheer Kiplin', so you've come:
+  Wot a chap you are to foller up the drum!
+  S'pose yer's gwine to make some verse?
+  Well, there's lots wot does it worse,
+  You'd 'ave made a better Laurrytte than some.
+
+  We 'ave read your latest rimin' in the "FRIEND,"
+  But it's finished up too soon toward the end;
+  But the paper's raither small,
+  Sure it's 'ardly none at all,
+  If 'twere larger now 'twould be the bigger friend.
+
+  Now I arsks yer, Mister Kiplin', ain't yer proud
+  Of the "absent-minded beggars," how they've ploughed
+  Through 'ard ground to "Bobsfontein,"
+  Dorp of late departed Steyn,
+  Ain't yer proud of this great ragged Kharki crowd?
+
+  Glad to see yer, Mister Kiplin' and the "boys."
+  Old Bloemfontein never knew such times--and noise,
+  There's paradin', drillin'--and
+  Every night we gets the band,
+  And there's nothin' now our 'appiness alloys.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A SERIOUS MATTER.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+Horse-stealing is becoming a grave scandal. It constitutes the one
+blemish upon the otherwise excellent military regime that has been
+firmly but unobtrusively imposed. From their grazing grounds, from the
+rail in front of the Club, from the actual hands of Cape boys leading
+them to or from their lines, horses have been stolen with as little
+compunction as though they had been found grazing on the veldt.
+
+In some cases marks have been obliterated and manes and tails cropped
+by the thieves in the endeavour to conceal the identity of the animal,
+and it is our duty to ask that an example shall be made of any person
+found in the possession of a horse not his own, or from which such
+marks or brands have been recently obliterated, or upon which others
+have been recently imposed.
+
+It must be apparent to any man of sense that a horse which is offered
+to him by any person, white or coloured, for a nominal sum, is a horse
+which that boy or person has no right whatever to possess or attempt
+to sell, and any man purchasing under these circumstances must be held
+to be an accomplice in the theft.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It is earnestly to be hoped that, in felling necessary timber for the
+use of the troops, all particularly fine or ornamental trees will be
+spared. This district is sufficiently well wooded to supply otherwise
+all requirements, and depends largely upon its timber for its
+attractiveness.
+
+Mr. Kruger was being sped from the late Presidency when he recently
+visited the front near Gallaiskop and Osfontein, and President Steyn's
+parting remark was "Mind the British don't catch you, or you'll get a
+better place in St. Helena than I." It is hardly necessary now to
+remind the late President Steyn that many a true word is spoken in
+jest.
+
+It is not a little offensive to the ordinary British sense of the
+fitness of things that a native should be parading the Market Square
+in the red tunic of the Soldiers of the Queen. Yet this was to be seen
+yesterday afternoon when the pipes were skirling their martial
+strains, to the delight of all and sundry. The name of the
+regiment--Shropshire--was plainly in evidence on the shoulder strap.
+
+Lord Roberts's entry into Bloemfontein narrowly missed marking another
+of those historical, dramatic episodes such as Cronje's Day afforded.
+The British withdrawal from the Orange Sovereignty Territory actually
+took place on March 11, 1846, the proclamation being dated February
+23rd of the same year. The Queen's soldiers re-entered this town on
+March 13th, only missing what would have been a wonderful coincidence
+by less than forty-eight hours.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION
+
+TO THE BURGHERS OF THE ORANGE FREE STATE.
+
+In continuation of the Proclamation which I issued when the British
+troops under my command entered the Orange Free State, in which I
+warned all burghers to desist from any further hostility, and
+undertook that those of them who might so desist, and were staying in
+their homes and quietly pursuing their ordinary occupations, would not
+be made to suffer in their persons or property on account of their
+having taken up arms in obedience to the order of their Government, I
+now make known to all burghers that I have been authorised by the
+Government of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to offer the
+following terms to those of them who have been engaged in the present
+war:--
+
+All burghers who have not taken a prominent part in the policy which
+has led to the war between Her Majesty and the Orange Free State, or
+commanded any forces of the Republic, or commandeered or used violence
+to any British subjects, and who are willing to lay down their arms at
+once, and to bind themselves by an oath to abstain from further
+participation in the war, will be given passes to allow them to return
+to their homes, and will not be made prisoners of war, nor will their
+property be taken from them.
+
+                                                    ROBERTS,
+                                              Field Marshal,
+        Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.
+  Government House, Bloemfontein,
+        15th March, 1900.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+TREATING OF MANY PEOPLES
+
+     _A Flesh-and-blood Miss Bloemfontein resents my
+     Love-letter._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" of March 20th contained five advertisements for stolen
+horses, one of which described the favourite horse of one of the
+editors: picturesque justice, some will say, for our light and
+trifling attitude toward the growing evil of horse-lifting. The
+editorial of the day, "Greater Britain," was one that I wrote, and the
+note of it was this: "It has been said that each of the preceding
+centuries during a long period of European history has ended in a
+great war. This one which closed the nineteenth century is not, and
+will not become, great, as wars are measured. But it will be recorded
+as phenomenally important in having given birth to Greater Britain."
+
+We had been offering five shillings each for copies of the "curio"
+numbers of March 16th. We now raised the offer to ten shillings a
+copy. A paragraph in the paper stated that a native (negro) police
+force had been established in town, with badges bearing the letters
+"B.N.P." "These police," we said, "have nothing whatever to do with
+white people."
+
+A few words upon the subject of the natives will not be amiss. It will
+be remembered that even as the British troops were entering
+Bloemfontein the negroes were engaged in looting a semi-public Boer
+building. Lord Roberts felt obliged to stop the triumphal advance and
+order his staff to drive the ruffians away. Two or more lords carried
+out the order. After we had established ourselves in the town the
+negroes were included with the white people in an order requiring them
+to have passes when they entered or left the town, and in order to be
+out of doors after nightfall. They deeply resented this, after making
+themselves as obnoxious as they were ridiculous, by their complaints.
+They said that they had always been friendly to the English, and had
+hated the Boers for the way they had maltreated the blacks, but that
+it seemed the English were little better than the Boers.
+
+The truth is that from Capetown to Bloemfontein they had traded upon a
+hatred of their Dutch masters, and, whether this was genuine or
+assumed, they had endeavoured to turn it to their account in every
+way. Everywhere that I found them they were too much impressed by the
+importance which they assumed, and which we too often encouraged. We
+paid them many times what was paid to "Tommy Atkins," and employed
+them in preference to the poor whites. In return they were often lazy,
+often impudent, sometimes treacherous. I know that they were too
+freely welcomed when they ran from the Boer lines to ours, and I also
+know that they sometimes ran back to the Boers with what they had
+learned. The Afrikanders in our ranks and in our employ often knocked
+them down for impudence, and the English were horrified; but I fancy
+the Afrikander knew what he was about in dealing with this especial
+sort of negro that followed the army.
+
+Mr. Gwynne, in this day's issue, wrote a series of parodies of the
+despatches of the correspondents of all the leading London and local
+newspapers. It was the purest fun. It caricatured and exaggerated the
+methods of each of us so cleverly as to make the series altogether
+laughable and yet so as to suggest something recognisable in each
+man's style.
+
+Mr. F. Wilkinson, of the _Sydney Daily Telegraph_, wrote about the
+Australians an article that is here reprinted. A correspondent of
+whose name I am not certain continued from the previous day an account
+of the expedition to the British forces southward of us. The article
+was so interesting and full of local and military colour that I wish I
+could give the author the credit he deserves.
+
+The chief event of the day was the receipt of an angry answer to my
+love letter to Miss Bloemfontein. Even as we read the copy we supposed
+that some wag in the army had tried to perpetrate a joke upon us, but
+Mr. Buxton came in and, finding us reading the letter, said that he
+had received it from a leading man of Bloemfontein, whose talented
+daughter had written it. She was an earnest adherent of the Boer
+cause, and expressed her sincere sentiments in this letter, in which
+she waived aside my protestations of our friendship with something
+painfully like scorn. Her name was given to us in confidence, and we
+published her letter with my reply, all agreeing that as she was
+certain to write another answer, we would give her the last word, and
+then close the episode.
+
+We were able on this day to announce the establishment of a regular
+daily train service to all points south. The country below had been
+cleared of Boers, but the bridge at Norval's Pont was still a wreck,
+and the trains ran over a temporary structure. Sir Henry Rawlinson
+arrived in Bloemfontein and took up his quarters at the Residency with
+Lord Roberts, who on this day announced that he would review the Naval
+Brigade on the following morning.
+
+We published these three informing paragraphs:--
+
+     Note: the price of whiskey is 11s. a bottle, on a rising
+     market.
+
+     A French Canadian member of the R.C.R. was doing sentry-go
+     one night at Enslin (Graspan). The countersign for the night
+     was "Halifax." Presently there came a strolling soldier whom
+     our gallant Canadian promptly challenged.
+
+     "Who go dare?"
+
+     "Friend."
+
+     "Advance, fren, and pace on--and say 'Haversack'--all is
+     vale."
+
+There were many such sentry stories in circulation in the army.
+Another one was to the effect that a Yorkshireman having to halt, and
+demand the countersign of a man he knew very well, acquitted himself
+of his task in these words: "Halt! who goes there. Say 'Majuba,' and
+toddle along--isn't it all blooming nonsense?"
+
+Finally, there was this one other paragraph especially full of the
+local colour of our surroundings--
+
+     A captured Free Stater tried to impress a sense of his
+     importance upon his captor by declaring that he was a Field
+     Cornet. "I don't care if you're a field big drum. You're my
+     prisoner, and you'd better be very civil and come on."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT.
+
+BY F. WILKINSON.
+
+For one very obvious reason war corresponding has not had very much of
+a vogue in past years with Australian journalists; in fact, the
+fighting business altogether has been very much neglected. As a group
+of colonies or a nation--which we hope to be almost immediately--we
+are not old enough to invite anyone else to put up his hands, and we
+are too far away to take more than a languid interest in other
+peoples' scraps. We did send a contingent and a few correspondents to
+the London Show, in '86 I think it was, but we only got there in time
+to return and make ourselves look rather ridiculous. Since then the
+"professional correspondent" might have starved and pined comfortably
+to death for all the work he would be likely to get. He couldn't have
+kept up the lecturing dodge with such long intervals between scraps.
+We didn't even think it worth while to send to the Philippine show,
+although it occurred almost at our very door.
+
+You see, in some of our Australian legislatures we groan under the
+inflictions of what are known as "labour parties," and labour parties
+all the world over have a rooted abhorrence of anything which tends to
+the maintenance of law and order. Labour parties, moreover, are
+generally made up of men who have before their accession to Parliament
+led some big anti-capitalistic agitation and they know what the
+sensation is to find themselves confronted with rifles, and even
+bayonets. Consequently they dislike the military element with a mortal
+dislike. They make a dead set at raw military estimates every year,
+and laugh to scorn the military spirit. From all of which it may be
+inferred that war corresponding with us has not hitherto been one of
+the most lucrative of professions. Rich squatters don't choose it as a
+career for their sons, and poor people have still the Banks and the
+Church and Parliament to fall back upon. Those of us, therefore, who
+for our sins have been sent out of this show, come as mere "rooineks,"
+or "new chums," to use the Australian equivalent. Strange to say, the
+only one amongst us who was also in the Soudan received a mortal wound
+the other day near Rensburg.
+
+There is this to be said, however, in extenuation of our greenness to
+the business, that our early training is of the sort which ought to
+make for efficiency. The Australian pressman, like his cousin over
+here, is a child of the bush. His "beat" covers some thousands of
+square, solid, British miles. One day he is out in the wild West among
+wilder shearers, beside whom the average Tommy is a mere circumstance.
+There is trouble in station sheds, and wild, uncivilised war between
+unionists and blacklegs. Blue metal in chunks buzzes past one's ears
+as thick as Mauser bullets at Magersfontein; railway carriages are
+quickly reduced to ruins, huts and grass fired for miles round; mobs
+of unionists carry havoc on the luckless blackleg and let slip the
+dogs of war--always blue metal. This is the stuff on which the
+Australian pressman is fed up.
+
+Next day he may be sent up to the flooded north: a river has burst its
+banks and submerged some twenty miles of settled country; occupants of
+single story houses find themselves high and dry on their roof-tops,
+others have sought shelter in trees; their household goods float gaily
+downstream alongside dead cattle and horses. Rescue parties in flood
+boats pull frantically from house to house carrying provisions and
+clothing for shivering women and children. These floods occur quite
+frequently, and your pressman soon learns to live for weeks almost up
+to his waist in water. He manages to boil his "billy" in the bottom of
+his boat without springing a leak. He will make excellent "damper"
+with arrowroot and Epsom salts if he can't get flour and baking
+powder. He will ride anything which will go on four legs, and after he
+has been lost on the trackless bush a time or two, he won't always
+travel in a circle.
+
+He has a standing engagement in an annual encampment where 5,000 or
+6,000 troops are concentrated for nine days' continuous training, and
+when general orders are issued beforehand notifying the exact time and
+spot where an engagement will take place, between so-and-so
+representing the enemy, whose position will be indicated by red flags,
+and such and such regiments representing the attacking force, who may
+be distinguished by blue flags. We manage those things better at
+Easter manoeuvres than we do on service. Here, they don't send round
+cards of invitation to correspondents when a fight is going to take
+place. One has to chase round the country after it, fighting staff
+officers on the lines of communication all the way. But that is
+another story. Since our present illustrious Commander-in-Chief has
+taken over the conduct of the campaign we haven't been able to raise
+much of a grumble, and what happened prior to this is forgotten--at
+least for the time.
+
+                                               F. WILKINSON,
+                                        _Sydney Daily Telegraph_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS BLOEMFONTEIN'S ANSWER.
+
+TO MR. ENGLISHMAN--A LOVELESS LETTER.
+
+Come, tall Mr. Englishman, and sit down beside me, but for the love of
+heaven, do not look into my eyes, lest they scorch you with a fiery
+"hate of hate." The blue of mine eyes may be perilously near that blue
+which men have named electric, and such an electric shock of scorn
+would they shoot that you would wish yourself amidst the turmoil of
+war again, some of whose bolts and bombs have taken the lives of our
+fathers, brothers, friends! You will not wonder then that I do not
+like your whole army or any part thereof, although it may have done me
+the great and unwished-for honour of liking me--or you, the conqueror
+of the land, which is mine by the same right as your little island is
+yours--the right of old tradition which is so great a factor in the
+history of nations, and in which our land abounds; the right of
+residence which has been ours since our peacefully ruled and hitherto
+prosperous little Free State was created--the right of love for the
+land of our birth--the right of pride in our despised beaux, with
+their homespun suits and lavish beards and whiskers, who have gone out
+to fight with such bravery for their cause and country.
+
+Surely, Mr. Englishman, you of all men should be able to appreciate
+this factor in them, you who pride yourself on being the bravest man
+of the bravest of living nations. Were this factor missing in them,
+would you not have been here five long months ago? Surely you, I say,
+should be able to overlook such small matters as the bad cut of their
+coats and the length of their beards. You should know that greatness
+does not lie in outward seeming.
+
+Please do not say "Miss Bloemfontein tripped out to meet us so
+enticingly;" say, rather, "little Miss Uitlander," who has, as you
+rightly think, by no means hitherto scorned our homespun youths, and
+to whom we extended a loving hand when she came, and who now, in
+return for this, unnecessarily flaunts your colours in our faces, and
+welcomes you too kindly. Much bitter sorrow was there, oh sir, when
+you entered this loved home of ours; I and my sisters, who felt as
+would your English dames, were another William Conqueror to take their
+island home from them, lay in dumb anguish and writhed when the word
+went forth, "we have fallen into bondage," "our enemy hath us in his
+grasp"--and our cup of bitterness was more than full.
+
+We do cling to our old love, who left us with much misgiving to your
+tender mercies. Mr. Englishman, fain would he have stayed to protect
+us, but that he had his command to go;--and this is another thing
+which you, who think so much of discipline, should be able to
+appreciate. Though for fear of your displeasure we must hide our
+feelings, you are hateful to us, oh slayer of our brothers and taker
+of our home!
+
+We will not forget, Mr. Englishman, and are truly grateful to you,
+that you behaved to us with common courtesy, and stood aside to let us
+pass; but surely you, the politest of polite men, would not take
+credit for that, which should be the birthright of all gentlemen. We
+dwell not in times of Sabine sisterhoods, good sir!
+
+And if little Miss Uitlander bathe you in smiles, and lisp pretty
+nothings into your much-astonished ear, call but to mind that she
+comes from your own "far countree," and has here learned this way of
+welcoming the conqueror.
+
+I am no Boadicea, say you. Oh, sir, you mistake grievously. I would
+smite you with mine own hands, were I able. Did you perhaps not catch
+a glimpse of me in General Cronje's laager, whither I went to share
+the danger with my brother, and cheer him in his arduous task?
+
+True it is that homely comfort abounds in our cottages, and should it
+not be so? Perhaps there was a time too when your stately sister did
+not scorn to keep house, instead of attending theatres, soirees,
+musicales, at-homes. Evidently, Miss Uitlander forgot the divine music
+of Queen's Hall and Covent Garden, when she crowded to do justice to
+the awful and untuneful melodies, to which your English bandsmen
+treated her on the Market Square. But you see "It is so long since she
+left 'home,' and it is sweet to hear those sounds which come straight
+from dear old England." I, sir, stopped my ears with cotton wool (for,
+whatever Miss Bloemfontein is, she is musical, and even had I been
+pleased to see you, I could never have allowed myself to be tortured
+with those fragments of the divine art). Poor Pan! he stood afar on
+the topmost steeple of the Dutch Church, and played his pipes and
+wept, and had you not been so absorbed in "tripping to your gay
+tunes," you might have heard faintly stealing over our ancient towers
+"Heeft burghers t'lied der Vrijheid aan," while the organ within our
+"piously Presbyterian" edifice echoed the anthem, which was caught up
+by the instrument in your exclusively English cathedral, and Miss
+Bloemfontein heard the echo and was comforted.
+
+And now, Mr. Englishman, do you fully realise that I am not pleased to
+see you, that I hate to have you here; I, a real daughter of the soil?
+And if to-morrow I could turn you out, I would do so joyously, while
+little Miss Uitlander would stand by, her lovely eyes moist with
+grateful tears, and whisper, "That is right," or perhaps push you with
+her tiny left hand, while she once more extended her right to my badly
+dressed brothers, as they came over the top of the Bloemfontein Hill!
+
+The gulf between the angry past and the still more angry present will
+never be bridged, Mr. Englishman. You have made Afrikanderdom by
+fighting us, and have awakened in our breasts the knowledge that we
+are of another sort than yourselves. Only now, with the "Schwanenlied"
+sounding in our ears, do we feel what it is to have a country--to be a
+nation!
+
+                                               MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+
+OUR REPLY TO THE LADY.
+
+DEAR MISS BLOEMFONTEIN,--If there is doubt about which young lady it
+is who has made us welcome here, there is none at all about the
+genuineness of your letter and yourself. Its sheets exhale the subtle
+perfume of the mimosa flower, its strong, free writing reveals the
+confidence, health, and high spirits of the graceful rider of the
+veldt! Thank God (and thank you also, my dear) there is no line or
+phrase of resistance to our suit in all your letter but has a tender
+phrasing or carries a compliment--so that we know you do not dislike
+us a tenth so much as you hate the thought of seeming light-of-love,
+of feeling that we have dared to pity you, of fancying we think you
+are to be won for the mere asking.
+
+Sweetheart, that was a clumsy letter of ours if it ruffled your
+maidenly sensitiveness with such misapprehensions. Henry V. was not
+the only one, or the last, of us Englishmen who could war with men
+better than he could woo women. And as Katharine looked through young
+Hal's rough armour into his warm and loyal heart, so we ask you to do
+with us.
+
+Well, well! so it was your cousin, Miss Uitlander, whose azure eyes
+and twining fingers sent me into my rhapsody of love, while you, the
+true Katharine, the real princess, have held back, hid in some leafy
+bower of your pretty capital. Ah, well, it was not her hand that took
+our heart captive. It was not her eyes that slew us. What we loved was
+the essence of your soul and spirit which breathed upon us from your
+park-like seat, from your trees and gardens, from the pretty, happy
+houses of your subjects. It was you we loved, dear neighbour, you
+whom we have admired through all your youth and never quarrelled with
+and never known to be at fault.
+
+As I wrote on Saturday, we still stand aside and look upon your charms
+of peaceful domesticity, all garlanded for your bridegroom. Still,
+too, we see your selfish, scheming guardian of the past fleeing from
+the wreck and ruin into which he has plunged your people. And we see
+your sworn champions in similar flight, leaving you forlorn, deserted.
+It is eminently womanly of you to defend these faithless gallants
+rather than solicit pity for yourself. It is the true maidenhood in
+you which makes you retire to your bower until you have forced us to
+acknowledge your value and earn your love. If we misjudged you and
+fancied you had tripped out to put your hand in ours, it was only
+because we were so eager and so smitten. We like you better as you
+are, shy and modest, proud and pure.
+
+That deft touch of your pen upon the quality of our music--it was--I
+mean to say we find no fault in you for--but, no, we may not be
+disloyal, even to our pipes. It was the best we had to offer, and when
+better comes from home we fancy that even you will cease to barricade
+your pearly ears against it. We shall enjoy hearing Pan set your sighs
+to melody. We promise not to drive him away; he shall ever play your
+songs just as he trills the lays of ever so many fair maidens who
+throng around our Queen, and who remember the chains she has stricken
+from their limbs without for an instant forgetting the traditions
+which still knit each to her past and her kindred in so many far
+lands.
+
+You speak of the "great honour" of our liking you. You extol our
+bravery. You admit our "tender mercies" and our love of order. You say
+you will not forget our courtesy to your people or our modesty. You
+call us "the politest of polite men"--ah, dear little Afrikander, we
+treasure each word in each of those sentences. We cannot help taking
+heart of hope. If you can speak of us so fair to-day, when the
+whispers of your old lover still sound in your ears, what may we not
+expect in time to come? We will not try to hurry your heart, but we
+warn you we shall melt it. For we love you, and there is no selfish
+prompting, no hope of mercenary gain in our affection. We love you
+because you are irresistible, even with your dimpled little hand
+clenched, and, perhaps, partly because of the lightning that flashes
+in your pretty eyes.
+
+                                               JULIAN RALPH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOINING HANDS WITH GATACRE AND CLEMENTS.
+
+On Thursday morning last a small force was despatched by train from
+Bloemfontein to the South, in order to open up the country, to find
+out the dispositions of the enemy between here and the Orange River,
+and, if possible, to join hands with the British forces now operating
+in the direction of Stormberg and Colesberg.
+
+The force consisted of 4 guns and 66 men of the 84th Battery, R.F.A.,
+21 mounted men of Roberts' Horse Bodyguard, 6 Grahamstown M.I., a
+section of the M.R.E., and 2 battalions of Guards (3rd Grenadiers and
+1st Scots), totalling about 2,100 men and 120 horses, besides vehicles
+and mules sufficient to make the force mobile if required.
+
+We moved off in 5 trains, the first being a short "breakdown" pilot
+train in charge of Lieutenant Mozley, R.E., carrying an advanced party
+of 51 Grenadiers under Capt. Clive. Ten minutes after, a full train of
+Grenadiers, carrying in addition Major-General Pole-Carew, C.B.,
+commanding the expedition, and his Staff; and the other three trains
+carried the remainder of the force.
+
+We were in hopes that there would be some parties of the enemy between
+us and the Orange, especially as Edenburg was reported occupied; and
+the country between that and the river ought to have been swarming
+with Boers opposing the advance of Generals Gatacre and Clements. But,
+as it turned out, we had no chance of loosing off even one round, and
+our progress was peaceful and unwarlike in the extreme.
+
+At Kaalspruit we met Lieut. Russell Brown, R.E., who had just returned
+off an adventurous trip per train to Edenburg, which he had
+reconnoitred in the dark when it was full of Boers. After that we
+steamed slowly along, and reconnoitred Kaffir and Riet River Bridges,
+with a view to their occupation if necessary.
+
+As it was quite possible that stray Boers might walk into the
+telegraph offices behind us and read off any messages going through,
+we transferred the instruments to the safer keeping of the detachments
+of Scots Guards we left at the bridges. The disconnecting of wires at
+one of the stations was carried out by a highly distinguished and
+zealous party of Grenadier officers, headed by the C.O. himself, but
+the result was somewhat unfortunate, as messages refused to pass
+through for some considerable time afterwards. Edenburg was
+approached at dusk, but, thanks to a friend who told us that the enemy
+had evacuated it, we had no need to use caution in so doing. On the
+contrary, we were warmly welcomed on coming to a standstill, and found
+a deputation of three ready to hand over the keys of the town and to
+ask for protection.
+
+The General received the deputation, consisting of the Landdrost, Mr.
+Fourie, Mr. Groenwoud and the Clerk of the Council, graciously, but
+demanded, as a guarantee of good faith, that all arms and ammunition
+in the town and district should be given up. This was agreed to, and
+messengers were despatched to the Commandant and two Field-cornets,
+who lived some way off, to come in next morning at 6 and arrange the
+matter with the General. A messenger was also sent to warn the
+Fauresmith commando of 400 to 500 men, which was approaching the town,
+that they had better disperse, as the British were in possession and
+might fire on them if they came too near. The commando, had, however,
+kindly anticipated the purport of this message, and had already melted
+away on its own initiative.
+
+Edenburg is a pretty little town, well supplied with water and
+provisions of all sorts. But its chief possession must be acknowledged
+to be a veritable Don Juan, to judge from the number of affectionate
+letters addressed to him that were found among the budget seized at
+the Post Office. This young man, who shall be nameless, must have
+broken the hearts of numberless charming ladies. Letters from every
+part of the Free State and a large portion of the Transvaal, some
+couched in most amorous language, others upbraiding him for
+faithlessness, all signed by names of the fair sex (mostly without
+the addition of a surname) brought a hot blush to the brow of the
+unfortunate officer whose duty it was to scan their contents. It was
+past 1 a.m. before he had finished his work, but the fair writers may
+rest assured that their missives will all reach their destination in
+time, and their secrets remain locked in the breast of that particular
+Staff Officer.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_(Continued in the number of March 21st.)_
+
+Early next morning the town was awakened by a series of violent
+explosions, which caused several timid people to imagine that a
+serious battle was raging. It was, however, caused by the burning of
+67,000 rounds of ammunition which had been taken from the gaol and
+court house and which were being destroyed by order. Five hundred
+rifles were also taken, all of them Martinis, except twenty-one.
+
+After arranging with Commander Cloete and the Field-cornets van der
+Merwe and Roule the details of handing over the rifles, &c., to their
+districts, the General proceeded on his way, and soon arrived at
+Jagersfontein Road. Here we were met by a Union Jack and patriotic
+inhabitants, but rapidly steamed on to Springfontein, on hearing that
+General Gatacre had crossed the Orange River at Bethulie, and was
+expected that morning at Springfontein Junction.
+
+We arrived at this place at ten o'clock and, to our secret joy, found
+no signs yet of a British occupation. We heard, however, that an
+engine had brought two English officers thither from Bethulie on a
+short visit the night before.
+
+Shortly after arriving mounted scouts of Montmorency's Horse made
+their appearance, and were followed by General Gatacre, who rode up,
+somewhat surprised to find us already in possession. Cordial greetings
+were exchanged between the Generals, and after a short stay we pushed
+on in the direction of Norval's Pont, which we were assured had been
+evacuated by the enemy 24 hours before.
+
+On the strength of this information we left the three rear trains
+behind, and pushed on through rapidly steepening country to Prior's
+Siding. Here we were enthusiastically welcomed by the only
+inhabitants, two Russian Jews, who so far allowed their feelings to
+overpower their pockets as to present the General with a box of
+excellent cigars in honour of the new flag.
+
+Another half hour through a horrid defile brought us to Donkerpoort,
+and at this uninviting station we found the vanguard of General
+Clement's force. These had crossed the Orange River by means of a
+pontoon bridge, flung across the river 2-1/2 miles below the great
+bridge, and consisted of a squadron of Inniskillings, the 4th Field
+Battery, 250 Australians, and some Infantry.
+
+As we steamed slowly ahead, the extended lines of horsemen advancing
+over the plain raised cheer after cheer, and we were moreover honoured
+by a patriotic officer dismounting and taking a historical snapshot
+with the ever-present kodak at the advancing engine. This latter, one
+should add, was adorned by 4 officers sitting just over the
+cow-catcher, who obtained an excellent view of the surrounding
+country. Their admiration was, however, somewhat tempered by the
+knowledge of a widely spread report that at certain places there
+lurked under the line masses of deadly dynamite. Considerable caution
+was at first observed at the culverts; but when the engine-driver
+assured us that dynamite was hidden at one place only, and that place
+known to him, we bade him proceed until within 50 yards of the spot,
+and then halt. When within half a mile of the bridge, we asked whether
+the fatal place was near at hand. Judge of our mingled horror and
+relief when we heard that the miscreant driver had not recognised the
+spot until within 5 yards of it, and had driven unwittingly over it at
+full speed!
+
+Except for a short glimpse a mile back, one cannot, from a train, see
+the bridge broadways on. It was, therefore, difficult to estimate the
+exact damage that had been done as we approached it, even when we had
+walked out as far as we could go, and actually stood over the gap. The
+wreck is terrific; 3 spans and one pier had been blown up and lay in
+the water 100 feet below, connected with the standing part by a steep
+and tangled wreckage of beams, girders, and iron. Three months at
+least must elapse before the bridge can be thoroughly in working order
+again; but a little bird has whispered in the ear of the writer that
+by an ingenious series of connections from bank to bank a very large
+amount of stores will shortly be passing across. Those Burghers who
+refused twice, when ordered, to blow up the bridge, were wise men in
+their generation, for its destruction will mean a much more serious
+loss to the Free State than to the British troops.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+OURS WAS NO BED OF ROSES
+
+     _Kipling's regard for "Tommy Poetry"--Our English as it was
+     set up by Boer compositors._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" was an afternoon paper published at three or four or five
+o'clock in the evening, according as the Dutch compositors chose to
+get it out. We editors went to our tiny editorial room between nine
+and ten o'clock in the morning, and worked until lunch time--one
+o'clock--writing, seeing visitors, correcting proofs, and reading
+manuscripts. What I have called "seeing visitors" mainly consisted in
+turning away private soldiers who came for copies of the paper. Though
+we posted notices that ours was the editorial room, and that papers
+were to be had at Barlow's stationery shop, "Tommy" would insist upon
+coming to us; therefore we gave up a large part of our time to sending
+him away, now yelling at him, now bursting into expletives, and anon
+pleading most politely that we were neither newsboys nor railway
+bookstall keepers.
+
+What I have called "reading manuscripts" was largely the work of
+examining the poetry of this same Mr. Atkins, who, fired by the genius
+of Mr. Kipling, is sometimes a better poet than you would think,
+sometimes a worse poet than you can imagine, but is generally a
+poet--of one sort or another.
+
+We had good "Tommy" poets in our ranks; wherefore, when Mr. Kipling
+came, he insisted that all soldier poetry should be religiously read,
+and the best of it published. He pored over miles of it. At the idea
+of re-writing and improving Tommy's verse he was pained, and when Mr.
+James Barnes, on one occasion, spent half a day in putting a "Tommy"
+poem into Queen's English, Mr. Kipling was righteously indignant, and
+spent an hour in getting it back to Tommy's vernacular. But we are
+coming to Mr. Kipling presently.
+
+The rest of the time of all except the man who wrote the leader of the
+day was spent in correcting the typographical errors of the Dutch
+compositors, who, by the way, could make more numerous and more
+dreadful mistakes in type than ever an intelligence officer made in
+getting news of the enemy. The consequence was that we often took up
+the first paper that reached us from the presses, and with a sigh
+assured each other that it was almost wholly given up to bad verse and
+printers' errors.
+
+At noon during these early days one of us would gather up all the
+proofs that we could get from the printers, and march over to Lord
+Stanley's office to have them censored. He was so considerate and
+liberal that this soon proved a mere formality. I think he must have
+regarded the eccentric but interesting journal as a child of his own,
+or at least as one whose parentage he would be too polite to dispute
+if Lord Roberts claimed it. We used to hear how very much the great
+Field Marshal, also, was interested in it; how eagerly he secured his
+copy every day, and how much he liked all that it contained. A visitor
+at the Residency told us that one afternoon Lord Roberts saw an
+officer reading THE FRIEND, and called to one of his staff: "I see a
+man in there reading THE FRIEND. How is it I have not had my copy?"
+The officer's paper proved to be a copy of an earlier number, so that
+the Field Marshal's wounded pride was healed. But we liked that story;
+we liked it very much indeed.
+
+Our fifth number, published on March 21st, began with Mr. Gwynne's
+hearty leader on Rudyard Kipling, who was expected to reach
+Bloemfontein on that day. Mr. Gwynne also wrote one of his
+characteristic satirical articles on "The Soberest Army in the World."
+Mr. Landon contributed a lively and picturesque narrative of the
+principal feat our despatch riders had performed up to that time, and
+I perpetrated a modest bit of reporting on South Africa's
+attractions--an article of greater interest here and now than it was
+then and for our army readers.
+
+We had made it known that private soldiers would be charged only a
+penny for the paper, the original threepence being demanded solely of
+officers. In this way we hoped to earn a greater profit than by
+shutting out of our trade the humble private, to whom a threepence (a
+"ticky," as it is called in Africa) sometimes appears as big as a
+cart-wheel. But our new plan brought us a lot of trouble--especially
+of the kind you feel when you know you are being done out of something
+and yet cannot help yourself. The fact was that the officers encamped
+at a distance sent in their servants for their papers, and these
+messengers, being privates, only paid a penny for each paper. Then,
+again, the officers were dressed so nearly like the men that the
+newsboys and assistants in Barlow's shop could not distinguish them
+apart, and charged many of the officers the penny of the private. This
+annoyed us, because we were intent upon making as much money as
+possible in order to turn over a handsome sum to a soldier charity
+when we should end our stewardship--for not a penny did we mean to
+keep for ourselves. Mr. Landon wrote a strenuous appeal to the
+officers to help us to get our just dues. To the same paper Mr. A. B.
+Paterson, of the _Sydney Herald_, contributed a very clever bit of
+verse, entitled, "Fed up." He was one of the contributors of whom we
+were most proud--and justly so.
+
+In this day's paper there were seventeen notices of horses
+lost--presumably stolen, but a close scrutiny of all horseflesh was in
+progress, and in the same column with the wails of the robbed was a
+notice of the recovery of twenty-one horses--none of them being the
+same as any of the lost that were advertised for. The Provost-Marshal,
+Major R. M. Poore, on this day announced that every native with a
+horse must carry a certificate proving that the animal was his own. He
+also declared that every person possessing any property of the Orange
+Free State Government--horses, mules, oxen, or anything else--must
+quickly hand it up.
+
+Lord Roberts reviewed the Naval Brigade on the preceding day, and we
+had a report of it showing how splendidly Captain Bearcroft's command
+appeared. The late Admiral Maxse, out there on a visit, witnessed the
+review, and said that it was the first one he had attended since the
+Crimea, when he acted as naval A.D.C. to Lord Raglan. This review gave
+us all one of our rare chances of seeing Lord Roberts, for he went out
+but little, and even at such times hurried directly to his
+destination, returning with as little loss of time. Every man, of
+every rank, saluted him, and he was scrupulously careful to return the
+salute even of the bugler boys. It was said to be surprising to note
+how many men he knew of all ranks, and how watchful and observant he
+was. "You managed that very cleverly," he would say to a man in
+conflict with unruly horses; or he would reprove a soldier for
+untidiness in dress. Nothing escaped his restless eyes.
+
+He wore no decorations of any kind, and I have even heard it said that
+not every coat of his was decked with gilt buttons--though this I
+repeat only upon hearsay. I can testify, however, that no man more
+modest and making less of his rank was in his army. I always saw him
+in plain khaki with that badge of mourning upon one sleeve which gave
+us all a keener thrust in our emotions than even the hardest felt
+losses of comrades and acquaintances which befell us all so
+frequently.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 21, 1900.
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+EDITORIAL BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+To-day we expect to welcome here in our camp the great poet and
+writer, who has contributed more than any one perhaps towards the
+consolidation of the British Empire. His visit is singularly
+appropriate. He will find encamped round the town not only his friend
+Tommy Atkins, but the Australian, the Canadian, the New Zealander, the
+Tasmanian, the volunteer from Ceylon, from Argentine, and from every
+quarter of the globe. He will see the man of the soil--the South
+African Britisher--side by side with his fellow colonist from over the
+seas. In fact, Bloemfontein will present to him the actual physical
+fulfilment of what must be one of his dearest hopes--the close union
+of the various parts of the greatest Empire in the world. His visit,
+therefore, will have in it something of the triumph of a conqueror--a
+conqueror who, with the force of genius, has swept away barriers of
+distance and boundary, and made a fifth of the globe British, not only
+in title, but in real sentiment.
+
+We, belonging to that portion of the Press to which is assigned the
+duty of witnessing and chronicling the deeds which make history,
+extend to the illustrious writer a welcome, sincere and whole-hearted.
+We feel, all of us, that his brush alone can do complete justice to
+the wonderful pictures of war which we have been privileged to see.
+We, who have been with Tommy Atkins on many a hard campaign, have long
+ago come to love him for his quiet, unostentatious courage and his
+patient endurance of hardships; but we feel that Mr. Kipling alone can
+translate to the world the true inwardness of Tommy's character. We
+feel sure that the Mulvaneys, the Learoyds, and the Ortherises will
+welcome him as heartily as we do, and we are hopeful that this fresh
+meeting of Tommy Atkins and perhaps the only man who rightly
+understands him, will be productive of fresh pictures of the British
+soldier.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SOBEREST ARMY IN THE WORLD.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+The force which, under the command of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, left
+Enslin and occupied Bloemfontein will undoubtedly be known in history
+as the "Sober Army." Never before in the history of campaigning has
+there been known such an absence of excess in the way of drinking--and
+eating too, as far as that is concerned. Some people have dared to
+cast aspersions on the British army by insinuating that drunkenness is
+not unknown among its members. They have even gone further and
+declared that officers and men are very fond of their "tot" or their
+"pint" or their whisky and soda. I only wish some of these
+calumniators could have accompanied Lord Roberts' force. They would
+have recanted on the spot, and returned home convinced that the
+British army was not only the finest but the soberest in the world.
+
+Their excessive sobriety and wonderful self-restraint in the face of
+temptation rather tempts one to delve deep down for the psychological
+reasons. I have myself made inquiries, but I must confess that I am at
+a loss for a real reason. My firm belief is that the British soldier
+is so actuated by a deep sense of duty that, having come to the
+conclusion that hard drinking and hard fighting were incompatible, he
+promptly dropped the former and devoted all his energies to the
+latter. It would have been expected that at the end of a long, dusty
+march the men would have, immediately after being dismissed, made a
+rush for the canteen. Nothing of the sort. They sat down to tea and
+coffee and left the canteen waiters kicking their heels doing
+nothing. It is true one or two soldiers have told me that they
+couldn't find the canteen; but the majority of the men chose, of their
+own free will, to ignore its existence, and actually never looked for
+it. But this noble continence, this splendid self-restraint has been
+very nearly spoilt by the folly and wickedness of some of the
+authorities. They actually issued rum to the men at intervals. Now one
+of Tommy's greatest virtues is obedience. He was ordered to drink rum
+and he did it--just as he advanced against a kopje spitting forth lead
+when he was ordered. But the task of swallowing the hateful stuff was
+distasteful in the extreme. I have seen him take his mug and get his
+tot and then look at his officer as much as to say, "Must I really
+take it?" The officer's answering glance was invariably a command
+which poor Tommy could not disobey, and he tossed off the liquor with
+one gulp to get it over all the quicker, and then held his mug upside
+down to show he had done the deed.
+
+One would have thought, indeed, that this wonderful self-restraint
+would be destroyed in the wild rush of joy with which the army was
+filled the night that Cronje surrendered. Not a bit of it. The men
+lying on the soaking ground never touched a drop of alcohol, although
+many would say that the victory of our arms deserved an alcoholic
+celebration. But that night the canteens were as deserted as ever. One
+man, and one man only, fell. He was an officer's servant, and was
+discovered gloriously happy, delightedly drunk. His comrades kept
+hitting and punching him and asking him where he had found the liquor,
+it evidently being their firm intention to destroy it. He refused,
+however, to answer a word until his master found him and, seizing him
+by the shoulder, shook him, and exclaimed with eager face, "Good
+Heavens, Jones, where the devil did you get it?" And Jones answered
+drunkenly to an eager crowd of expectant officers and men, "Meth'lated
+Shpirits, Shir. I'sh found it in waggon."
+
+Whereupon ten eager voices asked--
+
+"Is there any left?"
+
+"No; finished whole blooming lotsh."
+
+And then his comrades gently kicked him for a cur.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+_To the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND,"--GENTLEMEN,--I have read with much
+of interest one article in one of your last issues touching the steal
+at the horses.
+
+As a veteran of the war of 1870, I think that this would be of
+interest towards much of your abonnes if I should write some words of
+my proper experiences.
+
+It appears by the article in the number of THE FRIEND of the 19th that
+the writer desires to carry to the observation of those who themselves
+find in authority, that by their proper negligence he has been forced
+to become that which you other English call jail-bird.
+
+Now I have made the war of 1870. I was dragon. I have suffered the
+same privations and I have smelt the same difficulties on the question
+of horses, but never I not have failed of myself to find without horse
+of war. This without myself to boast.
+
+I not desire to blame the author of this article praiseworthy, who, as
+he appears to wish to himself efface, in myself offering as
+counsellor, but since, as to myself seems that he wishes to hold one
+sale of his animals that it is all this that he has of most imbecile
+of to announce on the roofs his crime.
+
+An officer of dragons in 1870, I was having at the month of the June
+twenty horses of the first quality, grand, strong, majestic animals,
+worthy of to carry one officer of dragons in battle against those
+canailles of Prussians.
+
+At the month of September after Sedan he not me was remaining nothing,
+and I not was having not even the means of me to save in Belgium.
+
+What to do!--Officer French not is able not to render himself. Ah! not
+know I not the anguish of himself to find without horse. What have I
+done? To steal, no! This was indignant of officer. To buy, no! I of it
+not was having not of what. I was aperceiving in the distance one
+horse of officer of the Estate Major. This was the horse of my poor
+friend Gu-gu, evidently killed or gravely blessed. If if not, why not
+was he not, the brave gar, mounted on his horse, directing the flight?
+In one instant I myself was launched thereon without hesitation. To
+save the horse favourite of my poor friend dead Gu-gu was my first
+thought. In rending to his corpse this little service I was rending to
+my patrie one service again more grand. I myself was reserving for one
+death more epouvantable. Then, since that he is possible of to find
+the horses of friends blessed, for what himself to submit at the
+stigma of to be accused of to be thief. More late, when one wishes to
+sell the horses, one himself finds in face of one difficulty
+inextricable, if the proper proprietor himself finds upon the market.
+
+Gu-gu I have found more late in Paris, it is true, but we have eaten
+the good horse together like good comrades.
+
+Agree my compliments most respected,
+
+                                             M. VOL AU VENT.
+
+(The Editors, for obvious reasons, divest themselves of any
+responsibility for the opinions held by our distinguished Gallic
+friend.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"FED UP!"
+
+_The Cavalryman's Growl._
+
+BY A. B. PATERSON.
+
+  I ain't a timid man at all, I'm just as brave as most;
+  I'll take my turn in open fight and die beside my post.
+  But riding round the whole day long as target for a Krupp,
+  A-drawing fire from koppies--well, I'm quite Fed Up!
+
+  There's not so many men get hit--it's luck that pulls us through,
+  Their rifle fire's no class at all--it misses me and you;
+  But when they sprinkle shells around like water from a cup
+  From that there bloomin' pom-pom gun--well, I'm Fed Up!
+
+  We never gets a chance to charge--to do a thrust and cut--
+  think I'll chuck the Cavalry and join the Mounted Fut.
+  But, after all, what's Mounted Fut? I saw them t'other day,
+  They occupied a koppie when the Boers had run away.
+
+  The Cavalry went ridin' on, and seen a score of fights,
+  But there they stuck, those Mounted Fut, for seven days and nights--
+  For seven solid days and nights--with scarce a bite or sup,
+  So when it comes to Mounted Fut--well, I'm Filled Up.
+
+  And trampin' with the Footies ain't as pleasant as it looks--
+  They scarcely ever sees a Boer, except in picture books.
+  They make a march of twenty mile, which leaves 'em nearly dead,
+  And then they find the bloomin' Boers is twenty mile ahead!
+  Each "Footy" is as full of fight as any bulldog pup,
+  But walking forty miles to fight--well, I'm Fed Up!
+
+  So, after all, I think that when I leave the Caval-ree
+  I'll have to join the Ambulance, or else the A.S.C.
+  There's always tucker in the plate and coffee in the cup;
+  But bully beef and biscuits--well, I'm fair Fed Up!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+There appears to be some general misapprehension as to the
+authenticity of the letter written by "Miss Bloemfontein" in our
+issue of yesterday. The Editors wish to state that the communication
+in question was written by a lady, a member of a well-known family in
+this city, and undoubtedly reflects with wit and frankness the feeling
+of many of those to whom the abandonment of this place to the British
+forces has been a bitter disappointment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE GREAT RIDE.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+The newspapers of the world published a notice of the surrender of
+Bloemfontein on the evening of Thursday, March 15th.
+
+The Boers had wrecked the telegraph line to the south of the town; to
+the west the field telegraph was useless; yet perhaps not one reader
+in ten millions stayed a moment to wonder how the news had reached
+them.
+
+When Lord Roberts left Doornboom the entire expedition was _en
+l'aire_. Telegraphic communication was at the mercy of the passing ox
+or the malicious passer-by, rain and wind were almost equally
+destructive, and the inevitable breakdown occurred. The wire, aerial
+or earth-borne, was useless in forty-eight hours, and, so far as outer
+communication was concerned, Bloemfontein and all around and within it
+might have been Tristan d'Acunha.
+
+But the London papers published the full account of the surrender on
+the second day after the capitulation.
+
+The manner in which news was sent to the English papers may perhaps
+be of interest. It must be remembered that there was then no
+communication with the south. It was impossible to pick up the cut
+wire north of Norval's Pont. The line from Kimberley to Boshof lies,
+even as we write, in a cat's cradle on the veldt. There was no
+option--the telegrams must be sent through Kimberley and by despatch
+riders.
+
+Perhaps it is truer to say that one or two London papers did so, for a
+certain number relied--and with justice--on the recuperative powers of
+Captain Faussett and his myrmidons of the wire.
+
+To ride a hundred miles across the veldt against time, and against at
+least two other competing riders, through the enemy's country, and at
+a moment's notice, is not the least exciting occupation that can be
+chosen by a light-weight searching for a new sensation.
+
+It combines the certainty of hardship and discomfort with the
+possibility of being shot; and over and above all is the pressing need
+of saving every minute of time.
+
+Three despatch riders set out from Bloemfontein during the evening of
+Tuesday or the earliest dawn of Wednesday. First in order of starting
+was the _Times_ messenger, second that of Reuter's Agency, third came
+the "angelos" of the _Daily Mail_.
+
+From Bloemfontein to Kimberley is, as we have said, a distance of a
+hundred miles. It is best understood by a Londoner by suggesting the
+comparison that he should be compelled to ride to Hereford every time
+he wished to despatch a telegram.
+
+Out from the isolated city the messengers went, making their way in
+the darkness or in the dawn over the red slushing tracks that had
+suffered the steady downpour of the night's rain, till, by whichever
+road they had moved out of Bloemfontein, they met at the battle-ground
+of Driefontein.
+
+From that point onwards the struggle became keen, and the breakdown of
+a horse meant a delay that might perhaps be reckoned in days rather
+than hours. The public that glances casually at the telegrams of their
+morning papers does not often realise the importance of a few minutes
+to the correspondents whose work they are reading. In this case,
+besides the ordinary delay, the lonely riders that were making way
+across the veldt had to spur them on the risk of finding the Field
+Telegraph repaired before they could reach the Diamond City, and the
+cable blocked with messages sent over their heads from Bloemfontein.
+
+Early in the great race the _Times_ rider met with disaster. The horse
+he rode fell, and, though the injury seemed slight enough at the time,
+never properly recovered itself, causing a delay of some hours before
+the next relay could be reached.
+
+But the _Daily Mail_ was still more unlucky. Starting last of all, the
+well-known light-weight who carried the fortunes of the "largest
+circulation of this earth" made his way forward through the fading
+light of Wednesday, gaining rapidly on his predecessors, and,
+confident in the excellent provision made for him, was getting out of
+his mount the last pound of pace, when a cut corner flung him against
+a barbed wire fence, which so terribly lacerated his leg that further
+riding was out of the question.
+
+Binding up his scratches as best he might, he found himself compelled
+to walk back thirty-five miles to Bloemfontein, unable to ride, and at
+the journey's end almost unable to stand.
+
+So the _Times_ and Reuter--each armed with a duplicate despatch from
+the Commander-in-Chief--were left to compete for the contingent
+advantage of getting first into Kimberley.
+
+And now was done a notable achievement. Browning, in his poem, "How we
+brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix," has chosen, by an odd
+accident, exactly the distance which divides Kimberley from
+Bloemfontein; but we can rest assured that the "good news" of the
+capture of the Boer capital sped on as fast as ever went the news
+across the flat plains of Flanders.
+
+Over the grey sage-brush of the veldt, over the high, dry grass, under
+the rare shade of poplar trees, where the horse was watered, along the
+red crumbling road or the mere beaten wheel track where a thousand
+waggons and twenty thousand animals had worn a temporary track, the
+hurrying hoof of the courier's mount lessened the long distance
+between the capital of the O.F.S. and the end of that wire of which
+the other lies in the capital of the world.
+
+In the afternoon of Wednesday three bullets whistled past the rider of
+the Agency, and the newspaper's courier had a similar experience at
+the same spot as he passed a little later.
+
+It soon became obvious that there was no possibility of getting into
+Kimberley in time to send the despatches before the office closed for
+the day, and the _Times_ despatch rider took the latter stages of the
+journey more easily. Reuter's man,[1] however, continued his ride at
+his utmost speed, and actually achieved what will long remain a
+record, travelling the entire distance on three horses in twenty hours
+and twenty minutes.
+
+[Footnote 1: Gilbert H. Stevens.]
+
+The need for such lengthy despatch riding luckily seldom occurs, as
+the expense is one of the heaviest items that can be incurred by
+newspaper representatives on behalf of their papers; only in the very
+exceptional circumstances in which the war correspondents found
+themselves at the capture of Bloemfontein would the enormous
+expenditure be justified.
+
+[Illustration: Who the deuce set this hash up. Find out. RK Proper
+names ought to be capped throughout but it's no use with this staff.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.
+
+THE ELEPHO[A]NT AND THE LARK'S NEST.
+
+A discriminating b[B]oer having laid a nestful of valuable and
+infy[o]rming eggs, fled across the horizon under pressure of necessity
+ler[a]ving his nest in a secli[u]ded spot where it was discovered
+by a disinterested observed[r] who reported the same to an
+i[I]ntee[l]liga[e]nce o[O]fficer. The latter arriving at his leisure
+with a great pomposite[]y said "s[S]ee me hatch![;]" A[a]nd sitting down
+without reserve convo[e]rted the entire output into i[a]n unnecessaru[y]
+omelette. After the mess was removed, the disinterested obso[e]rver
+observed:--"h[H]ad you approached this matter in anu[o]ther spirit you
+might hu[a]ve obtained valuable information." "That," [quote] replied
+the i[I]ntelligence o[O]fficer, "sho[ow]s your ne[a]rrow-minded
+prejudice. Besides I am morally certain that those eggs co[a]me out of a
+my[a]re's nest." "It is now too late to enquire" said the disinterested
+observer, "i[a]nd that is a pity." "But am I not an intelligent
+officer?" S[s]u[a]id the i[I]ntelligence o[O]fficer. "Of that there can
+be no twe[o] opinions," said the disinterested observer. Whereupon he
+was sent down.
+
+Moral. _Do not teach the i[I]ntelligence to hatch [suck] eggs_
+
+_A Corrected "Proof" by Rudyard Kipling._
+
+(_Giving a glimpse of the struggle between the editors and the Dutch
+compositors._)]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
+
+     _A chapter which introduces a Prince, and tells of our
+     Appeal to the whole Army to write for_ THE FRIEND.
+
+
+The next day's issue, that of March 22nd, was the best-looking number
+we had produced. We dropped those little frames on either side of the
+title of the paper which journalists call "ears" or "ear-tabs," so
+that the front page looked dignified and ship-shape, and the title
+read simply THE FRIEND, without its former addenda of "Playing cards"
+and "Cue tips." In place of these we printed the royal coat-of-arms.
+This issue contained a heart-felt eulogy of Sir W. S. A. Lockhart by
+the Field Marshal.
+
+General Kelly in Camp Orders declared that hereafter horse thieves
+would be severely dealt with, and there appeared a notice by Prince
+Francis of Teck, "Staff Captain, Remount Department," that the army
+desired horses of certain ages and a certain height, as well as agents
+to buy them.
+
+This reminds all who were at Bloemfontein how the Prince came and put
+up at the Bloemfontein Hotel, and began to fill up an immense yard
+just on the edge of the town with a marvellous collection of veldt
+horses, all of which, I understood, he succeeded in buying at L25
+apiece, though I had just paid L100 for a pair, and most men were
+giving L40 at the least for every horse. The Prince worked like a
+beaver all the time he was at Bloemfontein.
+
+There went to the stalwart and kindly Prince one day an artist who
+said he desired to surrender two mules which did not belong to him. It
+was not the truth that he desired to give them up, nor was it out of
+politeness that he told the falsehood. The fact was that the army had
+taken his horses and left him a pair of feeble, poorly animated steeds
+of the clothes-horse pattern, which gave out on the long road between
+Poplar Grove and Bloemfontein. At the same time two healthy mules,
+astray on the veldt, evinced a yearning for human companionship, and
+insisted upon intruding themselves upon the company of the artist and
+his Basuto servant while they were preparing lunch. To go on with his
+own weak and sick animals was to invite a loss of locomotive power in
+a country infested with Boers. To make use of the fresher mules was
+the natural and obvious alternative. Therefore the artist abandoned
+his horses and went on with the mules. Arrived in Bloemfontein, he at
+once continued his travels by joining the "bill-sticking expedition"
+of General French over to Thaba N'chu and the region beyond.
+
+"Bill sticking," by the way, was how the officers nicknamed the
+distribution of copies of Lord Roberts' proclamation calling on the
+Boers to lay down their arms and sign a promise not to continue the
+war. When the artist returned to Bloemfontein he was met by friends
+who said that he would certainly be shot if he was found to be using
+animals that did not belong to him. Lord Roberts had grown angry, it
+was said, and had exclaimed aloud that no matter who or what the man
+might be, the next offender in this respect should be shot. It was
+this stentorian cry, and not the still, small voice of conscience,
+that sent the artist to the Prince, to whom he told the truth and made
+formal surrender of the mules.
+
+"And very nice indeed it is of you," said the Prince, "very honest and
+straightforward. I will send some one to get the mules this
+afternoon."
+
+"But, I beg pardon," said the artist, "now everything's all right,
+isn't it? The mules were not mine, and I have surrendered them, and
+there's no trouble to follow?"
+
+"No, indeed," said Prince Francis, "I am much obliged to you. Animals
+are very scarce and we need all we can get; so very good of you to do
+as you have done."
+
+"Well, now," said the artist, "won't you please let me keep the mules?
+The Army stole my horses and left me a broken-down pair. I had to turn
+them loose and take these mules or I should have been killed or
+captured by the Boers. I have nothing else to move on with. I wish you
+would let me keep the mules."
+
+"Really," said the Prince, "I cannot do that. I never heard such a
+proposition in my life. I have no authority to do as you ask. Upon my
+word, this is most extraordinary. Come, I'll tell you what I will do.
+I'll see that you get a pair of animals at the Army price. I can't
+sell them to you or buy them for you, but I can have a pair put aside
+for you to buy of somebody who brings them in to sell."
+
+No one who was not there can form any idea of the extent to which this
+looting or commandeering of horses was then being practised. They were
+stolen not only from in front of the Club--the busiest spot in the
+heart of the town--but from before the headquarters of Lord Roberts,
+and from in front of the hotels. Men were desperate; so many were
+without horses. Sicknesses, slaughter, and overwork had left us with
+less than half the animals we needed.
+
+At about this time an American correspondent who was never guilty of
+taking even an abandoned Boer horse, but who had purchased a fine
+animal of a negro on the veldt for five shillings, became very nervous
+over his purchase. He went to the stable and with the help of his
+servant clipped the animal close, so that it no longer resembled the
+long-haired beast he had bought. Then he went out into the street and
+met a Boer, who accused him of having taken his horse and who exactly
+described the animal in question. The Boer said he would report the
+case to Major Poore, the Provost-Marshal. The now frightened
+correspondent came to my room with his burden of sorrows, and stated
+his case to the company of officers, correspondents, and
+despatch-riders then present.
+
+"The Boer's name is Voorboom," he said, "and he is in earnest. I
+suppose I shall be sent home in disgrace."
+
+At the mention of the name three men spoke up saying that of all the
+rascals in need of a hanging this Voorboom was the sorriest. One had
+seen Boer combatants in Voorboom's house, another had seen Voorboom's
+brother trundling into a clump of bushes an English carriage which he
+had stolen; a third had met Voorboom and his negroes riding far and
+wide gathering up loose horses--English or Boer--which he was
+undoubtedly now bringing to town to sell to the Army.
+
+"Give him an hour in which to leave town or go to jail at Simon's
+Bay," said a Colonel, ending the incident.
+
+Mr. Kipling was in town at last and had promised us his assistance,
+but we could not then know whether this would be great or little; we
+could not have hoped or dreamed that it would prove a quarter or a
+third part of all our work, as it did. On the other hand, we were only
+too painfully aware that very little aid was being vouchsafed us. We
+found ourselves with a great newspaper on our hands, a newspaper with
+a gaping void of terrible dimensions. "Reuter" had promised its
+despatches to us, but these were not allowed on the crowded telegraph
+wires for days at a time, as it proved, and the whole burden was upon
+us, joined to the necessity we felt to do our full duty to our
+newspapers at home--one at least of which demanded a despatch every
+day and four letters a week if possible. The army had been counted
+upon for valuable and voluminous help, and it was practically sending
+us in nothing. Mr. Landon reminds me that within an hour of Mr.
+Kipling's arrival in Bloemfontein he went to him and said (with
+considerable trepidation): "We have put you down as an editor of THE
+FRIEND, and we have announced it." Then Mr. Landon held his breath and
+waited. "Well," Mr. Kipling replied, "I should have been mortally
+offended if you had not. Where's the office? I want to go to work as
+soon as I have finished my grape jam." He did literally go straight
+to work. As he entered our editorial dustbin he sniffed the mingled
+odours of ink, wet paper, and dust, and said, "It's quite like old
+times in India." It was agreed that I should stir up the consciences
+and pens of all our friends and readers in an ink-blast, fierce and
+loud. I did this in the editorial of the day entitled, "The Silent
+Army":--
+
+     Other armies (I wrote), have always been distinguished by
+     brilliant raconteurs. Other armies have always contained a
+     plenitude of wits and humorists. Other armies have been
+     noted for the abundance of funny anecdotes with which chum
+     assailed chum and battalion guyed battalion. Other armies
+     have taken note of the more striking deeds of prowess, of
+     valour and of strategy which have been done among their
+     members; and other armies have boasted poets grave, poets
+     gay, poets rollicking, and poets who dedicated their verses
+     to their mistress's eyebrows.
+
+     Alas! none of these things has this poor army--so poor in
+     wit and literary talent, however rich it be in courage,
+     patience, dogged persistence and proud victories.
+
+     This army is like a sponge for taking what entertainment the
+     sweating editors of THE FRIEND will give it. It is like a
+     barnacle for fastening itself upon us and fattening its dead
+     weight upon this little literary bark. It is like a horse
+     behind our waggon, which was built, like most vehicles, to
+     have its horses in front. It is like the veldt around us in
+     its capacity to swallow any amount of refreshing rain and
+     yet appear as dry in four hours afterwards as if it were the
+     pavement of that place which can only be referred to by the
+     use of one particular anecdote, which is as follows:--
+
+     "If I owned Satandom and South Africa," said a Canadian
+     Tommy at Modder River, "I would rent out South Africa and
+     live in Satandom."
+
+     But we nearly digressed--a sin unpardonable in an article so
+     important as this, written hot upon the impulse of suffering
+     and keen feeling.
+
+     The committee of war correspondents with Lord Roberts' army,
+     who undertook to conduct, for the first time in history, a
+     full-fledged complete daily newspaper published in an
+     enemy's capital two days after the conquest thereof, are all
+     busy men in their own line of industry. They have constant
+     daily work to do, they are trusted by their own newspapers
+     to devote their whole talents and energies to the interests
+     of the public at home. Nevertheless they have turned aside
+     to conduct this newspaper, they are doing so, and will
+     continue to do so to the day the army pushes on and away.
+
+     But in undertaking this task their idea was that they merely
+     had to start the paper and give it a momentum, after which
+     the army would turn to and flood the editorial sanctum with
+     tales of humour, wit, and prowess writ upon sheets
+     numberless as the leaves of Vallambrosa.
+
+     The reader will gather that this has not yet taken place. He
+     will infer that the war correspondents are, like the last
+     rose of summer, left blooming to ourselves. True, two or
+     three generous and gifted souls in the army have come nobly
+     into the breach with contributions; but the breach is nine
+     columns wide--nine columns that persist in emptying
+     themselves as fast as we fill them; in fact, nine columns
+     which become fifty-four columns between each Monday and the
+     succeeding Saturday. It is on this account that when the two
+     or three generous and talented army men flung themselves in
+     the breach, the breach was not aware of the fact--and we
+     have not had the heart to wake it up and notify it that it
+     was being filled, not caring to tell a falsehood even to a
+     silly breach.
+
+     Come, then, ye gentles and geniuses, ye poets, ye
+     anecdotists, ye thrillers and movers with the pen--join our
+     staff, and put your mighty little ink-damped levers to the
+     rock that we are rolling up the gigantic kopje of your
+     thirst for news and entertainment. Your pay shall be the
+     highest ever meted out to man--the satisfaction of souls
+     content. Your company shall include a Kipling. Your readers
+     shall be the bravest, noblest, proudest soldiers who ever
+     served an earthly race.
+
+     You can ask no more. You can ask nothing else.
+
+     But in the meantime we want "copy."
+
+We published also a brief communication respecting the Dutch name
+Stellenbosch. This needs a word of explanation. It had long been
+noticed that whenever an officer was prominently connected with a
+losing battle, or exhibited marked incompetence in any field of
+military work, he got a billet at Stellenbosch, a bowery village deep
+down in the Cape Colony, where was established our base camp of
+supplies. The name therefore attained a deep significance and common
+usage in the army, and to say that a man had been "Stellenbosched" was
+but the ordinary polite mode of mentioning what might otherwise have
+had to be said in many harsher-sounding words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is considered necessary in the interests of the Orange Free
+State, and until arrangements may be made, that the provisions of the
+Customs Convention existing between the said State and the Colony of
+the Cape of Good Hope, and the Colony of Natal, shall be duly
+observed, and the Laws and Regulations appertaining thereto shall be
+enforced as soon as communication between the said Colonies and such
+portions of the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops is restored, and the customary
+commercial relations are resumed; and whereas it is expedient that the
+necessary officers for the control and management of the Customs
+Department of the Orange Free State shall be appointed,
+
+NOW THEREFORE
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief of the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby nominate and appoint the
+following officers, to wit:--
+
+  _Collector of Customs_--Johannes Henricus Meiring.
+  _First Clerk_--Albert C. Woodward.
+  _Second Clerk_--Frederik Blignaut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A WARNING TO NATIVES.
+
+EXEMPLARY SENTENCES.
+
+It is evident from the sentences inflicted by the Provost Marshal that
+the military authorities are wisely determined to repress all forms of
+lawlessness and unruliness on the part of native boys with a firm
+hand. Take the following three cases by way of illustration:--
+
+No. 1. Boy: 28 lashes for resisting Military Police in discharge of
+their duty while arresting him.
+
+No. 2. Two Boys: 25 lashes each for being drunk and fighting.
+
+No. 3. 27 Boys: 5 lashes each for being disorderly and having no pass
+after 9 o'clock.
+
+At the conclusion of the above cases of the day the Provost Marshal
+called the native police before him and complimented them on the good
+work they had done.
+
+When the British entered Bloemfontein there was general rejoicing in
+the native "location," but it is impossible to insist too plainly that
+the clemency of British rule will not extend to violent, drunken, and
+disorderly persons, whether they be white or black.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY ORDERS, SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+                    ARMY HEADQUARTERS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 20, 1900_.
+
+1. _Death of Commander-in-Chief in India._
+
+It is with deep regret that the Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief,
+announces to the Army in South Africa the death of His Excellency Sir
+W. S. A. Lockhart, G.C.B., K.C.S.I., Commander-in-Chief in India,
+which occurred at Calcutta on the evening of the 18th of March, 1900.
+
+Lord Roberts is sure that his own feelings will be shared by every
+Officer and Soldier who has served under Sir William Lockhart's
+command, and more particularly by those who have been personally
+acquainted with him.
+
+After a long and varied Military career, which began in Abyssinia,
+time of the Mutiny, and which included war service in Acheen,
+Afghanistan, Burma, The Black Mountain, Wazeristan, Isazai, and
+finally the command of the Tirah Expeditionary Force, Sir William
+Lockhart was appointed to the Chief Command in India. Possessed of
+exceptional ability, he distinguished himself alike as a Staff Officer
+and as a commander in the field, and by his uniform kindness and
+consideration he endeared himself to all who came in contact with him.
+In the late Commander-in-Chief the Soldiers in India, both British and
+Native, have lost a friend whose only thought was to further their
+interests and promote their welfare, and the Indian Empire has lost a
+trusted Counsellor who, on account of his intimate knowledge of the
+Native races, and his acquaintance with Eastern affairs, cannot soon
+or easily be replaced.
+
+
+2. _Amendment._
+
+With reference to Army Order No. 5 (b) of 4th March, for Captain R. H.
+Hall read Captain R. H. Hare.
+
+
+3. _Telegrams._
+
+The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief has great pleasure in publishing
+the following telegram which has been received:--
+
+From Sirdar Khan, Bahadur Casim, Haji Mahomed Khansahib, Kazi Mahommed
+Ali Murshaj. Bombay Mahomedans offer your Lordship, your gallant
+Officers and Soldiers hearty congratulations on brilliant success
+Transvaal, and pray Almighty crown efforts greater success and
+honours.
+
+  By order,
+                      W. KELLY, M. General,
+                                               D. A. General.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WEARY TREK.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  On the wild South African veldt,
+  With anthills here and anthills there
+  And holes and ruts, you're inclined to swear,
+  For your mokes will religiously take you o'er
+  These impediments by the score,
+          But you trek, trek, trek.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  With a heart as heavy as lead,
+  For the comrades who have bit the dust
+  Whilst fighting for a cause that's just,
+  With bootless feet and clothing torn,
+  From chilly night to dewy morn
+          You trek, trek, trek.
+
+  Trek, trek, trek,
+  There's nothing to do but trek,
+  While your mules half starved and done to death,
+  And yourself ditto and out of breath,
+  You wish to Heaven the war was o'er
+  And you say sweet (?) things of the cunning Boer,
+          But you trek, trek, trek.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GO TO ---- STELLENBOSCH!!
+
+_To the Editors of_ "THE FRIEND," SIRS:--In the course of a lengthy
+experience I have heard many quaint conceits and many hard swear
+words, and have kept a small notebook in which I have jotted down
+anything especially new. I was the unwilling auditor the other day of
+a quarrel between two individuals whose rank and profession shall be
+nameless. The conversation became very animated, and finally one
+exclaimed with savage irony, "Oh, go to Stellenbosch!" Fortunately
+some passers-by interrupted the fracas or else I verily believe blows
+would have been exchanged. Now you, sirs, with your opportunities of
+knowing many lands and varied languages, may perhaps be able to inform
+me where this place is and why the request to go there should have
+caused such fury and such agitation on the part of the individual
+addressed. It will be a relief to the consciences of Her Majesty's
+lieges if the time-honoured "D----" can be relegated to the limbo of
+forgotten oaths in favour of such an apparently innocent expression. I
+write in all innocence, as no man likes to use a phrase, especially
+such a potent one, without understanding its meaning.--
+
+  Faithfully yours,
+                                                     CHIRIOGICUS.
+
+[We believe that the place mentioned was located somewhere in the
+Arctic Regions by the Jackson expedition.--EDS.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+LORD ROBERTS'S HEADQUARTERS
+
+     _Like a beehive for industry when Rudyard Kipling went to
+     lunch with the Field-Marshal._
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling was paying visits and getting acquainted with the
+local situation. He had left his wife and family at the far-famed
+Mount Nelson Hotel--the "Helot's Rest," as a statesman had called
+it--with its strange assembly of Rand and Kimberley millionaires, and
+other refugees from the two republics, its army officers, both of the
+invalid and the idle class, its censors, war correspondents,
+sight-seers, and ladies longing to get to the more exciting front.
+
+I first saw Mr. Kipling there, and now found him tenanting a bedroom
+across the passage from my own in the Free State Hotel at
+Bloemfontein. When I went to shake his hand he was in the room of W.
+B. Wollen, the artist, and one of those men who having nothing good to
+say, are never content to stop there, was exclaiming, "Is it possible
+that I have the honour to meet the author of 'The Absent-Minded
+Beggar'?"
+
+[Illustration: _Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, V.C., K.G., K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief._]
+
+"Yes," said Kipling, "I have heard that piece played on a
+barrel-organ, and I would shoot the man who wrote it if it would not
+be suicide."
+
+A man of such broad build and short neck that you do not realise him
+to be of the average stature, wearing a broad-brimmed, flat brown hat
+of Boer pattern, and below that a brown short coat and very full
+trousers to match; a vigorous figure, quick in movement as a panther,
+quicker still in speech; a swinging and rolling figure with head up
+and hat well back out of the way of his sight which is ever thrown
+upward as if he searched the sky while he walked. His face is quite a
+match for his body, being round and broad as well as wide-eyed and
+alert. His eyes are its most notable features, for they are very large
+and open, and each one is arched by the bushiest of black eyebrows.
+They are habitually reflective and sober eyes, but, like a flash, they
+kindle with fun, and can equally quickly turn dull and stony when good
+occasion arises. It is not the typical poet's or scholar's face so
+much as it is the face of the man among men, the out-of-door man, the
+earnest, shrewd observer and the irrepressible hard worker.
+
+It happened that both of us were to pay our respects to the
+Field-Marshal at the Residency on the same day, and both were invited
+to lunch. Of course, Mr. Kipling knew Lord Roberts very well--had seen
+much of him in India, where they had been both friends and mutual
+admirers. We went to the Residency together. There we met a very
+kindly and hospitable young gentleman who asked us who we were and
+offered us a visitors' book in which to record our signatures. To him
+we were presently introduced and found him to be none other than the
+Duke of Westminster, who, as Lord Belgrave had at an earlier stage,
+been with Sir Alfred Milner at the Cape. The Duke proffered us
+refreshment of the coveted sort, which, as we have seen, was quoted at
+11s. a bottle "on a rising market," and then he conducted us to the
+great drawing-room with its strong suggestion of the grandeur of a
+ruler's residence, despite its garish wall-paper and its puckered-up
+carpet.
+
+The whole Residency was like a beehive for industry. In the
+dining-room privates were hammering away upon typewriters, and
+officers were supplying them with copy. We peeped into the large
+ball-room, and lo! it was appointed with many desks at which members
+of the illustrious and aristocratic staff of the Field-Marshal were
+hard at work with pens and ink. Even in the drawing-room, the merely
+ornamental desks and tables were strewn with documents at which far
+from merely ornamental lords were writing.
+
+When lunch was announced we found the dining-hall set with two
+tables--a very long one for the staff, and a very small one at its
+head for Lord Roberts. Mr. Kipling sat with the Field-Marshal, while I
+was placed between Lord Stanley and Lord Herbert Scott at the big
+table. I was not impressed by any unlooked-for excellence in the
+simple meal with which we were served. I had lived better on the open
+veldt whenever I had been able to get at my Cape cart, and the boxes I
+had stored in it. But the flow of wit and the hospitality and courtesy
+that were shown to me would have rendered worse fare beyond reproach.
+
+After the meal Lord Stanley introduced me to the Field-Marshal, and my
+very first words caused those who do not know how great and broad a
+man he is, to think that I had offended Lord Roberts.
+
+"I am very proud to know you, General," I said.
+
+We talked for a few moments of trifling things, merely by way of
+making acquaintance.
+
+"You called him 'General'; you should have said 'Sir,' or 'Lord
+Roberts,'" said those who were concerned about the episode.
+
+"The highest rank and title in the American Army is 'General,'" said
+I; "and in that way Washington, Grant, and all our leaders were
+saluted. Lord Roberts spoke of my being an American. I am sure he
+understands how I came to make a mistake, while, at the same time,
+paying him the highest respect."
+
+Our newspaper showed that we were getting on rapidly with the new
+forces of administration--the outcome, first, of Lord Roberts's brain,
+and, next, of the extraordinary industry at the Residency. That most
+skilful of military railway engineers, Colonel E. P. C. Girouard, who,
+while head of the Egyptian Railways was also restoring our wrecked
+lines and manning them efficiently, announced in our 6th number (March
+23rd), that the daily train to the south would leave at 7 a.m., and
+the train from the south would arrive at twenty-six minutes after
+midnight each day.
+
+The Gordon Club opposite the Cathedral was to be reopened next day.
+The Wesleyan Church announced a parade service for the coming Sunday.
+The Presbyterian Church announced its meetings for the week. Services
+at the English Cathedral were also advertised. The Army Sports began
+on this date. Major Lorimer, of the Cape Police, came with a trooper
+and some despatch riders and was taken on the strength. C. V. F.
+Townshend, A.A.G. to the Military Governor, grappled with the negro
+problem in a warning notice that all natives must be indoors by eight
+o'clock p.m. unless possessed of a special permit, and that dancing
+and drunkenness in the streets would meet with severe punishment.
+
+We published a very informing and authoritative editorial upon martial
+law, which one of the editors was at some pains to secure. I have a
+strong idea that it was written either by General Pretyman or Major
+Poore, but I have no means for making certain.
+
+James Barnes, the distinguished American correspondent, who very
+kindly and with able results, took my place as correspondent of the
+_Daily Mail_ when I was invalided home, wrote for this number a
+comparison between this and some recent American wars.
+
+We led the paper with the full text of Mr. Kipling's poem, only one
+verse of which had reached us a week before.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MARCH 23, 1900.
+
+POEM BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+     (Owing to the exigencies of war, we were unable at the time
+     to print more than one stanza of Mr. Kipling's poem, which
+     we now present in its entirety.)
+
+  Oh! Terence dear, and did ye hear
+    The news that's going round?
+  The Shamrock's Erin's badge by law
+    Where'er her sons are found!
+
+  From Bobsfontein to Ballyhack
+    'Tis ordered by the Queen--
+  We've won our right in open fight,
+    The Wearin' of the Green!
+
+  We sailed upon commando
+    To vierneuk our Brother Boer--
+  A landlord and a Protestant,
+    What could the bhoys want more?
+  But Redmond cursed and Dillon wept,
+    And swore 'twas shame and sin;
+  So we went out and commandeered
+    The Green they dared not win.
+
+  'Twas past the wit of man, they said,
+    Our North and South to join--
+  Not all Tugela's blood could flood
+    The black and bitter Boyne;
+  But Bobs arranged a miracle
+    (He does it now and then),
+  For he'll be Duke of Orange, sure,
+    So we'll be Orange men!
+
+  Take hold! The Green's above the red,
+    But deep in blood 'tis dyed,
+  We plucked it under Mauser-fire
+    Along the trenched hill-side:
+  Talana's rush, the siege, the drift,
+    The Fight of Fourteen Days,
+  Bring back what's more than England's rose
+    And dearer than her praise!
+
+  God heal our women's breaking hearts
+    In Ireland far away!
+  An' Mary tell the news to those
+    That fell before this day--
+
+  Dear careless bhoys that laughed and died
+    By kopje and fontein--
+  Our dead that won the living prize--
+    The Wearin' of the Green!
+
+                                  RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+[_Copyright in England and the U.S.A._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MILITARY LAW.
+
+(_Editorial._)
+
+In times like the present when military matters are discussed by all
+classes of society, both by soldiers and civilians, the question of
+the law, by which discipline and law, not only among the troops, but
+also the civil population in the country they occupy are maintained,
+frequently arises, and the terms "Martial Law" and "Military Law" are
+often made use of as if they meant the same thing. It is to explain
+this that the following is written.
+
+"Military Law" is the Law which governs the soldier in peace and in
+war, at home and abroad. It is administered under the Army Act which
+is part of the Statute Law of England, and which, by special
+provision, must be brought into, and continue in force, by an annual
+Act of Parliament.
+
+With an army in the field, certain persons, not soldiers, are also
+subject to the provisions of "Military Law," such as civilians serving
+with the force in an official capacity; persons accompanying the
+troops with special leave, such as newspaper correspondents and
+contractors; persons employed with the troops, such as transport
+drivers; other persons known as followers who accompany the troops
+either as sutlers or on business or pleasure with the permission of
+the commander.
+
+"Martial Law," on the other hand, is only operative in war. It is in
+fact no law at all, and has been accurately defined as the "will of
+the conqueror." The expression "Customs of War" would perhaps better
+define what is meant by "Martial Law," because the word Law conveys
+the idea to most people of an enactment containing a fixed and rigid
+rule which must be obeyed, and which, if disobeyed, will involve
+punishment.
+
+This "Law" or "Custom" is applicable to all persons and inhabitants
+not subject to "Military Law" residing within the foreign country or
+that portion of it occupied by the troops, and also within districts
+under British rule abroad, which, in consequence of riot or rebellion,
+are so declared to be subject to "Martial Law" by proclamation.
+
+It will thus be seen that a commander of troops in time of war acts in
+two distinct capacities. First, he governs the troops by "Military
+Law" only; secondly, in his position of governor of the country he
+occupies, he imposes such laws or rules on the inhabitants as in his
+opinion are necessary to secure the safety of his army, and also the
+good government of the district which, by reason of the war or
+rebellion, may for the time have been deprived of its ordinary rulers
+and the machinery for maintaining order.
+
+For the purpose of administering "Martial Law" or the "Customs of War"
+no rules or regulations are absolutely laid down, but certain customs
+exist among civilised nations which are generally recognised.
+
+At the present time the practice in force is that, when practicable,
+"Martial Law" should only supplement the civil procedure, but when the
+civil Government is absent or, in consequence of war, is paralysed,
+"Martial Law" must of necessity replace the civil.
+
+In administrating "Martial Law" by a Military Court the ordinary
+procedure recognised by "Military Law" is followed. This is done
+because the Military Court would be composed of military officers
+whose training would make them conversant with such procedure, and
+because some uniformity in administrating justice would thus be
+ensured.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FACTS AND OTHERWISE.
+
+We wish to draw the attention of the troops of all ranks to the
+benefits which the use of the Public Free Library offers.
+
+A Branch of the Standard Bank is being opened in Colonnade Buildings
+under the direction of Mr. M. D. Savory, late Manager of the
+Oudtshoorn Branch.
+
+The _Powerful's_ contingent of the Naval Brigade, consisting of
+twenty-nine men and four officers, left by yesterday's train for
+Capetown. Mr. Midshipman Lewin, who is in command, has the honour of
+carrying despatches.
+
+The great want of Bloemfontein just now is some place of light
+recreation and refreshment to which weary soldiers and civilians can
+repair after the labour of the day is ended. It is premature, of
+course, to expect anything so pretentious as the Alhambra or Tivoli of
+London fame, but the resources of the capital of the Orange Free State
+should be at least equal to the provision and equipment of a hall
+where songs and various forms of light entertainment might be
+presented nightly. Already there is talk of an enterprising agent
+proceeding to Capetown with the object of retaining the necessary
+artistes, who may be expected here as soon as the railway
+communication is open to the general public; but for present purposes
+there is sufficient talent amongst our soldiers and sailors and the
+townspeople to tide over the emergency. A committee of amusement with
+a good man as chairman is required, and the rest, with the permission
+of the military authorities, should be tolerably easy. The drums and
+pipes of the Highland regiments continue to do valiant service in the
+market square, but the time is surely come when entertainment on a
+more ambitious programme might be contemplated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PROMOTION OF BINKS.
+
+"Know Binks? Of course. Everybody does--local major, staff something
+at Headquarters of 10th Division--devilish useful chap to know."
+
+Yes, Major Binks; but three short months ago I was only young Binks of
+the Buffers, arriving at Blankfontein to take charge of a Transport
+Company; I had no experience, and no instructions, except to "lick 'em
+into shape," and I felt like the title of a book, "Alone in South
+Africa." Not quite alone after all, for I had Wopples with me; Wopples
+being the servant my old uncle, Major Stodger, had found for me.
+"He'll kill your horses, of course, and lose your kit, but he was our
+mess corporal in the Blazers for fourteen years, and he'll pull you
+through."
+
+After asking many questions and getting no answers, I found a seething
+mass of mules, waggons, and blacks, which turned out to be my company,
+and in the midst of it was a person of evidently some importance, who
+turned out to be the conductor. His natural perimeter was nearly
+doubled by the packets of papers which bulged from every pocket, and
+he was addressing the crowd in a variety of bad languages when I
+introduced myself, not without trepidation, as his new C."C."O. His
+smile was reassuring and patronising. "Oh, that'll be all right, sir;
+we're getting along nicely--but the Major's coming round
+to-morrow--commands the station, he does--and wastes a lot of time.
+Now, if you could offer him a bit of breakfast--"
+
+Next morning the Major rode up; he was a melancholy-looking man with
+an absent manner. Before I could introduce the subject he said he
+would not interrupt me if I were having breakfast; I begged him to
+join me, but he said he never could eat at that hour, but he might as
+well come in--perhaps he might manage a cup of tea. He managed one
+cup, and then another, after which he brightened up a lot and managed
+porridge, fried liver, curried mutton, and half a tin of jam. After
+one of my cigars (also selected by uncle) he rode away, remarking that
+he was glad to find they'd sent up somebody at last who had a grasp of
+things--he felt he could rely on me.
+
+Next day I was appointed his assistant. When I reported myself he said
+he wanted somebody whom he could leave in the office in case he had to
+go out--there was no other definite job for me just then; meanwhile I
+might as well look after the mess. I did so, or rather Wopples did so.
+
+One evening the Major seemed somewhat upset, "Look here, Binks, the
+Brigadier is coming round to-morrow to discuss a defence scheme; he's
+inclined to fuss a lot; I've got to go out myself on duty, but you'd
+better stay in and have a lot of breakfast ready; I think you might
+almost run to a tin of sausages." Next morning the Brigadier rode up
+all alone at full gallop, scrambled off his horse, and began to shout,
+"Come along, come along; mustn't waste time on active service; got
+fifty things to settle to-day! Here's my brigade on this side of the
+river--now tell me at once where every man on the other side is
+posted"--here he fell over Wopples. "Who the deuce!--what, breakfast,
+eh? Well, well, must eat, even on service. I can spare five minutes.
+Come along." He rushed into my tent and spared five minutes. The five
+minutes prolonged themselves to ten minutes, then to an hour and a
+quarter, after which the Brigadier slept so sweetly that I had no
+heart to waken him. About 3 o'clock he woke with a sort of explosion,
+shouted for his horse, and galloped off talking as hard as ever.
+
+Next morning I was appointed his extra A.D.C. with rank of Captain.
+"There'll be a lot of work for you later on," the Brigade-Major said,
+"but no bustle just now; meanwhile you might look after the mess."
+Again we did so. I was left in camp one day when the Brigade had gone
+out to do something--"Somebody must be left in charge, and, by the by,
+have a bit of something ready in case we come back hungry." I was
+reading the advertisement sheets of a paper six weeks old when Wopples
+rushed in. "Lord Upington, sir, staff boss at Divisional
+Headquarters, just a'comin' up the road! _Wot_ a chance it is! Why, if
+he don't know what good living means--well, I'm a Boer!"
+
+Wopples was too much of an artist to overdo things--there was just a
+taste of porridge--not enough to spoil one's appetite, a partridge
+with full complements of bread-sauce and red pepper, marrow-bones with
+hot toast and a nip of whisky, black coffee and cigars; where it had
+all sprung from goodness only knows.
+
+When his lordship departed he said he would not forget me; his heart
+and other organs were so full that he quite forgot to mention the
+pressing business on which he had come.
+
+Next morning I was appointed signalling officer to the Division. I had
+never done a signalling class, and pointed this out to the D.A.G., but
+he said it didn't matter, what they wanted was a really useful man to
+supervise generally the signalling business. Of course, just at
+present there was no signalling as we were on a wire; meanwhile I
+might take over the mess. Before the words were out of his mouth
+Wopples had taken the mess over; he had sacked two black cooks,
+discarded the mess pots in favour of his own, taken the measures of
+the mess stores, and was getting on with lunch. By that evening my
+position as an ornament to the staff was secure.
+
+It was at something drift that we gave our first official dinner; we
+had secured a roomy farm-house with some bits of furniture, so,
+relying on Wopples, we launched into hospitality. And Wopples had
+surpassed himself. There was a haunch of venison which brought tears
+of joy to the five eyes of the three generals who partook of it--no
+mere common haunch, there were several such in camp that night--this
+was a haunch that had been through the hands of Wopples. Then there
+was his extra special _entree_--but that is another course.
+
+It was a dinner that might be eaten, but could never be described.
+
+Next day I was gently approached by many red tabs. The Provost-Marshal
+said I was just the sort of chap for his department if I'd care to
+come; a R.E. enthusiast told me that a balloon was the only place for
+a real good view of a show and "he'd work the matter for me"; somebody
+on the intelligence said there was a real well-paid billet he'd been
+keeping open on purpose for me; and two of the generals declared
+piteously that they could not get on without my services. The third
+general had not recovered the dinner, but sent a grinning A.D.C. to
+represent him.
+
+After that his lordship shut me and Wopples up together in his own
+room and kept guard outside himself. "We'll take care of you, Binks;
+we'll get you made a local major, and you shall ride the general's
+horse as you've lost all your own. I'll find you a Tommy's blanket, by
+Jove I will! and demme, I'll give you my own second shirt; but I'll be
+shot if you leave our camp, my boy--shot and starved!"
+
+                                                  ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOLDIERS' BATTLES AND GENERALS' CAMPAIGNS.
+
+BY JAMES BARNES.
+
+The writer, an American, who served during the Cuban war, has been
+asked to compare the present heated argument with the late
+unpleasantness in the Antilles.
+
+It is rather difficult to draw any comparisons between this war in
+South Africa and the late conflict in Cuba. It is like comparing two
+games differing in rules and methods, and resembling one another only
+in the fact that they are played with bat and ball.
+
+One of the strange things about the war in the West Indies was
+this--when it was over the world waited for the lesson, and there was
+none in the proper sense of the word. The God of battles must have
+been with America from start to finish; ours was the good fortune; we
+had all the luck. It was a series of miracles. Naval men waited to see
+the great things torpedo-boats would accomplish, and two of the
+much-dreaded machines were sunk by a millionaire's pleasure-craft
+transformed into a gun-boat. Vessels with armoured belts and
+protective decks were set on fire in the old-fashioned way by
+exploding shells igniting their wood-work. Dewey's victory at Manila
+was accomplished without loss of life on the American side, and
+Sampson's victory at Santiago was almost as wonderful--but one man
+killed and a few slightly wounded.
+
+Army experts waited for the results of the use of long-range magazine
+rifles, smokeless powder, and high explosives, yet trenches and hills
+defended by men with Mausers were stormed and taken by men with
+Krag-Jorgensens in their hands in the old-fashioned way--a steady
+advance and a rushing charge to clinch it. Caney and San Juan Hill
+were old-fashioned fights with the exception of the fact that men were
+killed miles in the rear by the straying droves of bullets and never
+saw an enemy.
+
+As in this war the losses did not compare to those of some
+hand-to-hand conflicts of the Rebellion, and many wounds that in the
+old days would have proved fatal, thanks to the merciful Mauser,
+amounted to very little. Perhaps to offer explanation of some strange
+occurrences of the Cuban war would be disparaging to the Spaniards.
+Perhaps the least that can be said is that in the main the Dons were
+shocking poor shots, and they had been so weakened by disease and
+hunger that they had not much fight left in them when it came to cold
+steel and clubbed muskets. The great losses in Cuba were from fevers,
+not from bullets. It is in the conditions and environments that the
+chief difference lies between the war here and the war over there. And
+it is from this present conflict that the world will learn. The
+Philippine war, costly as it was in life and money, was nothing but a
+series of victories over a half-civilised enemy. The interest in it in
+America, strange to say, dwindled to little or nothing after the first
+gunshot in South Africa.
+
+Here was a different state of affairs. Cuba (for Puerto Rico was a
+"walk over") was a country full of dense forests and tangled
+undergrowth, offering a screen as well as a hindrance to the movements
+of an army. South Africa is the greatest defensive country in the
+world, and the Boer is trained by nature and inheritance to make the
+best of it. Yet it took time to teach some of the English military
+leaders to adapt themselves to the new conditions--it was hard for
+them to break away from the traditions of Waterloo and Badajos. The
+Mauser began to correct the old ideas of warfare in a way that it had
+failed to do in Cuba. The prophecies in Bloch's remarkable book were
+fulfilled almost to the letter. Proper scouting in an open country is
+a dead department of military service. How long did we lie at Modder
+River without knowing anything of value of the movements of the enemy?
+A series of kopjes might conceal a few sharpshooters or an army--at a
+mile's distance scouts were under the fire of an invisible foe. A good
+shot ensconced between sheltering rocks discounted four men advancing
+in the open. In Cuba the American troops were harassed by marksmen
+concealed in tree-tops who often fired upon them from the rear, but
+the forces opposed to them in front were mostly infantry, and the
+problem resolved itself into a contest between individual soldiers as
+fighting units. It was a soldiers' conflict.
+
+A war in a country such as we have been fighting over for the last
+five months admits of one thing only--the strategic movements of a
+military genius. The generalship of a great leader is a necessity.
+Bravery is well-nigh wasted and courage almost discounted. Mobility of
+force is essential, forces operating at great distances but under one
+central head are a _sine qua non_, and in long-range artillery lies
+the preponderancy of power. More and more does the great game
+approximate the moves in a chess problem. It must be admitted that in
+Cuba there were no such scientific movements, and it has taken the
+march of Lord Roberts from Enslin to Bloemfontein to prove the fact
+beyond question that soldiers' battles, where one side is entrenched
+and invisible and the other advancing in attack, are things of the
+past, except in a wooded country or where all preliminary movements
+are concealed. We had soldiers' battles here, but by fighting them
+the lesson has been taught which the world will learn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AN OFFICIAL DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
+
+On Tuesday, March 20th, Lord Roberts entertained the following
+Military Attaches, accredited by the Great Powers to his staff, at
+dinner at Government House:
+
+Colonel Stakovitch, Russia; Commandant d'Amadi, France; Major Esteben,
+Spain; Captain Baron V. Luttwitz, Germany; Captain Slocum, America;
+Captain Hieroka, Japan.
+
+There were also invited the following to meet the distinguished
+guests: Lieut. General Sir H. Colvile, Lieut. General Kelly-Kenny,
+Major General Sir W. Nicholson, Major General Pretyman, Major General
+Wood, Major General Marshall, Major General Pole-Carew, Major General
+Gorden, The Very Revd. Dean of Bloemfontein, The Honble. Mr. J. G.
+Fraser; the Private Secretary; the Military Secretary; Major General
+Kelly, Colonel Richardson, Mr. Justice Hopley, Colonel Stevenson,
+Colonel Viscount Downe, Lieut. Colonel Otter, Captain Bearcroft,
+Lieut. Colonel Ricardo, Colonel H. C. Cholmondeley, Colonel Lord
+Stanley, Reverend H. J. Coney, Lieut. Colonel Byron, A.D.C., Captain
+Lord Herbert Scott, A.D.C.
+
+After the Queen's health had been drunk, Lord Roberts, in a happy
+little speech in which he proposed the health of the foreign Attaches,
+said that he had much regretted while in Capetown not having been able
+to entertain the Attaches, but now he felt some satisfaction at not
+having been able to do it, as he was able to entertain them as
+comrades, while at Capetown they would only have been representatives
+of foreign Powers. He had often been distressed at seeing the Attaches
+undergoing many discomforts on the march. But it had shown him that
+they were officers devoted to their duty, and regardless of all
+discomforts. He had not heard complaint or murmur of discontent at
+their want of comfort, in fact, the only complaint made was one to
+Lord Downe in which Attaches represented to him that he, with a regard
+for their personal safety, had not allowed them to go as close as they
+could wish to the passing line. It had been a great pleasure to see
+them there that night, and he hoped before long to be able to
+entertain them again in Pretoria.
+
+Colonel Stakovitch, the Russian Attache, replied, saying how pleasant
+it had been for him and his comrades to accompany the British Army on
+their great and successful march. He thanked the Field Marshal for his
+kindness and courtesy to them, and wound up by proposing the health of
+Lord Roberts and his army, to which Lord Roberts made a suitable
+reply.
+
+The band of the Buffs played a selection of music during dinner.
+
+The Austrian Attache was unavoidably absent, having left on a short
+visit to Capetown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+"OH, HOW GOOD IT WAS!"
+
+     _All Ranks join our Corps of Contributors, and the Oasis of
+     Literature sparkles like a Fountain in a Desert._
+
+
+Generals, colonels, majors, captains, subalterns, privates, war
+correspondents who had not connected themselves with our venture,
+naval officers--all ranks and all sorts, suddenly rushed to our
+support, in consequence of my wail for help, and THE FRIEND took on an
+interest and importance proportionately greater, I think, than that of
+any newspaper then published in the language. Its circulation rose
+among the thousands whereas the largest daily distribution had been
+only 400 copies before the war.
+
+We numbered the paper of March 24th "No. 6," though it was in reality
+the eighth copy we had published, six being the number since we had
+enlarged it to its final size. I marvel at our success as I look back
+upon this number.
+
+Sir William Nicholson, K.C.B., wrote an appreciation of the character,
+life, and work of the late Sir William Lockhart; General Sir Henry E.
+Colvile sent us a double acrostic, which the Dutch ones among our
+eccentric compositors ruined so far beyond repair that it would not
+be just to reproduce its mangled remains; Mr. Lionel James, who had
+come over from the Natal side to further distinguish the staff of the
+_Times_, wrote upon the death of our gifted colleague, George W.
+Steevens. Rudyard Kipling contributed to this number the first of his
+delicious "Fables for the Staff"; a distinguished officer, who shall
+remain nameless in this connection, contributed an article on "Beards
+in War"; and Mr. Gwynne began a series of letters entitled "Is the Art
+of War Revolutionised?" written solely to interest the Army and spur
+its thinking men to respond.
+
+Mr. H. Prevost Battersby, of the London _Morning Post_, was another
+distinguished contributor to this number.
+
+Mr. Kipling now became a regular harnessed member of the four-in-hand
+team that pulled the paper. With pen in hand and pipe in mouth he sat
+at the larger of the two tables in our editorial poke-hole, and
+beginning with a "Now, what shall I do? Write a poem, fill out cables,
+or correct proofs?" would fall to and toil away with an enthusiasm
+born of the long time it had been since he had "smelled the sawdust of
+the ring."
+
+"Oh, how good it is to be at work in a newspaper office again!" he
+exclaimed on the first day, doubtless with recollections of the
+sanctum of the _Allahabad Pioneer_ strong upon him, and the memory of
+the time when the precursors of the "Plain Tales" and of the Barrack
+Room Ballads were demanded of him almost every day, and gave him the
+practice to produce the carefully finished and matured work we are now
+seeing in the novel "Kim," at which he was at work--in the laboratory
+of his mind--even as he sat with us in Bloemfontein.
+
+We wondered at his enthusiasm, and, perhaps, had it not been of his
+doing, we should have resented the impetus it gave us to toil as never
+war correspondents worked before--all day for THE FRIEND and far into
+the nights to catch the mails with our home correspondence. But we
+soon came to see that the same tremendous energy and ceaseless flow of
+wit and fancy were his by nature, and would have found expression as
+well in a tent on the veldt as in that office. He was always while
+with us like a great healthy boy in spirits and vitality, good humour,
+and enterprise.
+
+With us he yelled "Haven't any; go to Barlow's shop around the
+corner," to the Tommies who trod on one another's heels to get copies
+of the paper from us who had not got them. With us he consigned the
+Dutch compositor to aeons of boiling torment for the trouble his errors
+gave us. With us he entertained Lord Stanley, who now came, out of
+kindness, at noon every day, to save us the trouble of sending our
+proof-sheets over to him at his office. And from us he insisted upon
+taking all the "Tommy poetry," as we called it, that came to the
+office. When we derided much of it as outrageous twaddle, he praised
+its quality. On this day, I remember, we were belittling a particular
+poem that he was reading, and he called out, "Why, that is splendid
+stuff! Listen to these lines--'Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the
+waves: Britons never, never, never shall be slaves!'" The reader will
+not find this particular poem in this book, though it was put in THE
+FRIEND by our distinguished poetry editor.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1900.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by Mr.
+Kipling's leave.]
+
+KING LOG AND KING STORK.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+I.
+
+Certain Boers, having blown up a Bridge, departed in the Face of the
+British Army, which, arriving at that dynamited Place, made Outcry to
+the Gods, saying, "Oh, Jupiter, these Ruffians have blocked the
+Traffic, and we are vastly incommoded. Is there Anything worse than
+the Boer?"
+
+This being reported to the Railway Authorities, they caused a Railway
+Staff Officer to be sent to that Bridge with Instructions to
+facilitate Matters by all means in his Power.
+
+Later on They picked up What was left of the British Army in those
+parts--one dusty Shovelful, and its Lamentations were louder than
+before.
+
+"Ungrateful Wretches," said the Military Authorities; "what would you
+now have?"
+
+And the Remnant of the British with one Accord answered, "Give us back
+the Boer!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COMMANDEERING.
+
+  Our hero was a Tommy, with a conscience free from care.
+  And such an open countenance that when he breathed the air
+  He used up all the atmosphere--so little went to spare.
+  You could hardly say he breathed,--he commandeered it.
+
+  For, nowadays, you'll notice when a man is "on the make,"
+  And other people's property is anxious for to take,
+  We never use such words as steal, or "collar," "pinch," or "shake:"
+  The fashion is to say he "commandeers" it.
+
+  And our simple-minded hero used to grumble at his lot;
+  Said he, "This commandeerin's just a little bit too hot.
+  A fellow has to carry every blooming thing he's got,
+  For whatever he lets fall they'll commandeer it."
+
+  So, at last in desperation, this most simple-minded elf,
+  He thought he'd do a little commandeering for himself;
+  And the first thing that he noticed was a bottle on a shelf
+  In a cottage, so he thought he'd commandeer it.
+
+  "What ho!" says he, "a bottle! and, by George, it's full of beer!
+  And there's no commandin' officer to come and interfere.
+  So here's my bloomin' health," says he; "I'm on the commandeer."
+  And without another word he commandeered it.
+
+                                             ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SIR WILLIAM LOCKHART.
+
+BY SIR WILLIAM NICHOLSON, K.C.B.
+
+Sir William Lockhart's death, as recently announced in Army Orders,
+will be deeply deplored by his many friends in the Army in South
+Africa. It was known that he had been seriously ill last September,
+but he had seemingly recovered when he visited Burma in December. On
+his return to Calcutta in January, symptoms developed themselves which
+caused great anxiety, and, although he telegraphed to the effect that
+he hoped soon to be all right again, the end was not far distant.
+
+Apart from his ability as a soldier and administrator, Sir William
+Lockhart endeared himself to all who had the privilege of his personal
+acquaintance by his charming manners, his genial hospitality and his
+kindness of heart. Born in 1842, he joined the Indian Army in 1858,
+and during the Mutiny he was attached to the 7th Fusiliers. He
+afterwards served with the 26th Punjab Infantry, the 10th Bengal
+Lancers, and the 14th Bengal Lancers. He was employed on the Staff in
+the Abyssinian Expedition.
+
+When the Acheen War broke out he was attached to the Headquarters of
+the Dutch Force, where he made himself extremely popular. It was
+interesting to hear him describe the Dutch method of fighting, which,
+as might be imagined, led to no decisive result. The climate being
+tropical, the Dutch would only attack the enemy in the early morning;
+the rest of the day being spent in camp. The enemy were more active,
+and caused the Dutch much annoyance by frequently disturbing their
+afternoon siesta. As no means of transport were asked for or provided,
+the campaign was of a purely defensive nature, and at the end of it
+things were virtually in the same state as at the beginning.
+
+After remaining in Acheen about eighteen months, Lockhart returned to
+India, where he joined the Quartermaster-General's Department, and at
+the beginning of the Afghan War he was chosen to take charge of the
+line of communications up the Khyber. He afterwards joined Lord
+Roberts' Staff as Assistant Quartermaster-General at Kabul, and for a
+short time acted as Chief of the Staff on Charles MacGregor being
+selected for the command of a brigade. In that capacity he had hoped
+to accompany his illustrious Chief in the march from Kabul to
+Kandahar, but General Chapman being his senior on the staff, it was
+decided, much to Lockhart's disappointment, that he should return to
+India as Chief of the Staff with the troops under Sir Donald Stewart's
+command.
+
+He received a C.B. and brevet Colonelcy for his services in
+Afghanistan, and was afterwards appointed Deputy Quartermaster-General
+for Intelligence at Army Headquarters, where he remained until 1886,
+when Lord Roberts became Commander-in-Chief in India in succession to
+Sir Donald Stewart. He was then sent on an exploring expedition with
+the late Colonel Woodthorpe, R.E., to Chitral and Kafiristan, and the
+admirable report which he drew up was of the greatest value to the
+Government of India in considering what steps should be taken to guard
+the northern passes between the Pamirs and the Peshawar Valley.
+
+On his return to India, Lockhart was offered the
+Quartermaster-Generalship in that country, but he preferred the
+command of a Brigade in Burma, where he greatly distinguished himself
+by his activity in pursuit of Dacoits. His health, however, was
+undermined by continual attacks of fever, and he had to be invalided
+home, where, after a short interval, he became Assistant Military
+Secretary for India at the Horse Guards.
+
+After holding this post for a couple of years, he accepted the command
+of the Punjab Frontier Force, which was offered him by Lord Roberts,
+and in that capacity he commanded a brigade in the Black Mountain
+Expedition under the late Sir W. K. Elles, and held the chief command
+in the Waziristan and Isazai Expeditions. No abler or more sympathetic
+general ever commanded the Punjab Frontier Force; he was beloved alike
+by the British officers and the Native ranks; he maintained the
+traditions of the Force and raised it to the highest standard of
+efficiency; and when he left it he had good reason for regarding it,
+as he always did regard it, as the _corps d'elite_ of the Indian Army.
+
+In April, 1895, the Presidential Armies were broken up and the Army
+Corps System was introduced, Sir William Lockhart being nominated to the
+command of the Forces in the Punjab. In this appointment he displayed
+administrative talents of a high order, his main object being to
+decentralise responsibility and authority, and to diminish office work
+and official correspondence. It was in a great measure due to his
+efforts in this direction that the new system worked so smoothly. When
+he became Commander-in-Chief he kept the same end in view by granting
+the fullest possible powers to the Lieutenant-Generals of the four
+Commands and to the General Officers commanding Districts, and by
+insisting on their making use of those powers to the fullest extent.
+
+In March, 1897, Sir William Lockhart went home, having been advised to
+undergo a course of treatment at Nauheim. Meanwhile, disturbances took
+place along the North-West Frontier, which culminated in an outbreak
+of the Orakzaia and Afridis, and the capture by the latter of our
+posts in the Khyber Pass. In September he was hurriedly recalled to
+India for the purpose of commanding the Tirah Expeditionary Force.
+This is not the place to discuss the operations in Tirah, which were
+much criticised at home. The fact is that the British public had
+become so accustomed to almost bloodless victories over savage enemies
+that they failed to appreciate the extraordinary difficulties of the
+Afridi country, and the advantages to the defence which the possession
+of long-range rifles and smokeless powder confers. Moreover, there are
+no better marksmen in the world than the Afridis, who are born
+soldiers, and the mobility of hardy mountaineers in their native hills
+necessarily exceeds that of regular troops encumbered with baggage and
+supplies.
+
+Anyhow, the result of the expedition fully justified the choice of its
+commander. The Afridis acknowledged themselves to be thoroughly
+beaten; and Sir William Lockhart's tact in dealing with them after
+they had submitted has led to the re-establishment of friendly
+relations between them and ourselves on a firmer basis than before.
+What their present attitude is may be judged from the fact that Yar
+Mahomed, the head of the Malikdin Khels, recently petitioned the
+Government of India to be allowed to raise 1,500 tribesmen for service
+in South Africa.
+
+On the conclusion of the Tirah campaign Sir William Lockhart took
+leave to England, and came out again as Commander-in-Chief in India in
+November, 1898. He died on the 18th of March, 1900. In him, as Lord
+Roberts has remarked in his Army Order of the 20th inst., "the
+soldiers in India have lost a friend, and the Indian Empire a trusted
+counsellor who cannot soon or easily be replaced."
+
+The late Commander-in-Chief was one of the few remaining
+representatives of the Quartermaster-General's Department in India,
+and to the admirable training which that department afforded much of
+his success as a soldier must be ascribed. No better school of
+practical instruction in Staff duties could be desired. Among its
+pupils may be mentioned Lord Roberts himself, Sir Charles MacGregor,
+Sir Herbert Stewart, Sir William Lockhart, and Sir Alfred Gaselee.
+Now, alas! it has been abolished, or, at least, incorporated in the
+Adjutant-General's Department.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE QUARTERMASTER'S YARN.
+
+E. J. K. NEWMAN, LIEUT. R.N.
+
+DEAR MR. EDITOR,--The following lines were written by me on board the
+mail steamer, about two young soldiers now serving with the army:--
+
+  'Twas on the deck, that around our ship, from the mast to the
+     taffrail ran,
+  I saw alone, in a chair (not their own), a tall young girl and a man.
+  Her hair was light and fluffy and swarthy and dark was he,
+  And I saw the coon, one afternoon, a-spooning that girl quite free.
+
+  So I spotted a Quartermaster bold as he went from the wheel to tea,
+  And I asked that Jack, if upon that tack, the passengers went to sea.
+  "Lord love yer honour, we often sees that, the stewards and the
+     likes of us;
+  There's always couples a-spooning there, but we never makes no fuss.
+
+  "If you look around, you'll see, I'll be bound, each day at a
+     quarter to three,
+  A tall young fellow with curly hair and a girl in black, quite
+     young and fair, That's another couple," says he.
+  "And every night, I assure you it's right, straight up on this
+     deck they'll come
+  And spoon around, till it's time to go down. One night 'twas a
+     quarter to one."
+
+  "Now it suddenly struck me early one morn, this might be a
+     serious thing.
+  Perhaps they loves, these two little doves, and has offered
+     them the ring.
+  So I leaves them alone in the world of their own; and this
+     'twixt you and me,
+  I hope I shall, by each little gal, to the wedding invited be."
+
+  LATER.
+
+  Then the Quartermaster brushed away a tear with his horny hand,
+  The last couple now have had a row, and don't speak, I understand.
+  'Tis not a fable, she won't sit at his table As she used to do of old;
+  But has taken up with a married man, At least, so I've been told.
+
+                                                        OLD SALT.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SECOND RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.
+
+DEAR FRIEND,--I suppose that General French and his lot think they
+relieved Kimberley? Well, that's all right, and in spite of his name
+being forrin, he's a good chap; so, as Billy the Sailor says, let's
+make it so. But I should like to know where would French be now if it
+wasn't for Billy and the Yank?
+
+Now, you being an up-to-date paper, we thought you might like to have
+an account of the battle which hasn't ever yet appeared in any paper
+in the world, yet, as our Adjutant would say, was the most
+strategically important part of the whole blooming show.
+
+It was me and Billy and the Yank. Billy's a sailor--says he was
+leftenant in the Navy, and I really believe he might have been--he
+couldn't have learnt to ride so badly anywhere else, and how he faked
+himself through the riding test is a miracle--then his langwidge is
+beautiful. The Yank's a Yank; you can tell that by his langwidge, too,
+and me being an old soldier (12 years in the Buffs and discharge
+certificate all correct), I was made No. 1 of our section; our No. 4
+was an Irishman we left behind at Orange with a broken head, all
+through fighting outside the Canteen.
+
+Well, when French left Modder, February 15th, we hadn't a horse among
+the three of us fit to carry his own skin; so there we was left. Our
+troop leader said he hoped to Heaven he'd seen the last of us, but all
+the same he gave us a written order, correct enough, to catch up the
+squadron as soon as possible. There wasn't much doing all day, barring
+a bit of cooking, but that evening we was sitting round the fire when
+an M.I. chap comes round and says he's heard there'd be free drinks
+for the Relief Force in Kimberley, and perhaps our pals was drinking
+'em now. That was the first time our Billy really woke up all day.
+"Free drinks," sezee; "that's my sailing orders." Me and the Yank
+didn't mind, so we sounds boot and saddle to ourselves in the dark,
+and off we slips without a word to nobody. My horse seemed cheered up
+by the day's rest, but before I'd gone half a mile I found I got the
+wrong horse by mistake! and you'll hardly believe that both Billy and
+the Yank had made mistakes too! Lor', how we did laugh! but there,
+there ain't no accounting for horses in the dark.
+
+We each had our own notions of the road; the Yank swore he was
+tracking the big English cavalry horses; Billy was steering Nor' Wes'
+by Nor' on some star or other; and I didn't want to argufy, so I just
+shoves on a couple of lengths and marched on the Kimberley flashlight.
+
+We was going a fair pace too ("making six knots"), and had done near
+two hours, when all of a sudden we comes over a kopje right on to the
+top of a bivouack, fires and all.
+
+"Let's get"--"Go astern"--"Sections about"--and we did so, back behind
+the kopje, linked horses, and crawled up again on our hands and knees.
+
+"First thing," says I, quoting our Adjutant, "is to kalkulate the
+numbers of the enemy."
+
+"Twenty thousand," says Billy, who always did reckon a bit large.
+"Make it hundreds," says the Yank, sneering--"and I wouldn't mind
+betting a pint myself that there was the best part of two dozen of
+'em."
+
+"Next point," says I, "who are they?"
+
+"I bleeve they're Highlanders, after all," says Billy; "see the way
+they're lowering whisky out of them bottles."
+
+"Well then," says the Yank, "you'd better ride up and say you're the
+General, and they'll drop the whisky and run."
+
+"Highlanders," says I, "don't care a cuss for Boers nor Generals, but
+say you're the Provost Marshal and they won't stop running this side
+of Kimberley."
+
+"Those men, sir," says the Yank, "air not Highlanders. Billy's eyes
+was took with them bottles and got no further. Those men don't wear
+leg curtains, nor even loud checked bags. They air Boers." And by
+Jove he was right.
+
+"Well then," says I, getting back to point three, "what's their
+position?"
+
+"Straight there," says the Yank. "Mostly lying on their stummicks,"
+says Billy.
+
+"My friends," says I, "if your Adjutant should hear you now he'd break
+his blighted heart. Look here, there's General French lowering free
+drinks in Kimberley, ain't he? There's the British infantry at Modder,
+ten miles back, ain't they? And there's twenty thousand Boers plunk in
+the middle, ain't they? That means, as Adjy would say, General French
+is busted. Vaultin' ambition! Another orful disaster!"
+
+"My friends, we must reskew General French."
+
+"General be blowed!" says Billy; "let's reskew the whisky."
+
+"Well, bein' agreed on reskewin', wot's our plan of battle? A frontal
+attack is always to be depre--well, something that means it's a bally
+error." "Take 'em on the starboard quarter, then."
+
+"But the first principel of tactics is to mystify and mislead the
+foe."
+
+So far the Yank had been lying rather low, but now he chips in--
+
+"Say, chum, you've pegged it out straight there, and if it ain't
+jumping your claim, I'll carry on the working." He did know a bit, the
+Yank did, and we'd fixed up the job in no time. He'd a bag of about a
+hundred loose cartridges he'd been carrying for days, and in two
+minutes he'd a nice hot glowing fire right down in a cleft behind the
+kopjy where it didn't show a bit. "Now boys," says I, taking command
+again, "that bag of cartridges on the top of that fire will make as
+much musketry noise as a brigade fits of joy. We'll let them have a
+few real bullets bang in the middle to help out the illooshun. We're
+three full battalions advancing to attack, and mind you let them hear
+it; not a word till the first cartridge pops off, and then all the
+noise you know."
+
+We extended to fifty paces. Billy said it would come more natural if
+he was the Naval Brigade, and we puts him on the right. The Yank
+wanted to be the "Fighting Fifth," it reminded him somehow of fighting
+Stonewall Jackson down South; and the old Buffs was good enough for
+me, and I took the left. When we'd fixed our places up nicely and
+charged magazines, the Yank slips back to our fire and plunks the bag
+of cartridges down in the middle. Then we waited what seemed like a
+year.
+
+"Bang!" from the fire.
+
+"At 'em, my hearties!" roared the Naval Brigade; "broadside
+fire--don't lay on the whisky--well done, _Condor_!"
+
+"Steady the Buffs," says I; "volley firing with
+magazines--ready--fixed sights--at that fat old buster next the
+fire--present--Fire!" and sooting the action to the word I let the old
+buster have a volley in the fattest part.
+
+The Fighting Fifth didn't make much noise, but was shooting straight
+enough.
+
+Those cartridges went off so quick, once they'd started, that I knew
+they couldn't last long, so I gives 'em one more file of my magazine
+and then whistles on my fingers, "Cease fire!"--pop went the last
+cartridge on the fire--"Who's that silly blighter firin' after the
+whistle goes?--take his name, Sergeant-Majer--Now, Buffs, fix
+bayonets--prepare to charge!"
+
+"Avast heaving, full speed ahead and ram them!" yells the Naval
+Brigade. But the Boers didn't wait for that--what with the dark, and
+surprise and noise, let alone a few real bullets, they had gone for
+their horses and were moving hard.
+
+"Now then, Lancers!" I holloared, "round our left flank and pursue
+them to the devil!" That was just enough to prevent them turning their
+heads for the first mile or so. Then our brigade reforms and went down
+the hill to tally up the loot. There was half a dozen cripples, none
+of them bad, half a dozen knee-haltered horses, a pot of stew on the
+fire, and half a dozen black bottles. The Fighting Fifth, who was a
+kind-hearted chap in his way, turned over the wounded, gave them a sup
+of water, and tied them up with bits of their own shirts. The Naval
+Brigade had sweated through everything it had on, barrin' its rifle,
+just out of pure excitement, and it went for the bottles like a
+cartload of bricks. Blessed if they weren't _Dop_![3] "Never mind,"
+says the Naval Brigade, "if the quality ain't up to Admiralty pattern,
+we'll have to issue a double ration"--and he did--so help me!
+Meanwhile the Buffs had collected the horses and picked out a nice
+little chestnut for myself. After that the Brigade fell out and
+enjoyed itself.
+
+[Footnote 3: Cape brandy, also known as "Cape smoke."]
+
+But we couldn't waste too much time, so after half an hour we changed
+saddles, packed the _dop_ in our wallets, and hoisted the Naval
+Brigade on board. The whole way to Kimberley he was fighting the
+_Condor_ against the combined land and sea forces of all
+creation--even the Yank laughed fit to burst. I do believe Billy might
+have been a commander--one can't learn langwidge like that, even in
+the Navy, under a longish time.
+
+Well, we fetched Kimberley about reveille after falling off our horses
+now and then, and we gives the Sergeant-Major half a bottle to look
+pleasant. Up we goes before the troop leader, who looked a bit glum at
+his own written order, but cheered up when I hands over three spare
+Boer horses we'd brought along.
+
+"If I hear any more of this damfoolishness," sezee, "I'll hang the lot
+of you; so you'd better take care that nobody knows of it." He's
+almost as hard as the Adjy.
+
+Well, that's why we don't say what Regiment we belong to. But just to
+give the devil his jew we don't see why General French gets all the
+telegrams from the Queen and Lord Mayors--and we ain't even had our
+chocolate served out yet.
+
+But this is the truth--Billy and the Yank'll both swear to it.
+
+  Yours truly,
+                                                 NUMBER ONE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+1.--_Infantry._
+
+Since the days of bows and arrows the art of war has been gradually
+developing. The arquebus followed the silent bow, and perhaps it may
+be said that this change was the most revolutionary change ever
+experienced in the history of warfare. But the arquebus could not
+effectively prevent the opposing forces from coming to close quarters,
+and therefore the strong man with a thorough knowledge of the use of
+the _arme blanche_--be it pike, sword, or spear--was the mainstay of
+their armies. With the successive introduction of the matchlock, Brown
+Bess, and the host of old muzzle-loading rifles, up to the time when
+the Snider rifle came into use, still the same conditions of fighting
+remained. By the same conditions I mean the following:--
+
+(1) The enemy, when firing at an effective range, was visible to the
+naked eye of his opponent.
+
+(2) Even when concealed behind cover the smoke of his rifle easily
+disclosed his position.
+
+(3) Neither the accuracy nor the rapidity of fire was sufficient to
+make an attack across open ground by a slightly superior force
+impossible.
+
+The introduction of the Martini-Henry completely altered at least the
+third of these conditions, but owing to the fact that no European war
+of great importance was fought with Martini-Henrys, the change was not
+brought home to military theorists. It is true that the Turks fought
+the Greeks with the Martini and the Gras rifles, but the war was not
+serious, and the Greeks never held even their entrenched positions
+with sufficient tenacity to bring home to the world the fact that an
+advance across the open towards an enemy under cover was becoming more
+and more impossible.
+
+But smokeless powder and the long range rifle brought with them
+changes which do not appear to be properly understood. In the first
+place, it may be laid down as an axiom of warfare that the area of
+effective rifle fire (and indeed of any fire) is restricted by the
+areas of vision. During the present war it has become evident to those
+who have studied the question, that the dangerous zone of fire with
+modern rifles is not, as was at first supposed, within the 1,000 yards
+range, but within 1,500 or even 1,600 yards.
+
+To advance in the open against an enemy, even when that enemy is not
+under cover but simply lying on the ground, involves one of two
+alternatives. Either the advancing force is annihilated by the time it
+gets to within 500 yards of the enemy, or it is forced to lie down
+1,500 yards away or less and return the enemy's fire. But the latter
+alternative produces a state of things which has never been known in
+the history of war. Both the advancing and the expectant forces are
+put out of action. Neither can advance and, what is more serious
+still, neither can _retire_.
+
+This contingency opened up an entirely new field of tactics. The
+general who can, with a smaller force, succeed in putting out of
+action, at least for the time being, a greater force of his opponent,
+is more likely to win his battle. In the future, the curious sight
+will be seen of regiments or even brigades lying flat on the ground,
+doing little damage to the enemy and suffering little loss, and yet
+being as useless to their general as if they were snoring in their
+barracks at home. Perhaps this is too sweeping, for their presence in
+front of the enemy will have the advantage of containing him, but in
+the open, across which an enemy has to advance, a containing force of
+a proportion of one man to five of the enemy is quite sufficient.
+Therefore the use of a brigade to contain a brigade would be a waste
+of material. Even those of us who have followed closely and carefully
+all the stages of the campaign do not yet perceive the magnitude of
+the changes involved by the use of modern rifles, but they appear to
+me to be so radical that instead of describing them as fresh
+developments, I would prefer to give an affirmative answer to the
+title of this article.
+
+But there yet remains to be discussed the question of the _arme
+blanche_--the bayonet, the weapon with which our gallant army has won
+so many of its victories. I have heard not a few officers declare that
+this war will be known in history as the last war in which a British
+soldier carried a bayonet. But is the discarding of the bayonet to be
+one of the results of the use of the new rifle and the smokeless
+powder? When fighting against an enemy who does not carry it, the
+force which is armed with a bayonet has a tremendous moral
+superiority. In the present war, there have been one or two
+cases--one, particularly, at Slingersfontein--where the Boer has made
+a frontal attack on a prepared position held by us. The attacks have
+always been made along the tops of kopjes which afforded excellent
+cover for a stealthy advance. The obvious way to meet such attacks was
+to wait until the enemy came close enough to allow the use of the
+bayonet, and this was done with great success at Slingersfontein. So
+that it may be laid down that in cases where one only of two opposing
+forces is armed with the bayonet, it is obviously to its advantage
+that the enemy should in attacking come to close quarters.
+
+It is, equally, to the manifest advantage of the defending force, if
+unarmed with the bayonet, to prevent, with heavy rifle fire, the
+enemy from being able to use the bayonet. But in my humble opinion,
+the bayonet will not be discarded for a long time. In the first place,
+the best tactician in the world cannot always prevent, even with
+modern rifles, such things as surprises, and small bodies of men might
+still, even under the new conditions, be able to get unperceived into
+close quarters with the enemy. But the greatest reason for its
+retention is that night attacks are still possible, and in night
+attacks the bayonet is undoubtedly the weapon to be used. The very
+mention, however, of night attacks opens up a long vista of discussion
+and arguments which I do not wish to raise. I am aware that there are
+many prominent soldiers who will have nothing to say to night attacks
+and condemn them lock, stock and barrel, but they can never be
+eliminated from the already long list of the contingencies of warfare.
+Until something is mooted which will render night attacks absolutely
+impossible, so long will the bayonet be retained.
+
+But perhaps the most radical changes effected by the use of the long
+range rifle will be in purely regimental organisation. A company now
+extends for the attack over a space of over half a mile. The ordinary
+complement of officers assigned to a company can never hope to control
+the whole of it. What is the remedy? And how are we to bring up
+ammunition to the firing line, or carry away our wounded from it? Can
+a regiment extended for the attack eight paces apart act as a
+regiment, or in the future is the company to be the biggest infantry
+unit in action? All these questions spring from the experiences of the
+present campaign, and it is to be hoped that they will be answered by
+those whose experience in the many engagements against the enemy will
+give value and force to their words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FROM ENSLIN TO BOBSFONTEIN.
+
+BY H. PREVOST BATTERSBY.
+
+Received orders at 10 a.m. to proceed at once to Ram Dam and to join
+the main column as soon as possible. Requisitioned for transport
+immediately and supplied at 6 p.m. with about four dozen small
+dilapidated hair trunks, misnamed mules, which looked as if they
+required three square meals rolled into one, and a fortnight in bed!
+No self-respecting cat would have looked at them twice, even cold on a
+wooden skewer!
+
+Made a disastrous stand at 8 p.m., as we succeeded in losing our way
+in the record time of fifteen minutes, thanks to having no guide and
+to a flighty and uncertain young moon, which insisted on playing hide
+and seek at the most awkward times. However, we struck the wire at
+last, not the barbed variety fortunately, and had brief periods of
+comparatively smooth going, variegated by such trifling mishaps as a
+broken trace, falling mule, or mule and harness so mixed up that we
+couldn't distinguish which was harness and which was mule and
+requiring careful sorting out! Veldt stones were also somewhat
+inconvenient, as they vary in size to anything above or below a
+Pickford van. However, it was a fine night and the mules almost seemed
+to warm to their work, racing along in great style at fully three
+miles an hour on a smoothish bit of road and appreciably downhill!
+
+What rapture to be out on the starry veldt and to have left that
+Enslin "News"--the transport lines--miles (five and a doubtful bit)
+behind us. Shortly afterwards the moon again appeared, and we
+proceeded to negotiate a very promising nullah with gently sloping
+sides. Full speed ahead and up we go, but, alas! the latter part of
+our programme was somewhat disarranged, like Labby's furniture at
+Northampton, owing to the fact that buck waggons and mule transport
+are not adapted to racing through a truckload of sand of uncertain
+depth but of certain difficulty! However, "man the wheels and shove
+behind" was the natural sequence of events, and when the mules ceased
+pulling in every direction except the right one from sheer exhaustion,
+a few judicious cracks of the sjambok, together with a few different
+languages, mostly bad, and up we eventually did go.
+
+A wide stretch of perfectly flat veldt lay before us, and we shortly
+lost both moon and wire simultaneously. Some one suggested "follow the
+track": valuable advice, but difficult to carry out, as there happened
+to be about fourteen of them, and all in different directions.
+Pleasant predicament to be in: 1 a.m., cloudy sky, and lost on the
+anything but trackless veldt! Feel about as comfortable as the man who
+was going to be hanged at 8 a.m. Finally decided to proceed at right
+angles, and return our wrong way if necessary, and succeeded in
+finding that precious wire at last. Persistency is the road to
+success, but what about an old hen sitting on a china egg?
+
+Moon on the wane, but reached Ram Dam at 3 a.m., and all of us
+surprised and delighted to get there, as it would have very shortly
+been a case of the "light that failed!" Ram Dam itself looks like a
+remarkably _low_ Thames somewhere near the Isle of Dogs, but glad to
+get anywhere, and ready to eat or drink anything.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+G. W. STEEVENS.
+
+BY LIONEL JAMES.
+
+(_With an Original Verse by Rudyard Kipling._[4])
+
+[Footnote 4: Copyrighted in England and America, used here by
+permission.]
+
+  Through war and pestilence, red siege and fire,
+    Silent and self-contained he drew his breath.
+  Too brave for show of courage--his desire
+    Truth as he saw it, even to the death.
+
+                                       RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+There is a pretty little cypress grove nestling under the shadow of
+one of the Ladysmith defences. A peaceful oasis--green where the land
+is parched and dry. It is God's acre. Before shaking the dust of
+Ladysmith from off my feet for ever, I turned my pony's head towards
+the green. The little animal seemed to know the way, and well he
+should, for the melancholy journey to the cemetery had been frequent
+during the latter period of the siege. I tied the pony to the rail and
+passed in under the shadow of the cypresses. The interior of the
+enclosure was one stretch of new-turned earth. The turf seemed all
+exhausted. The dainty cemetery of three months ago had now the
+appearance of a badly harrowed field. In places a rough cross marked
+the last resting-place of the victims of war and pestilence, a few had
+the names just scrawled upon a chip of wood; the majority lay
+unnamed--the price of Empire keeping: a nameless grave!
+
+I passed down the clay trodden pathway. The brief legends
+ran--Egerton, Lafone, Watson, Field, Dalzel, Dick-Cunyngham, Digby
+Jones, Adams--but why name them? They were all men whom three months
+ago I had called my friends. Then I found the spot for which I
+searched--a plain wooden cross inscribed G. W. Steevens, and a date.
+What an end--six feet of Ladysmith's miserable soil! It was too cruel.
+My memory carried me back to the brave companion and upright colleague
+who was gone, and to the manner of his death--the man who had raced
+with the Cameron Highlanders for Mahmoud's zareba; who had stood with
+his hands in his pockets when it seemed that it must be but a matter
+of minutes before Wad Helu swallowed up Macdonald's Soudanese brigade.
+The man who had scorned death on Elandslaagte's crest lay there a
+victim to pestilential Ladysmith. If the spare frame had been as stout
+as the heart which it contained, that miserable rat-hole could not
+have brought about the end. Poor Steevens--how he strove to live! For
+a month he lay and fought the battle for life. And then when all
+seemed well, and we looked for the day that we should have him back
+again, he quietly faded under a relapse.
+
+Doctors could do no more, and at four in the afternoon of the fatal
+day it was evident that the end was near. Maud, who had nursed him
+with a devotion unsurpassed, was deputed to break the news. He came to
+the bedside and suggested that Steevens should dictate a wire to his
+people at home. The patient looked up suddenly, and in a moment was
+conscious of the sinister purport of the request. The conversation
+which ensued was something of the following:--
+
+"Is it the end?"
+
+Maud nodded assent.
+
+"Will it be soon?"
+
+Again Maud nodded assent.
+
+Steevens turned wearily, and remarked, "Well, it is a strange sideway
+out!" Then there passed over his face an expression which plainly
+read, "I will not die!"
+
+He turned to Maud and said, almost gaily, "Let's have a drink."
+
+Maud opened a new bottle of champagne and poured out half a glass.
+Steevens sipped it, and noticing that Maud had no glass, remarked,
+"You are not drinking!"
+
+He seemed better after the wine, and when the last message was
+dictated he was still struggling for life; but the disease had the
+upper hand, and he sank into unconsciousness which was never broken
+until he passed away in the evening.
+
+We buried him at midnight. As we took him down to the cypress grove,
+it seemed that the enemy paid tribute to our sorrow, for their
+searchlight played full upon the mournful cavalcade as it wound into
+the open.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SHOULD BEARDS BE WORN IN WAR?
+
+                                       BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 23, 1900_.
+
+DEAR SIR,--A distinguished General Officer--who is also an exceedingly
+clever man--was issuing orders on one occasion. "I have no wish," said
+he, "to interfere with the time-honoured Custom which ordains that
+heroes may be dirty; but, until they become heroes, I see no reason
+why they should not try and look like soldiers. The troops under my
+command will, therefore, shave until they arrive at the actual front."
+
+This witty sentence provides me with an admirable text for a sermon on
+a subject very near my heart. Our troops have, indeed, proved
+themselves heroes. Whatever may be the opinion expressed now and
+hereafter upon many things in the conduct of this war, upon one thing
+there can be no dissentient voice--I refer to the splendid heroism of
+our troops. Yes, sir, they are heroes. But why, oh! why do they not
+try and look like soldiers too? Why should the erstwhile smart
+Guardsman, the dandy Highlander, the dapper Horseman, adopt the facial
+disguise of a poacher out of luck, or rather--for the beard is not a
+good one--of a member of the criminal classes previous to the Saturday
+evening's ablutions? Surely soap can be purchased, razors ground, and
+water heated.
+
+It is universally admitted that one of the chief duties of a soldier
+is to be smart in his appearance, and the fact that on active service
+there may be some difficulty is surely no excuse for its neglect. In
+all other periods of the world's history shaving was looked upon as
+one of the chiefest necessities in time of war. Napoleon's Old Guard
+shaved, as is well known, throughout the entire retreat from Moscow;
+there was not a hair upon the faces of Hannibal's legions the day
+after the famous crossing of the Alps, while Caesar's well-known
+order, "Ut barbas tondeant," must be familiar to every schoolboy. I
+might come down to our own times and quote the Queen's Regulations,
+but I refrain from doing so lest I should be accused of priggishness.
+
+It is, I do not hesitate to say, horrible to me to see the unkempt
+appearance of those who might be--and are at other times--the
+finest-looking troops in the world. I feel inclined to say, in the
+words of Scripture, "Tarry ye at Jericho until (and after) your beards
+be grown."
+
+I hope, sir, you will forgive this somewhat lengthy letter, but the
+subject is, as I have said already, very near my heart. No one ever
+has looked well in a beard, and no one ever will, and until our
+officers recognise this fact and set an example of spruceness for
+their men to follow, the army in South Africa must remain an eyesore
+to all who share the opinions of
+
+  Your obedient servant,
+                                                   FIELD OFFICER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+I VISIT MISS BLOEMFONTEIN
+
+     _And I also here discuss that irreconcilable maiden, Lord
+     Stanley, and our own behaviour._
+
+
+We published in the next issue, No. II, of March 26th, a letter by
+"Miss Uitlander" (pronounced in that country "Aitlander"). It was as
+genuine a production of the young womanhood of the town as that of
+"Miss Bloemfontein" had been, and it would have been wholly to our
+liking had it been as exceptional and bold a bit of work as the other,
+for it was, naturally, very pro-English. Suffice it to say that it
+answered and contradicted the Boer sentiments with vigour.
+
+[Illustration: _Miss Bloemfontein._
+
+(_A Portrayal of a Type, by Lester Ralph._)]
+
+This reminded us that we were to enjoy no more communications from the
+sprightly and talented Miss Bloemfontein. Most gallantly we had
+resolved to allow her the last word and there end the correspondence;
+but she had remained silent, leaving us with that "last word" which
+we, like simpletons, had never doubted that she would claim as hers by
+right of her womanhood. She was laughing at the predicament in which
+she had abandoned us, for she was wide awake at all points.
+
+She had done me the honour to ask me to call upon her and--in this the
+laugh was on my side--then had repented of it. She repented because,
+in my reply to her communication, I had addressed her as "sweetheart"
+and had called her "dear." It had happened that when she wrote to the
+paper she let a few close friends into the secret, and these, when
+they read my lover's terms addressed to her, made haste to twit her
+upon the publicity of these verbal caresses, so that from
+rose-and-pearl she became peony red and hot of cheeks, and not nearly
+as desirous of seeing me as before my second letter saw the light.
+
+However, I went to her home and found it very prettily appointed and
+comfortable, with an admiring family gathered around their girlish
+idol who had been to London, and who sang sweetly, played the piano
+deftly, and seemed to have read at least a little upon many subjects.
+She was, I should say, seventeen or eighteen, a pure blonde, still
+very girlish both in face and figure. I spent a pleasant hour in her
+company, and an English officer who called there at the same time
+endeavoured to persuade her to make up a party for afternoon tea at
+his regimental camp near the town. But her mother had announced that
+she could not bear to walk in the streets and see the British soldiers
+disfiguring the once hallowed scenery of the place, so it was perhaps,
+no wonder that Miss Bloemfontein declined to take afternoon tea with
+those enemies.
+
+"I will not do anything to encourage or recognise their presence," she
+said.
+
+"When your mother is not looking, I am going to whisper something to
+you," I remarked. "Now is my time. It is this: You are a little
+fraud; you are no Boer at all."
+
+I intended to continue by explaining that a girl so clever and well
+read, and who lived amid such refined surroundings, could not possibly
+sympathise with the rude and ignorant people of the veldt. But she
+suspected that I meant something different.
+
+"You mean because I am a Jewess," she said.
+
+And then came the most comical closing of this very peculiar episode.
+She, who elected herself to be the champion of the Boers, was a
+Jewess, and I, who wooed her supposed sisterhood as an English adorer,
+am an American.
+
+Ah, well, little Miss Bloemfontein, I was at least genuine in standing
+up for liberty, justice, and the highest principles of good
+government. They are the prizes that are guarded by my flag as well as
+by the one which floats over your town. And if you were as earnest in
+your sympathy for the Boers it was either because you had been
+deceived by them as to the causes of the war and the issues at stake,
+or else it was because your loyalty to the friends of a lifetime
+outweighed all else. May we not, then, part here with mutual esteem
+and respect?
+
+In this number we published two contributions by Mr. Kipling, a second
+one of the "Fables for the Staff" and some "Kopje-book Maxims." All of
+us tried to assist at the framing of these maxims, but, though we
+suggested two or three (Mr. Landon being the most fertile at the time)
+Mr. Kipling shaped them all in his own way and with a readiness and
+ease which excelled any work of composition that I have ever seen done
+by any writer in all my experience. It was said of him three or four
+years ago that he was then writing too much, but it will always seem
+to us that his difficulty must be in restraining himself, and in
+publishing only the best that wells from his mind.
+
+Another peculiarity that we noticed was that he would, by preference,
+carry forward two or three manuscripts at once and would write, now at
+one, and presently at another. The "Kopje-book maxims" reveal this
+breadth and variety of his mental processes to whoever is able to
+understand the fine shadings of the meanings of them all, and to those
+who can comprehend the fact that they were literally "dashed off" hot,
+like sparks under a smith's hammer. If these mere playthings of his
+pen, done as part of our merry and careless morning's work, were
+forced to stand as specimen products of the methods of this master
+writer, an injustice to him would follow. The point is that his
+methods are the same, and his mind works with similar freedom and
+celerity, at all times, and at whatever he does; at least so far as we
+were able to judge. But what he wrote for THE FRIEND was finished and
+published on the instant without the after-polishing and refinement of
+the flawless work which has made him world-famous.
+
+In this same number we printed an interesting forecast of the future
+of the Free State by Mr. Fred J. Engelbach. An officer sent us a
+jocular account of the amazingly plucky work being done by the
+Ordnance Survey--and particularly of one feat by Major Jackson, R.E.
+We also published, from my pen, a short warning to the soldiers not to
+drink the water out of certain wells which had for years been known to
+contain the germs of enteric. I learned the fact during my visit to
+my "sweetheart," Miss Bloemfontein, and as I look back, now, upon
+that paragraph I almost shudder to think how little we dreamed that in
+a few weeks 7,000 men of our force would be down with that dread
+disease.
+
+I have referred to the fact that Lord Stanley came every day at noon
+to overlook what we had done. I would ask for nothing more amusing
+than to have heard his gossip at the Residency upon the manner in
+which he found THE FRIEND to be conducted and produced. The truth was
+that we had finished everything for the day, except the interminable
+proof-reading, by the time he reached what the country editor
+grandiloquently refers to as "our sanctum sanctorum." In consequence
+he always caught us just as we were looking up from our desks and
+taking a deep breath of relief.
+
+We who have been bred in this profession may not realise just what
+applause is to an actor, or what there may be to a mariner in the
+movement and breath of the ocean; but we fully realise that journalism
+is perhaps the only calling that men find as full of fun as it is of
+hard work. The company of bright minds, certain to be sanguine and
+optimistic, the excitement produced by unexpected news, the rush to
+prepare it most attractively and against time, the thousand
+unpublishable conceits and views and arguments that leap to the mind
+and are discussed in council, the freaks and blunders of the reporters
+and contributors--all these elements are in the cup of joy that a
+journalist drinks off every day.
+
+Therefore when Lord Stanley came he was certain to find us merry and
+voluble and prankish. He may have imagined that we must perforce be
+grave--we to whom was given the high and almost religious right to
+speak for an empire and an army, and to conduct a British organ in so
+delicate a situation as was ours among the Boers--neither offending
+them nor giving them a chance to find a flaw in the practice of our
+principles. Grave enough was that part of our work which we meant to
+be so.
+
+Serious in its strain upon us and important in its effort to rest and
+inform and recreate the soldiers, was most of what we did. But it is a
+habit of the journalist's mind and a result of his work that he shall
+be or become a philosopher, viewing the world as it is, no matter how
+differently he may present it to a duller and more conservative
+public.
+
+Therefore Lord Stanley found us declaiming soldier poetry, writing
+nonsense verses, drawing caricatures of one another, telling stories,
+behaving like men without a care on their minds. We realised that he
+must be shocked at us--and we voted that he behaved very well under
+the circumstances. He usually came in with a quick step and an air of
+business. We delayed him with chaff which he seemed always at a loss
+to understand at first. He got at our bundles of proof-sheets and he
+applied himself to them most gravely. By and by he began to catch the
+contagion of our spirits, his eye wandered from the sheets, he
+wavered--he began to join in our talk. "Is there anything else--or
+anything you are in doubt about?" he would ask. He believed us when we
+answered him, for he knew that we understood what not to publish. In
+that mutual trust and confidence there grew up a relation between us
+and himself which was dearly prized by us, and which we hope he
+esteemed as highly.
+
+Once he told us that there had been complaint of a mock-speech by the
+German Emperor which some one had written among a lot of pretended
+cablegrams avowedly fanciful. Once he declined to publish a mild
+attack of mine upon Mr. Winston S. Churchill for finding fault with
+our army chaplains. At another time, upon the ground of prudence, he
+threw out an article upon our treasonous colonists which we copied
+from an Afrikander exchange. Apart from these slight exercises of his
+power he passed all our work, though it was as big in bulk as the
+"Newcomes" and "Vanity Fair" rolled together--300,000 words--ten
+columns a day for nearly thirty days!
+
+I have called the censor's office a "hole in a wall," but our
+_sanctum_ was not half as neat or presentable. Whoever has carried the
+collecting mania into the study of country newspaper offices has
+noticed how one never differs from another. The greasy smell of
+printer's ink, the distempered walls stuck over here and there with
+placards and the imprint of inky fingers, the gaping fireplace, the
+bare, littered floor, the table all cut on top and chipped at the
+edges, the bottomless chairs with varying degrees of further
+dismemberment, the "clank--clank" of the press in the next room--these
+are the proofs positive of genuine country newspaper offices the world
+around--from Simla to Bismarck, Dakota, and back again. And the office
+of THE FRIEND was like all the rest.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1900.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[5]
+
+[Footnote 5: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here with the
+author's permission.]
+
+THE ELEPHANT AND THE LARK'S NEST.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+
+II.
+
+A discriminating Boer, having laid a Nestfull of valuable and
+informing Eggs, fled across the Horizon under pressure of necessity,
+leaving his Nest in a secluded Spot, where it was discovered by a
+Disinterested Observer who reported the same to an Intelligence
+Officer. The Latter arriving at his Leisure with a great Pomposity
+said: "See me hatch!" and sitting down without reserve converted the
+entire Output into an unnecessary Omelette.
+
+After the Mess was removed, the Disinterested Observer observed: "Had
+you approached this matter in another spirit you might have obtained
+Valuable Information."
+
+"That," replied the Intelligence Officer, "shows your narrow-minded
+Prejudice. Besides I am morally certain that those Eggs come out of a
+Mare's Nest."
+
+"It is now too late to inquire," said the Disinterested Observer, "and
+that is a pity."
+
+"But am I not an Intelligence Officer?" said the Intelligence Officer.
+
+"Of that there can be no two opinions," said the Disinterested
+Observer. Whereupon he was sent down.
+
+MORAL. _Do not teach the Intelligence to suck Eggs._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: Copyrighted in England and America, and used here by
+permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+(_With suggestive help from Perceval Landon._)
+
+
+HORSE.
+
+Two Horses will shift a Camp if they be dead enough.
+
+Forage is Victory; Lyddite is Gas.
+
+Look before you Lope.
+
+When in doubt Flank; when in force Outflank.
+
+
+FOOT.
+
+Take care of the towns and the Tents will take care of themselves.
+
+Spare the Solitary Horseman on the sky-line; he is bound to be a
+Britisher.
+
+Abandoned Women and Abandoned Kopjes are best left alone.
+
+Raise your hat to the Boer--and you'll get shot.
+
+
+GUNS.
+
+The Dead Gunner laughed at the Pom-pom.
+
+"I Bet I killed 'Eighty,'" roared the 4.7.
+
+"I have buried my three," snapped the Lee-Metford.
+
+"It is well to keep your hair on; it is Better to take out your
+Tompion."
+
+A shell on the Rand is worth ten on the veldt.
+
+There are ninety and nine roads to Stellenbosch, but only two to
+Pretoria. Take the other.
+
+(_Kopjeright in all armies and standing camps._)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS UITLANDER REPLIES TO MISS BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+DEAR MADEMOISELLE,--I pray that you will excuse me for venturing to
+set you right upon one or two matters which I noticed in your reply to
+Mr. Ralph. Miss Uitlander did, indeed, with joy and pride, trip out to
+meet Mr. Englishman, though, as a matter of fact, she is as much Miss
+Bloemfontein as yourself. In reality, your correct name is Miss
+Free-Stater. But that is a trifle which may pass. The "loving hand"
+you boast of having extended to us has long since been covered by an
+iron glove, the weight of which we have daily been made to feel, and
+to that you must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+face. His coming meant freedom--the sweetest thing in the world--to
+us. You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled your
+oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You threw white
+feathers into the carriages as they passed you by. You loudly bemoaned
+your fate as a woman and longed to don masculine garments to aid your
+beaux in exterminating the hated English. Could we remember a "loving
+hand" then?
+
+You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us to live
+beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back to the sea. "The
+hated English had never been wanted and would not be allowed to stay."
+And since you continue to make no secret of your hatred, the same
+remedy is now in your own hands. But it will be difficult to find a
+spot where Mr. Englishman is not _en evidence_.
+
+To use Mr. Chamberlain's famous phrase, "There is a point where
+silence is weakness." That point has been reached. You seem to forget
+that you simply and generously, of course, gave away your town and
+State without the faintest shadow of a cause, to the nation who never
+had the remotest idea of coming near you or troubling you. You were
+eager to cross arms with the most powerful nation in the world,
+knowing as you must have done, deep in your sensible mind, that you
+would lose in the fray.
+
+You hint at our ingratitude. How about your own? Had it not been for
+England your land would never have had a place in the existence of
+South African territory from the days of long ago.
+
+Who has helped to uphold the dignity of your land? Mr. Englishman.
+
+Who has helped to fill your coffers, public and private, with wealth?
+Mr. Englishman.
+
+Who has been the chief spirit of commerce within your gates? Mr.
+Englishman.
+
+And whom has it been your greatest pride to imitate in manner, in
+dress, and in speech but Mr. Englishman?
+
+Nay, had he withdrawn his patronage as he might have done, your land
+would have collapsed like a bubble.
+
+Mr. Englishman is too valuable a factor in the world's history to be
+easily discarded.
+
+Yours is thus the debt of gratitude.
+
+You speak hastily when you gibe at the "awful and untuneful melodies"
+with which Mr. Englishman deigned to soothe your heaving breast; and
+would lead one to suppose that you had ever been used to the most
+exquisite of public music, when in truth your town has scarcely ever
+been privileged to listen to such. Its own band in the days that are
+past can hardly compare favourably with even the recent melodies which
+compel you to close your ears with cotton wool, and even your musical
+ear must have been satisfied had you listened to the band and music at
+Government House a few nights ago. But doubtless the cotton wool had
+not been taken out.
+
+I beg leave to contradict your statement that Miss Uitlander would
+"push" Mr. Englishman out of your land while welcoming your brothers
+back to their country. Miss Uitlander has discovered too certainly the
+real truth of your "loving hand" ever to trust in it again. And if you
+could so joyfully turn Mr. Englishman out of your borders, rest
+assured Miss Uitlander would most certainly accompany him. She does
+not, as so many have done, paint one colour one day and another the
+next. And if Mr. Englishman only waits a little longer he will win not
+only the country but yourself as well.
+
+                                                  MISS UITLANDER.
+
+(With this final word from the fair Miss Uitlander, who has been
+discussed, yet has not before spoken for herself, the Editors decide
+to end this interesting series of letters.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAPE MARKETS.
+
+Market slightly weaker this morning. Sales: Bantjes Deeps, 11s. 6d.;
+Benons, 43s.; Mains, 43s.; Randfonteins, 60s.; Vogel Deeps, 27s. 3d.;
+Wit Deeps, 45s.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+II.--_Artillery._
+
+"When a battery comes under rifle fire it becomes worse than useless,"
+once said a well-known foreign military expert. And if this statement
+is to be accepted, as we accept Euclid's axioms, then indeed I should
+be inclined to say that the art of war has become revolutionised
+completely. But having seen G Battery at Magersfontein practically
+silence at a range well within 1,500 yards (I believe at one time it
+was only 1,200 yards) a strong force of the enemy's riflemen firing
+from good cover on an undulating plain, it becomes apparent that the
+military expert's dictum is incorrect. I cite the instance of G
+Battery because, perhaps it is the best known in the operations in the
+Western Frontier, but I could, if necessary, give twenty cases where
+both Horse and Field Batteries have worked magnificently and
+effectively under a galling fire.
+
+At the same time I do not wish, for a moment, to lay it down as one
+of the rules of modern warfare that guns can be worked with impunity
+within 1,500 or even 2,000 yards of the enemy's rifle fire, for the
+danger of being put out is so apparent that it needs no demonstration.
+But artillery must have a good "position." Batteries cannot be hidden
+behind boulders as infantry soldiers can. Gunners must have an open
+field and more or less a commanding point from which to lay their
+guns. This necessity--a necessity to which no other arms are so
+completely subjected--has entailed, during the course of the present
+war, the risk of whole batteries being under rifle fire. Before the
+introduction of the long-range rifle, there were but few instances
+where guns, in order to take up proper positions, were forced to come
+under effective rifle fire. Now, however, we have to face this risky
+possibility. And in this respect, and this respect only, can the use
+of the modern rifle be said to have made any change in the rules of
+war laid down for the use of artillery.
+
+The present campaign, if viewed from the point of view of the
+artilleryman, is an abnormal one. Field and horse batteries have had
+to face what has been practically siege artillery. In Natal we have
+been outranged by the use, by the Boers, of guns of great calibre and
+no mobility. We have faced the difficulty--and successfully too--by
+bringing on to the field naval guns of equal calibre to the enemy's.
+And, although we have been surprised at the rapid way in which the
+Boers have shifted their heavy guns, I still dare to think that we can
+move our 4.7 guns with greater rapidity. My intention, however, is not
+to discuss the use of the naval large calibre guns in field
+operations. Such a discussion would be outside the scope of this
+article. I prefer to look upon their use in this campaign as an
+abnormal episode--which, perhaps, may never again occur in civilised
+warfare, except in case of sieges.
+
+Artillery in operation in the field is represented by Horse and Field
+(Howitzers and ordinary) guns. Now what lessons have our artillery
+learnt from the engagements of the present war? That is the most
+important question, and I propose to answer it to the best of my
+ability, feeling and hoping that my answer will induce abler answers
+from other pens.
+
+It is impossible, in discussing the uses and abuses of any particular
+arm, to dissociate that arm from the whole to which it belongs. A
+complete modern force should consist of a proper proportion of horse,
+foot, and artillery. The three form the whole, the perfect machine.
+The parts must fit into each other as the cogs of one wheel fit into
+those of another. In the war of the future infantry will be used for
+two purposes--to contain the opposing infantry, and to hold positions
+seized by the mobile portion of the force, be it cavalry or mounted
+infantry. There will be very little preparation by the artillery for
+infantry attack, for the simple reason that I am convinced that
+frontal attacks are things of the past. Not the modernest of modern
+artillery, lyddite, melinite, or whatever high explosive is used, can
+by frontal concentration move or weaken infantry sufficiently to
+destroy their defensive power against an infantry attack.
+
+There will, therefore, be in the next war between European or
+civilised military Powers grand artillery duels between the opposing
+artillery, while the mounted force of one is trying to outflank the
+other. The obvious necessity, therefore, is the highest development
+of the most mobile portion of the artillery--the R.H.A. Flank
+movements must necessarily be the tactics of the future. Battles will
+be, as they always have been, won by strategy, but for modern strategy
+and modern tactics the great necessity will be the greatest mobility
+of the greatest force. But the British Army, as it certainly possesses
+the finest material for infantry in the world, also possesses, I feel
+sure, as fine an artillery as any. I am not talking now of guns, but
+of the men who work them. In attempting to outflank an enemy with the
+mobile portion of his force, the general of the next war will find his
+flanking movement met by the mobile portion of his opponent's army.
+The result is to be either a return to the old cavalry charges against
+cavalry or an artillery duel. The latter, I believe, will be the case.
+The cavalry of the future will be a mixture of the mounted infantry
+men and the cavalry men, and as such will be able to stop with rifle
+fire any attempts at the old-fashioned charge, and the verdict will be
+pronounced by the gunners. Then, indeed, will the better-trained,
+better-equipped, better-handled horse artillery be able either to
+drive back the attack and so save the whole situation, or to force in
+the defence and win the whole battle. Wherefore it would appear to me
+that we should improve and improve our horse artillery until we have
+the best guns, the best gunners, and the best organisation in the
+world. I know we have the best material.
+
+Exactly the same thing applies to the Field Artillery, which I, for
+one, would like to see done away with. That is to say, that the
+distinctions between Horse and Field Artillery should be removed. I
+would give a heavier gun and a better gun to the Horse Battery, and
+make the Field Battery men mobile. This would give us an uniform
+artillery, in which the mobility of the Field guns would be increased
+and the range of Horse guns improved. After all, the difference in
+weight of a Field and a Horse gun is not so great. We must be prepared
+to provide some means of moving it more rapidly. The advantages of
+this change appear to be self-evident. The quick and rapid movement of
+artillery is bound to be the great factor in future battles. We are
+making our infantry men mobile, every day; why not do the same with
+the artillery? If we can bring up a gun of equal calibre to that of
+the enemy, the issue will be to the better-manned, better-handled gun.
+To be able to rapidly throw a great force on any given point of the
+enemy's line is to ensure victory in infantry tactics. The same thing
+applies, surely, to the artillery. Why have a slow and a rapid moving
+artillery? Why not make the whole of it capable of rapidity?
+
+This campaign has been the first between two civilised nations where
+high explosives have been used in the bursting charges. I have made
+careful inquiries from Boer prisoners as to its effect, and the only
+conclusion that I have come to is that veracity is not a virtue of the
+burgher. Some have spoken of the bursting of a lyddite shell as the
+most terrible experience they have ever had, and have compared its
+action to that of an earthquake. But I must confess that on pursuing
+my inquiries further I have generally found that these vivid
+portrayers of its awful effects have been attached to some hospital in
+the rear. The prisoners taken at Paardeberg were singularly divided
+as to its destructive power. Albrecht is said to have declared that
+it was a pure waste to drop a lyddite shell into soft ground, and to
+have admitted that on rocky ground it had a most demoralising effect.
+On the whole, however, I am inclined to say that the effect of lyddite
+is certainly not as great as we expected, and I cannot help thinking
+that time-shrapnel well burst and well aimed is more dreaded by the
+Boers than lyddite shells.
+
+And now I am going to tread on delicate ground. We have all our little
+idiosyncrasies, and gunners are not without theirs. They will have
+nothing to say to the Vickers-Maxim. "It is a toy and not a gun," I
+have heard many a gunner declare. But I contend that we have never
+used it properly. Lord Dundonald's galloping Maxim was intended to
+accompany cavalry. Why not have a galloping "pom-pom"? It can be
+brought into action with great speed, it has a great range, and
+everybody will agree that it is a most accurate gun. It would have
+been most useful against the Boers when they fled from Poplar Grove,
+and its effect upon a battery coming into action is not to be
+despised, as the gallant T Battery will testify from their experiences
+at Driefontein. Again, its use on kopjes held by cavalry pending the
+arrival of infantry would surely be beneficial. It has a demoralising
+effect; even more so than a percussion shrapnel, and our enemy in the
+present campaign is particularly susceptible to demoralisation when
+operating in open ground.
+
+One of the difficulties with which the artillery in the present
+campaign has had to contend has been to find out the extent of our
+infantry advance for which they are preparing with a bombardment. As
+the Mauser and Lee-Metford render early cover necessary for infantry,
+it has come about that our infantry, while seeking to render itself
+invisible to the enemy, has succeeded in making itself almost entirely
+invisible to our supporting artillery. On many occasions our artillery
+has ceased fire long before it was necessary, because it became
+impossible to tell how far our advance extended, for no artillery
+officer--and rightly so--will run the risk of inflicting damage on his
+own infantry. The remedy for this state of things has yet to be
+discovered.
+
+In making public opinions such as these--the opinions of a mere
+layman--I should feel inclined to make some kind of apology, knowing
+as I do that they are liable to be read by men whose whole life is
+devoted to the practice as well as the theory of the use of artillery
+in the field, were it not for the fact that I am optimistic enough to
+believe that my remarks will provoke criticism. I am aware that the
+British officer is not much given to rushing into print, but I am also
+convinced that he will not sit tamely by when heresies are propagated.
+If, therefore, the views I have enounced are unsound and unpractical,
+it is his bounden duty to contradict them. And in doing so he will
+probably contribute his own views, which will undoubtedly receive far
+greater attention, from the fact that they are set forth by men
+actually serving in the field, than if they are kept back till the end
+of the war, when a successful issue will probably bring with it apathy
+on the part of those in whose hands rest the destinies of the British
+Army.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE NEW MACHINE GUN.
+
+Rarely, if ever, in the annals of the Ordnance Survey has the British
+Government sent out a fully equipped Survey Section, for the purpose
+of reconnaissance duty, previous to the present war. During the march
+from Modder River to Bloemfontein, they have had plenty of scope for
+displaying the special training received, necessary for successful
+sketching, surveying and reconnoitring an enemy's position.
+
+At Paardeberg a very successful and complete sketch to scale was made
+of the Boers' laager by Major Jackson, R.E., who, whilst exposed to a
+hot fire every day and within 800 yards of the enemy's trenches, and
+where men were falling every minute, nevertheless completed the whole
+sketch within four days.
+
+This part of the warfare, where you walk well within the enemy's
+firing line with only a revolver, the Boers continually sniping and
+potting, no cover, and no chance of a "kick or hit back," makes you
+feel as though you would like to charge into their midst, get hand to
+hand, and at least have one shot or hit, in return for the compliments
+and salutes they pay you. But no, you must stand still in the open,
+coolly go on with the sketching, and not mind the bullets, even if
+they take a leg off the plane table or knock the pencil out of your
+hand. The only thing that is to be feared seriously is the rain, and
+that may make the ink run, spoil the sketch, and cause a lot of
+trouble and annoyance.
+
+The Boers may "knock spots off you," but the sketch is the principal
+thing; another R.E. Surveyor may be obtained, but not another plan,
+until probably too late for practical use.
+
+Presumably the burghers mistake the tripod and plane table (used for
+the purpose) for a new kind of machine gun, or some other deadly
+weapon, from the way in which they bang away when it is erected, and
+it does, no doubt, surprise them when they find it does not spit fire
+and lead, and probably they put it down as a "Rooinek" risking a
+snapshot at close quarter; but they are very restless "sitters" and
+resent the intrusion of Mausers, although never asked to pay for a
+proof in advance--proof positive of a neglected education.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ADVICE TO AN OFFICER ON GOING TO THE WARS.
+
+  'Twas well remarked by Mack-Praed,
+    In wise and witty lay,
+  "We're known to be extremely brave;
+    So take the sword away."
+
+  Aye, let the sword and feather go,
+    Bright belt and glitt'ring braid;
+  Assume a sad and grub-like hue,
+    For battle or for raid.
+
+  No more in steel the warrior gleams,
+    In scarlet cuts a dash;
+  The hero now may scarce permit
+    His eagle eye to flash.
+
+  For glint and gleam and flash and flare
+    Will all afford a mark;
+  The better plan, in modern days,
+    Is just "to keep it dark."
+
+  We ask no more that you shall shine;
+    Be dull if you would win.
+  I mean, of course, in outward show--
+    Lucidity within.
+
+  For "slim's" the word now most in vogue
+    (That's "sly," if read aright);
+  From head to heel be dull and dim,
+    Your brain alone be bright.
+
+  It is no joy that you should smash
+    Your head against a wall;
+  "We're known to be extremely brave,"
+    So pray be wise withal.
+
+  Be lion-mettled--as you were;
+    But not too proud to scout;
+  And if the foe is right in front,
+    Why, go a mile about.
+
+  Go forth in strength of intellect,
+    Shining with all your wit;
+  So shall you baulk the wily foe--
+    Unhit, shall make a hit.
+
+                              E. T.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OUR VERY MIXED PUBLIC
+
+     _A Study of Tommy Atkins, the Inscrutable--Our Dutch
+     Compositors Arraigned._
+
+
+The lady who signed herself "Miss Uitlander" was also kind enough to
+write for us an article on "Tommy in a Lady's Eyes." It was clever.
+She said that Tommy walked the streets looking as if he always had
+walked them--and that was true. It is also true that Tommy did
+everything else in the same way. Wherever you put him or he found
+himself he uttered no comments or exclamations, but at once adapted
+himself to the situation. During the seven months I was with him I
+never could fathom the operations of his mind. Sometimes I suspected
+that he had none; at other times I envied him the kind of mind he had.
+
+Our lady reporter said that Tommy "loves to make an impression on the
+feminine heart--but, alas! his khaki uniform does not suit him. Like
+country, like dress. We now see ourselves as others see us, a
+khaki-coloured people in a vast khaki-coloured land." Of the officers
+she said, "their amiability, patience, and high breeding are a treat
+to come in contact with in a country such as this, where Jack is
+considered as good as his master; in his own estimation, a very good
+deal better."
+
+"Bloemfontein is khaki-mad," she concluded; "Tommy is everywhere. The
+shops overflow with him--and _how_ he spends his money! It will be an
+object-lesson to those who, a few short weeks ago, were sure that
+England was on the verge of bankruptcy. The streets abound with him.
+The place is a beehive of soldiery, and never again will be any other,
+I most fervently hope and trust."
+
+I copy this bit of a long article because it brings strongly to mind
+and in full swing and colour the daily scenes in the streets of
+Bloemfontein. Whenever we ran out of THE FRIEND office to the hotel or
+the printing works or the Club, we saw the same endless parade of
+soldiers up and down the pavements, the same motley cavalcade of
+mounted men in the streets. At the sound of drums we all ran out--for
+civilisation was far away, and the natural man was welling up strong
+in us--to see a regiment marching in, or out--or, too often, to view a
+funeral procession leading a poor bundle of the dust of a hero
+strapped upon a gun-carriage.
+
+In the shops we found a wall of soldiers before every counter. They
+were in swarms like flies in all except the drinking places. There
+they could not go; poor fellows, to whom a drink would have seemed so
+much more than to us, who could have it whenever and wherever we
+wanted it.
+
+I will say again, here, as I have said elsewhere once before, that
+though we underwent more danger than many of the soldiers (who were
+not sent, as we were, into every battle), and though we endured
+hardships sufficient to break many strong men, we correspondents had
+this advantage over the rest--that, no matter how light was the
+marching-kit ordered for the troops, we were usually followed by our
+carts, and when these came up with us, we had abundance--and some
+luxuries.
+
+It was my good fortune to be able to replenish the larder of one
+regiment more than once when, between battles, it entertained a
+general or the Commander-in-Chief. We in Roberts's and Methuen's army,
+were never criticised for living as well as we could, but there is a
+story current in army and war correspondent circles to the effect that
+the hero of Omdurman severely rebuked certain correspondents for
+living on a scale which provoked the envy of the officers, and
+demoralised them. One correspondent of the little mess that was thus
+criticised--a man who drank very little himself--is said to have
+utilised one camel solely to carry the champagne with which he
+entertained his friends among the officers. I do not say what I might
+have done had this story been told me earlier, but, as it was, I had
+no camel, and the champagne that kind friends sent me from England
+never reached me.
+
+My stores consisted of poultry in tins, puddings, jams (how good those
+Cape jams are, by the way; they should have a great sale in all
+civilised parts), tinned vegetables, bully beef and bullier tongue and
+ham, preserved fruits, biscuits, figs, cigarettes, cigars, and a
+little most evanescent whisky.
+
+But to get back to the streets of soldier-burdened Bloemfontein; how
+surely, as we assembled in the corner by the office, did the soldiers
+recognise their poet and friend. He looked at all of them in general,
+but all of them stared at him in particular. They passed the word
+from rank to rank, "There's Rudyard Kipling!" and then marched on,
+leaving their eyes on his face while their bodies passed along, until
+it looked as if they must dislocate their necks before they had their
+fill of seeing him.
+
+He was like a comrade when he talked to a private, and talk to them he
+did. Jack tar, Colonial, regular, and Pathan, he talked to all alike.
+
+"How are you getting on? Is your camp all right? Near here? Where was
+your last fight?" So he both introduced himself and set them talking
+and at ease--all in a breath.
+
+But, as I have said, "Tommy" is inscrutable. I stepped one day into a
+German tobacconist's across the street from, and farther along than,
+the Club, and found it packed by soldiers who were being served by an
+insolent German with a portrait of ex-President Steyn in his coat
+lapel.
+
+"Take that picture out of your button-hole," said I. "What do you mean
+by wearing a thing like that when you are under British rule, and have
+been both protected and generously treated?"
+
+"I vill vear vot I shoose," said he.
+
+I made a mental promise to see that he did not wear that emblem much
+longer, and then turning to the soldiers I said, "Men, did you not see
+what this man is wearing? Why do you spend your money on a man whose
+sympathies are with the Boers? Give his shop the cold shoulder, and he
+will soon see that he is making a mistake."
+
+The appeal was in vain. The men instantly began to look very
+uncomfortable. They rolled their eyes up to the ceiling or pinned
+their gaze on the floor. No one said a word or even shot a glance of
+approval in my direction. They did not care. Tommy does not
+care--never cares--about anything, apparently.
+
+I tried to keep my promise. Search was made for that tobacconist, but
+he never served behind his counter after that visit of mine. He saved
+the military the trouble of sending him to Capetown.
+
+Lively days were those for rebels and irreconcilables. The men who had
+most ardently furthered the cause of the Bond and the Transvaal war
+party, and who had the indecency to loiter in the town, were quickly
+weeded out and sent to the Boer prison camp near Capetown. If we could
+not always tell who were our friends, these mischievous wretches were
+worse off, for, ofttimes, their old neighbours, tired of the war and
+awake to the folly of keeping it up, pointed them out to the military,
+and retailed their nauseous histories.
+
+"I feel a little like a lieutenant of Fouche," said one correspondent
+to me. "I had pointed out to me a former editor of one of the local
+papers whose pen was used with vitriol and who did as much as any man
+to degrade and spoil this little country. I was told that he is still
+talking angrily and abusively of us, and I was indignant. I mentioned
+the case to a prominent military officer and in three hours the man
+was a prisoner on his way to Capetown. I feel as if I was living in
+Paris in the French revolution--very creepy and uncomfortable. I shall
+keep my discoveries of such rascals to myself after this."
+
+In this number mine was the leader entitled, "Do we Spare the Rod too
+Much?" A friendly visitor, whose signature "L. D.-J." unfortunately
+fails to recall his full name to my mind, wrote a very interesting
+sketch called "Towards War," which shows with fidelity to the truth
+how the mere process of going to war prepares one for the war itself.
+Mr. Landon wrote the first true account most of us saw or heard of the
+mishap at Karree Siding, where four of our officers were shot, on
+March 23, while riding over the country on a search for forage. Lieut.
+Lygon, who was one of the killed, was an intimate and beloved friend
+of Mr. Landon, who mourned him deeply and most lovingly looked after
+his burial and the proper marking of his grave. Death had come too
+close to all of us far too often, but never quite so close to any one
+of us as in this instance.
+
+Mr. Gwynne's thoughtful essays on the revolutionised science of war
+produced a first reply in this number, from an officer competent to
+discuss the subject. General Sir Henry Colvile wrote with much good
+humour twitting us for the blundering of our compositors, who had made
+a botch of the double acrostic he had so kindly sent us some days
+before. The fact that we were as much to blame as the compositors he
+managed, with extremely clever wording, to make us feel, though he did
+not say so. Those compositors!--were ever men so badly served as we
+were by them? They doubled our work, and though we corrected every
+error they made they often spoiled our efforts at the last by failing
+to carry out our corrections. They were so ingenious as to spell
+struggle "strxxlg," and then to insist that it should appear so in THE
+FRIEND. They invented the new rank of "branch colonel" to take the
+place of brigadier-general or lance-corporal, I cannot remember which.
+I used to think they made this trouble on purpose, for I knew that
+some were Dutch and all had been with the Boers before we came. And
+when secret pro-Boer circulars and incentives to disorder were found
+to have been printed in the town, I had a sneaking suspicion that I
+could guess who were the printers.
+
+We cut the Gordian knot of one of our troubles in this number by
+reducing the price of THE FRIEND to one penny to men of all ranks
+alike.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1900.
+
+BY THE EDITORS.
+
+_To Correspondents._--Please do not write on both sides of your letter
+sheets when you contribute to THE FRIEND.
+
+It's all right to take a kopje on both sides, but you should not send
+it in on both sides.
+
+Some of the Editors are sufficiently profane already.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONCERNING ACROSTICS.
+
+BY MAJOR-GENERAL SIR H. E. COLVILE.
+
+SIR,--"We don't hexpect hart and we don't hexpect hacting, but yer
+might jine yer flats."
+
+It is perhaps too much to expect that the gentleman who sets up the
+type of THE FRIEND should know the usual structure of a
+double-acrostic, or that he should trouble himself with such details
+as my punctuation and spelling; but he might have let my lines
+continue to scan and retain some germ of meaning; and, even if he did
+not realise that the _proem_ was intended for verse, he might have let
+it stand as English prose. His statement that "according to the
+writer" the answer gives "the most appropriate cognomen," &c., is
+interesting, as anything must be that falls from his stick. It further
+reveals a wealth of imagination of which his previous efforts gave us
+no hint.
+
+                                                  H. C.
+                                    Writer of the Double Acrostic
+                                              in Saturday's issue.
+
+_Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900._
+
+(Please don't shoot the Editors, they are doing their best.--ED.,
+FRIEND.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TOWARDS WAR.
+
+BY L. D.-J.
+
+The crowded platform at Waterloo, the groups of men in great-coats
+gathered round figures in ulsters with travelling rugs upon their
+arms; the long train with its dirty painted boards above the carriages
+inscribed "Aldershot," "Basingstoke," "Southampton"; the last joke,
+the last catchword, the last farewell grip of parting hands; the
+sudden remembrance of need of newspaper or sandwich; the bustle and
+hurry of railway officials, servants, late voyagers, or later friends,
+thronging the platform from refreshment-room to bookstall: these tell
+little to the observer of war and its alarms. Only at either end of
+the platform where the great doors of the baggage-brakes yawn upon
+piles of valises, beneath whose white-painted rank, name, regiment,
+the bold initials "S.A.F.F." catch the eye, guarded by soldier
+servants, field-service cap on right eye, uniform hidden under
+collared great-coat; or on the racks of the compartments, where
+curiously shaped tin cases cover the cocked hat or the helmet, and
+where, showing through a bundle of canes, golf-clubs, and polo sticks,
+is seen the clumsy brown leather shape of a sword case, is there a
+hint of military significance, a clue to the tension of the thronged
+faces, taking a farewell under circumstances not of the ordinary.
+
+The Saturday afternoon in December, yellow and dull under the bitter
+black frost which has gripped the heart of the land, as the ill news
+has gripped the heart of the people, which comes to round off a week
+whose despatches have announced the disasters of Stormberg,
+Maghersfontein, Tugela, the threefold defeat on hill and plain and
+river--is no day for cheerful leave-taking. Although every lip is
+silent on the subject of the morning's news, latest and worst of all;
+although the spoken word is all of a brilliant campaign, a stroke of
+luck, a speedy and safe return, there looms before each mind the
+coming list of casualties, the thought of war's inevitable chances,
+the possibility that here and now are some who may never be seen again
+firm-footed on a metropolitan causeway, whose trick of a smile, twist
+of a moustache, and cock of hat upon forehead must become a slowly
+dimming memory through the remnants of a life.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The fire blazes against the frosty draught in the hall of the
+Southampton Hotel. Baggage is piled upon baggage half-ceiling high in
+every corner. Hungry men are hurriedly moving along the corridors
+towards the dining-room, in their travelling suits of tweed or serge.
+At two or three tables family parties are dining together for the last
+time; the women silent, quiet-eyed, smiling but momentarily at the
+sally of light-hearted youth, a sigh ever held in suspense behind kind
+lips and white teeth. The writing-room holds a group of scrawling men,
+finishing final letters, re-iterant of parting phrases, enforcing last
+injunctions, expressing forgotten behests. And at the foot of the
+stairs stand two officers in uniform, both in peaked caps, one
+military, one naval, with white bands upon their sleeves. They are the
+Embarking Staff Officers; they are the first visible sign of war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Grey fog upon the waters, grey fog hanging round the sheds upon the
+wharves, a grey transport with red funnels, towering above the levels
+of water and quay. Cranes rapidly sling guns, wagons, cases, with
+creak, shout and thud over the grey bulwarks. Lines of uncouth figures
+in grey great-coats, and blue red-banded sea-caps, pass
+sight-protected rifles from hand to hand up the steep gangways and
+along between rows of boxes and baggage to the armoury. The saloon is
+filled with lunching officers, their friends and relatives. The last
+toast is lifted in silence to the last lips; and eyes looking over
+brim of wine-glass are eloquent of more than speech is master of. The
+harsh clang of the warning bell, speaking full-voiced the words of
+Destiny, transfers to the grey quay groups of dispirited, saddened
+women, and of men stern-eyed and holding between their teeth and
+under the cover of moustache or beard, minute bleeding portions of
+their inner lips.
+
+On the promenade deck, gay in a scarlet jumper, over-weighted a little
+by his large khaki-covered helmet, leans upon a stanchion a very
+junior subaltern. His boyish, hairless face is blue with the cold
+frost-fog, he is biting very rapidly and nervously at the end of a
+cigar that went out ere half its length was smoked. Looking up at him
+from the wharf below, a group isolated from other groups holds a tall
+lady clad in furs, heavily veiled, her handkerchief peeping from her
+muff, and one arm resting heavily upon that of a grey-haired military
+man, while son and daughter, or nephew and niece, perhaps, gather
+protectingly to her side.
+
+There is still delay. The gangways are removed, but still the hawsers
+hold. The cold compels the watchers on the wharf to take a few
+hurried, swiftly-turned paces up and down its length. The voyagers
+stamp upon the deck, or beat a furtive arm across a swelling chest.
+But they do not turn even for a second from contemplation of that
+shore they may never see again.... A whistle blows, there is the sound
+of a cable slipping through the water, the lady in the furs comes
+hastily forward, puts up her veil a little way and tries to shout. The
+youthful subaltern leans out perilously over the side. The words come
+faintly up.... "Goodbye! Rex.... God bless you!... I know I shall see
+you again...." The lady beats her hand desperately upon her muff, and
+dabs her handkerchief unknowingly against her veil....
+
+The band aft is playing "Auld Lang Syne," a stretch of greenish water
+spreads between ship and shore, a few half-hearted cheers are rising
+through the grey fog, and the sound of a melancholy chapel bell in the
+distant town tells of a half-forgotten Sabbath.... The subaltern's
+eyes no longer see things clearly, and the handkerchief he waves as
+answer to those fluttering along the grey length of the quay is heavy
+and damp....
+
+So we come a little closer to the realities of war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lights flicker and gleam in the dark shade of the poplar trees
+fringing the platform. There is a hush over those who hold space upon
+the gravel before the station-master's office. In the darkness it is
+difficult to see who one's neighbour may chance to be. But voices
+betray the presence of the P.M.O. and half a dozen officers from the
+Field Hospital behind the church. At the other end of the platform lie
+the sinister stretchers of a bearer company laid out in an
+interminable row. Up to the line comes the low melancholy whistle of
+the armoured train....
+
+All day from far beyond the ring of hills that cages the camp upon the
+plain has come the dull booming of heavy guns. There has been a battle
+and there have been losses: this we know. The approaching train is
+bringing in the wounded from the scene of action, but who they may be
+who suffer we have yet to learn. As the light comes round the bend
+above the water-tank, there is a stir among the waiting groups. A
+command rings out, and is followed by the shuffle of feet as the
+bearer company stands to its stretchers. The train glides slowly,
+looming up in its solid armoured squareness between the goods sheds
+and the rolling-stock upon the sidings. It draws into the little
+colonial wayside station with a flash of its headlight that renders
+the platform darker than ever. The form of its commander drops from
+the rear carriage, with its maxim-portals, and its loop-holes for
+rifles, all sliding by dim and grey and sinister. In a low voice he
+tells the P.M.O. "six killed, fourteen wounded. I have brought down
+eight." "Any officers?" questions some one in the background. "Jones
+is killed, and Spindrift missing," comes the response, "and young
+Michael is here, shot in five places." ...
+
+Lanterns swing back and forth, the doctors get into the carriage,
+there is a low, subdued murmur of voices from within; a breath of some
+antiseptic comes from the interior; a groan is audible. Then the
+Bearer Company marches slowly along the edge of the platform. Four men
+enter with their stretcher, and after a painful lapse of time, the
+lanterns swing again, the group stands back a little, and slowly,
+carefully, feet foremost, the first wounded man is brought out, and
+lowered upon his stretcher to the ground. While his blankets are being
+arranged there is time to see him indistinctly: a bandage round his
+head with a dark, tell-tale patch soaking through it, a pale face with
+closed eyes and a pale moustache disarranged across his mouth. Last
+night we dined and drank together. Now, as he is borne off out of
+hearing, the medical officers whisper, "poor chap, there is no hope
+for him; he cannot last the night."
+
+Gradually the armoured train disgorges its unhappy load, the
+stretchers receive their burdens, the marshalled procession goes
+slowly over the line towards the hospital, the medical officers in
+close attendance, and the engine pushes and pulls its bullet-proof
+trucks back through the night to fetch another cargo.
+
+War and its horrors are with us now, and are scarcely so terrible
+after all. Our gradual approach has softened them or possibly hardened
+us--who shall say which?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KARREE SIDING.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+There has been so much misrepresentation of the facts connected with
+the unfortunate incident at Karree Siding on the 23rd that the
+following brief description of what actually occurred may be of
+interest.
+
+A military camp had been formed at the Glen--the point at which the
+railway crosses the Modder River, thirteen miles north of
+Bloemfontein--on the previous day, and Colonel Eyre Crabbe, of the
+Grenadier Guards, had been appointed commandant, with his adjutant,
+Lieutenant Edward Lygon, as his staff officer.
+
+Forage was scarce, and it became necessary to collect a small amount
+from the neighbouring farms. Colonel Crabbe, accompanied by Colonel
+Codrington of the Coldstream Guards, Lieutenant Lygon, Captain
+Trotter, and one orderly, set out after luncheon on Friday for this
+purpose, and, moving out in a northerly direction, visited three
+farms, and then, finding themselves close to the railway office at
+Karree Siding, entered the telegraph room at that place and found that
+the instruments had been removed.
+
+On riding out from the station they saw on a ridge to the north four
+mounted Boers against the sky-line, and Colonel Crabbe, calling out
+"Come on, let us round them up," set out at once in their direction,
+followed by Colonel Codrington and the others. A slight protest was
+made against the danger of the attempt.
+
+The Boers had ridden away to the west, but were still in sight, and
+they were seen attempting to double back over a slight rise in the
+ground strewn with boulders that scarcely deserves the name of a
+kopje.
+
+Believing that the enemy had ridden over and away, the small party
+moved on and divided at the base of this fold, Captain Trotter and
+Lieutenant Lygon moving off to the right, the two Colonels and the
+orderly keeping to the left.
+
+The Boers, however, leaving their horses at the back of the rise, took
+up positions behind the rocks, and opened a well-aimed and constant
+fire upon our men. Colonel Crabbe, whose horse had fallen at the first
+shot, was struck through the forearm and thigh, Colonel Codrington
+received a bullet as he lay on the ground attempting to return the
+fire, and the orderly was wounded in the ankle. Meanwhile firing on
+the other flank continued for two or three minutes, until Lieutenant
+Lygon, who had dismounted and was running forward to gain the cover of
+an anthill, was shot through the heart. Death was instantaneous, even
+Captain Trotter being unaware of it until he turned round, receiving
+at the same moment an expanding bullet through the elbow.
+
+Thus the whole of the small force was now either dead or wounded, and
+Colonel Crabbe surrendered. The Boers instantly came down into the
+open, and, expressing their regret, did all they could to dress the
+wounds, Captain Trotter undoubtedly owing his life to the tourniquet
+applied to his arm.
+
+The wounded men were afterwards carried by the Boers with great care
+to Mr. Maas' farm, and the news was sent back to the Glen by a Kaffir.
+
+Lieutenant Lygon's body was borne back on the following morning, and
+was buried near the small white kraal a hundred yards to the east of
+the railway bridge. The funeral, which took place at sunset on
+Saturday, was most impressive, the entire battalion attending the
+voluntary parade and lining the path between the camp and the grave.
+
+Little comment is needed. Clearly the virtue that runs to a fault has
+here been to blame. The same unquestioning pluck that impels an
+officer in leading his men on the field of battle prompted this
+careless enterprise, with the miserable result we have recorded. We
+have lost--and the loss is the loss of the whole force--one of the
+best and most popular of our younger officers, and of the other
+casualties one at least may prove more serious than was anticipated;
+but at least it is a compensation to remember that, however
+unfortunate the issue, the quiet pluck and discipline of the army have
+been once more tried and not found wanting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DON'T.
+
+_Advice to Looters._
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+Don't call on the Provost Marshal with a couple of live chickens on
+your saddle bow.
+
+Don't attempt to carry off a grand piano on an ammunition waggon; it
+might be noticed.
+
+Don't cook sheep's kidneys ostentatiously in camp; you may be asked
+where you found the sheep.
+
+Don't load your horse with flannel petticoats when carrying a message
+to a general; flannel petticoats are not a part of military equipment.
+
+Don't swagger about camp with an air of repletion when the force is
+subsisting on quarter rations.
+
+Don't try to stuff a pillow into your helmet; it only spoils your
+appearance and gives the show away.
+
+Don't "pick up" anything with the broad arrow on it.
+
+Don't steal a horse from the Club railings when its owner is having a
+whisky and soda; it is distinctly dangerous.
+
+Don't "steal" a horse at all, but let it "wander into your lines."
+
+Don't drive a flock of sheep across the pond of the Headquarter Staff;
+they might delay the Commander-in-Chief and make him angry.
+
+Don't wear a bunch of false hair in your hat; it was never served out
+to you.
+
+Don't carry ladies' silk stockings in your wallets; they won't fit
+you.
+
+Don't shout out in camp, "Who's stolen my silk umbrella?" People might
+ask you where you got it from.
+
+Don't avoid ostentatiously the Provost Marshal as he rides along;
+greet him kindly and openly and perhaps he will not suspect you.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SMALL AMMUNITION.
+
+At Colesberg, in one of the numerous cavalry fights, an old Boer was
+held at mercy by a lancer who had his lance ready to strike. "Moe nie!
+Moe nie!" cried the old man, which, being translated, means "Don't,
+don't!" The lancer, however, didn't understand Dutch, and replied, "I
+don't want your money, I want your life," but the renewed appeal was
+too piteous, and the old man was taken prisoner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+"VIVE LA COMPAGNIE"
+
+     _Four Correspondents Dine the General, the Governor, and
+     Rudyard Kipling, and Produce_ THE FRIEND _as well_.
+
+
+"Alles zal recht komen" were the words of the late President Brand,
+true friend of the English, which were graven on the pedestal of his
+statue before the doors of the Residency. We repeated them in new
+"tabs" beside the heading of our paper on March 28th, with an amended
+English translation facing them: "All has come right."
+
+"All shall come right," we said, in our editorial, "was the motto of
+the late Orange Free State. What a prophet was he who conceived it,
+and how quickly has come the fruition of his prophecy! All has come
+right."
+
+We published an appreciative editorial upon Sir Alfred Milner, who had
+come on the previous day upon a visit to Lord Roberts. It was written
+by Mr. Landon. Mr. Kipling contributed more "Kopje-Book Maxims," and
+bore a heavy hand in the production of an amusing column, entitled,
+"The Military Letter Writer."
+
+This was the way that column came into being. Mr. Landon, Mr. Kipling,
+and I were in the poet's bedroom when Mr. Landon produced a model
+letter-writer which he had found somewhere. I take great credit for
+the phrase "found somewhere"; it might, with any other man than Mr.
+Landon, be so full and rich in meaning. The book professed to be a
+sober guide to the young and the ignorant in the paths of epistolary
+literature; therefore it was bound to be supremely funny. We screamed
+over what Landon read to us out of it.
+
+Said Mr. Kipling: "Let's write some model military letters," and, as
+was his wont, he seized a pencil and paper and began to write No. 1,
+reading as he wrote. He urged us both to contribute, and Mr. Landon
+tried with much good intent, while I wished to do so, but could not
+begin to keep pace with the poet. Instant collaboration is almost
+always impossible, especially where the inspiration comes to one man
+who is seized by it, and begins to give it expression before his
+companions can match their minds with his. Therefore Mr. Kipling went
+on and on, and Mr. Landon took the block and pencil and wrote as Mr.
+Kipling talked. Thus were produced letter No. 1 and the italicised
+introduction to No. 2; the rest Mr. Landon arranged and edited out of
+his book.
+
+The column was pieced out at the end with No. 3 of Mr. Kipling's
+"Fables for the Staff," which was, therefore, hidden in a bottom
+corner of the page--a stroke of genius on the part of those whom we
+anathematised collectively in the singular number as "The Dutch
+Compositor."
+
+Mr. Buxton had been called away to Capetown just after Mr. Kipling's
+arrival, and my associates, hag-ridden by the confusion and annoyances
+consequent upon the lack of a practised head to the little
+institution, had thrust upon me the honour and hard work of what may
+be called the managing editor's place. Thenceforth it was my duty to
+deal with the gnomes in the dust hall, the retiring and reticent
+cashier in another building, and the inmates of the Home for Boer
+Compositors, otherwise known as the office of the late unlamented
+_Express_. When I saw the genius of the Master thrust to the bottom
+corner of the paper, or made grotesque by mis-spelling and exhibitions
+of "pi," I felt that I alone was to blame, and hid myself and vowed to
+produce better results if I had to set up the type myself.
+
+From an able major of Engineers we received for this number a
+confident and well-studied reply to Mr. Gwynne's articles on the
+effects of the war upon military science.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: The Dinner of the 28th of March 1900 At Bloemfontein.
+
+_1st page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: _2nd page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: MENU.
+
+  Tomato Soup.
+
+  Boiled Salmon.
+  Parsley Sauce.
+
+  Fricassee of Chicken.
+  Braized Ox Tail.
+
+  Roast Sirloin of Beef.
+
+  Roast Turkey.
+
+  Salad.
+  Potatoes.
+  French Beans.
+
+  Cabinet Pudding.
+  Blanc Mange.
+  Jellies.
+
+  Anges a Cheral.
+
+  Cheese. Coffee.
+
+  _3rd page of Menu._]
+
+[Illustration: Alles zal recht komen.
+
+_4th page of Menu._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This was the day upon which Mr. Landon, Mr. Gwynne, Mr. James Barnes,
+and myself were to entertain at dinner Sir Alfred Milner, Lord
+Roberts, and Rudyard Kipling. The _menus_ had been printed under the
+eye of Mr. Landon, and were very distinguished examples of plain
+typography. As twenty-four were to be used, we gave twelve each to Mr.
+W. B. Wollen, R.I., and to Mr. Lester Ralph, war artists with the
+army, requesting these able friends to do their best to produce on
+each guest's _menu_ a picture illustrative of some exploit or leading
+characteristic of the recipient. A very notable series of drawings
+resulted--so notable that the Field-Marshal, whose own card showed him
+in the act of receiving the Keys of Bloemfontein, asked to see them
+all. When, toward the end of the repast, each man wrote his name
+on every _menu_, you may be certain those bits of pasteboard bearing
+the simple words, "The Dinner of the 28th of March, Bloemfontein,
+1900," leaped high in value, and in the jealous pride of every man who
+had one.
+
+That was a dinner! An affair as unique and as singular an episode of
+war as--as, let us say, THE FRIEND itself. Beside the great General,
+the High Commissioner, and the Poet of the Empire, we had with us
+General Pretyman, Military Governor of the town; General
+Forestier-Walker, the courtly commander of the Lines of Communication;
+the gallant, debonair Pole-Carew; the redoubtable flashing-eyed Hector
+Macdonald; the polished Sir Henry Colvile; Colonel Otter, the leader
+of the men with the maple-leaf; Lord Stanley, diplomat and censor;
+Lord Kerry; Colonel Girourd, binder of new Empire-fractions with
+threads of steel; Colonel Hanbury Williams, the High Commissioner's
+right hand; Colonel Neville Chamberlain, veteran at Empire
+building--and then our comrade-historians of the pen and pencil, W. B.
+Wollen, R.I., Lester Ralph, H. F. P. Battersby, A. B. Paterson, H. C.
+Shelley, and W. Blelock. We had invited Lord Kitchener, but he was
+away at Prieska. On his return he expressed his regret that he had not
+participated in this historic gathering. Excepting Lord Kitchener,
+whose field of endeavour was so ably represented, only Mr.
+Chamberlain, of all the great empire builders of the day, was missing.
+
+We dined at the railway station, because it had the largest room and
+best cook in the new colony.
+
+I hear the band outside. I see a carriage roll up, and Sir Alfred
+Milner springs out, spare-framed and visaged like an eagle. The
+Field-Marshal follows him, precise in movement, gentle of mien but
+erect and firm as steel, with long usage of command resting as light
+and firm upon him as if he was born with it. I see the two leaders
+halt and urge one another to take the lead, but Lord Roberts is the
+firmer and will not go first. Again at the door of the dining-hall the
+two great men halt and dispute with pantomimic gestures, each anxious
+to honour the other. When the toasts came, and Mr. Landon told Sir
+Alfred Milner that he was to be toasted first, the High Commissioner
+exclaimed, "It's absolutely wrong." Mr. Landon replied, "I am under
+orders. I must obey Lord Roberts," for the Field-Marshal had already
+been consulted. All the others are in the room, under the flaming flag
+and the huge paper roses. We dine--better than at the Residency--upon
+several courses and with good wine a-plenty.
+
+I see my handsome and gifted colleague, Mr. Landon, rise to toast the
+High Commissioner. What's this we hear? He is welcoming the Viceroy as a
+brother in journalism, a newspaper man like ourselves. Up rises the man
+who lives in the heart of care and the furnace of dissension--pale,
+grave, concentrated, like one who thinks of but one thing and has but
+one thing to do--and that a thing gigantic. He replies that it is true
+that he was once a writer like ourselves; that he enjoyed those days;
+that he made delightful friends and spent glad hours in them; that he
+has had much to do with the gentlemen of the Press in Capetown, and that
+his relations with all have been without a flaw. After that he speaks
+but little of the heart of care where his official bed is laid, or of
+the furnace blasts of treason and of discord round his chair at the
+Cape, but, with unassumed modesty, calls our attention to the military
+magician across the table and to what he has done.
+
+It is Mr. Gwynne who rises next--one of the very best-equipped war
+correspondents with the British forces, both as a campaigner and a
+critic of war, and high among the best as a writer. It is fitting that
+he should introduce the Field-Marshal, for he is liked and trusted by
+his distinguished guest, who has discovered, I fancy, that under the
+correspondent's khaki beats the heart of the soldier.
+
+Lord Roberts replied that he was very proud to be the guest of the war
+correspondents. He liked to have them with him, and he was glad when
+they criticised whatever was amiss, for he profited by reading what
+they said. Turning to us, the Field-Marshal remarked, "You share all
+our hardships and exposure. All the troops do not engage in every
+battle, but you go to all, so that you experience even more danger
+than most of us. May I call you 'comrades'?"
+
+I remember that he spoke earnestly of the work Sir Alfred Milner was
+doing, and credited that statesman with the most difficult task of any
+man who served the Empire. One other bit of his address I recall--a
+mere phrase, but a remarkable one: "The gentlemen I command--my
+gentlemanly army."
+
+It was my good fortune to introduce Rudyard Kipling--a delicate as
+well as a proud task, because I knew that fulsome praise, or even the
+most honest appreciation, would make him uncomfortable. I remember
+that I spoke of the narrow compass of Shakspere's renown in his day,
+and the world-wide fame of a man like Kipling in these days of
+multitudinous newspapers and telegraphs and cables.
+
+"Gentlemen," said the poet, "you remember the story of the artist
+Whistler in Paris. An admirer came to him and said: 'Master, you and
+Velasquez are the greatest exponents of the art of painting.' 'True,
+true,' said Mr. Whistler, 'but why drag in Velasquez?' (A pause.) In
+all sincerity I ask you why need you drag in Shakspere? There is not a
+name in all literature more disheartening to those who try to do a bit
+of earnest work at writing. There is not a thought, an emotion, a
+picture, a bit of description that has not been written before--and
+written much better than we can write it--by William. We found a
+volume of his works in the office of THE FRIEND. Take war. In 'Henry
+V.' you will find all that can be written--all the glory and all the
+shame, all the valour and the sordidness, the excitement and the
+pomp--you will find it all in 'Henry V.' better than any one can write
+it now. In all sincerity, then, I ask you, why drag in Shakspere?
+
+"I propose to you to-night, gentlemen, the health of the man who has
+taught the British Empire its responsibilities, and the rest of the
+world its power, who has filled the seas with transports, and the
+earth with the tramp of armed men, who has made Cape Town see in Table
+Bay such a sight as she never saw before and, please God, will never
+see again; who has turned the loafer of the London streets into a man,
+and called out him who led our fathers to Kandahar, and who knew not
+what he did; who has made the Uitlander of South Africa stand shoulder
+to shoulder with the boundary rider of New Zealand, and taught the
+men of New South Wales to pick up the wounded men who wear the maple
+leaf--and all in support of the mother-country. Gentlemen, I give you
+the name of the Empire-builder--Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger."
+
+After the great guests went home a dozen or fifteen of us remained and
+enjoyed an impromptu little sing-song, when this to me touching and
+singular incident occurred. General Pole-Carew came to me and said,
+"Your son Lester should go home and to bed. He is in a high fever. I
+know what it means, for I have had it six times. Look after him well."
+My son was then in the thirteenth day of an attack of enteric, about
+which he had said not a word to any one. In that condition he had
+drawn the pictures on the _menus_ of Lord Roberts, General Pole-Carew,
+General French (who could not come), Lord Stanley, General Colvile,
+Colonel Otter, Mr. Kipling, and others. Lester, on hearing what the
+General had said, declared it was no news to him and, after thanking
+the General, went home and to bed. There, until we could get him to a
+hospital, Mr. Kipling nursed him with consummate skill and the
+gentleness of a woman; interesting and, to me, precious memories of a
+world in which some of us find too few of such suggestions of the
+better world to come.
+
+In this "Free State Hospital," with the ministrations of the matron,
+Miss Young, and her devoted lady nurses, the same strong essence of
+unselfishness made the siege of sickness a period of pleasure.
+Generals, colonels, correspondents and all of the salt of the army
+went there often to cheer the patients--one of whom was Mr. Oppenheim
+of the _Daily News_.
+
+We four private men, who gave this dinner in our own name to our own
+friends, have been a great deal criticised, but it is a noticeable
+fact that the only critics are the men who were not invited to the
+feast.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+No. 10] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+GOVERNMENT NOTICE.
+
+Notice is hereby given that, communication with the Cape Colony having
+been restored, the Laws and Regulations of the Customs Convention have
+been put into force by virture of the proclamation of Field-Marshal
+Lord Roberts, dated the 20th instant, and that from and after this
+date Government Notice, No. 106, published in the "Gouvernements
+Courant" of the 27th October, 1899, by which the Customs dues on
+provisions and merchandise were temporarily suspended will be
+considered null and void, in so far as those portions of the State now
+occupied by Her Majesty's troops are concerned.
+
+  By order
+            J. H. MEIRING, Collector of Customs.
+                       Customs' House, Bloemfontein, 24th March, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+Whereas it is necessary that all State and private property in the
+South African Republic and the Orange Free State shall be protected
+from wanton destruction and damage,
+
+NOW THEREFORE;
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KHANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B.,
+G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief the
+British Forces in South Africa, do hereby give notice that all persons
+who, within the territories of the South African Republic or the
+Orange Free State shall authorise or be guilty of the wanton
+destruction or damage or the counselling, aiding, or assisting in the
+wanton destruction or damage of public or private property (such
+destruction or damage not being justified by the usages and customs of
+civilised warfare), will be held responsible in their persons and
+property for all such wanton destruction and damage.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Twenty-sixth day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
+
+              ROBERTS,
+                     Field Marshal,
+             Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SIR ALFRED MILNER.
+
+BY PERCEVAL LANDON.
+
+The High Commissioner of South Africa left Bloemfontein after the
+mercifully abortive conference on June 6th of last year. Yesterday he
+re-entered the town. The interval has been for some a time of hard
+fighting, for all a time of anxiety, and amid the enthusiasm of his
+welcome to the capital, his strong confidence during the darker days,
+his unswerving fidelity to the high ideal of his Imperial work, must
+be in the minds of all.
+
+His entry into Bloemfontein, the capital of one of the two colonies
+destined to fall into line with the progress of United South Africa,
+is an occasion that will be recognised by the historian of this war as
+closing one "swelling act of the Imperial theme."
+
+Half--perhaps more than half--of Lord Roberts' work has been done; the
+greater part of Sir Alfred Milner's task lies still before him. In
+welcoming him within its walls Bloemfontein does not forget that long
+after the transports have sailed with the last of the troops of the
+expedition, the High Commissioner will still be confronted with a
+gigantic work, requiring alike foresight, tact, and strength of will.
+And Bloemfontein, like the rest of the Empire, is well content to
+leave in the hands of Sir Alfred Milner the solution of the problem
+upon the right interpretation of which the fortunes of this enormous
+federation must depend.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"DRIVING THE OX."
+
+  Sing they who will of the Yeomen Imperial,
+    Gillies, Scouts, "Tigers," and bold C.I.V.;
+  Others may hold to more usual material,
+    Horse, Foot, and Rifles, and Artillerie.
+  But there's a corps with its name writ in History--
+    Bold they as lions and steadfast as rocks--
+            Gaily we'll troll our song,
+            Slow as we stroll along--
+            Trickle and roll along--
+                    Driving the Ox!
+
+  But when the war-cloud frowns thicker and lowereth,
+    When the quick-moving battalions are met;
+  Not where the soft-hissing bullet most showereth,
+    Not in the forefront our places are set.
+  Still drive we on, though a day's march in rear we be,
+    O'er veldt and vlei, with the mud to our hocks--
+            Still will we push along,
+            Nor sadly hush our song,
+            Though we don't rush along,
+                  Driving the Ox!
+
+  Fill, then, a cup to the Beeves of Her Majesty,
+    Long in the rear may their colours be seen!
+  Heavy their loads, but their hearts light as anything,
+    Doing strong work for their country and Queen.
+  What though they jeer who sweep by with the mounted troops?
+    Treat we as nought all their jibes and their mocks.
+            Though ne'er a fight we'll see,
+            Cheerful and bright we'll be,
+            We're a grand sight to see,
+                  Driving the Ox!
+
+                                 "OLD MAN."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[7]
+
+[Footnote 7: Copyrighted in England and America. Used here by
+permission.]
+
+THE PERSUASIVE POM-POM.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+III.
+
+A Field-Artillerist passing a newly-imported Pom-pom overwhelmed it
+with Contumely, saying, "What has a Gunner to do with an Unqualified
+Sewing-machine?"
+
+To this the virtuous Mechanism returned no answer, but communicated
+these Atrocious Sentiments to a fellow Pom-pom in the Opposing Army
+which, later, catching the Field-battery crossing a Donga, gave it
+Ten-a-penny for two Minutes to the Confusion of all concerned.
+
+"Alas!" said the Field-artillerist as he watched his Leg disassociate
+itself from the Remainder of his Anatomy, "Who would have thought that
+an Implement officially rejected by the War Office and what is more,
+damned by Myself, could have done so neat a Trick?"
+
+MORAL. Do not condemn the Unofficial. It hits hard.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MILITARY LETTER WRITER.
+
+FORMS AND MODELS.
+
+BY TWO OF THE EDITORS AND THE AUTHOR OF A GUIDE TO POLITE LETTER
+WRITING.
+
+No. I.
+
+(_From a General of Division unshaven for eight days who lost his
+horse, which he had lately commandeered from a subaltern of transport,
+after having dined not wisely but too well at a Cavalry Camp, five
+miles from his own tent, to which he was conducted through a
+rain-storm by an inebriated signaller, to Captain Vanderbyl of the
+Ninety-Third Field Hospital, given by voluntary subscriptions, of
+which the larger part remain to this day unpaid, so that the hospital
+is without bandages, lint or beds, whom he suspects of being accessory
+to the animal's disappearance._)
+
+RESPECTED SIR:--
+
+It is with deep pain that I take my pen in hand to trespass on your
+valuable time, but the imperative needs of the case must be my
+justification.
+
+Twelve happy hours ago I was the proud, and I may add, the lawful
+possessor of a bay mare, off fore foot white, white blaze and snip,
+near hind pastern marked by heel rope, unshod in front and ear nicked,
+which I think I left with a man with two heads but that may have been
+on account of the sherry and bitters and she was tied up to the
+railings because my boy forgot the blanket and I borrowed one from the
+hospital but anyhow I know that when I came out she was a lousy mule
+and the saddle cost L6 10s. at the Army and Navy Stores and I may as
+well tell you at once if you have tried to dispose of it that they are
+marked all over with my name and rank. Therefore, Augustus Burstem,
+General of Division presents his compliments to Captain Vanderbyl and
+everybody in the camp knows the mule is yours and besides your boy was
+seen grooming her at the back of your tent this morning. I want it
+back by bearer.
+
+  Yours sincerely,
+                  AUGUSTUS BURSTEM,
+                                     General.
+
+
+No. II.
+
+(_From a saddle-chafed officer of the Staff with Evangelical
+convictions and a rooted distaste for Scouting, who has just come off
+a 10 days' march on quarter rations and has lost half his transport
+and 7 men by advancing in close order upon the white flag to his
+General, who has a taste for horse-racing and profanity and a good
+seat across country, seventeen and a half hours after his return to
+camp, and seventeen and one quarter hours after the General had
+expressed his (the General's) opinion upon his (the Captain's) facial
+peculiarities, mental attainments, moral rectitude, birth, parentage,
+and probable future._)
+
+MY DEAR SIR,--
+
+I have been much perplexed for some days, in consequence of a growing
+conviction--which has indeed been deepening for some weeks--that we
+are each of us conscious that we have made a mistake in becoming
+engaged. I believe you have this conviction, as I am obliged to
+confess I have. Now it is infinitely better that we face it at once. I
+would gladly be convinced that we have not been mistaken; and if I am
+wrong in believing that this thought has been in your mind as well as
+my own, pray forgive me for having misjudged you. How else can I
+account for the depression which seems to rule you when in my company,
+and for the apparent relief which parting seems to bring you? Now,
+will you do yourself and me the justice to ask yourself seriously
+whether or no (I) have at all correctly gauged your feeling? If so, I
+would wish to release you, for your own sake as well as for mine. It
+really seems that we have each discovered that our ideals are not to
+be found in each other. If so we shall respect each other none the
+less in future years that we had the courage to confess to each other
+that we have been mistaken. Kindly write when you are sure of the
+answer which you are sending.
+
+  Faithfully yours,
+                                                WALTER.
+
+It is interesting to note that this and the following letter are taken
+literally word for word from a well-known "Letter-writer." Thus we see
+the adaptability of these invaluable helps to the epistolary art. It
+will not be necessary to suggest the original suggested circumstances
+of this correspondence.
+
+
+No. 3.
+
+THE GENERAL'S ANSWER.
+
+DEAR WALTER,--I have taken a few days to sift my thoughts on the
+subject of your last. The conclusion that I have come to is
+practically the same as yours. I have no blame to lay on you; on the
+contrary, you have been most kind and considerate in all things. No
+doubt, without intending it, we have been both mistaken; and although
+we have honestly tried to be all to each other, yet that mysterious
+something which is perhaps best expressed by the word "affinity" has
+been lacking. So, without in the least losing my respect for
+you--rather it has increased--I accept the proposal contained in your
+last, viz., that our engagement should cease.
+
+  Sincerely yours,
+                                     B. I. TUMEN, Genl.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+UNITED WE STAND.
+
+BY TROOPER G. SIMES, F SQUADRON, ROBERTS' HORSE.
+
+  Who are these hasting with speed o'er the ocean,
+    Meeting together in one common cause,
+  Proving by deeds and a whole-souled devotion,
+    Their love for our Flag and contempt for the Boers?
+
+  These are the oversea sons of one mother,
+    Some bred in sunshine and some bred in snow;
+  Meeting together as brother with brother,
+    One common kindred 'gainst one common foe.
+
+  Bright sunny land in the far-off Pacific,
+    Fit habitation for men such as these,
+  Proving their birthright in battle terrific,
+    Sons of the Mother though bred overseas.
+
+  Grand snow-clad land on the stormy Atlantic,
+    Home of our brothers who fight with us here--
+  Proving by deeds most high-souled and romantic
+    Their love for their country we all hold so dear.
+
+  This be our comfort and this be our beacon--
+    Blood that was shed has but bound us together,
+  No power can conquer, no quarrels shall weaken
+    The Rose and the Maple, the Wattle and Heather!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TEN-A-PENNY'S.[8]
+
+[Footnote 8: "Ten-a-Penny" was a soldiers' nickname for the Pom-pom.
+"The ----y Doorknocker" it was christened in the Highland Brigade. The
+word "Pom-pom" came first into use immediately after the battle of
+Modder River.]
+
+A certain General has breathed vengeance against two of the Editors of
+THE FRIEND, threatening to put them in his guard-room if he finds them
+within his lines. They are not afraid of him, but prefer to admire him
+as of old. They scorn his threats but will welcome an invitation to
+lunch.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A linesman describing the arrival of the Guards Brigade at
+Bloemfontein after they had covered 41 miles in 22 hours: "An' they
+come in the last mile like a lot o' bloomin' Park hacks, steppin' 'igh
+an' dressin' most particular."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A French waiter at a Parisian cafe recently heard the news of
+Kimberley's relief, and observed joyously: "Bon! Fashoda finds itself
+avenged. Behold, ze English again in the consommee, for ze French are
+in Kimberley!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Look here! You get away from this antheap. This is my antheap. There
+are plenty around, and you find one for yourself." The hail of Mauser
+bullets from the kopje was pretty heavy, and the nearest antheap at
+least fifty yards away, so the other Grahamstown man disputed the
+uitlander theory of his comrade, and insisted on staying. "Confound
+you, get away I tell you; your big feet are drawing the fire; if you
+don't I'll break your neck." "You shut up," said the other, "this
+antheap is as much mine as yours, besides if you talk of breaking
+necks, well----" There appeared to be no further conversation, but the
+officer observed the two men suddenly arise and a hot set-to followed.
+The fire was too hot for immediate inquiry, but after a prolonged
+round one man was knocked down, the other drew him behind the disputed
+shelter, and resumed patient firing at the enemy.
+
+Later a request was made for orders regarding the possession of
+antheaps by irregulars.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A well-known scout returning from Kimberley last week was taken
+prisoner at Modder River by a party of eight Boers. He was sent in
+charge of two burghers to the Boer camp near Brandfort. On the way the
+Boers off-saddled and their horses strayed. Leaving their prisoner
+alone with their guns and ammunition, which they had laid down, they
+went after the horses. Here was an excellent opportunity. Both Boers
+were at his mercy, but it looked too much like murder, so awaiting
+their return, the scout, who could speak the Taal, appealed to them
+to let him go, telling them that he could easily have shot them, but
+the war was nearly over, and he would not take men's lives in that
+way; further, that it would greatly inconvenience him to be taken
+North, and he might be able to put in a good word for them soon, if
+their farms should be in danger. After an hour's palaver they agreed
+to give him a show, and told him he could go. They then escorted him
+to the river and showed him the road to Bloemfontein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PONT FILLED WITH BULLION.
+
+This is the story of two men who, unarmed, and without a guard brought
+L25,000 in bullion from Capetown to Bloemfontein, through a country
+still seething with dangers of war. The men were L. L. Michell,
+general manager of the Standard Bank of South Africa, and W. Munro du
+Preez, formerly of the National Bank of Harrismith, now teller of the
+Standard Bank's new Bloemfontein branch, which opened to-day in the
+building on Market Square, formerly occupied by the Cafe Royal and
+later by the Military Post Office.
+
+They left Capetown on Thursday a week ago, with twelve boxes of
+specie, each one of which weighed eighty pounds. For six days they
+lived, ate, and slept on those boxes. Their only holiday was at
+Naauwpoort, when they paid a high compliment to six A. and S.
+Highlanders by putting the boxes in their charge and going out to
+stretch their legs. For hundreds of miles the train ran through
+desolate karoo in which a band of train robbers would have stood a
+fair chance of success. At Colesberg the twelve heavy boxes were
+piled out again on the platform and into the ladies' waiting-room and
+the weary bankers stretched out on them, for the night.
+
+There was to have been a military guard for the gold at Norval's Pont,
+but somehow the guard did not connect. The bank men found themselves
+stalled at a broken bridge, with the choice of trusting their bullion
+to a thin wire rope slung across the broken spans, or putting it on a
+pont that formed a rope ferry across the river. They chose the pont.
+
+The train from Capetown reached Orange River at 2 o'clock on Tuesday
+afternoon. The train on the north side of the river had to wait until
+7 o'clock for the gold.
+
+The transfer across the river was the most interesting part of the
+journey. Messrs. Michell and du Preez deny that their interest had
+anything of anxiety in it. They trusted the twelve sweating volunteers
+who wandered wide from the train to the pont with its 960 pounds
+avoirdupois and 25,000 pounds sterling. Du Preez walked at the head of
+the volunteers and Michell at the tail. The volunteers seemed to be
+walking all over the country.
+
+So the twelve boxes were finally slammed into the guard's van on the
+north side of the river, and the bank manager and his teller clambered
+in on top of them. If there was a military guard on the train they
+didn't have the comfort of knowing it. They had been told that all the
+Boers were giving in their arms and that the country through which
+they rode was thoroughly pacified, but then, as du Preez said, "when
+you are travelling with twelve boxes of bullion you can't be dead sure
+of anything."
+
+When the train reached Bloemfontein on Wednesday, the boxes were
+taken at once to the vaults of the National Bank of the Orange Free
+State, and the two men, wearied by their six days' vigil, went at once
+to bed, and to sleep.
+
+Mr. Michell, who manages the Standard Bank affairs in all parts of
+South Africa, is only temporarily in Bloemfontein. Mr. D. Savory,
+formerly of the branch bank at Oudtshoorn, will be manager of the
+Bloemfontein branch. Mr. A. S. D. Robertson, formerly in the branch
+bank at Ceres, will be accountant, and Mr. du Preez will be teller.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+WE LEAVE "THE FRIEND" TO SEE A FIGHT
+
+     _The Thirteenth Number, produced by Mr. James Barnes of New
+     York._
+
+
+The last of the dinner was still in our mouths, the last words in
+answer to the toasts had not been spoken five hours when, at daybreak
+on the 29th, we were all, except Mr. James Barnes, on the way to the
+battle of the Glen (or of Karree Siding, as it is sometimes called).
+Mr. Barnes most kindly remained to take entire control of THE FRIEND,
+which is to say that he undertook the work of four men, and had as his
+only assistant a bright young American journalist from Philadelphia,
+Mr. Joseph W. Jenkins. This young gentleman had worked hard and
+gratuitously for us from the first as the gatherer of the news of the
+little capital, and very fertile and versatile he proved.
+
+Mr. Bennet Burleigh took Mr. Kipling to the fight in his Cape-cart,
+and they started out with more style and comfort than an Oriental
+general swaying on the cushioned howdah of his elephant charger. But
+the course of a day in war is as uncertain as that of love or as the
+nature of the white men, and, early in the day, the Poet of the Empire
+was under a hot Mauser fire. Far from being nervous or regretting the
+experience, he seemed to feel only the tingle of the excitement. If
+you could get him to refer to it you saw that he rejoiced to have felt
+the breath and heard the weird, low song of the leaden rain.
+
+For myself I had such an inglorious escapade as no man would care to
+dwell upon who was in a war to get the best or the worst, but not to
+be incapacitated by what could have happened at home. In a word, I
+went into a wire fence off the back of a frightened racehorse, and was
+obliged to go on to the battle, belated and with both fore-arms torn
+into strips, not to speak of injuries which must stay by me as
+mementoes of the day so long as I live.
+
+Mr. Barnes's number of THE FRIEND was a good one. His editorial, "As
+to the Future," was very vigorous, and must have pleased Sir Alfred
+Milner, who did us the honour to say that he valued the paper as a
+most efficient arm of the effort to pacify and reconcile to their fate
+our neighbours of the Free State. He suggested to me that we should
+address ourselves more directly to the Boers, and always with a view
+to impressing them with our magnanimous intentions, and the benefits
+and advantages of enlightened British rule. It was his suggestion,
+also, that all articles calculated to encourage resignation on their
+part should be duplicated in the Taal language, and this wise plan we
+began at once to endeavour to follow. We succeeded but feebly, because
+we did not know the Taal ourselves, and we could not trust the
+majority of the sometimes "slim" ones among the few who were able to
+perform the work of translation creditably.
+
+In this number of the paper Mr. Barnes published No. 4 of Mr.
+Kipling's "Fables for the Staff," and the poem by Mr. Kipling on
+Perceval Landon's birthday. "A Realistic Comedy," by an anonymous
+writer, the third of Mr. Gwynne's articles on the art of war, and a
+bit of a brief correspondence between the army telegraphists and Mr.
+Bennet Burleigh were also in this entertaining number.
+
+Mr. Barnes was exceedingly well liked by all who knew him in the army,
+and was much sought as a companion, for his unvarying good humour and
+for such a fund of anecdotes, songs, and imitations as was possessed
+by no one else of our acquaintance. I think the best of his anecdotes
+of his own experiences in the war was concerning the Boer losses at
+Driefontein. The British had found more than sixty bodies, and knew
+that fifty other Boers had been killed. (I will not say that these are
+the exact figures, but they give a just idea of the actual losses of
+the Boers.) Nevertheless, when Barnes questioned a Boer prisoner taken
+at that battle, the man said that his force had suffered a loss of
+only eight killed.
+
+"Then who is it that gets killed by our bullets in all these fights?"
+Barnes asked. "We fight you, and after each battle we see the dead
+being carried off; we find other dead on the field, and we see the
+loose mounds of earth under which you have hastily buried others. Who
+are these dead men?"
+
+"I don't know," said the prisoner, "our commandant said we only had
+eight men killed at Abraham's Kraal (Driefontein)."
+
+"I understand," said Barnes. "He must know how many you lost. But we
+saw over sixty dead bodies where you had been fighting. Whose bodies
+do you suppose they were? Not Boers, of course, but still, they
+belonged to some people who had been shot. There seems to be in South
+Africa a mysterious race of people who follow you around in this war
+and persist in getting in the way of our bullets. I should think you
+would warn them of their danger, or give orders for them to stop
+coming to all the battles. They may have wives and children who mourn
+them; at all events, they are not needed as filters in all the rivers,
+or for starting informal cemeteries all over the veldt as they have
+been doing ever since the fighting began. I wonder what people they
+are."
+
+"I don't know. We only lost eight," said the Boer.
+
+"And we buried sixty," said Barnes. "Really you ought to find out who
+these bullet-stoppers are, and warn them not to be always getting
+killed by us who have no quarrel with them and are only trying to
+shoot Boers."
+
+Another of Mr. Barnes's tales is of that awful daybreak massacre at
+Maghersfontein. Mr. Barnes was forging ahead to learn what had
+happened when he met three men in kilts dashing over the veldt, away
+from the battle.
+
+"Here," Mr. Barnes cried, "who are you? Where are you going?"
+
+"Oh, mon," said one of the poor unnerved chaps, "we are a' that's left
+o' the ---- ----."
+
+In defence of themselves against some inconvenience which Mr. Burleigh
+had complained, some telegraphers of the R.E. Corps declared that the
+staff in Bloemfontein "performed seventeen hours last Sunday in order
+to remove pressure produced to a great extent by work other than
+military. Whilst every other arm of the service had been enjoying a
+brief and well-earned rest, our portion has consisted of at least
+twelve hours' hard work at the instrument, cooped up in a room reeking
+with a pestilential atmosphere which has, in several cases, produced
+violent vomiting.
+
+"After all, we can nurse to our breasts the satisfaction that our
+gallant Commander-in-Chief has been pleased to specially thank the
+much-despised corps for the indispensable services rendered by it."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 11.] BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1900. [Price One Penny
+
+GOVERNMENT NOTICE.
+
+By order of his Lordship the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the
+British Forces in South Africa, it is notified that Quit Rents on
+Farms should now be paid in to the Receiver at the Landdrost's Office.
+Amounts not paid on or before the 31st May, 1900, are liable to be
+doubled.
+
+                                     JAMES A. COLLINS, Landdrost.
+                Landdrost's Office, Bloemfontein, March 26, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[9]
+
+[Footnote 9: Copyrighted, used by the author's permission.]
+
+VAIN HORSES.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+IV.
+
+A Cavalry-horse of indubitable Valour, carrying a complete Wardrobe
+Office and Housekeeping Apparatus on his back, met by chance a Boer
+pony of unprepossessing Exterior.
+
+"My ungroomed Friend," said the Horse, "let me draw your attention to
+my Master's portable Bath, Umbrella, Typewriter, Hair Brushes,
+Dressing-case, and complete Service of Plate; also to my own spare
+Shoes and cold Collation for the next Week. Few I opine enjoy such
+luxurious appointments."
+
+"They are indeed _fin de siecle_ and _non-plus-ultra_," remarked the
+ewe-necked Son of the Veldt, "but You must excuse Me for I see my
+Master approaching. He does not use Hair-brushes, and I have neither
+spare shoes nor curry combs."
+
+"Then I must trouble you to return as my Prisoner," said the Horse.
+
+"On the contrary," replied the Child of the ungrassed Kopje; "it is a
+condition and not a theory that confronts us. Let me draw your
+attention to my scintillatery heels."
+
+So saying the Unkempt Equine departed in a neat cloud of Dust, from
+the Centre of which his Master scientifically shot the Cavalry Horse
+in the Abdomen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BIRTHDAY GREETING.[10]
+
+[Footnote 10: The birthday of Mr. Perceval Landon. Copyrighted, and
+used here by permission.]
+
+(29th March.)
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  Tell the smiling Afric morn,
+    Let the stony kopje know,
+  Landon of the _Times_ was born
+    One and thirty years ago.
+
+  Whisper greetings soft and low,
+    Pour the whisky, deal the bun,
+  Only Bell and Buckle know
+    All the evil he has done.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS.
+
+In accordance with the public notice printed in this journal, a
+meeting of war correspondents was held yesterday afternoon at the Free
+State Hotel, Bloemfontein, when the arrangements for a concert to be
+given in the Town Hall "in aid of widows and orphans" were discussed.
+Messrs. Bennet Burleigh (_Daily Telegraph_), Pearse (_Daily News_),
+Maxwell (_Standard_), and Haarburgher, were appointed members of the
+Executive Committee with power to add to their number, and it was
+decided that the proceeds of the concert should be divided equally
+between the London and Bloemfontein funds. The date, which remains to
+be fixed, will probably be Friday of next week, and the prices of
+admission 5s., 3s., and 1s., the latter for soldiers in uniform.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A REALISTIC COMEDY.
+
+I haven't often been really defeated, but I felt very like it that
+Black Monday.
+
+My convoy consisted of self and Jimmy (my subaltern), two conductors,
+100 native drivers, about 500 oxen, and 40 waggons. We were hundreds
+of miles from the front so had no escort, and were fifteen miles from
+anywhere. The country was simply a succession of kopjes as like each
+other as a pair of ammunition boots, the map was much too small a
+scale to be of any use, and our native guide had lost the way!
+
+We ought to have struck water about dawn, after trekking all night,
+but there wasn't a sign of it. The heat was awful as we toiled our
+dusty way between those glaring kopjes, until about noon we sighted a
+stagnant dam, half full, and we went for it like savages, men, oxen
+and all.
+
+It must have been absolute rank poison. In a couple of hours two men
+were writhing on the ground, a score more, blue and shivering, were
+feeling touched, and the whole lot were thoroughly funked. It was just
+like a native cholera camp in India, and to those who have experienced
+that I need say no more.
+
+We sent out our most useful men on our best horses, to hunt the
+country, five miles round for a farm or well; we started fires to boil
+water and worked our wretched little filters for all they were worth.
+Jimmy and I had a bottle of chlorodyne apiece, but they were empty in
+an hour or so and our whisky was finished soon afterward. I had meant
+to trek again as soon as it got dark, but before the sun touched the
+horizon all our scouts were back--not a drop of water anywhere! Had
+there been any, I doubt if we could have got to it--half our oxen were
+incapable of moving and the blacks were simply off their heads. But I
+noticed that our chlorodyne, either by its own power, or by the belief
+they put in it, had really done good. So I made up my mind to a night
+there and called up one of the conductors.--"Take the native guide and
+bring me two of the best horses you can find--ride straight on for all
+you are worth--find a farm--offer them any sum to send on this note
+of mine to Viten Siding for a doctor and medicines--bring back any
+drugs they've got and brandy or spirits--come back as hard as you
+can."
+
+Then we settled down to the most ghastly night I've ever spent; we
+walked the bed cases up and down--don't know what good this is but had
+seen it done in India--put on mustard poultices till we fairly took
+the black's skins off--and knocked down a few who were howling about
+the camp in sheer panic. I don't know what I should have done without
+Jimmy, but even his chaff couldn't keep the poor devils amused. About
+midnight I had a bad turn myself and Jimmy put me to bed, but it wore
+off, and I fell into a nightmared slumber. Just before dawn I awoke;
+Jimmy was brewing coffee and whistling: "When we are married."
+
+"How do you feel?" he said.
+
+"Perfectly fit again. Any dead?"
+
+"Only two, but they were sick before. All the lot in blue funks
+still."
+
+"Conductor back?"
+
+"No." Then we strained our eyes in the direction where he had
+disappeared.
+
+I remember wondering dreamily why Jimmy whistled so damned out of
+tune, and whether any of us would ever get out of this death-trap,
+when we saw a speck far up the road. Jimmy stopped in the middle of
+"Dolly Day Dreams," spilt his coffee, and dashed off up the road.
+
+The conductor had killed his own horse and the guide's; had found a
+farm ten miles away; had sent on my note but Doctor could not arrive
+till to-morrow; there were no drugs at the farm, but he'd brought us
+two bottles of Dop[11] and four loaves of fresh bread done up in a
+brown parcel!
+
+[Footnote 11: Cape Good Hope brandy.]
+
+A crowd of niggers were hovering round as near my tent as they dared
+come, hoping to catch an inkling of the news, and I could tell from
+the tone of their low mutterings that they expected nothing good. For
+a moment I was badly defeated.
+
+Then a Heaven-sent inspiration seized me--"Well, Brown," I said,
+raising my voice, "So that's the chlorodyne is it?"--I seized the big
+brown-paper parcel--"It's five o'clock now; tell every Jack man in
+camp he's to fall in here sharp at six for a dose of chlorodyne."
+
+The conductor stared at me; I suppose he thought I was mad.
+
+"Don't you hear," I cried; "go off at once, and don't let anybody
+interrupt us while we have breakfast." And I managed to give him the
+faintest wink--in another minute I heard him shouting my order through
+the camp.
+
+"Jimmy, let's make chlorodyne." Jimmy grinned. "Collis Browne's is the
+best," he said; "twenty drops for an adult."
+
+Then he started whistling again while we shut up the tent and went to
+work.
+
+"Small bottles are no use," I said, "must have wholesale manufactory;
+we'll find that demi-john."
+
+We started with two tins of condensed milk--to give it a bit of
+body--and a tin of Van Houten's cocoa made a grand colouring. Two big
+spoonfuls of red pepper, "to ginger it up." "Must mix our flavour,"
+said Jimmy, "or they'll recognize the brand"--so in went Bengal
+chutney and strawberry jam. We were rummaging out our grocery
+box--"Sardines ain't much use, nor cheese, nor Danish butter; but
+here's a bottle of the nastiest pickles I ever tasted, let's give them
+the juice of that; they won't believe it's medicine unless it tastes
+bad."
+
+"My tooth powder is nasty enough," said Jimmy, "Carbolic something,
+and warranted to do no harm--in it goes."
+
+The two bottles of Dop were chucked in as a finish and the mixture was
+nasty enough for anybody--rich brown, creamy, and fiery hot.
+
+Jimmy had entered heart and soul into the business.--"None's genuine
+without the label," he cried, and rushed at our small stationery box.
+"Hullo, sealing wax, here, you find a cork and seal it up; these cards
+will do for labels. Some of these niggers can read and write, so we
+must play the game right through. If they spot us we're done. Now,
+men--Genuine Chlorodyne--for coughs, colds, &c.--every three hours
+till the pain ceases; to be well shaken before taken. And another
+label--To O.C. No. 2, General Hospital, Viten Sideing,--On H.M.
+Service--free--franked. Dirty the paper a bit to show it's come a long
+way--then when we throw the jar away they'll see it's genuine."
+
+"They don't have chlorodyne in our hospitals," I suggested.
+
+"Go to blazes! the niggers aren't cute enough for that. But look here,
+old chap, you look a bit cheap; we'll resurrect you to start with. I'm
+afraid you'll have to take some, but I'll make it as small a dose as I
+can."
+
+Then I lay down huddled up in a corner. The opening tableau was ready,
+and we rang up the curtain, or rather the tent-flap. Jimmy was as
+serious as a judge: "All present, conductor? All right; where's that
+medicine got to? Oh, there; now then, anybody got a corkscrew?" A hum
+went up from the figures squatting round. Jimmy held up his hand:
+"Quiet there, the captain is very bad; I must see to him first." He
+lifted my drooping head and forced a spoonful of the filth between my
+teeth.
+
+I heaved a sigh, patted myself below the belt, rolled my eyes open,
+and stood up, fully recovered!
+
+Astonishment mingled with applause!
+
+We selected a hulking, big brute as the next victim. He was palpably
+shamming; he spluttered a bit over his dose, but took the cue from me:
+patted himself, rolled his eyes, and was recovered.
+
+Genuine plaudits.
+
+"Next," said Jimmy. It reminded me of the brimstone and treacle at
+Dotheboys Hall.
+
+Applause gave way to regular hilarity, and the blacks were soon
+ragging each other on the faces they made.
+
+"This is the biggest thing of modern times," said Jimmy as the last man
+went off grinning and spluttering. "Talk about faith-healing--well,
+either it's an absolute fact, or else we two are the leading medical
+stars of the new century."
+
+Then Jimmy and I shook hands, and he tried to whistle "Dolly Day
+Dreams" again, but couldn't manage it for a minute or two.
+
+There were a few real bad cases still, but they all pulled through.
+
+Then we served out to the men the best rations we could raise and a
+bit of 'baccy apiece. They cooked away with a will, filled themselves
+out with breakfast, lay down beneath their wagons, and went to sleep.
+
+Jimmy and I went to sleep too. At sunset we inspanned and made the 10
+miles to the farm early. Our doctor met us there.
+
+But I shall never hear "Dolly Day Dreams" again without thinking of
+bare veldt, black faces, and chlorodyne.
+
+                                             ANONYMOUS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE "N.C.O."
+
+  There's some one in the Army that I'd like to write about,
+    For it's seldom that he gets his share of praise;
+  He's as gallant as most lions and you can always hear him shout,
+    Through the rattle of the battle now-a-days.
+
+  When we read in all the papers of the Comp'ny officers killed,
+    We don't stop to think who has to take their place;
+  But if we knew, our hearts with admiration would be filled
+    For the N.C.O. with grim and grimy face.
+
+  His language on the barrack square, ain't quite what it should be,
+    And it's probable he likes his whack of beer,
+  But there's nothing like that voice of his, and never yet will be
+    To steady the young soldier when he's feeling "Bullet-queer."
+
+  He's ahead in all the rushes, he's the last one to retire,
+    And in battle's got a joke for every one;
+  He doesn't seem to mind a damn, when under Mauser fire,
+    And he don't forget the wounded when the day is fought and won.
+
+  Then, Mr. Rudyard Kipling, here's more work for you to do,
+    You've sung of gallant "Tommies" and their deeds,
+  Just write about their N.C.O.'s and give them all their due,
+    For good N.C.O.'s are what the Army needs.
+
+                                                     C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+IS THE ART OF WAR REVOLUTIONISED?
+
+BY. H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+III.--_Cavalry._
+
+The "Art of War," which, I must confess, is but a feeble equivalent
+for the _art militaire_ of the French, covers strategy and tactics. In
+discussing the duties of any particular arm in warfare it is obvious
+that the discussion must necessarily deal with tactics rather than
+strategy, which, I take it, will not undergo any great change as long
+as human nature remains subject to its present limitations. But the
+arm which I am now discussing has been and will be in the future even
+more the chief instrument used by a general who wishes to carry out
+big strategic movements. Wherefore cavalry must, above all things, be
+mobile, ready to move at the shortest moment, prepared in every
+respect to carry out quickly the ideas of the commander.
+
+The "strategic arm," as the cavalry has been styled, has been called
+upon, during the present campaign, to face difficulties which have
+been almost unknown in former campaigns. First and foremost it has had
+to operate against an army of mounted infantry, more mobile than
+itself. Waterless plains, heat, and short rations, have been
+difficulties which in Europe would be absent. Foreign criticisms on
+the operations of our cavalry in the present campaign are based on
+false premises, inasmuch that their authors assume a plentiful supply
+of water, an equable climate, an easy transport, and a fair amount of
+supplies. They have not taken into account the fact that our cavalry
+have had to cut themselves off from all supplies in what, for all
+practical purposes, is a howling desert, for the English horses have
+steadily refused to touch the veldt-grass. If there is one criticism
+on the operations of our cavalry which can in any sense be justified,
+it is that in many cases we have made it an objective of our movements
+to charge the enemy. By doing so, we have perhaps sacrificed
+opportunities of outflanking the Boers for the illusive chance of
+proving the efficiency of the _arme blanche_ on an enemy, whose only
+weapon is a rifle. I once heard a distinguished cavalry officer
+declare that it was his conviction that in a two-mile race, starting
+fair, the Boer, mounted on his little African pony, would outpace our
+troopers riding a big English horse and carrying an equipment which
+reminded him of the picture of Father Christmas. But as over two
+million people have at different times criticised the weight of
+cavalry equipment, and nobody, except the Boer, has given us a remedy,
+we may leave this portion of our subject to lecturer--the U.S.
+Institute.
+
+The great question which will have to be answered in the near future
+is whether the mounted force of an army is to be cavalry or mounted
+infantry. To my mind there can be no doubt about the answer. The
+mounted forces of the future will be cavalry, and in much greater
+proportion to infantry than at present. The great force of mounted
+infantry which we have raised in the present war is intended to cope
+with an army of Mounted Infantry opposed to us. Whether they will ever
+be used again is doubtful. But what certainly will be the case is that
+the cavalry of the future will have to know how to shoot, and must be
+provided with something better than a carbine to shoot with. And
+practically they will then be Mounted Infantry with an _arme blanche_.
+"Shock tactics" will have to give place to long-range firing, and the
+cavalrymen of the future will be seen digging and holding trenches,
+holding kopjes, and _repelling with rifle fire the advance of the
+enemy's Cavalry_. This indeed will be a revolution.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+MY HORSE OFFERED FOR SALE
+
+     _Kipling at last writes something that pleases the Boers--A
+     Predikant's letter._
+
+
+In the paper of March 30th we offered as complete and--you may be
+sure--as unique a newspaper as it was possible to produce. It
+contained the fresh news of the world, and it was at the same time
+full of the atmosphere of the army and the battlefield; of the
+outpourings of men who had laid down the sword and rifle to take up
+the pen. I wish I could reproduce the entire paper, but after all it
+was like many that followed, and to reproduce them all would make a
+book too cumbrous to handle and too full of warlike and military
+subjects to interest at least half of the public. Practically the
+entire first page was given up to proclamations, and looked like a
+miniature hoarding hidden under miniature posters. These crowded over
+into two columns of the second page, which also contained the still
+swelling display of advertisements of lost horses and horses for sale.
+Among the latter was this--
+
+     FIRST-CLASS HUNTER FOR SALE.
+
+     Julian Ralph desires to sell his blooded hunter
+     "Rattlesnake," a superb horse with noted pedigree. He is in
+     splendid working condition (_aside--has caused his owner to
+     wear a casing of lint, and to walk with difficulty on a
+     heavy stick_.) The horse can be seen at the Red House behind
+     the Dutch Reformed Church.
+
+The italics in the above advertisement are inserted here, and were not
+in the newspaper. They suggest what novel forms advertisements would
+often take if the advertisers always truthfully explained why they
+wished to part with their property.
+
+W. A. Koller, the town clerk, notified all residents to call upon him
+and make a true statement of the _bona fides_ of all their possessions
+in horseflesh. Captain P. Holland-Pryor, A.A.G., requested every
+burgher who had not given up any Government horse in his possession to
+do so without delay. Truly, the horse occupied a large share of
+interest and attention--much larger now that we were in need of horses
+than when they had come in abundance from every corner of the earth.
+
+We published a remarkable address to the Free Staters by the Rev. A.
+A. Van der Lingen, once a candidate for the Presidency. He asked them
+if it was right for them to assail the peaceful territories of the
+British when thousands of their kith and kin are enjoying a full and
+perfect measure of equality and justice. He demanded to know "what you
+think seriously, in your own minds, will become of you if you
+prosecute the war and lose." The "old soldiers of Bloemfontein"--it
+seems there were eight retired veterans--cheered the Field-Marshal
+with an address.
+
+[Illustration: _Julian Ralph and his horse "Rattlesnake._"]
+
+Our five-guinea competition for the renaming of the Colony went on
+apace, and we recorded a great day of sport among the men of the Sixth
+Division, who enjoyed the band of the Buffs and the pipes of the
+Seaforths, Gordons, Black Watch, and Argyle and Sutherland
+Highlanders. Major the Honourable Robert White directed the sports
+with greater success than had attended anything of the kind among our
+troops on this side of Natal.
+
+The soldiers still filed into our bare and dirty quarters asking for
+the paper, and one of them complained that it was not sent out to his
+camp, and that he had to come in and get it.
+
+"Canadian, aren't you?" Mr. Kipling asked, "from out on the wheat
+belt?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why, man, then what are you talking about? You'd ride in to Winnipeg,
+twenty miles, to get a paper if you were at home."
+
+Mr. Kipling on this day wrote a tribute to General Joubert, whose
+death had just been made known to us. Hours after he wrote the poem,
+when tired of waiting to see the proof, he walked over to the
+printing-office, broke in by way of a window, and set up the last line
+of it at one of the printers' cases. What the printers thought of him
+we never knew, but he never forgot that the first bit of paper he
+picked up from the floor of the editorial room, when he was looking
+for something that had fallen from the table, was a violent attack
+upon himself in a piece of a Free State newspaper.
+
+The only bit of all our work that our compositors saved was this poem
+to Joubert. That and a portrait of the late firebrand, Borckenhagen,
+were the only ornaments they deemed worthy to decorate their
+composing-room walls.
+
+There were at least two English-speaking men among them. I grant to
+them the benefit of the doubt whether my reflections should extend to
+them also.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+_(Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force.)_
+
+  No. 12] BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 1900. [Price One Penny
+
+LORD ROBERTS AND THE LATE GENERAL JOUBERT.
+
+LORD ROBERTS' TELEGRAM OF SYMPATHY.
+
+                                                    BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+_His Honour President Kruger, President of the South African
+Republic, Pretoria._
+
+(Clear the line.) I have just received the news of General Joubert's
+death, and I desire at once to offer my sincere condolence to your
+Honour and the Burghers of the South African Republic on this sad
+event. I would ask you to convey to General Joubert's family the
+expression of my most respectful sympathy in their sad bereavement,
+and to assure them also from me that all ranks of Her Majesty's forces
+now serving in South Africa share my feeling of deep regret at the
+sudden and untimely end of so distinguished a General who devoted his
+life to the service of his country and whose personal gallantry was
+only surpassed by his humane conduct and chivalrous bearing under all
+circumstances.--ROBERTS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GENERAL JOUBERT.[12]
+
+[Footnote 12: Copyrighted in England and America; used here by
+permission.]
+
+(Died March 27, 1900.)
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  With those that bred, with those that loosed the strife,
+    He had no part whose hands were clear of gain;
+  But, subtle, strong and stubborn, gave his life
+    To a lost cause, and knew the gift was vain.
+
+  Later shall rise a People, sane and great,
+    Forged in strong fires, by equal war made one--
+  Telling old battles over without hate,
+    Not least his name shall pass from sire to son.
+
+  He shall not meet the onsweep of our van
+    In the doomed city where we close the score;
+  Yet o'er his grave--his grave that holds a Man--
+    Our deep-tongued guns shall answer his once more!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_(Editorial.)_
+
+DEATH OF GENERAL JOUBERT.
+
+No words of ours are needed to supplement the telegram of Lord ROBERTS
+and the three stanzas by Mr. RUDYARD KIPLING, which we print to-day,
+upon the news we have received of General JOUBERT'S death. We feel
+that we are but giving expression to the feeling of every man in the
+army of occupation in expressing our most sincere regret in hearing of
+the sudden decease of the great leader of our enemy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[13]
+
+[Footnote 13: Copyrighted; used here by permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+V.
+
+A General, having offered libations to Fortuna, went out to fight a
+Battle in the course of which his Frontal Attack developed into a Rear
+Guard action, and his left Flank became a Modulus of varying
+Elasticity for several hours, owing to his right Flank having wandered
+towards the Equator.
+
+The Enemy seeing these Inexplicable Evolutions, were so overcome with
+Amazement that They retired in large Numbers and left the General a
+complete Victory.
+
+A week later, the General, learning from the Reports of his Staff that
+he was a Heaven-born Strategist, diligently read a Book and gave
+Battle upon the lines therein laid down.
+
+After this he was never seen to smile but frequently heard to murmur:
+"If I had only trusted my bally Luck instead of a bally Book, I should
+not be now travelling first-class to Stellenbosch."
+
+MORAL.--Invention is a good servant, but the Letter killeth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BRAVE CANADIAN.
+
+                                      BLOEMFONTEIN, _March 28th_.
+
+DEAR SIR,--In answer to a paragraph appearing in your paper of a past
+date under the heading of "Acts of Bravery performed during the War,"
+allow me to quote one which I witnessed at Paardeberg on the morning of
+Cronje's surrender on February 27th. Every one knows of the gallant
+display made by the Royal Canadians on that never-to-be-forgotten
+morning, and how, as daylight broke, they had again occupied their
+trenches, leaving sixty killed and wounded on the field. As the sun came
+up behind the kopjes, revealing once more to Cronje and his men the
+exact position of our trenches, they opened a heavy fire upon them, and
+woe to the man who was indiscreet enough to show his head and shoulders
+over the earthworks! Between the trenches and the Boer position lay
+Canadian dead and dying. About 5.30 a wounded man about five hundred
+yards away was seen to be trying to make for our trenches under a heavy
+fire, but was at last observed to fall. Now and then, between the
+volleys, he was seen to wave his hands as if for assistance. Suddenly
+from the left of us a form was seen to climb the earthworks in front of
+our trenches, jumping down to make straight for the place where the
+wounded man lay, about ninety yards from the Boer trenches. Utterly
+regardless of the scathing fire which hissed about him, he ran on, and
+at last reached the wounded man and tried to lift him, but it was too
+late, for the poor fellow had breathed his last. Seeing it was of no
+avail, his would-be rescuer walked back over the ground he had covered,
+and although bullets whistled around him and tore up the ground in every
+direction, he coolly regained his trenches with a pipe stuck between his
+teeth. I have since ascertained his name was Private Thompson, of the
+Royal Canadians, and although I do not know whether his case is one
+_recommended_ for distinction or not, still I have never during the
+campaign seen a case of such coolness and pluck as that displayed by
+Private Thompson. Considering the galling fire that swept the distance
+of four or five hundred yards which he covered in his endeavour to reach
+the wounded man, also his close proximity to the Boer trenches, it seems
+marvellous that he ever lived to get within four hundred yards of him,
+not to mention getting back without a scratch. His case is one of the
+most deserving of recognition, coming, as it does, from amongst the
+ranks of the gallant Canadian Volunteers, by whose side we have fought
+and marched since we left Graspan, and than whom a jollier or pluckier
+lot of boys never lived.
+
+                                ONE OF THE GORDONS WHO WAS THERE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE EMPIRE'S DEFENDERS.
+
+BY B. CHARLES TUCKER.
+
+  See, they come marching over the plain,
+  Cheerfully bearing their wounds and pain,
+  Soldiers and sailors alike to the work,
+  Never a man of them doing a shirk.
+  These are the men that you owe a debt;
+  England, remember it; never forget.
+
+  Scorched and parched 'neath the broiling sun,
+  Not a word of complaint, work _must_ be done.
+  Wounded and shattered, bespattered with blood,
+  Drinking of water akin to mud.
+  These are the men you owe a debt;
+  England, remember it; never forget.
+
+  Ponder it well in your leisured ease,
+  These, the soldiers of lands and seas,
+  Building the Empire hour by hour,
+  These, the foundation of all thy power.
+  These are the men whom you owe a debt;
+  Empire, remember; you dare not forget.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE SILENT ARMY.
+
+BY A. E. C.
+
+  The Silent Army 'as its work,
+  Duties that it cannot shirk,
+  Six days a week; then there's kirk
+      For us in the Silent Army.
+  There's guards ter mount, fatigues to do,
+  Bread ter make an' meat ter stew.
+  If yer think there's time ter write to you,
+      Well! strite! yer must be barmy.
+
+  Yer says yer owns as we can fight,
+  Able to read, but not to write;
+  We tries to fly our own kite,
+      Us chaps in the Silent Army.
+  We're glad enough ter git your print,
+  Glad enough when bound with lint,
+  Y're dull if yer can't take the 'int;
+      Indeed! yer must be barmy.
+
+  It isn't always that us men
+  Finds the time to use a pen,
+  For we've work to do, sir, when
+      We are in the Silent Army.
+  We 'as our duties to attend,
+  Food to cook and clothes to mend;
+  Arsk Kiplin', he's the sojers' friend--
+      The friend of the Silent Army.
+
+[The hint has been taken as far as the hospitals are concerned. They
+get THE FRIEND on application.--THE EDS.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GRUMBLES FROM THE RANKS.
+
+  That a soldier's life is a merry one
+    Is what some people say,
+  But when you're on short rations,
+    Well, it isn't half so gay;
+  And you can't "live fat" in Bloemfontein
+    Upon a bob a day.
+
+     _Grumble No. 1._--This is a recognised fact with bread at
+     1s. per loaf, tea at 6d. per cup, and sugar at 1s. 6d. per
+     lb.
+
+  If you've had a present sent from home,
+    You can take the tip from me,
+  It's been "commandeered" by somebody,
+    And it's one you'll never see,
+  So as each mail arrives you ask,
+    "Where can that parcel be?"
+
+     _Grumble No. 2._--Almost every man has a complaint to make
+     regarding the non-receipt of parcels despatched from home.
+
+  Then when you see the water-cart,
+    You rush up for a drink,
+  You're going to get a "quencher,"
+    At least, that's what you think;
+  But it's only there for ornament,
+    And you're threatened with the "clink."
+
+     _Grumble No. 3._--According to some authorities, the
+     soldier, like the camel, can go for lengthened periods
+     without water. The soldier himself thinks otherwise.
+
+  By night we had to stand the cold,
+    By day we stood the heat,
+  And we got lots of duty,
+    But not too much to eat;
+  We had two biscuits daily,
+    Some tea(?) and half-cooked meat.
+
+     _Grumble No. 4._--Some one having said that eating was a
+     habit, it was decided that several experiments should be
+     tried. The first (half-rations) having proved an unqualified
+     success, should be followed by another of a more exhaustive
+     nature. Tommy suggests that this one (no rations for a
+     fortnight) should be tried upon the officers.
+
+  We're rugged in appearance,
+    Of a tint distinctly brown,
+  We're bearded and we're dirty,
+    As well as broken down:
+  So why the dickens don't they send
+    Our kit-bags from Capetown?
+
+     _Grumble No. 5._--This is what we would like to know.
+
+                                                    PLUNGER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+GENERAL POLE-CAREW IN WAR
+
+     _A Visit to his Headquarters, and a Feast of "Tommy"
+     Poetry._
+
+
+At this time--on the very night before this, if recollection serves me
+right--I went up to the quarters of the Staats Artillerie, and there
+found General Pole-Carew in his headquarters. It was always like a
+breath of new life to see him, to hear his vigorous views on the war
+he believed in conducting against the Boers, and to note how
+thoroughly he was the master of all the information of value that
+could be obtained wherever he was.
+
+His headquarters--remember he was the dandy of the army as well as one
+of its shrewdest and bravest men--was a bare-walled building that a
+monk would have considered cheerless. The dining-room, where his
+guests were received, was not as attractive as any dining-room in any
+Tommy's barracks at home. It contained a little table heaped with
+papers and a large table set with kitchen knives and forks, enamelled
+iron mugs, and sparklet bottles by way of combined service and
+ornament. I stayed to dinner of beef and potatoes, bread and butter,
+and whisky and water, and sat next to Colonel Crabbe, of the
+Grenadiers, with his arm in a sling from his second wounding in the
+war. A brave and gallant company was there--of beaux sabreurs and
+veterans who took life as it came and enjoyed its every phase.
+
+Two titled ladies had been the last guests of that mess. I wonder what
+they thought when they realised how their idols of the Guards were
+living. And what they would have thought had they farther realised
+that these officers were really feeling up to their knees in clover,
+being vastly better off than they had been at any time in the previous
+five or six months. When they were enjoying the serious phases of
+campaigning--out on the veldt in tents, or oftener still with no
+shelter at all--the ladies would have found them just as spirited and
+gay--except that no ladies could ever have found them at all or
+ventured where they were.
+
+Those men of the Guards have long been called the "London Pets" and
+"stay at homes" and "feather-bed soldiers," but they very quickly
+lived down their nicknames in South Africa. There nobody petted them;
+they had no beds (or even tents) between Modder of evil memory and
+Koomati Poort some six or seven months distant, in time, nor did they
+manage to get sent home--or want to do so, either. Lord! what brave
+chaps they are! and what fighters! I saw them fight at Belmont, at
+Modder, and at Maghersfontein, and I know. Through all the killing and
+wounding and sickness, the forty-four miles of marching in one spell
+of twenty-two hours, the half-rations, the tropic heat and the intense
+cold, the officers were ever jocular and spirited. One said to me, as
+he pointed at Maghersfontein Kopje, "Set a brewery up on top of that
+and my regiment will take the place in a romp." But the most
+characteristic anecdote I have to tell of one of these West-end London
+dandies is told by himself in a letter he sent to me: "It is cold and
+wet here now. I have got a bad attack of lumbago, and it took me ten
+minutes to straighten up and get on my feet when I woke this morning.
+I went off on outpost duty, and some Boers began sniping at my men
+until we could not put up with it any longer, when I gave the order to
+rush over to where they were and do them up. The devils ran away
+before we could kill them. I am sorry you are down with that leg. You
+should be here, enjoying all the fun."
+
+We published the sixth of Mr. Kipling's fables in this number, among
+scores of articles most interesting there and then, but not repeatable
+to advantage here and now.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 13.] BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 1900. [Price one penny.
+
+FABLES FOR THE STAFF.[14]
+
+[Footnote 14: Copyrighted; used here by permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+VI.
+
+An Intelligence Officer, meeting a strayed Kaffir without visible
+Means of Subsistence, reprobated him for a Spy and Forthwith cast him
+into Jail, where he languished for two Days.
+
+At the Expiration of his Incarceration the Kaffir fell into the hands
+of a Discerning Colonial who filled him with Cape Smoke and engaged
+him in idle Persiflage for three Hours.
+
+"My Word!" said the Colonial when the grateful Son of Ham had
+departed, "that Ethiop is full to the back Teeth of most valuable
+Information! Let us give him a new Coat and a Pound of Tobacco."
+
+"On the Contrary," said the I.O., "He is a Wastrel and a Stinker. He
+cannot reply to Direct Questions and habitually contradicts himself."
+
+"That," said the Discerning Colonial, "is just It! I am about to act
+upon his Inaccuracies."
+
+This the Colonial did with great Success, and wiped up Seven of the
+Enemy advancing up a Spruit in the Cool of the Evening.
+
+On reporting his Achievement, the Intelligence Officer reported the
+Colonial for supplying the Kaffir with Illicit Liquor.
+
+MORAL. Oh Caesar!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+KOPJE-BOOK MAXIMS.
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING, PERCEVAL LANDON, AND A. H. GWYNNE.
+
+_Various._
+
+You cannot argue with a Shell, a Mule or a Press Censor.
+
+The nearer to the Press Censor the further from Truth.
+
+(N.B.--This is generally guaranteed by the Press Censor.)
+
+It's a wise Field Marshal that knows his own Generals.
+
+It's a long front that has no turning.
+
+"A shell in time saves nine," as the 4'7 said when it opened on the
+sniper.
+
+"Heaven helps those who help themselves," as ----'s Horse said when
+they found the poultry yard.
+
+Providence and the Company Officer have a great deal to look after.
+
+Between two rivers, drink Modderietly.
+
+It's always the next shell that will do the trick.
+
+Five under cover is fifty in the open.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PRICES IN BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+  When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,
+    When you've tackled your last bit of armoured "duff,"
+  Then you put your bally pipe on, and you puff and spit and blow,
+    And you realize half ration ain't enough.
+  You go into the market and you purchase lots of grub
+    Off the farmers whom friend Steyn has done a scoot from,
+  And when you ask the price of it, that's where you cop the rub,
+    For it takes away your breath just like a pom-pom.
+
+    Duke's son, Cook's son, all of 'em want their scoff,
+      Fifty thousand horse and foot struggling to get some grub,
+    Each of 'em doing his country's work, and each being _done_ in turn,
+      If you want to buy things in Bloemfontein you must pay! pay! pay!
+
+  When they charge a "bob" for hair-cut and a tanner for a shave,
+    It makes you say things that you didn't ought,
+  And the 'umble loaf of "rootey" costs a tanner, or a bob,
+    Is this the kind of sympathy they're taught?
+  There's a luxury called butter that Tommy likes to buy,
+    And he'll have it if he's got the oof, you bet,
+  But three bob a bloomin' pound makes a hole in Atkins' pay
+    'Cos he ain't paid C'lonial wages (not just yet).
+
+    Clerk's son, Grocer's son, son of a Haberdasher,
+      All the Gents in Khaki chucking their pelf away,
+    Each of 'em's done his country's work,
+      It's hard to be done in turn,
+    If you want to buy grub in Bloemfontein you've to pay! pay! pay!
+
+  When you've tightened up your waistbelt just a pair of holes or so,
+    When you lay yourself out flat and go to sleep,
+  Then you dream of home and mother and some glorious feasts to go,
+    And you wake up, pray, and find you've done a weep;
+  For you've dreamt that bread and butter's gone up 3d. more in price,
+  (These loyal (?) folks charge really what they choose, sir),
+  Then you say, "Well, roll on, England," where there ain't no
+       bloomin' lice,
+    And where there's many a cheap and comfy booser.
+
+    Merchant's son, Cook's son, sons of the plebs galore,
+      Rushing, in ragged Khaki, anxious to spend their brass,
+    Each of 'em's done his country's work, but the extra bob a day
+      Don't go far in Bloemfontein, where you've always to pay! pay! pay!
+
+                                               "BLOBSWITCH."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SONS OF BRITAIN.
+
+BY W. BLELOCH.
+
+  When the bugle call to battle sounds
+    Afar in the land of our birth,
+  In the cause of race and Queen to fight,
+    We rise from the ends of the earth.
+      Wherever the battle may be
+      We rally by land and by sea
+      To join in the fight of the free,
+  And our foemen have Britons to face.
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again
+    Fill up the ranks with men,
+    Who'll fight! who'll die!
+      Whose battle-cry:
+    "True Britons we remain."
+
+  We are sons of Britain every one
+    With pride of the blood of our race,
+  And we'll carry Britain's story on
+    As our fathers did in their place.
+      Whatever the work to be done,
+      We seek a full share, every one,
+      And fighting till victory's won
+  Of the burden and glory we claim,
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again, &c.
+
+  The glorious deeds her great have done
+    Are ours, whether Saxon or Celt,
+  As heirs of their name and fame we come
+    From snows and from bush and from veldt.
+      Our honour we'll ever keep bright,
+      By holding the front of the fight,
+      And jealously guarding the right
+  For our sons and their sons again.
+
+  CHORUS:
+
+    Then Britain's sons again, &c.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ORANGE PEEL.
+
+It may interest our friends at the Cape to know that a certain doctor,
+who lives not 1,000 miles from the Paarl--and who came on ambulance
+business to the Free State--was very busy on his arrival here, giving
+it out as the news of the day that "officers of the English Army were
+busy with sjamboks driving Tommy off the boats as Tommy did not want
+to fight." This statement was made in the Bloemfontein Club before
+several witnesses and is quite authentic.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE BRAVEST DEED."
+
+It was at the battle of Abraham's Kraal. The Boers had fled from a
+position which we now occupied. They, in their flight, had to cross
+the open veldt to another kopje three-quarters of a mile from the
+first. We fired volley after volley into their huddled masses. My old
+friend standing by me noticed a wounded Boer trying to escape. He
+immediately dashed out amid a perfect hail of bullets, caught the
+escaping Boer, threw him across his shoulders and dashed back to
+cover, the bullets falling all round him. Unscathed himself, his
+burden was shot to death.
+
+  Private A. J. HARD,
+          N.S.W. Mounted Infantry, Australia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DEAR SIR,--The bravest deed I witnessed while with the 6th Division
+was the following:--
+
+It was at Paardeberg on Sunday, 18th February, about 5 p.m. We were
+watching a hill overlooking Osfontein farm-house, when some of the
+enemy were seen to enter the garden surrounding that house. So an
+order was given by Second Lieutenant Romilly for No. 1 section of the
+above-named company to advance and try and drive them out. We
+commenced the advance by short rushes, meanwhile the enemy sending
+down a few shots. We succeeded in getting to within four hundred yards
+of the house when a perfect hail of bullets came, both from the house
+and hill. Then the order came to retire, as the fire was becoming too
+hot to attempt to get any closer. It was during this retirement that
+what I saw happened. One of our men, Pte. Driscoll, was shot in the
+back, and down he fell, badly hurt, when Second Lieutenant Romilly,
+on seeing him fall, at once knelt down and dressed his wound, doing it
+as coolly as if on a drawing-room floor. After doing this, with the
+help of Pte. Brown of the same Company, he hurried the man back to
+safer quarters, having to go a distance of over four hundred yards
+before being out of danger. The bullets fell all around them quite
+thick. How they managed to escape is quite marvellous, as several
+bullets went through their clothing, and one, as I heard the officer
+say, went between his lips--a close shave indeed!
+
+Whether any recognition will be forthcoming for the above gallant
+deed, I cannot say, as there were none of those who occupy higher
+positions to testify as to its correctness; but the men certainly
+deserve something for so brave a deed.
+
+  I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
+                             AN EYE-WITNESS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+OUR LOSS AND THE ARMY'S
+
+     _The Departure of Mr. Kipling, leaving_ THE FRIEND _vigorous
+     with the Impetus he gave it._
+
+
+Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown on the night of April
+1st, in the same train that bore away Sir Alfred Milner, Colonel
+Hanbury Williams, and Colonel Girouard. The High Commissioner had been
+declared to be leaving a day or two later, but started at once in
+order to avoid giving the Boers notice to prepare mischief.
+
+Of the happy days of boyish delight we editors spent with Mr. Kipling
+many brought incidents too trifling to be noted here, yet which went
+to fill a heaping loving cup of pleasant memories. "Heavens!" he once
+exclaimed, "how good it is to be with men who are doing things!" There
+was, for instance, the day when--as the reader may have perceived--two
+poems bore a note of merely suggested complaint from the sick in the
+hospitals. That note struck Mr. Kipling's sensibility, and he and Mr.
+Landon and I seized armsful of FRIENDS and set out upon a tour of the
+hospitals--then far too numerous in the public and semi-public
+buildings of the place. Mr. Kipling went ahead and distributed the
+papers, and we followed and whispered who he was to the sufferers in
+the cots. I never shall forget the look that came in each man's eyes,
+or how every one of them who was able raised himself upon an elbow to
+stare after the poet as he passed from room to room.
+
+"God bless him," they said; "he's the soldier's friend."
+
+And surely a blessing proceeded from him, in response to that which he
+received, for, at the knowledge of his presence, a new vigour and a
+sense of delight, such as they had almost forgotten how to feel, came
+to the sufferers. He had nothing of the theatrical about him, made no
+speeches, conversed in hushed tones, halted nowhere, posed not even to
+the slightest extent--but went on with doctor or nurse through the
+wards, listening and looking. I think that Mr. Landon and I were more
+conscious of the reflection of his fame than was he from whom it
+proceeded.
+
+At one stage of our adventure we determined to cross from one hospital
+to another, over some intervening gardens. What an unsuspected
+wildness lay among those walled enclosures in the confines of a
+nation's capital. Little hills, little rivers, marshes, precipices,
+walls on the edges of tiny cliffs! It proved a better feat for Italian
+cavalrymen than for a stout poet, a man with a game leg and arms in
+lint, and a third one who did not know it, but who was already
+poisoned with fever germs. However, we had set it for ourselves to do,
+and we did it--without any more serious mishap than a kick in the
+equatorial region which I bestowed on the poet in dropping over a
+wall.
+
+Mr. Kipling had other experiences with hospitals when we were with him
+and when he was by himself. He was qualified to testify as he did
+before the Commission that looked into the manner in which the care of
+the sick and wounded was bestowed.
+
+While I was in Capetown I heard a story of an adventure of his, in
+which the parts played by him and by the hospital people were
+eminently characteristic of both. To begin with, he discovered that
+there were no bandages in a certain hospital! The reader imagines that
+such a state of things must have been most extraordinary--but it was
+not. Why should we conceal facts or mince words if we are earnestly
+endeavouring to probe our own weaknesses and mend our faults? I knew
+of hospitals without cots, without sheets, without pillows, without
+measuring glasses, without thermometers. These "hospitals" must have
+been little more than mere surgeons and staffs, for they applied to
+the Red Cross people for nearly everything--except medicines--which is
+required in the care of the sick. Thus Peter was robbed to pay Paul,
+for Tommy's "comforts" were swallowed up in getting him his
+necessaries. This was the case in Kimberley after the relief of the
+town, and it was again the case in Bloemfontein. But to return to
+Capetown. There Mr. Kipling discovered a hospital without bandages, in
+desperate need of bandages, in a city containing stores of bandages on
+sale in many places.
+
+Mr. Kipling mentioned to an acquaintance that he was going to supply
+that establishment with bandages, and this acquaintance, who was
+connected with the _Daily Mail's_ "Absent Minded Beggar Fund," at once
+offered to pay for all that Mr. Kipling would buy and take to the
+hospital. A cart was quickly loaded with bandages, and then Mr.
+Kipling was told that under the army rules the hospital authorities
+could not receive supplies from a private individual. "Well," said he,
+"I will dump the packages on the pavement before the door, and then
+tell them to come out and clear up the litter. They will get them into
+the building that way without tearing any red tape, I hope."
+
+He drove off with the bandages, I am told by the gentleman who footed
+the bill, but how the supplies were smuggled in I have never heard. I
+suspect that the rule against receiving supplies from civilians got a
+great many wrenches and fractures. But for civilians such as at least
+one Red Cross Commissioner of my acquaintance, Heaven only knows what
+these hospitals, that consisted of little else than a corps of men,
+would have been able to do. I asked my friend how it could be possible
+that an arm of the Government of Great Britain could find itself in
+such helpless and pitiable plights, and he replied that red tape was
+the root of the evil. Nobody dared to buy a measuring glass or a
+pillow-case or a cot for fear that his enterprise might bring him a
+reprimand and his bill might be repudiated. The hospitals had made
+demands outmeasuring the supplies, or the supplies had not come up
+from the Cape, or to the Cape from London. If private generosity was
+not appealed to circumlocution must be resorted to by means of
+requisitions which would be slowly forwarded to London and there
+passed upon. By this means the supplies would reach the front within
+three months after the patients were dead--provided that all should go
+smoothly with the circumlocution machinery.
+
+Mind, I know how extraordinary, excessive, and sudden were the demands
+made upon the Medical Corps after such a shocking affair as the Sunday
+fight at Paardeberg and during the enteric epidemic at Bloemfontein. I
+am in no position to say that any one was blameable or that better and
+ampler means of caring for the disabled could have been arranged. But
+let us not deny the facts or try to deceive any one with regard to
+them. That is no way for an earnest and ambitious and healthy people
+to meet an unpleasant situation.
+
+On the contrary, that is the very way to make certain of a worse
+"breakdown" of the hospital service in the next war.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 14.] BLOEMFONTEIN, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+A SONG OF THE WHITE MEN.[15]
+
+[Footnote 15: The poem by Rudyard Kipling which we publish in this
+issue was written some time ago to be read at a dinner in Canada and
+then published in the _Toronto Globe_. It has never been read in
+public, and it has never before been published. Like all his poems and
+writings, it is for all time--as good next year as to-day and always
+excellent in all seasons. It is copyrighted in England and America,
+and used here by Mr. Kipling's permission.]
+
+BY RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  Now, this is the cup the White Men drink
+    When they go to right a wrong,
+  And that is the cup of the old world's hate--
+    Cruel and strained and strong.
+  We have drunk that cup--and a bitter, bitter cup--
+    And tossed the dregs away,
+  But well for the world when the White Men drink
+    To the dawn of the White Men's day.
+
+  Now, this is the road that the White Men tread
+    When they go to clean a land--
+  Iron underfoot and levin overhead
+    And the deep on either hand.
+  We have trod that road--and a wet and windy road--
+    Our chosen star for guide.
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men tread
+    Their highway side by side.
+
+  Now, this is the faith that the White Men hold
+    When they build their homes afar:--
+  "Freedom for ourselves and freedom for our sons
+    And, failing freedom, War."
+  We have proved our faith--bear witness to our faith,
+    Dear souls of freemen slain!
+  Oh, well for the world when the White Men join
+    To prove their faith again!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+(_Editorial._)
+
+Mr. Rudyard Kipling left Bloemfontein for Capetown last night to
+rejoin his family and, presently, to sail with them to England.
+Believing that the arrangement of terms of settlement with the people
+of the Boer Republics will be the next important work for the British,
+he desires to be in London, there to speak and write for such a finish
+to the war as he deems best for Britons and Boers, for Africanders,
+for intending new settlers, for the future quiet and prosperity of
+South Africa, and for the honour and glory of the Empire.
+
+The editors of THE FRIEND bade him God speed and knew, when they
+wished him health, prosperity, and a long life, that there is not a
+man in the British Army or man or woman in the Empire in whose name
+they could not have warmly and sincerely repeated their own hearts'
+utterances.
+
+Mr. KIPLING came to the editorial rooms of this unique journal with an
+offer to assist us War Correspondents who are in charge, but he
+quickly and easily led us in the clearness of his views upon the
+paper's policy, in the wealth of talent he lavished upon its columns,
+and in the enthusiasm with which he collaborated with us. He evidently
+enjoyed this brief return to his old profession--as what man would not
+who ever fell under its exciting and fascinating influence? We do not
+doubt that he found an added and a powerful charm in the peculiar
+conditions under which we work--upon a journal created by and for a
+conquering army and published in a conquered capital.
+
+But it is of the pleasure we have known in being co-workers with him
+that we would write if it were fit that we should share our emotion
+with the public. Pleasure would be a trifling word to use were we to
+let our emotions flow. Honour and Pride were better terms, expressive
+of our stronger feelings.
+
+We can congratulate the friends of THE FRIEND that they shall read his
+work again in these columns before he sails for home. They have not
+lost him, but we have lost his company, we who knew his genius so well
+yet could not conceive it possible that to his talent he joined a
+personality so rich in varied charms as we have found it. For we have
+learned that he is sweet to the core, lovable, magnetic, modest, and
+sincere. He has the crystal frankness and the tireless enthusiasm of
+ever fresh and unsullied youth. Great as our readers know him to be in
+literature, we know him to be even greater as a man.
+
+Good luck to RUDYARD KIPLING, always, everywhere, to the end--and,
+then, to eternity.
+
+                                                  J. R.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE LATE COLONEL HON. G. GOUGH.
+
+BY BENNET BURLEIGH.
+
+And thou also hast gone over to the majority! To God's rest, most
+honest English gentleman. I saw thy bier go by but the other day in
+the streets of Bloemfontein. They gave thee, rightly, a soldier's
+funeral, and for love of thee many sorrowed and followed afoot to
+God's acre. Troopers with arms reversed were thine escort, our band
+played the "Dead March in Saul," and behind thy coffin, covered with
+the Union Jack and set upon a gun-carriage, walked that British
+Paladin, Field Marshal Lord Roberts, accompanied by a long concourse
+of all ranks--comrades of thine, men of distinguished service.
+Veterans and juniors were there, and besides these, for further token
+of the affection and esteem in which thou wert held by all who knew
+thee, a throng of the rank and file of the army.
+
+All was as it should be, for we had come to say our English "Goodbye;
+God be with thee." Sprung from the loins of a race of soldiers, thou
+wert all a true soldier should be, tender, brave, and true, a
+gentleman above gentlemen.
+
+It seems but a breath or so that I was wont to meet thee almost daily
+in London at the War Office. Lord Wolseley will miss thee, for he will
+never find a better Military Secretary than thou. Thy courtesy was
+uniform to all, thy frankness beyond question, as was thy readiness to
+do kindnesses; whilst thy fidelity to thy Military Chief was to thee a
+sacred duty.
+
+Cheery and pleasant, Gough of the 14th Hussars was a "beau sabreur," a
+man who inspired friendship and commanded respect. I could recall many
+incidents in all of which thou acquitted thyself like a Gough. There
+was the morning of Abu Klea in the Soudan, after the night of alarms
+that found thy fortitude undisturbed. I stood beside thee by the screw
+guns when the Dervish bullet smote thee upon the head and thou wert
+felled to earth as with the blow of a hammer. None who saw thee as
+thou lay unconscious doubted but that thou had been killed outright.
+Even when we learned that thou survived we held to the conviction that
+to the weight of such a stroke thou must succumb. But thou recovered
+and we rejoiced. Yet such a blow must have left its impress.
+
+None can ever know how in secret thou must have stoically suffered,
+for thy patience was as afore, unwearied, thy fondness for work and
+duty as untiring, and thy Christian spirit as unbounded. We, thy
+friends, thank thee for thy life of gallant bearing, thy sympathies,
+thy uncomplaining bearing of burdens.
+
+I deplore that I was not permitted to meet thee again in thy new
+office, a member of the Staff here in South Africa, serving under the
+worthiest of leaders, the chivalrous Field Marshal, Lord Roberts. Thou
+art in God's hands, most excellent Gough. There mayst thou abide. So
+let it be.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR FREEDOM'S CAUSE.
+
+BY TROOPER G. SIMES, ROBERTS' HORSE.
+
+  Not with vain boastfulness, careless, unheeding,
+    Left we our homes and prepared for the fray.
+  Sadly we answered our wives' gentle pleading,
+    Hearing the summons we turned to obey.
+
+  Not for the worth of the Rand's golden treasures,
+    Neither dominion, nor riches, nor power,
+  Ever had moved us to leave city pleasures,
+    Ever had held us together an hour.
+
+  'Twas not for this that we turned to assail you,
+    'Twas not for this that we entered the strife.
+  Loud though your country with tears may bewail you,
+    Can she blame us for this waste of young life?
+
+  What we have asked of you that we have given.
+    Down in the South you may live and be free.
+  When we have gained that for which we have striven,
+    Then we will come and will share it with thee.
+
+  Freedom you value but hoard as a miser;
+    Freedom we value but offer to all.
+  But of the conflict now sadder and wiser,
+    Blame you not us, but yourself, for your fall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE CENSOR AS AN EDITOR
+
+     _Finding us without a "Leader" for the Day, Lord Stanley
+     writes one._
+
+
+"The Friend" of April 3rd began its reading matter with a leader by
+the Censor. When he came to look over our proofs on that day he
+learned that we had not been able to find time to write an editorial.
+The value of a series of leading articles calculated either to inspire
+the army or to pacify or instruct the Boers had been newly impressed
+upon us by Sir Alfred Milner, and had, without doubt, been discussed
+at the headquarters of the Field Marshal.
+
+"I will see if I can write one," said Lord Stanley, and, seating
+himself by the smaller table, where pens and paper were at hand, he
+began and finished the editorial here reproduced, without even one of
+the "false starts" which even we who are most practised so often make;
+and, so far as I recollect, without more than two or three erasures of
+words. This gave me a new view of the capabilities of our censor--a
+view in which he appeared more than ever the fittest man in all the
+army for his exacting post.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+  Mr. Ralph,
+  Mr. Scull, of Chicago,
+  Mr. Buxton, of _The Friend_
+  are the 3 men behind the Censor.
+  Mr. Pearse, _Morning Post_.
+  Mr. Bennett Burleigh, _Daily Telegraph_.
+  W. B. Wollen, R.I.
+  Mr. Maxwell, of the _Standard_.
+  Mr. Melton Prior.
+  Mr. Rennet, of "Laffan's Bureau."
+
+_Lord Stanley Censoring Reports of a Battle. Photographed by Mr. H.
+Mackern, of "Scribner's Magazine."_]
+
+Perhaps the reader will see at this date and stage of the discussion
+over the lessons of the war that the practical, and with him wholly
+original, words spoken by Lord Dundonald in London on December 15th,
+were in some measure anticipated by Lord Stanley in this editorial.
+Both these noblemen set the same high value upon the services of the
+men of England without regard to class. Lord Dundonald said they would
+fight when called upon, but the best of them would not willingly or
+comfortably undergo the exactions of long-sustained military
+discipline. Our Censor was, at that time, for making their service an
+instantly ready organised source of strength to the Empire.
+
+Though there is little to republish from the columns of THE FRIEND of
+that day, the newspaper was a very complete and excellent collation of
+news of South Africa, the war, and the world. On this particular day,
+April 3rd, we published one of Mr. G. W. Steevens's artistic letters
+from the Natal front, taken from the _Daily Mail_; we copied an
+important article on the lessons of the war written by Mr. Amery for
+the _Times_, and altogether the army found the number very readable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 15.] BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+A LESSON LEARNED.
+
+BY LORD STANLEY.
+
+This war, with the opportunity it has offered to all branches of the
+service to see how the military machinery works when running at high
+pressure, must teach not only those who are out here superintending
+and running the machine, but also those at home who are paying for its
+running, many a useful lesson.
+
+That the machine has worked smoothly nobody for one minute will
+assert--but it certainly has run sufficiently smoothly to show that,
+with some alteration which experience alone could suggest to be
+desirable, our military engine may very easily be made as perfect as
+those of the Continental Powers are popularly supposed to be.
+
+But it is not our intention to show what failings have been
+discovered, and what lessons in manoeuvring--in transport--in
+equipment--are required to be learned. Our object to-day is to
+congratulate ourselves that one lesson at least which had to be
+learned has been partially learned--and that is that England must look
+not to one class or two classes of men for her soldiers and sailors,
+but must be able to draw upon all sorts and conditions of men, the
+rich alike with the poor, when she has to defend her honour at home or
+abroad.
+
+The first part of the lesson has been learned, and men of all ranks in
+life are vying with each other in their desire to serve their country
+in any capacity, however humble. This is good, but the lesson has not
+been entirely taken to heart yet. It will not do for England to have
+to wait for an hour of danger before these men come to the front. They
+must always be there at hand when required, and it behoves the
+Government at home to so legislate as to make permanent in the ranks
+of our army those classes of men who are now in it temporarily.
+
+Conscription may be a nasty pill for some to swallow. But what is in a
+name? Let us call it universal service, and let us ask our fellow
+countrymen at home to be prepared to emulate the example of those who
+are on service here and to be ready at all times and in all places to
+guard and defend the national flag--the symbol of British prestige and
+integrity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+POOR OLD CRONJE.
+
+  Driven from pillar to post,
+    Battered with shot and shell,
+  Knowing full well his cause was lost,
+    When the last of his burghers fell.
+  Surrounded on every hand,
+    He and his Army lay,
+  Determined to make a final stand,
+    Like a wounded stag at bay.
+
+  When the British guns belched forth,
+    The burghers held their breath,
+  And down in the trenches deep they hid
+    From these Messengers of Death.
+  But the British had the range,
+    And their lyddite and shrapnel fell
+  Into their trenches till they thought
+    We'd opened the gates of hell.
+
+  Then Cronje had enough,
+    And a message came to say
+  That he and his army surrendered,
+    And this on Majuba Day:
+  The day that the Boers held
+    And rejoiced with might and main,
+  The day they laid their arms on the veldt;
+    The day they'll ne'er hold again.
+
+  For Cronje's day is done,
+    The despot's rule is o'er,
+  Their hell-fire on the Women
+    And the Red-cross is no more.
+  For under escort he jogs along
+    With never a word to say;
+  He and his army four thousand strong
+    All bound for Table Bay.
+
+  And Cronje can pray as long as he may,
+    Till his poor old knees are sore;
+  But it seems Lord Roberts has found the way
+    To outwit the wily Boer,
+  And St. Helena is his quarters
+    Till the Transvaal War is o'er.
+
+                         JAS. L. WATSON,
+                          _1st Scots Guards._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE.
+
+Below we give a translation of a Dutch proclamation issued by Sir
+George Cathcart nearly half a century ago. The Capetown _Argus_ says
+that it shows a marked similarity to Lord Roberts' recent proclamation
+explaining the cause of the present war, but this we confess we are
+not so certain of, as that the proclamation is of interest in and for
+itself.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+By His Excellency Lieutenant-General the Hon. George Cathcart,
+Commander-in-Chief of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope in South
+Africa, and Territories and Dependencies thereof, and Vice-Admiral of
+the same; and Her Majesty's High Commissioner for the execution and
+adjustment of affairs of the Territory in South Africa bordering on
+and annexed to the Eastern and Northern Boundaries of the said Colony,
+and Governor of the Orange River Territory, &c., &c.
+
+Be it hereby made known to all leaders and people of all classes and
+nationalities within Her Majesty's borders of the Orange River
+Territory that I have come amongst you to offer equal rights and
+justice to all in the name of Her Majesty. I have come not to make
+War, but to settle all disputes and to establish the blessings of
+Peace.
+
+I therefore instruct and command all of you to remain quiet, every one
+of you in your own territory, and to await my judgment and decision.
+
+I have with me a sufficient number of troops of the Queen to command
+obedience, and to punish severely and punctually any Leader, Class, or
+Tribe who would dare to resist my lawful authority.
+
+All loyal subjects of Her Majesty will be prepared to join me, if I
+deem it necessary to call upon them for co-operation against any
+stubborn culprits.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+Given under my Hand and Seal, at Graham's Town, this 15th day of
+November, 1852.
+
+  GEORGE CATHCART,
+         Lieut.-General, Governor.
+
+  By order of His Excellency the Governor,
+                  WM. F. LIDDLE,
+                             Secretary.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+OUR CHRISTENING COMPETITION
+
+     _I declare the Original War ended and a New One
+     begun--Enteric's ravages._
+
+
+"The Friend" of April 4th contained a column of offers of a new name
+for the Orange Free State in response to our promise of a five guinea
+prize to the propounder of the most suitable new title for the
+country. We published a ballot form for use by our readers in voting
+for whichever five of the proposed names they preferred. All our
+readers were asked to vote, and it was to be our part to discover what
+person was the earliest to send in either the five most popular names
+or the greater number of them. This gave us such an addition to our
+labours that I suspect we were all as sorry as I know that one of us
+was for having gone into this gift enterprise.
+
+I was the author of the "leader" of the day upon "The End of the War."
+In this I said that the war first planned by the Boers was already
+over and won by the British. That was a war of extermination of the
+British in Natal and the Cape, which two colonies were to be the scene
+of the fighting, and to be captured by the Dutch. "It was to be
+fought out on British soil to the damage of British property and the
+slaughter of such British as did not flee from their homes. That war
+ended quickly in a complete failure. Now," I continued, "another
+struggle is going on to settle whether the two races are to live in
+peace together, whether the Boers are to continue to obstruct modern
+progress, and whether white men who live in South Africa are to enjoy
+white men's rights and white men's liberty."
+
+We published an interesting review of the life of the late Sir Donald
+Stewart, who had just died in England.
+
+Mr. Landon wrote an editorial requesting the editors of the
+mischievous Capetown organ of the Bond, _Ons Land_, not to send their
+wretched paper to our office, and he added that if we could have our
+way no such publication would exist.
+
+Mr. Gwynne was the author of the witty paragraph on "How History is
+Made."
+
+Enteric, the ravages of which were assuming extraordinary proportions,
+now began to exact attention from our contributors. One of these wrote
+recommending the transfer of enteric patients to a building put up as
+a retreat for lepers six miles away, at Sydenham. He argued that it
+was "not fair" to mass the fever patients in the buildings of
+Bloemfontein. I cannot have seen this article at the time, or it would
+have been either left out or answered by me with a modest suggestion
+that the "unfairness" might possibly be in allowing those of us who
+were well and strong to remain in the hotels, all of which, together
+with as many dwellings as were needed, could, perhaps, be turned into
+hospitals. To leave the fever-stricken men out in rain-soaked tents
+set up on muddy ground, where the most ordinary demands of nature had
+to be met at a risk of death--if this could be avoided, this was the
+unfair thing. I would have proposed that the sick soldiers and the too
+vigorous pro-Boers of Bloemfontein change places, putting our enemies
+in the tents, if such a course were possible.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 16.] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1900.   [Price One Penny.
+
+TO THE INHABITANTS OF BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+There is a great want of bedsteads for the use of the sick and wounded
+in the various hospitals here.
+
+An appeal is hereby made to the charity of the general public. All who
+can possibly spare any single bedsteads with mattresses and pillows
+complete, are earnestly requested to communicate with Colonel
+Stevenson, Principal Medical Officer, Maitland Street, who will
+arrange to receive them. Labels, with name and address of owner,
+should be affixed to each bedstead lent, so as to ensure its return
+when no longer required.
+
+  G. T. PRETYMAN,
+             Major-General,
+                         Military Governor.
+  April 3rd.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+WHEREAS: it is deemed expedient and necessary for the welfare of the
+Orange Free State that the Railway Service shall be resumed in the
+aforesaid Republic as far as circumstances permit,
+
+NOW THEREFORE,
+
+I, FREDERICK SLEIGH BARON ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I.,
+G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal and Commanding-in-Chief of the British
+forces in South Africa, do hereby appoint Lieutenant Colonel Edouard
+Percy Cranwill Girouard, D.S.O., Director of Railways, South African
+Field Force, Administrator of the State Railways in such portions of
+the Orange Free State as have been or may hereafter be occupied by
+British Troops. And I do hereby order that the Railway and Railway
+Telegraph Services shall be resumed in the portions of the aforesaid
+Republic already referred to, from the nineteenth day of March, 1900,
+under the existing Laws and Conventions of the Orange Free State,
+subject to such alterations as may from time to time be notified, and
+to the requirements of the army.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Thirtieth Day of March,
+1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+              ROBERTS, Field-Marshal,
+                      Commanding-in-Chief British Forces
+                                                  in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE RUSSIANS CAPTURE LONDON."
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+BLOEMFONTEIN, Thursday, received Friday.
+
+Kruger is reported to have proclaimed the annexation of the Free State
+to the Transvaal.
+
+It is also reported that he is circulating a proclamation that England
+is in dire straits, the Russians have occupied London and proclaimed
+it Russian territory (Reuter).
+
+It is painful to think that Lord Roberts is totally unaware that he is
+fighting for a country that has ceased to exist, that St. Paul's is
+now a Greek Chapel, that the Thames is called the Temsky River, that
+our beloved Queen is a prisoner at Moscow, and that Lord Salisbury is
+already trudging on the weary snow-bound way to the mines at Kara, in
+Siberia.
+
+Why do you laugh?
+
+To us it seems awful!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CAUGHT BY THE BOERS.
+
+After three weeks spent in "bluffing" the Colesberg Boers, by holding
+various kopjes with a half company at the bottom, I found myself one
+fine February morning seized with a sudden attack of "Mauseritis," and
+so forced to watch the rest of a disastrous rear-guard action without
+taking part in it.
+
+My company and one other, having spent a very cold night on a kopje
+N.W. of Rensburg, came down at 5 a.m. to find our other companies "not
+lost but gone before" to Arundel, and a sudden and unexpected Boer
+cross-fire brought on the aforesaid "attack." From 6 to 8 I lay
+watching little puffs of dust in the immediate vicinity, caused by our
+men returning the fire, as a lot of the Boers had followed us up and
+were lying down about 300 yards from me.
+
+At 8 our fire stopped, and up galloped batches of the ragged
+ruffians, the first two pointing Mausers at me and asking, "Rooinek
+wounded?" My answer, "Yes," seemed to relieve them, and they jumped
+off their horses, and quickly relieving me of carbine and belt (the
+only things they took) galloped on. At intervals of ten minutes all
+sorts and conditions followed them with, "Good morning, old chap," and
+they seemed very sorry at seeing me wounded. At 10, four of them,
+under the guidance of a commandant, carried me in a bit of sacking a
+mile to Rensburg Station, to the "Station Commandant's" Room, and I
+spent a happy day till 5 p.m. with 11 of our men, all air prevented
+from coming in by our inquisitive friends, the enemy, who "held" both
+doors and windows with great success, making the place a regular Black
+Hole.
+
+They seemed quite happy, just standing still, staring at us, and never
+uttering a syllable, though they would do anything we asked. At last,
+after hours of waiting, they moved us to a coachhouse close by and
+"dressed" us. We stayed there till 5 the next day, and had many
+interesting talks with them. One old man gave us a blessing, with "I
+wish Chamberlain was here to see you now." Their sole idea was that
+Jos. C. and Rhodes were entirely responsible for the war. Many such
+questions as "Were you compelled to fight?" &c., were asked you, and a
+small box of "sparklets" cartridges was a source of much wonder. My
+next move was to an empty store in Colesberg, where Hofman (of the
+Cape Parliament) had a Russian-German and Dutch Ambulance combined
+(one of his men had been fighting against us and now, covered with Red
+Crosses, helped to carry us about). I stayed there a week, having
+devoured more figs and grapes than ever before.
+
+All the English ladies and the Dutch Minister in particular brought us
+fruit, and I should like to thank them personally. Only the Dutch
+people were allowed in to see us, and were very keen on getting our
+buttons and badges as keep-sakes.
+
+They turned us out of the field hospital one night at 9, and we were
+jolted along in buck-waggons till 5 the next morning, then a halt of 5
+hours, and at last we got to Norval's Pont at 5 p.m., after the worst
+journey I ever hope to have. It was quite a treat seeing trees again,
+as some of the country we passed through was really pretty. Our
+ambulance train consisted of layers of stretchers, one above the
+other, on a large "bogey" truck. At Springfontein, we were entrusted
+to a German ambulance, from Hamburg, covered with crosses, doctors,
+nurses and patient helps, but they were very kind to us.
+
+We got news daily from the station telegraphist, Mr. Fryer, and Mr.
+Shipp, also employed on the station, till the escape from Pretoria put
+an end to our visitors. The hospital was half full of Boers, and they
+seemed perfectly happy sitting still the whole day long doing nothing,
+but smoking hard. Two engines were always left ready for emergency,
+the line being 100 yards away, so sleep at night was a matter of
+difficulty. Just when I was hoping we should be relieved, they moved
+us under the safe keeping of a Bloemfontein policeman in a gorgeous
+blue uniform to the Volks Hospital here, passing through hundreds of
+sleeping burghers in the station. Here we languished in the utmost
+comfort, till the famous Tuesday when little black specks on the veldt
+and the arrival here of "Bobs" made our scarce-believing eyes quite
+certain that we were no longer Boer prisoners.
+
+                                                  ANON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ENTERIC FEVER.
+
+BY AN ARMY SURGEON.
+
+No disease causes such havoc in modern campaigns as typhoid or enteric
+fever, and it becomes the duty of every one having authority to
+impress this fact upon the men committed to their charge. More
+especially is this duty imperative when troops are on the march, for
+many a valuable life is thrown away by the want of the strong hand of
+a wise discipline. When thirsty, men will drink anything, and it is
+here that good may be done. It is reported that one regiment on the
+march recently made the use of water-bottles a matter of drill, the
+word of command being given every hour for a mouthful of water to be
+drunk. As a result, men arrived in many cases at their bivouac with
+some water still left from their morning supply, without being one
+whit more thirsty than their neighbours.
+
+Typhoid in the vast majority of cases is waterborne, and hence the
+greatest care should be taken to avoid any dubious pan or pool. The
+only real preventative of this disease is to boil all water used, and
+although this may be impracticable on service, surely discipline will
+prevent the drinking of doubtful water. No medical observer can help
+wondering why more men were not inoculated on their way out from home.
+The inoculation does no harm, its pain is a small matter, and its
+utility in modifying the severity of the disease is now well
+established. Take a case in point: two officers in the same regiment,
+one aged 31 and the other 24, contracted the disease on the same day
+from the same source. On the usual lines, the younger man should have
+had the worst attack, and yet, although physically the weaker, he
+recovered and his senior died. The younger man had been inoculated but
+the other had not! Some will say that it was the senior's kismet, but
+let that pass. The campaign is now well begun, and it is not too late
+even now to furnish supplies of lymph to Medical Officers for use with
+their units.
+
+The disease now so rife is marked by an absence of abdominal symptoms
+and may, in its early stage, be overlooked. It is during this period
+of uncertainty that harm may be done by a solid diet, and it is safer
+by far for any one suspecting himself to be suffering from influenza
+or other vague disease to restrict himself for a few days to a milk
+diet. Then if the febrile condition passes off, no harm is done, but
+it is to be feared that few will take this amount of trouble over
+themselves.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+FOOLED BY THE BOERS
+
+     _British Leniency and Credulity abused Past Endurance._
+
+
+For several days THE FRIEND had been publishing this short but
+imperative announcement:--
+
+NOTICE.
+
+From to-day (inclusive) all civilians must be in their homes after 8
+p.m., unless provided with a SPECIAL PASS allowing them to be out.
+
+The Police have orders to arrest all persons breaking this rule.
+
+N.B.--This does not refer to civilians who are in the employ of the
+British Government, who will have a pass to this effect. By order,
+
+            B. BURNETT-HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant,
+                       Asst. Provost Marshal to Military Governor.
+      Government Buildings, April 1st, 1900.
+
+This notice was but one of many of the signs we gave forth that we
+were being fooled by the tricky Boers, and that at last we were
+compelled to admit it. Far back at De Aar I had seen how
+constitutionally unsuspicious was the average army officer, how
+certain he felt that, because he would not himself stoop to deception
+and treachery, no one else could miss the ennobling contagion of his
+example; how set he was upon carrying leniency and magnanimity to
+unheard of lengths, even with an enemy which neither practiced nor
+appreciated such treatment.
+
+Back in the days at De Aar the Boer spies were thick among us,
+pretending to have horses or forage for sale, but in reality watching
+us, and making daily reports to the enemy. Even then I begged my
+friends among the officers to observe what was going on, and to take
+steps to keep all Dutch-speaking men out of our slenderly guarded
+great storage camp of supplies. But the typical officer said then, as
+he said afterwards for months, "Oh, there's nothing to worry about.
+These people are our friends." And the occasional wide-awake
+non-typical officer ground his teeth and whispered, "Lord! Lord! how
+we are being played with! They know everything about us at every hour,
+in every move--and we not only know nothing of them, but are being fed
+up with lies."
+
+Far from merely keeping the Dutch out of our camps, we engaged the
+people of the country as transport drivers and waggon hands, and
+even--it used to be said--let them find their way into our corps of
+scouts and regimental guides. We demanded that they should know the
+Taal lingo and the country, and the result was that when we marched
+into a Boer village or hamlet we saw our own people hobnobbing with
+the residents, and asking, "Where's Piet? How's Billy? How have all of
+you been getting on?"--hail-fellow-well-met with these alleged
+"loyalists," who were among the most tricky, shuffling hypocrites I
+have ever met in any of my travels. On and on we went, never knowing
+anything of the Boers, and the Boers always thoroughly informed about
+us.
+
+Everywhere the slimy, slippery ranchers and tavern-keepers and
+merchants welcomed us with the heartiest speech, and always were we
+fooled by it. They had been born in the country, half the people or
+more in all that great region were out "on commando," no man except a
+pro-Boer or a born Boer could have been where we found these
+double-faced people, with their Judas-like pretence of friendship. It
+was self-evident that they must have been siding with our enemies. Had
+they been for us when our backs were turned, the Boers would have
+offered them a choice between joining their fighting forces or losing
+their property and their right to stay in the land. Capetown, Durban,
+and Port Elizabeth were crowded by the refugees who had taken an open
+stand for the British side, and been obliged to leave their homes.
+Nothing of this needed telling; it was indisputable, it was logical,
+it was common knowledge.
+
+At last we came to fighting battles that were surprises--to meeting
+Boer forces where we were told there were no Boers. When, at Modder
+River, Mr. Knox, of Reuter's, and I saw a large force of Boers ahead,
+and rode back to tell our friends in the army what we had seen, we
+were informed that what we announced was ridiculous. There were only
+"three hundred Boers within a dozen miles," and these would be quickly
+dislodged by our Ninth Lancers. We were to meet the Boers at
+Spytfontein, miles and miles ahead. Nevertheless, in fifteen minutes
+we began one of the chief battles of the war, against the largest
+force that had up to that time opposed our army.
+
+The next day saw us in the village of Modder River, welcomed by the
+men of the place, whose shops and taverns had been preserved in the
+very midst of the Boer army by--by what shall we say? It must have
+been either by the force of comradeship with the Boers or by
+miraculous and Divine intervention; one or the other, for there is no
+explanation of the phenomenon outside of these two alternatives. Did a
+single man from that village manage to cross the drift and warn us
+that six miles of trenches were ready to be filled by Boers when we
+should reach there? And why did no single individual among all these
+"friends" do us that service? Our guides and others rode far forward,
+and were gone for hours. What did they see or find, and why did they
+not discover the facts?
+
+We were fooled! fooled!! fooled!!!
+
+Without martial law in force behind us, as it should have been in
+force from Capetown to Kimberley, at the very beginning of the war,
+without maps of the country, surrounded by malignant enemies, who were
+the more dangerous in that they declared themselves friends. Knowing
+nothing, but betrayed in everything, we stumbled on--into Modder
+battle, up against Maghersfontein Kopje--fooled and tricked and played
+with for months on end.
+
+We caught one of two men who fired at us from beneath the white flag
+at Belmont. The other one our soldiers killed, but the one we
+caught--what of him? The quicker he was hanged and left hanging on top
+of a high kopje the sooner would have ended the contempt of the Boers
+for our methods, and the sooner would have come the end of the war.
+But I never was able to learn that he was treated otherwise than were
+the rest of our prisoners.
+
+When we came to a village like Modder River, where the Boers had been
+entertained and assisted in bridge-destroying and trench-digging, did
+we _reconcentrado_ the little population? What a lesson to the
+disloyal, what a strength to our arms that would have been! We did
+nothing; we left them in their homes; we found them with Boer warrants
+for pay for forage on their persons; we saw them slipping to and from
+our camp at night, while by day they loitered around our headquarters
+and told us how loyal they were. Fooled were we--to the brim, up to
+our eyes, past all understanding.
+
+Lord Roberts came, and the Boers tried the same old tricks. It is true
+that he maintained the same mistaken course of leniency--making war as
+light as possible for the Boers while they heaped its terrors upon
+us--but this mischievous, war-prolonging policy was so unvarying from
+Capetown to Bloemfontein that I always suspected it to have been
+ordered from home--perhaps by whoever it was that "preferred unmounted
+men" to catch the De Wets of the veldt. I cannot believe that Lord
+Roberts fought England's enemies in India in that way, or that he is
+blamable for that policy in South Africa. He was fooled, however, but
+not as others had been, nor did he evince the same fondness for being
+victimised as did certain of his subordinates. From the outset he took
+all ordinary precautions against treachery and double-dealing, and he
+was the first general to insist that the coloured native (very often a
+Boer spy) should be kept under supervision and should be at least as
+orderly, civil, and well behaved as white men were required to be.
+
+It was while we were at Bloemfontein that the Boers presumed too much
+upon our credulity and trustfulness at last. They did this by the most
+barefaced and wholesale act of hoaxing ever practised upon a modern
+army. We sent out our forces, small and large, over the whole southern
+half of the Free State, distributing Lord Roberts' promise of
+protection to all who surrendered their arms and signed an agreement
+to fight us no more. Gaily and trustingly our troops went here and
+there, and everywhere the people came out to meet them in apparently
+the same cordial spirit of goodwill. As they handed in their
+grandfathers' old elephant rifles and whatever other fire-arm curios
+had been thrown aside in their garrets, they assured us that they were
+sick of the war, that they had been tricked by Steyn, that they had
+only fought to prevent the Transvaalers from confiscating their cattle
+and perhaps to save themselves from being murdered. It was a beautiful
+spectacle of erring brotherhood repentant--for those who enjoy being
+played upon and laughed at.
+
+Even while the old junk was being brought to the railway we began to
+hear that wherever, in isolated cases, a man had honestly given up his
+Mauser and signed the British papers he was being plundered and
+persecuted by his neighbours, most of whom were still either fighting
+or awaiting orders to resume hostilities. My printers told me of
+friends whom they believed to have been shot for failing to take part
+in the hoax, and for seriously giving up the contest.
+
+And at Ladybrand the "friendly" and "repentant" Boers, who had been
+giving tea and entertainment to General Broadwood to hold his force
+until the enemy could capture it, fired on him from the very houses in
+which he had been drinking tea, when he got wind of the trap and
+slipped away--to Sanna's Post.
+
+The air began to fill with rumours of murder and pillage, the veldt
+again resounded with the hoof-beats of fighting commandos. We had the
+affairs at Reddersburg, Wepener, Karree Siding, Sanna's Post. We found
+that we were brushing our coatsleeves against those of active enemies
+in Bloemfontein--men who were apprising the enemy of our army
+movements and plans, who were even said to be slipping out at night,
+armed sometimes with messages and sometimes with Mausers.
+
+Thus the Boer cunning over-reached itself. It was the biggest hoax,
+the climax of the long course of hoaxing. It was the first time it had
+been practised upon Lord Roberts, but I also believe it was the last
+time as well.
+
+This was the meaning of the notices that now began to appear in
+different forms in THE FRIEND: that the Army was to be fooled no
+longer by mere lies and Iscariot handshakings. This was the purport of
+Lieutenant Burnett-Hitchcock's command that we should all carry
+passes; of Town Clerk Koller's order for all the Free Staters to give
+an account of their horses with proofs of ownership; of General
+Kelly's command that all troops "when out in positions" (around the
+town and elsewhere) "should invariably entrench themselves ... being
+careful that their flanks are secure"; of Lord Roberts's warning that
+our "friends" and others were to be held responsible in their persons
+and property for all wanton destruction of or damage to public or
+private property, which meant railway-wrecking principally.
+
+The Army at last was tired of being fooled.
+
+The editorial of the day was conceived in the same spirit of
+resistance to a farther continuance of the experiences of the Army in
+the past. It was headed "British Leniency," and was, I am almost
+certain, written by Mr. Gwynne under "inspiration."
+
+     What about British leniency and long-suffering? (the writer
+     asked). Let it be remembered we are still an army on active
+     service fighting a vigorous enemy. There are people to whom
+     British magnanimity has always and will always spell
+     weakness. We cordially welcome and will gladly receive our
+     new fellow-subjects. We shall not make our welcome depend
+     upon whether they fought against us or not. Those who stood
+     in the enemy's trenches and fought bravely for what they
+     considered to be their liberty will soon be convinced that
+     their struggle was prompted by men who knew not liberty, and
+     that Great Britain will extend to them a degree of freedom
+     which they never knew before. But--and let us here emphasise
+     the "but"--we will have no half measures. We do not ask the
+     newly-conquered Free Staters to take up arms against their
+     kinsmen now fighting against us, but we do ask and shall
+     maintain, with sternness, if necessary, a strict and rigid
+     neutrality on the part of those who have promised it by
+     oath. Let all take to heart this decision, that while Great
+     Britain will remorselessly punish all and any who interfere
+     with those who claim her protection, so will she as sternly
+     and severely bring heavy punishment on those who misuse her
+     tolerance and leniency.
+
+     The great extent of country through which the British army
+     has to operate has made difficult to afford that adequate
+     protection to those who have laid down their arms, convinced
+     that they were risking their lives uselessly. In some cases
+     these men have been molested and ill-treated by the enemy.
+     Full punishment will be meted out to those who have been
+     guilty of such acts. We have shown an example of leniency
+     and tolerance towards rebels, taken with arms in their hand,
+     which we did expect would have been followed by those who
+     direct the affairs of our enemies, and we shall exact of the
+     two Presidents a full and complete reparation for acts of
+     cruelty and inhumanity committed by those under their
+     control.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 17.] BLOEMFONTEIN, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1900 [Price One Penny.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+The following Military Officers are hereby appointed Justices of the
+Peace for the District of Bloemfontein during pleasure:--
+
+Major-General G. T. PRETYMAN, C.B., Military Governor.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel C. V. F. TOWNSHEND, C.B., D.S.O., Assistant to
+Military Governor.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel B. E. B. LORD CASTLETOWN, Special Service Officer.
+
+Major R. M. POORE, Provost Marshal.
+
+Captain W. A. J. O'MEARA, Chief Intelligence Officer.
+
+Captain P. HOLLAND-PRYOR, D.A.A., General.
+
+Given under my hand at Bloemfontein, this Fourth Day of April, 1900.
+
+     GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
+
+                            ROBERTS, Field Marshal,
+                   Commanding-in-Chief British Forces in South Africa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN.
+
+BY FRED EYRE, YORKSHIRE GREEN HOWARDS.
+
+  Far in a land so distant,
+    Out on the battle-field,
+  Raising the lance or carbine,
+    Or a sharp-edged sword they wield.
+  There lie the British Soldiers,
+    Fighting for home and Queen,
+  Marching by day, and by night as well,
+    Hard times are often seen.
+
+  Weary they tramp for their Country,
+    Marching when only half fed;
+  He'll rest where he can when they're halted,
+    Without sheet or blanket or bed.
+  Dreams of sweet home and of childhood
+    Will pass through his weary brain,
+  Restless he'll lie till morning,
+    Then he'll move on the march again.
+
+  But what of his wife and baby,
+    That he's left far behind at home?
+  Where is their love's protection?
+    Where is his heart to roam?
+  Urged on by a stern Commander,
+    Pushed by a Sergeant there,
+  Bullied by bits of Lance Corporals,
+    No wonder the poor soldiers swear.
+
+  Now then he's fighting like blazes,
+    The artillery guns loudly boom,
+  His rifle comes up to his shoulder,
+    And another brave Boer meets his doom.
+  Crack! crack! 'tis the brave soldier's music,
+    His spirits rise up--he can feel,
+  It's this music that raises his spirits,
+    And makes them as fearless as steel.
+
+  He is fighting for Queen and for country,
+    For his dear little baby and wife,
+  He knows that the foe must be beaten
+    And for this end he'll risk his dear life.
+  At last the day's fighting is over,
+    The wounded and dead lie around,
+  All now is quiet and peaceful,
+    From the guns we can hear not a sound.
+
+  But his poor wounded comrades lie moaning,
+    And gasping for life's loving breath,
+  But the great God of Love calls their spirits,
+    And they're clasped in the cold arms of death.
+  All things seem so strange and so dreary,
+    As sadly he gazes around,
+  He heaves a deep sigh and a tear dims his eye,
+    As he lies on the cold sodden ground.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NEVO!
+
+  But still we are here, what is left of us,
+    Noble and brave to be seen,
+  We've proved ourselves brave British soldiers,
+    _And willing to die for our Queen_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOKES TO BURN.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND.--SIRS,--Is it true that a certain
+cavalry general, on finding good grass for his horses for the first
+time at Koodoesrand, exclaimed, "By Jove, this will supply a
+long-veldt want"?
+
+That, to remind the burghers of the disgrace of Bloemfontein's fall
+into British hands, President Kruger has changed the name of the
+Transvaal capital to "Oomfontein"?
+
+That the landdrost has caused to be written on the gates of Kroonstad,
+"Nil sine Laboere"?
+
+That the Welshman called Mr. Kruger's son "ap-Paul" and the son's
+father "appalling"?
+
+That the man who said that President Steyn "showed no signs of
+stayin'" when we got near Bloemfontein was shot on the spot by his
+rear-rank man?
+
+That "The Gay Lord Treks" and the "Manoeuvres of Steyn" will be acted
+in London in the winter?
+
+That, in view of the late change of political opinion of the chief
+Bloemfontein newspaper, its name is to be changed to "Our Mutual
+Friend"?
+
+An early answer to some of these important questions will oblige,
+
+  Yours truly,
+             H. ATTER.
+                     Glen Siding, O.F.S., March 30th.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ARMY TEMPERANCE.
+
+BY CHAPLAIN T. F. FAULKNER.
+
+A most interesting meeting was held at the Town Hall on Monday evening
+in connection with the "Army Temperance Association," an organisation
+which owes its existence to the efforts and personal interest of
+Field-Marshal Lord Roberts which, as one of the speakers on the
+platform so rightly said, are always exercised in everything which is
+to the benefit of the British soldier. As, therefore, there are at
+present with our troops at Bloemfontein the President and Founder of
+the Association, two members of the Executive Committee, and many
+hundreds of members, it was a happy conception to call a meeting of
+those interested in Temperance work under the auspices of the
+Association, and one which commended itself to the approval of the
+Commander-in-Chief, who, in spite of many things which daily press
+upon him, readily consented to preside and speak at the meeting.
+
+Much is due to the energy of the Rev. Canon Orford for arrangements
+made, and the kindness of residents in the city, all of which tended
+greatly to the success of the meeting. Disappointments were
+inevitable. Sudden movements and the exigencies of the service robbed
+us of the company of many who would otherwise have been present, and
+we missed the promised help of the band of "The Buffs."
+
+On the platform were, besides the Commander-in-Chief and his personal
+staff, the Very Rev. the Dean; the Venerable the Archdeacon; Mr.
+Meiring, of the Customs, Mr. Falck, of the Post-Office; the Revs. T.
+F. Faulkner, F. B. N. Norman-Lee, and H. T. Coney, Chaplains to the
+Forces; Captain A. H. Webb, R.A.; Mr. Goddard, and R. Grindel, Esq.,
+2nd Coldstream Guards.
+
+Lord Roberts in his address expressed his great pleasure in being able
+to preside, and sketched clearly and briefly the history of the
+beginning of the Association in India, its rapid growth in spite of
+antagonism, its ultimate and acknowledged success, and eventually its
+introduction into England, where now it can boast of a branch in
+almost every regiment and depot in the kingdom. He particularly
+emphasised its being a _temperance_ and not only a "total abstainer"
+society, and lastly pointed to the work done by the troops under his
+command during the past few weeks as an evidence of what can be done
+by temperate, or in this case almost entire non-abstaining, men, than
+whom (he said) he had never seen any to march better, endure
+privations more contentedly, or to be better behaved.
+
+Mr. Lodge followed with an excellent song, admirably sung, which
+promptly elicited an "encore," which he kindly granted.
+
+Rev. T. F. Faulkner then gave a short address about the principles of
+the Association and how they might affect and be affected by the
+exigencies of the march, and expressed the feeling of gratitude and
+pleasure which all A.T.A. members must share at the interest shown in
+their undertaking by the clergy and citizens of Bloemfontein.
+
+A treat was then accorded to the audience in two songs sung by Miss
+Fraser, who most willingly responded to the vigorous appeal of our
+soldiers. Such singing by a lady we had not heard for a long time,
+and the men were not slow to detect the high order of Miss Fraser's
+powers. The Very Rev. the Dean gave a warm welcome as temperance
+workers in the name of those in Bloemfontein who had the work at
+heart, and spoke of the encouragement to them which such a meeting
+afforded.
+
+An amusing song by Capt. Webb, R.A., also loudly encored, formed a
+pleasing contrast in the programme. Mr. Lodge and Miss Fraser were so
+good as to sing yet another song each, much to the delight of our
+members. Two short speeches by Mr. Grindel and Capt. Webb on the
+subject of the Association's worth and object and the members' duties
+in connection with it, brought the programme to a close save for the
+few graceful words spoken by Rev. F. B. N. Norman-Lee, in expressing
+the thanks of the meeting to Lord Roberts for his presence, and to
+those who had, by their kind help, conduced towards the success of the
+meeting and the pleasure of those who had attended it. The Rev. H. T.
+Coney, who had taken an active part in getting up the meeting, proved
+himself an excellent accompanist. The National Anthem closed the
+proceedings.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_The same by Another Contributor._
+
+The presence of the Field Marshal, who may be called the father of the
+Association, attracted many who, perhaps, have not been identified
+with the movement. All who attended were repaid by getting a sight of
+the man of the hour in South Africa, and listening to his speech of
+introduction. In well-chosen words he gave a brief outline of the
+founding of the Association, its growth from the Total Abstinence
+Association first founded in India, and the gradual broadening of its
+scope and purposes. He told of the influence of the A.T.A. in the
+army, how it was free from prejudice and sectarianism, and he pointed
+out to the soldiers the advantages of joining. Every member was known
+to his commanding officer, and for important posts men were often
+chosen because of this membership.
+
+The soldiers who filled the body of the hall dwelt on every word that
+fell from the lips of the man they loved. When he spoke of the "Army
+it was now his great honour to command," the Field Marshal showed his
+depth of feeling in his voice. He was proud to be the leader of "the
+best-behaved army in the world"; he spoke of the splendid way in which
+the troops had marched, of how uncomplainingly they had endured the
+hardships of the campaign and how well they had fought. In a
+half-joking manner he spoke of them as having all been members of the
+A.T.A. Modder River water was all they had to drink, and sometimes
+little of that. In a graceful way the Field Marshal thanked the people
+of Bloemfontein for the interest shown by their attendance, and he
+expressed his gratitude to Miss Fraser and Mr. Lodge for voluntarily
+helping the success of the meeting with their songs. Constantly the
+soldiers interrupted the speech with applause, and when Lord Roberts
+had concluded, it was some time before it died away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VOICES FROM OVER THE SEA.
+
+BY G. SIMES, OF ROBERTS'S HORSE.
+
+  Though thirteen thousand miles of foam
+    Divide us from the land
+  That bred our sires, yet we their sons
+    With you united stand,
+  And in this year of warring strife
+    From over all the earth
+  We haste to help the grand old land
+    That gave our fathers birth.
+
+  From inland plain, from mountain height,
+    From city and from coast,
+  From divers ends of all the earth,
+    From the dear land we boast
+  Our proud descent; and never where
+    Our language may be spoken
+  Shall the strong tie that binds us to
+    Our mother land be broken.
+
+  All round the world we live in lands
+    Thy enterprise has won,
+  And when the day with you is past
+    With us the rising sun
+  Brings light to carry on the work
+    Bequeathed to us by Thee;
+  We make and shape an Empire that
+    Extends from sea to sea.
+
+  The same clear head, the same firm tread
+    And independent air
+  That made all other men seem mean
+    Who with thy sons compare;
+  The same cool, prudent common-sense
+    And strong decision that
+  Conquer with the tools of peace
+    Or weapons of defence.
+
+  Nor Greece, or Rome, or France, or Spain
+    Had at their highest hour
+  One-half thy Empire, half thy wealth
+    Or world-embracing power,
+  And not to any race that lives
+    In History's wondrous story
+  Has ever been vouchsafed on earth
+    Such universal glory.
+
+  And we thy sons as much as those
+    Who stay at home with thee,
+  All seedlings planted far away
+    From the ancestral tree,
+  Breed true and show in branch and sap
+    The same old sturdy merit,
+  And plant our British customs in
+    The lands that we inherit.
+
+  And now from all your distant lands
+    With haste we come to show
+  We do not wait for you to ask
+    Our help against the foe,
+  But gather round thee pleased to have
+    The opportunity
+  Of proving to the world in arms
+    Our splendid unity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+BY MR. LIONEL JAMES.
+
+I.
+
+Events have followed each other during the last week in such rapid
+succession that it is impossible to give more than a short epitome of
+the engagements at Karree Siding and Waterfall Drift. The cavalry
+reconnaissance to Brandfort showed that there was a considerable
+concentration of the enemy in that town, and as the Intelligence
+Department had information that a large force of Boers, re-equipped
+and remounted, had come down from Kroonstadt, it was deemed necessary
+to occupy the clump of kopjes in which Karee lies.
+
+The enemy forestalled this move, and on 27th March the hills round
+Karee were reported held. As both flanks of the Karee position
+presented ground over which it was possible for cavalry to work, a
+plan of operations was made by which it was hoped that our occupation
+would result in the capture of the enemy's advance guard.
+
+With this object a Cavalry division under General French, a brigade of
+Mounted Infantry and an Infantry division under Lieut.-Gen. Tucker
+concentrated at Glen on April 28th. On the following morning the
+Cavalry made a detour round the right of the enemy's position, the
+mounted Infantry under Lieut.-Col. Le Gallais making a similar
+movement round the left. The object of this operation was obvious. The
+mounted Corps were to be prepared to come into action at the rear of
+the Boer position as soon as General Tucker delivered his Infantry
+attack.
+
+At 10 a.m., having received heliographic communication from Gen.
+French, Gen. Tucker put his division in motion--he advanced it across
+the four miles of plain leading to the foot of the range of kopjes in
+echelon of battalions, Gen. Chermside's Brigade on the right, General
+Wavell's on the left. The position which he essayed to attack, in the
+vicinity of Karee, may be roughly termed three parallel ridges with a
+stretch of valley between each.
+
+Contrary to all expectation, the first ridge was found unoccupied and
+the infantry advanced without opposition, until the leading battalion
+(Lincolns) reached the foot of the second parallel. Here they were
+fired into by a patrol, which itself fell back at once. Under cover of
+a few rounds from the guns which came into action on the left of the
+advance, the second range was occupied. Beneath this lay the plain of
+Karee, a flat of about 2,000 yards, the station standing in the
+centre.
+
+At first it was not evident that the third parallel of hills was held.
+But as the Norfolks, Lincolns, and six companies of the King's Own
+Scottish Borderers scaled a considerable kopje which commanded the
+left of the final parallel, shrapnel was burst over them from a field
+gun which appeared to be in the valley below. The rest of Chermside's
+brigade, covered by a few of the C.I.V., were pushing across the open.
+The mounted men and two companies of the K.O.S.B.'s advanced to within
+200 yards of the final position before the enemy declared their
+presence by opening fire. The reception which the advanced line
+received from the marksmen lining the hill east and from individuals
+ensconced in the bushes on the slopes of the hills was so sharp that
+the line was checked and part of it forced to retire. The three field
+batteries then came into action against a high tableland kop which
+formed the right of the held position, the advance remaining checked
+the while.
+
+A battery was detached to aid the right, as the K.O.S.B.'s were
+suffering from a well-directed and well-ranged shrapnel fire. This
+battery was not able to come into action, as the teams were unable to
+bring the guns up the slope of the position chosen. But three of
+Wavell's battalions were brought across the open and an assault was
+attempted on the main kopje.
+
+Matters practically remained at a deadlock until four p.m., when the
+sound of French's guns was heard in the rear of the enemy's position.
+Three shrapnel burst on the nek connecting the left and centre of the
+Boer position. The Mauser fire stopped as if by magic, and the enemy
+vacated. The whole line then advanced and occupied the enemy's
+position, the latter retreating across the plain in the direction of
+Brandfort, taking their guns with them, which they unlimbered at
+intervals to shell the cavalry.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RICOCHETS.
+
+Lady Edward Cecil and Lady Charles Bentinck are here on a visit.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An amusing incident occurred the other day at the Glen. An officer of
+one of the Guards Battalions, whose name resembles that of the
+station, was found bathing in the Modder by a flying sentry stationed
+there to prevent the men from bathing. The sentry knew his duty, and
+unceremoniously ordered the delinquent to come out of the water,
+whereupon the gallant captain, in all his nakedness, approached the
+bank and indignantly asked the man, "Can't you see I am an officer?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+DR. A. CONAN DOYLE CONTRIBUTES
+
+     _And this suggests a few remarks about the much-discussed
+     Treatment of our Sick._
+
+
+The editorial in the number of April 6th was written by me, with the
+assistance of Mr. Kipling, who aided me in phrasing concisely and with
+force the declaration of British principles in the body of the
+article. The manuscript was set up and "proved" while he was with us,
+and then was sent to the Residency in order that the authorities might
+look up some one capable of translating it into the Taal language. It
+was the first of our editorials to be printed, like Lord Roberts's
+proclamation, in both tongues. In English it was entitled, "to the
+People of the Free State," and this line was paralleled in our columns
+with this counterpart in Taal:
+
+AAN HET VOLK VAN DEN (? ORANJE) VRIJ-STAAT.
+
+Dr. A. Conan Doyle, who has since written so excellent a book upon
+"The Great Boer War," had recently arrived in Bloemfontein, and
+enjoyed his first welcoming dinner with the editors of THE FRIEND at
+the Free State Hotel. He took a keen interest in our strange newspaper
+venture, and willingly wrote for us when we asked him to do so. The
+ringing, sturdily-phrased article, "A First Impression," which
+appeared in this number of April 6th, was by him.
+
+But he came at the head of the Langman Field Hospital, and was, at
+first, busy in establishing that most excellent, much-needed
+institution on the cricket-ground; then busier far in looking after
+the enteric patients who passed under his care in numbers startling to
+record. It fell to me to write a notice of his arrival, in which I
+said--and from my heart--"We welcome him to the British Army. We had
+hoped to welcome him to the staff of THE FRIEND, but, in view of the
+humane and philanthropic work which busies him night and day, we
+cannot betray such selfishness as to express any disappointment over
+this loss.
+
+"So true a talent as his compels him to write, whether he will or no,
+and he has promised us a thought or an observation, now and then, out
+of his golden store. Perhaps at the end of the war he may give to the
+world a companion book to his undying 'White Company.' If it is called
+the 'Khaki Company,' and deals with the exploits of Englishmen of
+to-day, there will be, thank God, no lack of deeds of valour as
+stirring, courage as calm, and warfare as enthusiastic as he found to
+electrify the pages of the earlier work."
+
+[Illustration: A first Impression
+
+It was only Smith-Dorrien's brigade marching into Bloemfontein but if
+it could have passed just as it was, down Piccadilly and the Strand it
+would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck which we
+were unloading and watched them, the ragged bearded fierce-eyed
+infantry straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who could
+conceive who has seen the prim soldier of peace that he could as
+quickly transform himself into this grim virile barbarian. Bulldog
+faces, hawk faces, hungry wolf faces--every kind of face except a weak
+one. Here and there a reeking pipe--here and there a man who
+smiled--but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little forward,
+their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute. Baggage
+waggons were passing, the mules all shin & ribs, with the escort
+tramping beside the wheels.
+
+_A Page of Dr. Conan Doyle's "Copy."_]
+
+All who were in Bloemfontein spoke as highly of the Langman Hospital
+as I have done, and in the same--even in a more ardent manner--had we
+all praised the Australian Field Hospital, which we got to know
+before Lord Roberts took command. Especially did we exalt these
+institutions in our mind, because of the way in which we contrasted
+them with the outfits of the R.A. Medical Corps. We could not then see
+why it was that private individuals and colonies should surpass the
+richest nation on earth in their equipments for the care of the sick
+and wounded, or why the richest nation on earth should have to rely on
+these outside establishments, and beg of the Red Cross agents and of
+the people of South Africa for the means to complete the equipment of
+her own field hospitals.
+
+It is not a pleasant subject. It does not force itself into a book
+upon "the brighter side of war" by reason of any especial harmony with
+that title. But it suggests a story which England needs to know--which
+England must wish to know if she means to keep her place among the
+fighting powers by the only means by which that status can be
+maintained--which is the stopping of every source of weakness and the
+reform of every evil in her army. As I said when I was urged to
+testify before the Commission which inquired into the subject, I did
+not study the matter when I was with the army. I was conscious of the
+general belief that the hospital service did not meet the demands of
+the situation either after the awful losses at Paardeberg, or, later,
+when enteric claimed between 5,000 and 7,000 victims at Bloemfontein.
+
+Death was thick in the air. Nearly every correspondent and officer
+counted more friends who were sick than he had known to be wounded or
+killed in battle. The rains had set in. The veldt was like a marsh.
+The nights were bitterly cold. The dead in their blankets pursued us
+in the streets of the town and on every ride we took upon the veldt.
+My concern for my son took me daily to the Volks Hospital, where the
+doctor and nurses said that enteric in Bloemfontein took on so mild a
+form that they should "consider it a lasting disgrace to have a
+patient die of that disease," and yet every time I went to that
+hospital I heard from other visitors how many were the deaths in the
+army hospitals. I heard, too, how bad were the sanitary arrangements,
+how inefficient were the often untrained "Tommy" nurses, how dreadful
+were the risks the patients were obliged to take (in some field
+hospitals) in obeying the commands of nature.
+
+Now that I have returned to England I have had a high official of the
+Medical Corps say to me, "It was known beforehand that the service
+must break down in war because it was undermanned; it was never made
+familiar with its work, it had too few reserves to draw upon; when it
+was distended by the sudden and extraordinary demands of war it had to
+grow on paper, but not in fit and proper _personnel_ or _materiel_."
+
+Here, then, is the basis for what must, sooner or later, be exposed to
+all the nation. Knowing that things were amiss, and that they could
+not have been otherwise, the people need not wait two or five years
+for all the facts, or for the creation of a mis-applied "sensation."
+Let them doggedly and firmly insist that the loudly promised reform of
+the army shall be certain to include the establishment of a properly
+trained, equipped, and proportioned R.A.M.C., and that the lingering
+prejudice of the regular army officer against this most useful,
+economic, and essential corps shall vanish before the will of the
+people as stubble is swept up by a prairie fire.
+
+Mr. Gwynne wrote the obituary notice of Archibald Forbes, Mr. Fred W.
+Unger wrote a descriptive article called "The Inexpressible Veldt,"
+and we were rejoiced once again to publish a contribution in verse by
+Mr. A. B. Paterson, of Sydney.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 18. BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1900 [Price One Penny.
+
+TAKEN FROM THE OFFICE OF "THE FRIEND."
+
+Monday or Tuesday, a pair of Field Glasses, a pair of Wire Cutters,
+and Leather Pouch. Please return same and claim reward.[16]
+
+[Footnote 16: The victim of this bold theft out of our sanctum was Mr.
+James Barnes, our occasional contributor and assistant.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The time by which Civilians have to be in their houses is extended to
+9 p.m. on Sundays, to enable them to return from Church.
+
+              B. BURNETT HITCHCOCK, Lieutenant,
+       Asst. Provost-Marshal to Military Governor.
+  April 6th, 1900.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THAT V.C.
+
+BY A. B. PATERSON.
+
+  'Twas in the days of front attack,
+    This glorious truth we'd yet to learn it,
+  That every "front" has got a "back,"
+    And French is just the man to turn it.
+
+  A wounded soldier on the ground
+    Was lying flat behind a hummock;
+  He proved the good old proverb sound,
+    "An army travels on its stomach!"
+
+  He lay as flat as any fish,
+    His nose had worn a little furrow,
+  He only had one frantic wish--
+    That like an ant-bear he could burrow.
+
+  The bullets whistled into space,
+    The pom-pom gun kept up its braying,
+  The four-point seven supplied the bass;
+    You'd think the Devil's band was playing.
+
+  A valiant comrade crawling near
+    Observed his most supine behaviour
+  And crawled towards him, "Eh! what cheer?
+    Buck up," says he "I've come to save yer!"
+
+  "You get up on my shoulders, mate!
+    And if we live beyond the firing,
+  I'll get a V.C. sure as fate,
+    Because our blokes is all retiring.
+
+  "It's fifty pound a year," says he,
+    "I'll stand you lots of beer and whisky."
+  "No," says the wounded man, "not me,
+    I won't be saved; it's far too risky!
+
+  "I'm fairly safe behind this mound,
+    I've worn a hole that seems to fit me,
+  But if you lift me off the ground
+    It's fifty pound to one they'll hit me!"
+
+  So off towards the firing-line
+    His mate crept slowly to the rear, oh!
+  Remarking, "What a selfish swine!
+    He might have let me be a hero!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FREE STATE.
+
+BY MESSRS. KIPLING AND RALPH.
+
+The British have come to stay.
+
+Our students of political economy have taught us that the constitution
+and laws of the old Free State were as nearly perfect as any that
+could be framed for a democracy.
+
+The basis of the British Government is that of an enlightened and
+progressive democracy.
+
+It is therefore certain that British rule will not bring any violent
+or revolutionary changes to the conditions under which you citizens
+have been living.
+
+What are British principles?
+
+The absolute independence of the individual, so long as he does not
+interfere with his neighbour's rights.
+
+Prompt and equal justice, before the Lord, to all men.
+
+A natural and rooted antipathy to anything savouring of military
+despotism, in any shape or form.
+
+Absolute religious toleration and freedom of belief for all peoples.
+
+Prompt and incorruptible justice to all men in every walk of life.
+
+The right of every man to make his home his castle.
+
+In view of these things and of the unalterable fact that the country
+has passed under a new rule, why should burghers hesitate or delay in
+making friends with the new situation?
+
+We are your friends. We have never felt unfriendly toward you; for
+even in war we realised that you were deceived by unwise and selfish
+leaders.
+
+Let us, then, repeat the new motto of the Free State, printed at the
+head of the newspaper, "All has come right," for we are certain that
+as soon as your people realise what is to be the new rule under which
+you are to live, you will know and acknowledge that the right has
+prevailed, and that never again shall you stand in fear of a military
+oligarchy like the Transvaal; or of tyranny or injustice in any form.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A FIRST IMPRESSION.[17]
+
+[Footnote 17: Copyrighted. Used here with the author's permission.]
+
+BY A. CONAN DOYLE.
+
+It was only Smith-Dorrien's Brigade marching into Bloemfontein, but if
+it could have been passed, just as it was, down Piccadilly and the
+Strand it would have driven London crazy. I got down from the truck
+which we were unloading and watched them, the ragged, bearded,
+fierce-eyed infantry, straggling along under their cloud of dust. Who
+could conceive, who has seen the prim soldier of peace, that he could
+so quickly transform himself into this grim, virile barbarian? Bulldog
+faces, hawk faces, hungry wolf faces, every sort of face except a
+weak one. Here and there a reeking pipe, here and there a man who
+smiled, but the most have their swarthy faces leaned a little forward,
+their eyes steadfast, their features impassive but resolute. Baggage
+waggons were passing, the mules all skin and ribs, with the escort
+tramping beside the wheels. Here are a clump of Highlanders, their
+workmanlike aprons in front, their keen faces burned black with months
+of the veldt.
+
+It is an honoured name that they bear on their shoulder-straps. "Good
+old Gordons!" I cried as they passed me. The sergeant glanced at the
+dirty enthusiast in the undershirt. "What cheer, matey!" he cried, and
+his men squared their shoulders and put a touch of ginger into their
+stride. Here are a clump of Mounted Infantry, a grizzled fellow like a
+fierce old eagle at the head of them. Some are maned like lions, some
+have young, keen faces, but all leave an impression of familiarity
+upon me. And yet I have not seen irregular British cavalry before. Why
+should I be so familiar with this loose-limbed, head-erect, swaggering
+type; of course it is the American cow-boy over again. Strange that a
+few months of the veldt has produced exactly the same man that springs
+from the western prairie. But these men are warriors in the midst of
+war. Their eyes are hard and quick. They have the gaunt, intent look
+of men who live always under the shadow of danger. What splendid
+fellows there are among them!
+
+Here is one who hails me; the last time I saw him we put on seventy
+runs together when they were rather badly needed, and here we are,
+partners in quite another game. Here is a man of fortune, young,
+handsome, the world at his feet, he comes out and throws himself into
+the thick of it. He is a great heavy-game shot, and has brought two
+other "dangerous men" out with him. Next him is an East London farmer,
+next him a fighting tea-planter of Ceylon, next him a sporting
+baronet, next him a journalist, next him a cricketer, whose name is a
+household word. Those are the men who press into the skirmish-line of
+England's battle.
+
+And here are other men again, taller and sturdier than infantry of the
+line, grim, solid men, as straight as poplars. There is a maple-leaf,
+I think, upon their shoulder straps, and a British brigade is glad
+enough to have those maples beside them. For these are the Canadians,
+the men of Paardeberg, and there behind them are their comrades in
+glory, the Shropshire Light Infantry, slinging along with a touch of
+the spirit of their grand sporting colonel, the man who at forty-five
+is still the racquet champion of the British army. You see the dirty
+private with the rifle under his arm and the skin hanging from his
+nose. There are two little stars upon his strained shoulders, if you
+could see them under the dirt. That is the dandy captain who used to
+grumble about the food on the P. and O. "Nothing fit to eat," he used
+to cry as he glanced at his menu. I wonder what he would say now? Well
+he stands for his country, and England also may be a little less
+coddled and a little more adaptive before these brave, brave sons of
+hers have hoisted her flag over the "raad zaal" of Pretoria.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MODERATE DRINKER'S LAMENT.
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_From the Household Brigade Magazine._)
+
+WITH APOLOGIES TO RUDYARD KIPLING.
+
+  When you've done your meat and jipper--when you've 'ad your go o' beer--
+    When your duff 'as filled the corners of your shape--
+  P'raps you'll kindly spare some sympathy, and drop a silent tear
+    For a gentleman in khaki at the Cape.
+  'E's an absent-bodied beggar--as it's needless to relate--
+    An' 'is most frequented pub'll fail to find him,
+  For 'e doesn't get a chance to chalk 'is drinks up on a slate
+    'Cause 'e's left Three-thick and Drug-'ole far behind 'im.
+
+  _Lime-juice mixed with water the colour of mud
+    (Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),
+  Bully beef and rooty, and where shall we find a spud?
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  Now we falls in of a mornin', an' we knows there's work to do
+    Simultaneous with the risin' of the sun;
+  We can see 'em on the kopjes, and their numbers isn't few,
+    An' it's more than rather likely there's a gun.
+
+  When we get within "fixed sights" it's ten to one the blighter's gone,
+    And an absent-bodied beggar we shall find 'im,
+  For 'e mounts 'is 'orse an' offs it when 'e finds us comin' on,
+    An' e' never leaves a drop o' drink be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Pile arms! Lie down! Now let the Transport come!
+    (Am I 'ungry and thirsty? Wait till I let you see!)
+  Bully beef and rooty, and somebody's pinched my rum.
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  There's a chap called Wilfrid Lawson as is always on the squeak,
+    An' 'e turns the liquor question inside out;
+  But a bloke can do a gallon--if the tiddley's fairly weak--
+    Without actually going on the shout.
+  But the absent-bodied tippler feels a temporary check
+    When 'e tastes a kind of something to remind him,
+  There's a Boer up the river with a stone around 'is neck
+    'As a filter what old Cronje's left be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Fill mine! Mine too! (Smells like a bloomin' drain!)
+    Fill at the nearest water, spite of the M.F.P.
+  Bully beef and rooty, and something's give me a pain,
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+  Don't you fancy I'm a-grousin'. You can look me in the face
+    An' judge if I'm a coward or a cur,
+  When I tells you 'ow I scrambled up each blood-an'-thunder place
+    Without any 'esitation or demur.
+  Still, your absent-bodied comrade's got a thirst what's run to waste,
+    And 'e'll show you in the future, when you find 'im
+  Back in Wellington or Chelsea, as 'e's not forgot the taste
+    Of the beer what 'e's at present left be'ind 'im.
+
+  _Wayo! 'Ere's luck! Drink to your sweet-'eart dear
+    (Fifty thousand 'orse and foot, moderate drinkers we),
+  Wait till the war is over, then for the pint o' beer,
+    Pass your tin, for there's nothing to drink but tea, tea, tea!_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+LOOT AND LURID CRAZES
+
+     _A chapter in which we also tell of a modest Prince and a
+     gallant Adventurer._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND" contained notices of Kruger sovereigns and Transvaal
+pennies for sale, of Boer rifles and saddles, but none of the postage
+stamps of the former Free State or the newly surcharged ones in use by
+the Army. Though Transvaal pennies fetched twenty-five shillings and
+were in great demand, the real enthusiasm of collectors was for
+postage stamps, and officers and others were busy as bees buying
+stamps and having them erased to make them the more valuable.
+
+South Africa is as bare and barren a place for collectors, and even
+for the modest traveller who wishes for merely one trifling souvenir,
+as can be imagined. The war provided some trophies in the way of
+shells and Mauser rifles, but outside these there was nothing except,
+perhaps, the empty ostrich eggs to be found in every Boer house--and
+also to be found everywhere else in the civilised world.
+
+The most coveted war trophies were: first, the Transvaal and Free
+State flags; second, the extraordinary waistcoats worn by a few Boers,
+and covered all over with cartridge slits or pockets made especially
+to hold the Mauser "clips" of five cartridges each; third, old Dutch
+Bibles illustrated by quaint woodcuts, and fourth, Boer rifles.
+However, even the war trophies were few and hard to get, and the
+singular energy of collectors expended itself in the gathering of new
+and old postage stamps, at which generals, colonels, and Tommies
+busied themselves, and a well-known London man of my acquaintance
+cleared a profit of L300, still reserving for himself a handsome
+collection.
+
+The name of Prince Francis of Teck no longer appeared in THE FRIEND
+beneath the demand he had been making for horses. I remember that the
+circus-ground he had pre-empted for the safe-keeping of his stock was
+now full of animals one day, half-empty the next day, and full again
+on the third, as he bought and distributed his live stock. I want,
+before I forget it, to tell how some of us editors entertained him
+without having the vaguest idea who he was.
+
+He was invited to dinner at the Free State Hotel by Mr. Landon, who
+saw him seated and then introduced him to the rest of us, but in so
+indistinct a manner that we did not catch his name. We simply saw in
+our company a handsome and stalwart young officer of imposing stature,
+and evidently profound good-nature. We all conversed upon the current
+topics of the day and place, and one of us, I remember, had occasion
+to differ with our guest, diametrically, upon some point--doing so as
+bluntly, though not at all rudely, as men were apt to do in such a
+place and at such a time--when the extra and more elaborate
+formalities are apt to be laid aside for future use at the Mount
+Nelson Hotel, and later in the routine of life at home.
+
+After dinner our guest suggested that he should enjoy a chat and smoke
+in our company elsewhere than in the noisy dining-room, so we invited
+him to Mr. Kipling's bedroom, which was larger than Mr. Landon's or
+Mr. Gwynne's or mine. We spent a very pleasant hour in freest
+converse, one of us being prone upon one bed and rolling around on it
+pipe in mouth, while our guest lolled upon a cot beside the chest of
+drawers, and the others held down two chairs and looked after the
+distribution of the cigarettes and the less dry refreshments at our
+command.
+
+We were not able, by any means, to agree with some of the propositions
+of our guest, but he accepted our views in a spirit of good-humour, or
+of a desire to learn what we had seen and studied. He talked a great
+deal about horses, and about the fertile ingenuity of the native horse
+trader, as well as of his own ability to defeat him at his wiles--but
+we took no hint from this. When he had gone we asked Mr. Landon, "Who
+was that? We did not catch his name."
+
+The largest advertisement in the paper was that of Murray Guthrie,
+Esq., M.P., whose address just then was "the Railway Station." He was
+most generously giving up his time to the receipt and distribution of
+those parcels for the troops which were now beginning to come from
+England in great and little packing-cases, and large and small bundles
+numbering enough to be reckoned by the car-load.
+
+[Illustration: _The Capitulation of Bloemfontein._
+
+_From a painting by Lester Ralph._]
+
+We had received the news of the killing of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil in an engagement with Lord Methuen's force, and
+Mr. Gwynne wrote a spirited leader in honour of the Frenchman's
+memory.
+
+We heard some interesting details about the capture of Villebois,
+which I think have never been published. His commando threatened
+Boshof, and when our force began to attack the kopje where he was
+lodged our second shell killed him. He was not the only nobleman in
+his commando, for among the prisoners we captured one was a Russian
+prince and another was the Comte Breda, a Frenchman, like his leader.
+Another prisoner was a stalwart Englishman named Simpson, whose long
+beard was braided to keep it out of the way when he was shooting.
+Physically, he was the most splendid specimen of manhood our soldiers
+had seen in the Boer ranks. Lord Methuen ordered a military burial,
+and commanded Colonel Higgins of the Third Welsh Borderers to obtain a
+fitting tombstone. The English general attended the funeral, which
+took place in Boshof cemetery. "General" Villebois was buried in a
+blanket, but this was covered by the Union Jack when the body was
+solemnly borne to the grave between the lines of the men of the Loyal
+North Lancashire Regiment. No chaplain officiated, but none of the
+formalities of a complete military service were omitted. The Comte
+Breda made a little speech at the close, thanking the British for
+their courtesy and kindness. After that our own dead were buried in
+the same little cemetery.
+
+The affair provoked great and deep discussion, and so many British
+officers were displeased by what Lord Methuen had seen fit to do that
+THE FRIEND was at pains to try and clear the air of the false
+impression that one brave general had not a right to honour another
+in this soldierly way. We also pictured Villebois as he appeared to
+us, a knight of ancient pattern, a restless, gallant warrior, who had
+political reasons for wishing to keep himself in the mind of his
+people while waiting for the ripening of his plans. The line on his
+gravestone, "died on the field of Honour," was originally written "on
+the field of battle," and was ordered to be changed at the last
+moment. This phrase also angered many British, who, presumably,
+thought that a grand monument had been set up over the unfortunate
+Frenchman. In fact, the stone only cost ten pounds when dressed and
+inscribed, and in a country where such things fetch twice their value
+here.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 19.] BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+COL. DE VILLEBOIS-MAREUIL.
+
+BY MR. H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+     (_The following message has been received by F.M. Lord
+     Roberts from Lord Methuen: "Arrangements have been made for
+     the burial of Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil this evening with
+     military honours."_)
+
+A short, well-built, admirably proportioned man, with quick,
+expressive eyes, and an open, frank countenance was the late Colonel
+de Villebois-Mareuil. He was a soldier, and a gallant soldier, from
+the top of his close-cropped head to the soles of his daintily-shod
+feet. Wherever there was war, or the possibilities of war, de
+Villebois-Mareuil was on the spot ready to fight for whichever side,
+in his eyes, appeared to have the greater claims on justice. Impulsive
+to a degree, he was often drawn to conclusions for which he could
+never give logical grounds. The picturesqueness of the Boer side of
+the war, the presence of old Huguenot names among those of the Boer
+leaders, the imagined wrongs of the two Republics, were quite
+sufficient to attract the generous and emotional Frenchman into the
+struggle. And once in the struggle, he gave the whole of his energy to
+it. Not content with drawing the sword for the two Republics, he
+wielded a charming pen on their behalf. Some of his letters to the
+Paris _Liberte_ prove that if the world has lost a gallant soldier, it
+has also lost a brilliant war correspondent.
+
+To us English, imbued as we are with a full appreciation of everything
+which appears manly or sporting, the figure of Colonel de
+Villebois-Mareuil is particularly sympathetic. We overlook his
+somewhat illogical defence of what appears to us the gross injustice
+of the Transvaal's dealings with Englishmen, and we only see a gallant
+Frenchman fighting and laying down his life for a cause which he
+espoused with the warmth of a generous nature. There is something
+touching in a sentence of his which appears in one of his letters from
+South Africa. "When I came here I believed I was going to the
+sacrifice." Gallant, generous, chivalrous soldier: May God rest his
+soul!
+
+Over his grave we forget that he fought against us, and we think only
+of the gallant soldier. A British bullet laid him low, but a British
+General lays him to rest with full military honours.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A BALLADE OF TEN-A-PENNY.
+
+BY J. H. M. A.
+
+  Kopjes are steep, and the veldt is brown--
+    (Utterly true, if you pause to think)
+  Biscuits are done and your luck is down;
+    "Modder" is not an inspiriting drink
+  (Dead Boers' taint, and defunct mules stink).
+    Better the sound of the screaming bomb,
+  Excitement and hurry of Hell's own brink--
+    Alas! for a tune on the gay Pom-pom.
+
+  "Action front!"--And the guns are round,
+    Teams go back with the chains a-clink.
+  We're reaping the storm that the scouts have sown
+    (The sun gets red and the clouds are pink).
+  "Show for the lyddite, that's all"--you think
+    (Frenchmen would shrug, with a _sacre nom_),
+  When out in the dusk, in the half of a jink,
+    Suddenly singeth the brisk Pom-pom.
+
+  "Pom-pom-pom"--and the shells have flown;
+    "Bang-bang-bang"--without rise or sink--
+  Accurate sameness to half a tone--
+    Whizzing one-pounders--don't stop to think--
+  Open the ranks like a "spieler's" wink.
+    This is a speedy and frolicsome bomb,
+  Do not despise it, but do not shrink,
+    This is a nerve-test, this swift Pom-pom.
+
+  ENVOI.
+
+  Oom, when you sit in the dark and think,
+    After the war, and your nights are long,
+  Bitterness sweeten of cups you drink
+    With a memory sad of your sweet Pom-pom.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HOW THE CALF WAS AVENGED.
+
+BY LEONARDITE, 82ND BTY., R.F.A.
+
+It happened about the time of the Paardeberg affair, or, to be exact,
+at 12.10 a.m. on the 22nd of February, 1900, our battery (the 82nd
+R.F.A.) had throughout the day catered diligently and well for the
+tastes of Cronje and his followers. They had breakfast betimes in the
+shape of shrapnel (unboiled), liberally and impartially distributed to
+all and sundry within the laager; luncheon, tea, and supper followed
+in due succession, each consisting principally of the same palatable
+diet, flavoured at intervals with the celebrated Lyddite sauce. This
+same is noted for its piquancy and marvellous power of imparting
+elasticity to the lower extremities (gouty and dropsical people please
+copy).
+
+We returned to camp that night pretty well tired out, and hungry
+enough to eat "beef" (troop horse, isn't it?), and wondering what our
+good Poulter, the battery _chef_, had prepared in the shape of
+grub--we had fought all day on a couple of "Spratt's gum-hardeners."
+As we neared the camp a most appetising odour smote our olfactory
+nerves. "Beef stew," says our No. 1, who has a wonderful nose for
+odours. "Garn," retorts Driver Jones, who loves a joke; "more likely
+an old goat that's 'scorfed' the inside of one of 'Redfern's trenches'
+(this is a battery joke); too strong for beef." Well, by this time we
+had arrived, and some one who knew said it was veal, and that Mason,
+our Mason, Mason the mighty hunter and what-not, had commandeered it.
+
+Presently arrived the cooks and camp kettles, and we settled down to a
+good "buster." When nothing was left but empty pots and vain
+longings, we lit our pipes, and the aromatic fumes of our Boer's Head
+_cabbagio_ were wafted heavenwards, our veracious raconteur related
+how he had captured the calf. How our pulses throbbed and our blood
+rose to fever heat as he told how he tore away his game from under the
+very horns of its enraged mother; and how, with the calf on his back,
+he had been chased five miles and over a big kopje strewn with
+boulders as big as an A.S.C. waggon, and finally, seeing no other mode
+of escape, had hurled the animal (the calf, not its maternal relative)
+from the top of the kopje, and in sheer desperation had leaped down
+after it, breaking his fall by alighting on its body.
+
+Bidding us good-night, he left us to imagine what he would have broken
+had he alighted off its body.
+
+Feeling the spirit of contentment hovering o'er us, we prepared to
+turn in. The guns had previously been unlimbered and were ready for
+action, with their muzzles pointing to the enemy. Formed up in rear
+were the six gun limbers and six ammunition waggons, each with its
+team of six horses still hooked in in case of any emergency. In
+addition were the horses of the single riders, tied by their headropes
+to different parts of the carriages, making a total of somewhere about
+a hundred horses.
+
+Well, we had comfortably settled down and were enjoying our first
+sleep when the sentries were startled by a most unearthly noise from
+the vicinity of the camp. It sounded like a dyspeptic groan from a
+more than ordinarily cavernous stomach. The horses pricked up their
+ears and the sentries clutched their carbines tighter as they peered
+into the darkness. Suddenly came the sound again--a mournful,
+melancholy, hair-raising sound. Like a flash the whole battery of
+horses, as though acting on a signal, stampeded into the night, taking
+the waggons with them; over sleeping men they went, stopping for no
+obstacles, overturning guns in their mad career, and heading straight
+for the enemy's trenches. The outposts, thinking the Boers were trying
+to break through the lines, opened fire at nothing. The Boers,
+thinking they were attacked, did ditto. It was a perfect pandemonium
+for a few minutes. The spiteful spit-puff of the Mauser and sharp
+crack of the Lee-Metford, the whole blending with the cries of the
+injured and the shouts of the men who were trying to stop the
+runaways, made an impression that few who witnessed the scene will
+ever forget.
+
+We had several more or less severely injured, lost about thirty horses
+and one waggon, besides several that were overturned and smashed.
+
+All this damage was caused by the lowing of an old cow who had
+wandered through the camp seeking her lost offspring.
+
+MORAL.--Hanker ye after the fleshpots, commandeer ye not, but buy!
+buy! buy!
+
+NOTE.--Wanted to know--_vide_ the Press report of Paardeberg
+action--Since when has the 82nd Battery, R.F.A., become a mule
+battery?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'ORSE OR FUT?
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_A Song of the Household Brigade._)
+
+  I.
+
+  It ain't a fatigue to see him,
+    'E's a taller than usual man,
+  As 'e struts down the road 'e's as smart as be blowed,
+    And 'is swagger would stop Big Ben,
+  'E's a fair take-in for the ladies,
+    For of course it's a maxim trite
+  When a cove's in the Guards, why it's just on the cards
+    'E's a bit of the best All-Right.
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+      Whether 'e wears a 'elmet,
+          Or 'airy 'at on 'is nut,
+  When all's done and said, 'E is 'Ousehold Brigade,
+          Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+          (_Shouted ad lib._): THAT'S RIGHT
+          Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+  II.
+
+  O' course 'e's fond of 'is lady,
+    'Is lady she doats on 'im,
+  And it's princip'ly that what's the cause of 'er 'at,
+    With its feathers and twisted brim.
+  When 'e takes 'er out of a Sunday
+    She says, "What a lovely sight!
+  "Oh! there isn't a doubt, But I'm walking about
+    "With a bit of the best All-Right."
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+        And when 'e looks in promisc'ous
+            'Taint often the door is shut,
+  For she's fond of a mash, with a curly moustache,
+             Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+             (_As before_): That's Right
+             Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+  III.
+
+  And then, when the war-clouds gather,
+    On Service 'e goes away;
+  And it's "Goodbye, Sal, God bless you, my gal!"
+    And the woman is left to pray.
+  Then whether it's toil and 'ardship,
+    Or whether it's march and fight,
+  'E's a joker, we know, As is certain to show
+    'E's a bit of the best All-Right.
+
+  CHORUS.
+
+        Whether it's sword or bayonet,
+            Whether it's lance or butt,
+  'E's bound to go large When they're sounding the Charge,
+            Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+            (_As before--only more so_): That's Right!
+            Whether 'e's 'Orse or Fut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HAS THE WAR JUST BEGUN?
+
+The Cradock Dutch newspaper, the _Middellandsche Afrikaander_, says:
+"Our English contemporaries are greatly mistaken in thinking that the
+war has now virtually ended. The Republicans are now going to act on
+the defensive, and now one can expect a deathly struggle. The war has
+now lasted nearly six months, and, however much we desire it, there is
+no prospect of peace as yet."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+IN THE SHADOW OF SANNA'S POST
+
+     _We try to Name the New Colony, and describe the Kornespruit
+     Fight._
+
+
+Our ten thousand readers had been invited to send in their suggestions
+for a new name for the Free State, and then to express their opinions
+upon the names thus suggested. The first person to have sent in the
+name preferred by the greater number of readers was to receive five
+guineas, and perhaps the honour of naming a new colony of the greater
+Empire. The names suggested by the Army and the Bloemfontein readers
+of THE FRIEND were as follows:--
+
+     Alexandra, Adamantia, Albertia, Altruria, Atkinsdom,
+     Aurania, Brand State, Brandesia, British South Africa,
+     Britannia, British Colonia, Brandsland, Buckland, Burghers'
+     State, Central Colony, Centuria, Campania, Carnatia,
+     Cameraria, Chamberlainia, Cecilia, Crucipatria, Colonia,
+     Cisvaal, Closer Union, Conquered Territories, Crown State,
+     Centralia, Capricornia, Cilionia, Concordia, Diamond Colony,
+     Diadem State, Empire State, Esicia, Empressland, Frere
+     State, Fonteinland, Fonteinia, Freer State, Frereland,
+     Federalia, Filia State, Federaldom, Grassland, Gariep
+     Sovereignty, Guelfland, Helenia, Immigratia, Imperial Orange
+     Colony, Imperia, Jubileeland, Kandaharia, Khaki State,
+     Khakiland, Kopjesia, Lanceria, Leonida, Marchland,
+     Mimosaland, Malaria, Milneria, Midland, Middle Colony,
+     Mid-South Africa, Modrieta, New Ireland, New Alexandria, New
+     Victoria, North Cape Colony, New Albion, New Era, New
+     Canada, New Colony, New Rietana, Northern Province, New
+     Gualia, New Victoria, New Edward's Land, New Egypt, Orange
+     State, Orange, Orangia, Orangeland, Orange Colony, Orange
+     Sovereignty, Provincia, Pasturia, Pastoria, Queen's Free
+     State, Robertsland, Rietania, Robertesia, Robertsin,
+     Robertina, Robertonia, Robertshire, Roberterre, Roberton,
+     Robertsdale, Robertsia, Robiana, Robermain, Reconquered
+     Land, Regina Land, Stellaland, Stellarland, Sylvania,
+     Suzerainia, Steyn's Folly, Salisbury, Tableland, Trans
+     Garep, Transgarepian Territory, Trans Orange, Uitland, Union
+     Era, United British Empire, Union State, U.S. South Africa,
+     Victory, Victorialand, Victoria Robertsia, Victoriafontein,
+     Veldtland, Veldt.
+
+The voting closed on April 7th, and on April 9th we announced that the
+name Brandesia, honouring a late President of the State, an upright
+man and a friend of Great Britain, had secured by far the greater
+number of votes. Taking the whole vote, and separating from it the
+votes for those names which were formed upon or out of the name of
+Roberts, it was seen that the desire of the Army to honour its Chief
+was stronger than the expression of the Free Staters in remembrance of
+President Brand. But "Brandesia" secured the most votes, and Mr. P.
+Johnson, whom we were not able to discover afterwards, won the five
+guineas. Private W. Cooper, H Company, 5th Regiment of Mounted
+Infantry, won the two-guinea prize for guessing nearest to the five
+names that secured the greatest number of votes. Now that the
+Government has named the country "The Orange River Colony" we see that
+whoever sent in the name "Orange Colony" really deserved the most of
+whatever credit goes with guessing blindly.
+
+Coming upon Mr. James' clear and accurate account of the Corne Drift
+(Kornespruit or Sanna's Post) ambuscade reminds me of how the heroic
+survivors of that red-hot fight drifted back to town, drifted into the
+hotel dining-rooms--actually drifted into my bedroom in the case of
+Colonel Pilcher--and I missed the chance at the time of looking at
+them with eyes that saw the hell they had been through; without the
+understanding by which I could measure their pluck.
+
+There had been a fight at the Waterworks, and we had been beaten, and
+had suffered a shocking loss of men and guns--that was all that most
+of us knew on the Sunday that followed the fighting on Saturday, March
+31st. Afterwards I saw a score of the dare-devils who had squeezed out
+between the fingers of Death's clenched hands, and I made the fight my
+most serious study in the war--but I missed the chance of seeing it
+for myself, and then I lost the glow of knowing what I looked at when
+I saw the survivors come in.
+
+Mr. Gwynne went out to the scene and caught a glimpse of the end of
+it. As there are few living correspondents better equipped to judge
+events in war, and as it is the pride of more than one general to
+obtain his views and accounts of the actions he witnesses, I will
+quote a bit of his editorial of April 5th, in which he touches upon
+the Sanna's Post affair: "Perhaps never in the history of British
+campaigns have our soldiers shown more splendid courage, more dogged
+resistance and greater coolness. General Broadwood has covered himself
+with glory by the masterly way in which he extricated his little force
+from a veritable death-trap. And who is there who can pay adequate
+tribute to the behaviour of our gunners, and the gallant band of
+British soldiers who held off a greatly superior force under most
+difficult and trying circumstances?"
+
+It was while Mr. Gwynne was at the scene that a Boer suddenly appeared
+and advanced toward him unarmed like himself; indeed, Mr. Gwynne
+believes the man was a war correspondent. The two talked of the fight:
+"Your people showed wonderful courage," said the Boer; "we thought we
+had bagged your whole force. I am bound to say that had the Boers been
+in such a tight place they would have surrendered."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BOER PLANS AND VIEWS.
+
+     "_The following is a literal translation of a genuine Boer
+     document recently discovered. It has been forwarded to us
+     for publication by an officer of the Intelligence
+     Department, to whom we tender our best thanks._"
+
+OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRESENT WAR.
+
+BY CAPTAIN I. D.
+
+(_A Translation._)
+
+In order to form an opinion on the manner of operations of both
+hostile parties, at present or in the future, it is necessary, as far
+as possible, to endeavour to obtain an understanding of the different
+properties and conditions of both belligerents.
+
+From a physical point of view, the Boer stands far above his enemy in
+respect to bodily strength and perseverance.
+
+He inherits from his Teuton ancestor a quiet and patient nature,
+coupled with a strong frame, which makes him less liable to be
+affected by troubles and loss of spirit under the continued strains
+which are inseparable from the campaign, while the Huguenot blood
+which flows through his veins continually gives him fresh power and
+energy, which is much in his favour in a final attack; further he is
+filled with an unlimited faith in his God and the assurance of the
+righteousness of his cause, which fills him with superhuman strength
+and lion-like courage.
+
+Open-air life has given him a clearness of sight, and perseverance
+which is probably without equal in the world's history, while his
+monotonous life is the cause that he, though a lower member of the
+force, can act independently. By lack of discipline and organisation,
+his movements are sometimes clumsy, which, however, tends to his
+benefit in an uneven field, and taken altogether are little to his
+detriment, as he is not bound by special rules respecting formation or
+otherwise. In contrast, the British troops are (notwithstanding there
+may be many brave soldiers found among them) on account of their
+organisation and equipment, &c., little adapted to keep up their heads
+against the mental and bodily strain of a continued and wearisome war.
+
+They are mostly obtained out of cities and towns, which leaves much to
+be wished for in their clearness of sight, steadiness of arm, and
+power of self-reliance, while the discipline, organisation, rules and
+directions to which they must hold weaken them more, so that they are
+merely tools, standing under their officers' commands, of a fighting
+machine. The officers in many instances are young and without
+experience, and mentally and bodily unfit to fulfil their serious and
+responsible duties, chosen to be officers not for their ability, or
+natural talent, but because they are sons of the noble, or of the
+respected of the land.
+
+It is, however, not intended here, by any means, to throw the blame on
+the valour of the officers or men.
+
+When the nature of both armies is considered, one comes to the
+conclusion that the British troops all gain an advantage in an attack
+on equal ground, if a strong force is used in it, while the Boers will
+obtain one in case there are fewer attackers brought into the field.
+The English will benefit by defending, especially if time be given
+them to build defences, and also where towns and camps must be held.
+
+Over hilly and uneven ground the Boer has by far the best chance to
+attack, while in an eventual defence he has everything in his favour,
+and is practically not to be got at.
+
+The British authorities have apparently too much trust in the result
+of their Artillery. It is plain that they cherish the idea that it
+will have a demoralising effect on the Boers, and therein they have
+fortunately been mistaken. They did not calculate that the effect
+could not be so great on scattered troops, and that the result cannot
+be equal to the expenditure and difficulties of transport. On the
+other hand, the Artillery of the Boers necessarily has a powerful
+result on troops which, like the British, are formed in close order,
+notwithstanding, according to the ideas of the writer of this, enough
+use is not made of "black gunpowder" with a view to find the distances
+by trial shots with that powder, to be afterwards followed by
+burstable shells with "time fuse" to produce great destruction.
+
+As the ground is mostly soft, shells which burst on impact, so-called
+percussion shells, cannot mostly be used with favourable results,
+except under special circumstances. To bombard camps or towns
+"cordite" or "melanite" should not be used, as both explosives contain
+no inflammable properties, which are so necessary to set houses,
+waggons, forage, &c., on fire.
+
+The greatest care should be taken that the mounted Boers should not be
+exposed in the open plain to the attacks of the enemy's cavalry,
+unless they are protected by quick-firing Maxim-Vickers guns and
+shells, seeing that the British Cavalry have a great advantage at
+short distances in the use of lances, swords and pistols.
+
+It is highly desirable that the Boer commandos should not be
+accompanied by many commissariat waggons laden with provision, tents
+and other things, as they tend to hinder them, and prevent their
+executing quick movements.
+
+In calculating the chances in this war, it has always been considered
+that the Boers have their greatest advantage in being independent of
+commissariat transport, and although provision must be made to be in
+touch with certain points with the necessary provision for the
+commissariat, these, notwithstanding, must be viewed as items
+wherewith, considering the great interests at stake, too much care is
+not needed to be taken.
+
+On this ground the British troops are far ahead of the Boers, on
+account of their proper organisation, and it is indeed to be regretted
+that a like department has not been established, especially as the
+Boers would be specially fitted for it, and have up to this time made
+so little use of their talent in this direction. Herein a serious
+instance is brought as an example, namely, the fact that the English
+troops could retreat in order from Dundee, without its being directly
+known. Also the disaster at Elandslaagte must be ascribed thereto,
+where small isolated troops, consisting of a mixed commando, were
+surrounded in positions not advantageous to their mode of warfare,
+and, even had our troops at that place been in a defensible position,
+they were "not in touch" with other troops, who could hasten to their
+assistance.
+
+As to plans which are reckoned to be the best to obtain the victory
+for the Republican arms, it is an axiom that the deeper one penetrates
+into an enemy's country, the more one's power is weakened by the
+necessity for keeping up communication, but there is an exception to
+every rule, and this war at the present time makes the exception. The
+Boer forces strengthened their resources, instead of weakening them,
+by their invasion of Natal and of the Cape Colony. A great proportion
+of the inhabitants of these Colonies are friendly, and they will thus
+always keep communication open, even when they take no active part in
+warlike operations. Taking this as granted, the conclusion is arrived
+at that the whole design of the Republican commanders should be to
+push their troops as far as possible, until they reach a war basis or
+boundary line.
+
+Our Governments employ too many troops for Bechuanaland and Rhodesia
+without obtaining benefit therefrom. A picked commando of 1,000 men
+would possibly be sufficient to keep control over Mashonaland, while
+1,500 at Mafeking would suffice to cut off the Bulawayo division, and
+in that case the troops which are now occupied about Mafeking and
+Kimberley could be better employed and with likelihood of good
+results, by being pushed South. If a sufficient number of men are left
+behind to dispute an eventual sortie from Kimberley and Mafeking,
+there is little benefit obtainable in the investment of towns which
+probably can hold out six or eight months. As long as they are well
+watched they cannot do much harm.
+
+Much more could have been gained in Natal immediately after the
+Imperial troops were surrounded at Ladysmith, by sending a strong
+commando at once to the "Town Hill" at Pietermaritzburg, and if that
+commando was not strong enough to offer resistance, on retirement it
+could have broken up the railway, and thereby the siege of Ladysmith,
+which is now being prosecuted, would have been a shorter and less
+troublesome task.
+
+It appears that the Boer forces have not directed their attention to
+making a series of attacks in the night. For such a purpose their
+troops are specially adapted, and the result on the enemy would
+certainly be terrible, as the loss of sleep would weary them bodily as
+well as mentally. A certain number of men could be picked to trouble
+the enemy every night; for instance, 500 men at Ladysmith, 100 at
+Mafeking, and 250 at Kimberley, without doing that injury to the
+Republican troops which would tend to weaken the command of British
+officers, and make the men grumble and dissatisfied, even if the
+number in killed and wounded was not especially great. There should
+also be, when British troops are marching, a division of picked
+sharpshooters to be used in attacking them on the flanks, without much
+damage to the Republican troops, while doing much damage to the enemy.
+The killing of a mule or ox belonging to a waggon or gun necessitates
+delay and inconvenience.
+
+Under ordinary circumstances, this war will necessarily continue some
+time, possibly even over a year, and seeing that there is such a
+number of burghers commandeered, it would be well if the authorities
+could arrange a plan to relieve them, say, for instance, ten in each
+month per hundred. Some men of every commando will be desirous to
+visit their relations in case of sickness, or to rest, or to attend to
+private matters. When not relieved it may be that the men may become
+listless and dissatisfied; while the force will not be appreciably
+weakened by the absence of 10 per cent., such a rule would be pleasing
+to the burghers, and in every sense satisfying to their officers.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RECENT ENGAGEMENTS.
+
+BY LIONEL JAMES.
+
+II. _Corne Drift._
+
+The outline of the history of Colonel Broadwood's column appears to be
+as follows: When Colonel Pilcher made his dash for Ladybrand, the
+place was found teeming with the enemy. In fact, when the Landdrost
+was carried away, fire was opened on the abducting _cortege_ from the
+very garden gates of professed loyalists. The whole country-side was
+so disturbed that it was time for the little column holding Thaba
+'Nchu to fall back upon Bloemfontein. Information was despatched to
+headquarters and reinforcements urgently asked for. When commenced,
+the march from Thaba 'Nchu became virtually a pursuit. The enemy were
+reported on the flanks and rear of the column all through Friday,
+March 30.
+
+On Friday night the column arrived at a camp this side of the Modder,
+about two miles distant from the Waterworks. The actual rear-guard was
+not into camp until after 2 a.m. on Saturday. So anxious was Colonel
+Broadwood for the safety of his column that he determined upon a start
+before daylight. At 6 a.m. the enemy opened on the camp with rifle
+fire. The order was immediately given for the force to stand to their
+horses, and in a quarter of an hour the head of the transport column
+was leading out of camp. At 7 a.m. "U" and "Q" batteries R.H.A. moved
+off in battery column, following the transport. Roberts' Horse, in
+fours, moved parallel to them on their left.
+
+About three miles from the camp the road crosses a drift known locally
+as Corne Drift. The approach to this drift is peculiar. The actual
+crossing practically lies in the apex of a triangle, the two sides of
+which are formed by a railway embankment under construction and a
+bush-grown donga. Opposite the drift is a farm-house and some rising
+ground commanding, not only the drift itself, but all the approaches.
+This drift the enemy had occupied before daylight, and here they lay
+in ambush for the advancing column.
+
+Their dispositions were most perfect, as the head of the column
+marched right into their arms, and they were able to take possession
+of the transport without a warning shot being fired. When "U" Battery,
+which was leading, arrived at the drift it found that it was
+surrounded by dismounted enemy. The spokesman called upon the gunners
+to surrender. They told the drivers that they might dismount and keep
+their coats. The surprise was absolute. Major Taylor commanding the
+battery managed to warn "Q" Battery. Then the ruse was "up"--as soon
+as the enemy saw this they opened fire from all their points of
+vantage. From the rising ground, from the cover of the donga and from
+between the wheels of the captured guns and waggons. As soon as the
+firing opened, the teams of the captured battery stampeded and added
+to the general chaos of the moment.
+
+Under a blaze of fire, four guns of "Q" Battery and one of "U" trotted
+clear, and came into action about a thousand yards away at the tin
+buildings which are destined to be the Corne Drift Railway Station. A
+few seconds later Roberts' Horse rallied upon them. But here the
+nucleus of the front was formed which saved the whole force from
+disaster.
+
+The carnage was ghastly for a few minutes, but as the gunners stood
+devotedly to their pieces and Roberts' dismounted troopers commenced
+to keep down the fire, Broadwood was able to form dispositions by
+which to extricate the force. This was done--the British cavalry were
+sent to clear the flank of the donga and, covering each other, the
+mounted infantry corps were able to withdraw after the remnants of the
+batteries had fallen back.
+
+The action of the gunners was magnificent. In the face of a bitter
+short-range fire they stood to their pieces until, of the five gun
+groups, there were only ten men and one officer left unscathed to
+serve the guns. Then with dilapidated teams and manual haulage they
+dragged the battery out of action, only to come into action again when
+Broadwood strained every nerve to regain the baggage and the guns. And
+even while this action was taking place the relieving division was
+only four miles distant. It was a sad yet brilliant affair. Sad that
+the column ever fell into the ambush--brilliant in the manner in which
+the force was extricated.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS.
+
+_A Recipe._
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+  The man what writes a poem
+    In praise of our Tommy A.'s
+  Ain't got no call to study
+    Their manners, nor talk, nor ways,
+  'E's only to fake up something
+    What's Barracky--more or less--
+  And civilians don't know as it's rubbish and so
+    The Ballad's a big success.
+
+  Don't 'ave no truck with the drill-book--
+    You might get a bit at fault,
+  It's best to confine your attentions
+    To simple commands, like "'Alt";
+  For a 'aporth of 'Industanie
+    And a pennorth of Sergeants' mess
+  (Though the meanin's all wrong) is enough for a song
+    To make it a big success.
+
+  If you wants to say anything coarse-like,
+    Well, say it out plain, don't 'int,
+  And fill each line with expletives
+    As don't look pretty in print--
+  If you sneers at the "Widow of Windsor,"
+    And laughs at 'er soldiers' dress,
+  And connects the word "'Ell" with an orficer, well,
+    Your ballad's a big success.
+
+      _Take the slang of the camp
+      (What's easy to vamp)
+    And some delicate soldier wheeze,
+      Call the Guard-room the "Clink,"
+      And describe any drink
+    As a "Fall in" or "Stand at ease";
+      Then you mix the 'ole lot
+      And you serve it up 'ot;
+    From ingredients sich as these
+      Form that singular salad
+      A Barrack-room Ballad
+    In Rudyardkiplingese._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THEY WANT MORE OF TOMMY.
+
+BY W. T. R.
+
+Being among a group of Australians the other day, I noticed them
+watching the Guards drill, and, as they seemed to be interested, I
+thought it a good opportunity of getting their ideas of Thomas Atkins.
+With the object in view, I engaged one of them in conversation. I
+ventured a remark on the drill.
+
+"Oh, yes, they drill all right," said the Australian, "but you see
+they get a bit too much of it, I think; I mean as regards the
+goose-step business. You know, we Australians," he went on, "never
+have too much of that. It may give a man more steadiness in marching
+on parade, but we don't have many show parades during the year,
+Queen's Birthday being the most important."
+
+"How often do you drill there?" I asked.
+
+"Well, you see--of course I'm speaking of New South Wales. There we
+have about twenty-five half day drills during the year. These take
+place on a Saturday afternoon. Out of these they take sixteen and give
+us an encampment at Easter. It is at this encampment that we receive
+the most good as regards learning our work. I was almost forgetting
+the annual Musketry Course, when we get through our firing. Of course,
+we have plenty of firing practice on our other parades as well."
+
+"How did you chaps come to be sent to Africa?" I asked.
+
+"Oh! we all volunteered," he replied, "and a great job they had of it
+in selecting the men to come. So many wanted to come and so many were
+disappointed, and I can tell you that if they would only send them,
+there's thousands who would come. Why, to give you an idea of it, do
+you know there are men in the ranks who are worth thousands, and some
+of the highest families are represented in the war in the ranks?"
+
+"How do you get on with the soldiers from home?"
+
+"Oh, we get on first-class; but what we would like is more opportunity
+of mixing with them and becoming better acquainted. You see, there's
+so much work to be done that we don't get a chance to mix together.
+Down at the Modder where we did get a bit chummy, Tommy would have
+done anything for us. He would have given us the shirt off his back if
+we'd wanted it, and we can't help liking him, as the song used to say,
+because you can't beat him down. No matter in what circumstances you
+find him he's always in a good humour and ready for what's coming
+next. You can see him in rags that used to be in khaki, and you can
+see him just after he has received his kit-bag and he's always the
+same. He seems to have plenty of money and spends it just as readily
+as if he had the Bank of England behind him. But I think if you want
+to see him in one of his happiest moments, you want to look at him
+when he is carrying a bag of bread and other treasures out of
+Bloemfontein."
+
+"Then you Australians rather like Tommy?" I said.
+
+"Like him? Of course we do. We've fought alongside of him, and what we
+want is more of him--that's all. You know, we want to show the world
+that we are all one, no matter what part of the world we Britons come
+from, and we're going to do it, too."
+
+I was very pleased with my new-found friend and his outspoken way, and
+glad to have got rid of an idea that the Colonials didn't take well to
+Tommy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A COMPLETE NEWSPAPER
+
+     _Full of matter which is no longer a tenth as interesting as
+     it was there and then._
+
+
+Number 21 of THE FRIEND, dated April 10th, was a splendid number for
+Bloemfontein, and for the time, yet there is nothing to reproduce
+except an Australian's trooper's poetic salute to the eucalyptus, or
+gum-trees, that he recognised as fellow inhabitants of his distant
+land, whence they have been sent to cheer the waste places of
+California, the American Plains, and all South Africa.
+
+Three solid columns of the paper were justly given up to Mr. Kipling's
+exposure in the London _Times_ of the treacherous element of the Cape
+population, and its relations with those neighbours who are honest and
+loyal subjects of the Queen and with the army. Two columns of
+"Reuter's" despatches from abroad, one column of similar telegrams
+from South African points, and a notable leader by Mr. Perceval Landon
+on Mr. Kipling's article, made up the contents of the reading page.
+
+Mr. Guthrie, M.P., now required two columns of the paper in which to
+announce the cases and parcels he had in hand for the soldiers. The
+railway had just delivered to him five truck-loads of those most
+welcome necessaries and luxuries sent out from home.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 21.]  BLOEMFONTEIN, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+     The Field-Marshal Commanding in Chief having decided that
+     twenty Railway Trucks are to be placed at the disposal of
+     the tradesmen of Bloemfontein for the conveyance of food
+     necessaries, it is requested that those wishing to take
+     advantage thereof will communicate with the Director of
+     Supplies at his office at the corner of Green Street and
+     Douglas Street, between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. on
+     Wednesday and Thursday next, 11th and 12th inst.
+
+     As the amount of truck accommodation will be divided by the
+     Director of Supplies among the various applicants, a
+     statement of the Supplies required as a first consignment
+     must be submitted. When the statements have been received an
+     allotment will be made among the applicants.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OLD FRIENDS.
+
+  Gum trees! Here in the Dutchman's land?
+    (You'll lie of a kangaroo)
+  Seen them?--Yes--Well, I'll understand
+    The truth when I see them too.
+  Lord!--There they are, by the old brick wall,
+    Shiny and green and high,
+  Best of the sights we've seen at all
+    Is this, to a Cornstalk's eye.
+
+  Back, by the creeks in the far-off plains;
+    Over the ranges blue;
+  Out in the West where it never rains;
+    We whispered "good-bye" to you.
+  We left you alone on the high clay banks,
+    On a fringe round the dry lagoon,
+  Where your white trunks gleam by its empty bed
+    In the pale, soft summer noon.
+
+  It's carry me back to the Castlereagh,
+    Or pack me along to Bourke;
+  On the Wallaby-track to the west of Hay--
+    Wherever there's sheds or work.
+  It's cattle on camp or colts to brand;
+    It's brumbies about the Peel--
+  It's all we've here of our own good land,
+    And this is the way we feel.
+
+  Oh, hurry the show, and give us a lead,
+    And march us beyond the Vaal,
+  For the lambing's near, and the ewes will breed
+    And it's close up time to "tail,"
+  And we've shearing them, and the wool to load,
+    And the ships are at Circ'lar Quay--
+  So loot it along the red Veldt road,
+    A sight for Oom Paul to see.
+
+  And when we are back on the Murray lands,
+    Or up in Mouaro hills,
+  You may collar the Fonteins, and Drifts, and Rands,
+    And the Boers will pay the bills.
+  But we'll be back where the gum-tops wane,
+    Or the Myall hangs and droops;
+  With a good veranda round the house,
+    And none of your dirty stoops.
+
+  So hurry it up, for we've work to do
+    In a far better land than here.
+  We will swap the veldt and the parched Karoo,
+    For the plain and ranges clear.
+  But we'll never forget, in the days to come,
+    The friends that we've left behind--
+  For the Dutchman who planted yon tall, white Gum
+    Was a little bit more than kind.
+
+                                    J. H. M. A.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BRAVE YOUNG HIGHLANDERS.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--In your Saturday's issue an
+appreciation of the R.A.M.C. appears, in which the _Morning Post_
+correspondent speaks of their services as stretcher-bearers at
+Magersfontein with the Highland Brigade, whereas the R.A.M.C. has
+furnished no stretcher-bearers to the Highland Brigade, the whole of
+this dangerous work having been done by the Regimental bearers, and
+"A" Company Volunteer Ambulance (King William's Town), and as this
+company--consisting principally of mere striplings--has "faced the
+music" right through, and kept shoulder to shoulder with the veterans
+of the Highland Brigade, they surely should be credited with the work
+they have so gallantly performed.
+
+  Yours very truly,
+                                     BRITISHER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+FALSE HEARTS AROUND US
+
+     _Where only the Women were frank--The art of the War
+     Artist._
+
+
+Miss Bloemfontein was not alone in disliking to recognise the presence
+of the British army. Her mother was not the only person who could not
+bear to see Englishmen marring the scenery of the pest-ridden little
+town. Even while the tricky among the people joined in singing
+"Soldiers of the Queen," one man in the crowd turned to a war
+correspondent and said, "You English are strutting about very proudly
+and confidently, and think you own the country, but when you go away
+from here you will be sniped at from every bush and spruit wherever
+you show yourself."
+
+I took a little walk up past the English Cathedral one day and saw a
+woman seated upon her front _stoep_, sewing. "Good morning," said I,
+"do you speak English?" She rose and glared at me with scorn in her
+eyes. "No," said she, "but I hate the English."
+
+A little girl ran out of a doorway a few houses farther along and
+called to me, "Mister, mister! Please wear the red, white and blue,"
+and she pinned a knot of the British and American colours on my coat
+lapel.
+
+"What sort of a lady is it who lives in that house?" I asked; "she
+says she hates the English."
+
+"Oh, she is Dutch," the little girl replied; "almost everybody here
+hates you."
+
+I turned a corner and went down a side-street. Two young women in a
+doorway beamed upon me. I was out to study the town and the people, so
+I halted and engaged them in conversation. One was married, and her
+husband, who was of English stock, had cleverly managed to be away
+when the war broke out, after which he found it impossible to return
+and join a Boer commando as he would have had to do, being only a poor
+working man.
+
+"We are on the police books as English sympathisers," said one of the
+women. "We have had to be very careful, as we were warned that if we
+gave further offence we would be punished. What happened was this: You
+see the town is full of Germans, who have been most bitter against the
+English. We went to the railway station when some English prisoners
+were being sent to Pretoria. As the train moved off we waved our hands
+to them and wished them better luck. A German saw us do it, and
+reported us to the authorities, so we were taken up and examined, and
+had our names put in the 'black-book.'"
+
+A score of the honest people of the town who had been avowedly true to
+their English blood, which was by no means the case with all the
+British Uitlanders, told me that they suffered petty persecution all
+the time until the town was captured. Note what "Miss Uitlander" said
+in her reply to "Miss Bloemfontein" in THE FRIEND of March 26th:--
+
+     The "loving hand" you boast of having extended to us has
+     long since been covered by an iron glove, the weight of
+     which we have daily been made to feel, and to _that_ you
+     must associate the joyful flaunting of our colours in your
+     face. His coming meant freedom--the sweetest thing in the
+     world--to us.
+
+     You called our brothers and sisters cowards as they fled
+     your oppression and bitter and openly expressed hatred. You
+     threw white feathers into our carriages as they passed you
+     by. You loudly bemoaned your fate as a woman and longed to
+     don masculine garments to aid your beaux in exterminating
+     the hated English. Could we remember a "loving hand" then?
+
+     You were quick to tell us that there would be no room for us
+     to live beside you so soon as Mr. Englishman was driven back
+     to the sea. The hated English had never been wanted, and
+     would not be allowed to stay. And since you continue to make
+     no secret of your hatred, the same remedy is now in your
+     hands. But it will be difficult to find a spot where Mr.
+     Englishman is not _en evidence_.
+
+Such was Bloemfontein to those who saw into its heart and knew its
+temper. Some of us conquerors saw a little way behind the garlanded
+curtain the false-hearted pretenders of friendship drew down before
+our faces, but for what now seems a long time the Army fed itself upon
+the honeyed lying of those people who had not the courage or honesty
+to play the part of open enemies to the last. As for Tommy Atkins, he
+seemed oblivious of everything but that which he enjoyed--which was
+simply to walk about the town spending his money, and taking insults
+and bouquets equally as a matter of course, just as they happened to
+come.
+
+Let the reader note two things of the first interest, and of great
+human and historic value. The persons who did not come out and pretend
+to be our friends were the women. The part of the population that did
+not join in singing "Soldiers of the Queen" was the feminine part. The
+only person who openly and plainly espoused the cause of the Boers was
+Miss Bloemfontein--a woman. The only person who answered her and
+proudly asserted her loyalty to Great Britain was Miss Uitlander--a
+woman.
+
+Everywhere in every war it is Lovely Woman who fans the flames, who
+urges on the fighting, who charges the men to win or die, but never to
+give up; who nurses the hatreds of the strife to her breast and keeps
+them hot. Everywhere it is the civilised and the savage woman who does
+this, and only the half-civilised have made a contrary record, for I
+am told that in one strife there was an exception. That was "the
+Mutiny" in India, where the ayahs and other Indian female servants
+stuck to their posts in the British households, and played no part in
+the awful affair.
+
+But in the great Civil War in America it was the women who kept the
+strife in progress fully a year and a half, if not two years, after
+their husbands and brothers realised it was useless, and that the
+North must win. "Go, and do not come back while there is a Yankee
+alive!" they said to sweethearts, sons, and brothers. So has it ever
+been in times of war. The women, roused from their quiet lives and
+excited by the animosities which develop war and the horrors which go
+with it, remain undisturbed by the considerations which cause men,
+with their wider interests and experiences, to waver in their faith.
+And among the savage peoples of the earth it is, as a rule, the women
+who garnish war with its most fearful accessories. The bucks and
+braves do the fighting, the women follow after them to torture the
+wounded and mutilate the dead.
+
+Think you that this is a terrible indictment of a sex? Do you see in
+this nothing but the anger and the cruelty that lie on the surface?
+Then you are to be pitied, for the moral of these reflections is that
+in womanhood are treasured the faith which inspires mankind, the
+convictions that nerve our arms in a world which progresses only
+through strife, the enthusiasm which not even the hell of war can
+destroy.
+
+The leader of April 14th was my own, entitled "Mr. Lecky on the War."
+Again we had a complete newspaper full of the too-often delayed or
+strangled Reuter despatches, which told us of other wars, in Ashantee
+and the Philippines, of the Queen's visit to Ireland, of the Prince's
+narrow escape from an assassin, and of all that was going forward in
+our own little contention with the Boers.
+
+This number was singular in containing no original verse. It did,
+however, contain something more full of sentiment, and, if possible,
+more unexpected and foreign to war; to wit: a notice of a wedding:--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MARRIED.
+
+     By special license, on the 11th inst., by the Rev. Franklin,
+     at her father's house, Alexandra Cornelia, youngest daughter
+     of W. H. v. B. Van Andel, Orphan Master, to Arthur M. Stone,
+     eldest son of the late T. C. Stone, Esq., from Folkestone,
+     England. No cards.
+
+Orange-blossoms might, possibly, be looked for in the Orange State,
+but blended with the bandages and laurels of war they seem peculiar.
+One cynic asked us, when he read the wedding notice, "Is this
+prophetic of concord, or is it merely strife breaking out in a new
+place?" He was a soulless man. I am sorry I have quoted or noticed one
+so deficient in feeling, poetry, humanity, and sentiment.
+
+In furtherance of the knowledge that the Army was tired of being
+fooled, and growing weary of the upstart behaviour of the too often
+treacherous negro natives, we published a notice by Assistant
+Provost-Marshal Burnett-Hitchcock: "No pass is sufficient for a native
+to pass through the outpost lines unless countersigned by a Staff
+Officer, and it should state where and whence the native is going."
+Other rigid restrictions upon the freedom of the negroes are enforced
+by this order.
+
+The same energetic officer also forbade the selling of any article
+within the town by hawkers and camp sutlers, under a penalty of fine
+on conviction. This was in order to protect the local tradesmen from
+army competition--including those who barricaded their shops when the
+Boer combatants fled from the town, lest we should loot their stores
+of goods, who then calmly told us they put up the barricades because
+"the Boers were such thieving scoundrels," and who, now that they knew
+our temper only too well, regaled us with accounts of how, while they
+were in commando, they had fought us at Belmont, Graspan, Modder, and
+a dozen other places.
+
+We published on this day an article by Mr. H. Owen Scott on "The War
+Artist of To-day," in which he, a photographer, seriously extolled the
+work of the camera as compared with that of the genius and training of
+the true artist. We hoped the real artists thus relegated to a
+subordinate and vanishing place would enliven our columns by their
+replies.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FRIEND.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+  No. 22] BLOEMFONTEIN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1900. [Price One Penny.
+
+NOTICE.
+
+The Bands of the 12th Brigade will play in the Market Square this
+evening between the hours of 4 and 6.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CIRCULATION OF "THE FRIEND."
+
+The present circulation of THE FRIEND is 4,750 copies daily.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WE APOLOGIZE.
+
+In our modest way as Editors of quite the most extraordinary newspaper
+on earth, we endeavoured to publish yesterday, with due credit to the
+_Times_, for which it was written, Mr. Rudyard Kipling's masterly
+article "The Sin of Witchcraft." We may as well acknowledge here and
+now that though THE FRIEND is declared to be edited by a committee of
+war correspondents, it is, in fact, the daily product of a struggle
+between the correspondents and their printers, the latter being the
+more numerous, and, we sometimes fear, the more in earnest in their
+determination to keep the paper unique. This results in a paper which
+is often as great a novelty to the Editors as to the public, being
+like Shakespeare's soldier in "The Seven Stages of Man," "full of
+strange oaths," and words of which we never heard, as well as ideas to
+which we never gave birth.
+
+With this by way of preface, will the _Times_ accept our apology for
+not crediting it with Mr. Kipling's article, will it believe us that
+we really did write in the "credit" after the article, and will it
+commission its correspondent with this Army to go to our printing
+works and reason with our printers from "the devil" upwards?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.
+
+BY H. OWEN SCOTT.
+
+     The present campaign has undoubtedly commenced a new era in
+     the history of illustrated journalism, which change has been
+     brought about by a new school of war artists, whose method
+     is camera work, and whose aim is to faithfully produce the
+     actualities demanded by a picture-loving, yet critical
+     public.
+
+     The artistic value of this means of illustrating is becoming
+     more and more realised every day, and will prove an
+     effectual factor in crowding out the old-fashioned war
+     artist who draws on his imagination.
+
+     The only excuse for artists of any description being at the
+     front is their capacity for reproducing true and vivid
+     impressions of what they have seen.
+
+     This is where the importance of the new school is at once
+     apparent, and as long as the men practising this art are
+     honest and do not attempt to foist "faked" work on the
+     public, their efforts are bound to be acceptable and of
+     artistic value.
+
+     In speaking of camera work as an art and the individuals
+     adopting it as artists, I do not include the persons who
+     simply press a button and expose yards of film, regardless
+     of subject, but the few who make pictures intelligently and
+     pay as much attention to composition and lighting as a
+     painter would when commencing a fresh canvas. The camera is
+     not going to destroy the painter--and I say painter
+     advisedly--as no black and white artist is any good unless
+     he is a painter, and has a keen appreciation of colour
+     value. Nature is teeming with colour, and unless this is
+     felt how can it be suggested in line?
+
+     Why does Rembrandt stand out as the greatest master of
+     etchings? Simply because his etched works suggest colour,
+     and it is this power of suggesting colour that placed
+     Charles Keene head and shoulders above all other black and
+     white men. The power of selection of subject is not
+     developed in all artists to an equal extent, but there is
+     always room for such men as Melton Prior, W. B. Wollen,
+     Lester Ralph, and a few others, whose work will always be
+     looked for as representing actuality.
+
+     If the two schools of artists mentioned work with the full
+     knowledge of the limitations of their mediums, there will
+     always be a place for both.
+
+     The mechanical draughtsman is dead. He has been killed by
+     the camera.
+
+     How would it be possible in Fleet Street or De Aar, quietly
+     sitting in a little room with a north light, to give a true
+     impression of Cronje's surrender, or of that wonderful
+     sight, the approach of the captured army, like a cloud of
+     locusts, over the expanse of veldt at Klip Drift?
+
+     If ever the surrender at Paardeberg is painted, it must be
+     done by a man who saw it.
+
+     I shall never forget the defeated General's arrival, or the
+     solemnity of it: this giant, broken sulky, his career
+     finished. Everything was shown in the man, and shown in a
+     way no imagination could possibly conceive.
+
+     I was privileged to view a sketch of Cronje leaving our
+     camp, the work of Mortimer Menpes. It was a vivid slight
+     impression. True, yet the economy of means--a few lines
+     wonderfully placed--was wonderful, showing the artist a
+     great master of technique. Now, talented as he undoubtedly
+     is, he could not have imparted such a feeling of actuality
+     to his work if he had not been present and studied his
+     subject with the greatest attention. The long-haired,
+     velvet-coated gentleman of Bond Street is not the man to
+     depict the incidents of war, or to put up with the hardships
+     of a great march, and I am perfectly sure that the success
+     of a war artist depends on physique. He is required to
+     tackle his subject quickly and vigorously. Trickery does not
+     help actuality, straightforward manly work being absolutely
+     necessary to the war artist of to-day.
+
+     (We are sure that if the men in this Army who are engaged as
+     artists or who feel strongly and lovingly the relation of
+     true art to war, to photography and to the refinement of
+     mankind--if these will take the trouble to answer this
+     letter, we shall have a rich correspondence.--EDITORS,
+     FRIEND.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+THE END APPROACHES
+
+     _We arrange to retire from our posts, but still possess the
+     enterprise to start a Portrait Gallery._
+
+
+"THE FRIEND," No. 23--actually the 25th number we had
+edited--contained a notice that Mr. Kipling had sailed for England on
+the previous day (April 11th), and we were doing our utmost to get rid
+of our offspring, to find some one to adopt it.
+
+As long ago before this as when Sir Alfred Milner was with us in
+Bloemfontein, we had made known to him and to Lord Roberts, through
+Lord Stanley, that the employers of certain ones among us were
+complaining of our expending part of their time and our energy upon
+this outside work. I am certain that no interest with which any of us
+were connected suffered the least slight or injury, for the result of
+our labour of love for Lord Roberts was simply that we worked twice as
+hard--and learned twice as much of what was going on as those
+correspondents who held aloof and let the whole burden fall upon us.
+My employer, Mr. Harmsworth, uttered no sound of criticism or
+complaint, by the way, and the only word about THE FRIEND that
+reached me from the _Daily Mail_ was a cablegram wishing us success.
+
+We were all tiring fast. I was lame with an injury which kept laying
+me up, and otherwise my condition was such that for weeks I had not
+been able to partake of any food except milk and soda water. I owe a
+great deal for moral and physical stimulus to Dr. Kellner, ex-mayor of
+Bloemfontein and head of the Free State Hospital, whose services to
+the British army should not be allowed to pass into history without
+his receiving some substantial honour and acknowledgment from this
+government. He told the noble matron, Miss Maud Young, and her nursing
+assistants (when they gave notice that they wished to leave at the
+outbreak of the war) that he "never heard before that politics had
+anything to do with the care of sick and wounded men," and up to that
+standard of duty he worked on with them as enthusiastically under the
+Union Jack as he had under the four-colour flag.
+
+I did not know how ill and dispirited I was until one evening I went
+to the room of my assistant, Mr. Nissen, of the DAILY MAIL, and heard
+through his closed window in the Bloemfontein Hotel the sound of a
+banjo. It is a purely American instrument, and the plunk-plunk of its
+strings made my heart leap. I threw open the window and heard in nasal
+tones, affected by a Yankee colleague for the purpose of his song, a
+sentiment like this:--
+
+  Oh, I want ter go back to Noo York,
+    Ther "tenderloin's" ther place,
+  Where the men are square and the women are fair
+    And I know evurry face.
+
+  I want ter go back to Noo York
+    Ter hear Gawd's people talk.
+  Yer may say what yer please
+    Only just give ter me
+  My little old Noo York.
+
+I felt like shouting, "fellow citizens, them's my sentiments."
+Suddenly I, too, wanted "ter go back ter Noo York"--with London as an
+alternative. I had not known it or felt it before, but that song, as
+new to me as any that will be written five years hence, touched the
+button that produced a nostalgia which Heaven knows I had good reason
+to feel without any such additional or peculiar incentive.
+
+Mr. Landon was also very ill of what I took to be a slow African
+fever. We laid the facts before the authorities, and suggested that
+our colleague, Mr. F. W. Buxton, now back at work with us, was able to
+promise that the accomplished staff of the _Johannesburg Star_ would
+gladly take THE FRIEND off our hands if its members could be passed up
+to Bloemfontein on their way to Johannesburg. They were all receiving
+salaries though nearly all were idle; the owners had suffered
+grievously by the closing of their establishment at the outbreak of
+the war, and they certainly deserved well of the British Army.
+
+With this view our military editorial chiefs coincided, and Mr. Buxton
+busied himself in arranging for the coming of the editors, reporters,
+and printers, and the transfer of the little Organ of the Empire to
+their charge.
+
+This number of April 12th began with a leader on "The Queen in
+Ireland," and this was followed by a play upon the society notes of
+other papers, written by Mr. Gwynne. Our prolific soldier-poet, "Mark
+Thyme," contributed two sets of verses, and once again we published
+the news of the world, like any genuine newspaper at home.
+
+On this day we printed our first "alleged" portrait, No. 1 of a series
+of pictures of the notable characters in town. We selected Mr.
+Burdett-Coutts as the leading figure in this gallery, and made a most
+modest announcement that we had secured the portrait and were able to
+present it to our readers.
+
+I am quite certain that never before in the Free State had a newspaper
+published a portrait made on the spot and of a newly arrived visitor.
+There were in the Free State no means for doing such work. But such is
+the non-thinking habit of the human race that not a soul questioned
+what we announced, or asked how the feat was accomplished. It was
+declared to be, in a way, like Mr. Burdett-Coutts, and every one took
+it for granted that there was nothing THE FRIEND and its editors could
+not do if they tried.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOTICE.
+
+By kind permission of Lieutenant-General Kelly-Kenny, C.B., the massed
+bands of the 6th Division will play on the Market Square from 4 to
+5.30 p.m. on Easter Monday.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOCIETY'S DOINGS.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+A most successful dinner was given by ---- Battery on Saturday night.
+The A.S.C. awning was most artistically arranged between two buck
+waggons and was decorated with much taste, the junior subaltern having
+attached to it the fashion-plates and pictorial advertisements from
+_The Queen_. The "Maggi" soup was pronounced a success, and it was
+evident that the battery _chef_ had put his heart into the work. A
+somewhat unpleasant incident occurred soon after dinner, which put
+rather a damper on the evening's hilarity and dispersed the party. An
+order had come for one of the ammunition waggons to go into
+Bloemfontein to fetch ammunition, and the sergeant, wholly without
+malice prepense, hitched his horses to one of the sides of the
+dining-room and removed it suddenly. We are glad to say that the
+collapse consequent upon this manoeuvre, although very disagreeable,
+produced no injury, and the company was able to leave sound in limb
+but swearing strange oaths.
+
+---- Horse, always to the fore, whether bullets are about or the
+scarcely less dangerous glances of female eyes, entertained at tea
+yesterday a great number of guests of both sexes. It is a pity,
+however, that their camp is so far out of town, for most of their
+gentlemen guests were obliged to walk home, having "lost" their
+horses.
+
+The Naval Brigade gave a _soiree musicale_ on Monday night, which was
+perhaps the most brilliant affair of the season. The proverbial
+hilarity of sailors induced in their guests a corresponding feeling,
+and songs, toasts, speeches made the time pass merrily enough. A new
+game, the details of which we hope to give in a further issue, was
+played with great success. It is called "Hunt the Tompion." At the
+beginning of the evening Captain Bearcroft, R.N., gave a most
+instructive and bright lecture on the "New Tactics--Horse Marines."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A "small and early" was given yesterday by the Royal Diddlesex
+Regiment. Dancing went on briskly until a transport mule came and died
+in the extemporised ball-room, causing two ladies to faint.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A _conversazione_ was given by the A.S.C. in their camp within the
+immediate confines of the town. The novel subject, "When will the War
+end?" was chosen for discussion. The arguments, which were often of a
+highly intellectual grade, were punctuated by sniping from trees and
+bushes on the kopje side. Two of the attendants who were distributing
+the choice and light viands to the guests were shot. True, their
+wounds were slight, yet the incident interrupted the even tenor of the
+_conversazione_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOCIALISM IN VERSE.
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+  Now, I always was a 'ardly-treated bloke,
+    I'm a martyr to my cause, as you may say--
+  I used to own a barrer and a moke,
+    And I'd sometimes earn a thick-un in the day.
+  But them Socialists they comes along our court,
+    And they says as 'ow all things should common be,
+  So, to 'elp the cause on quicker, I goes off and lifts a ticker,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.
+
+  Well, for that I 'ad to do a bit o' time,
+    Though I argued it afore the majerstrit
+  As I'd done it out o' politics, not crime;
+    But the cuckoo couldn't understand a bit.
+  So I says when I 'ad left the bloomin' jug,
+    "I must strike a bigger blow to set us free;
+  I must play a nobler game." So I forges Rothschild's name,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to it than me.
+
+  Now, living in a 'ouse acrost the street,
+    There used to be a very tasty gal;
+  She'd curly 'air and dainty 'ands and feet,
+    And was married to my very dearest pal.
+  'E says to me, says 'e, "When you're our way
+    Step in, old cull, and 'ave a dish o' tea."
+  Thinks I, "My dooty this is." So I offs it with 'is missis,
+    'Cause the bloke 'ad no more right to 'er than me.
+
+  But I won't be beat by any bloomin' lor,
+    To 'ave my rights, I tell yer straight, I'm game;
+  And, once I gets outside this prison door,
+    I'll strike another blow in Freedom's name--
+  The lor and all its engines I defy,
+    From the Stepper to the gloomy gallows-tree;
+  I'll go and get a knife, and I'll take some joker's life,
+    'Cause the bloke 'as no more right to it than me."
+
+  _For my motto is: All should be common to all,
+    This covey is equal to that;
+  And if I'm short you've no right to be tall,
+    If I'm thin you've no right to be fat.
+  To call me a criminal's fair tommy-rot,
+    It's on principle all what I've done:
+  Yet, perish me, all the reward as I've got
+    Is my number_--201.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"SMART."
+
+BY MARK THYME.
+
+(_Being a few hints to any of the fair citizens of this town who may
+contemplate spending a season or two in London._)
+
+  Ye Belles of Bloemfontein, pray hearken unto me,
+  And I'll show you how to sparkle in polite Society.
+  Never fear that you'll be visited with contumely or scorn
+  If you happen not to be aristocratically born,
+  For mere birth is not essential to means, if only you
+  Have the luck to be related to a brewer or a few;
+  And if only you have money, you need never be afraid
+  To swagger of the swindles of your former days of trade.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "She is vulgar, I admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+  But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Your dress must be--well--daring! You must have a tiny waist
+  And the colours must be splashed about in execrable taste.
+  Your bodice may be decent while you've still the gift of youth,
+  But must lower in proportion as you're longer in the tooth.
+  The colour of your hair and your complexion must appear
+  To vary with the fashionable fancies of the year,
+  And though your wit lack lustre, the tiara must be bright
+  That you've hired out from a jeweller's at ten-and-six a night.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "Looks quite odd, I must admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Then, as to conversation, let each syllable you speak
+  Be vehemently vapid or else pruriently weak;
+  Tell some tales distinctly risky, if not actually obscene,
+  While artfully pretending that you don't know what they mean.
+  In the intervals of slander you must prate in flippant tone
+  On some Theologic subject that you'd better leave alone;
+  And, though your speech be witless, nay, to some may seem absurd,
+  It matters not if reputations die at every word.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each the opinion will impart:
+          "She's ill-natured, I admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+  Your parties must be "tidy," so to bring about these ends
+  Find some lady with a title who likes living on her friends;
+  Hint that you'll supply the money that's essential to the task,
+  If only she will condescend to tell you whom to ask.
+  On your former friends and relatives politely close the door,
+  Though they may have been of service in the days when you were poor,
+  Be each guest of yours a beauty, full of pride,
+  A tiara on her head, a co-respondent by her side.
+    And your friends, as they receive you to their heart,
+    Each to each will the opinion impart:
+          "She's a snob, I quite admit,
+          I don't like her, not a bit,
+    But then you know, my dear, she's smart."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+We have to announce the arrival in Bloemfontein of Mr. Burdett-Coutts,
+of London, of whom we have secured a portrait which we present to our
+readers.
+
+[Illustration: THE FRIEND's front page.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+WANTED, A MILLIONAIRE
+
+     _A number as sparkling as a string of jewels--Joke Portrait
+     Number Two._
+
+
+A singular thing about THE FRIEND was that the readers could make sure
+at a glance, each afternoon, what had been the spirits of the editors
+earlier in the day. The issue of April 13th was positively frisky. We
+were all in our gayest moods, and the principal page was made to
+sparkle with most unlooked-for fun and flashes of wit.
+
+Mr. Landon set out with his pen in search of an English millionaire
+who would supply us daily with a budget of home news cabled direct to
+us from London. Continually disappointed by the non-arrival of the
+Reuter despatches, he urged that some wealthy man should pay to have a
+long special cablegram sent to us daily, with a hint of all the
+world's happenings. "To us," did I say? no; for, as Mr. Landon
+expressed it, "All there is of THE FRIEND belongs to the Army. Its
+existence began for the soldier, and its profits pass back to his
+interests. If some of the kind-hearted people in England who are so
+ready to put their hands in their pockets in the interests of 'The
+Soldiers of the Queen,' only knew what the dearth of news from
+England means to the men, they would at once supply the want." It is
+too late now. That editorial never was copied in the English papers, I
+suppose; but you millionaires who want to reach Heaven--and you others
+who want to earn handles to put before your names--remember this in
+the next war, and send news to your army wherever it is halted in the
+field.
+
+We found that the newsboys were charging two-pence for THE FRIEND, and
+that many complaints were pouring in upon us; therefore, in the
+blackest type, I rhymed to the readers--that being the most likely way
+to impress them with the truth--in couplets such as this--
+
+  Who pays a penny for THE FRIEND,
+  Pays all he needs to gain his end.
+
+and this--
+
+  Whoever pays us more than a penny,
+  Should guard his brains, if he has any.
+
+Fancy me dropping into rhyme! But, as I have said, the "Tommies" all
+did verse--or worse--and the example was epidemically contagious.
+Perhaps in another month we should have all turned versifiers, and
+produced copies of THE FRIEND wholly in rhyme.
+
+In this number we published portrait No. 2 of our unique gallery,
+selecting Lord Stanley as the subject. My son Lester had made a
+cartoon in which the censor figured, and with which, for a very
+peculiar reason, Lord Stanley was not pleased, but this second venture
+of the family to do him justice in portraiture was eminently
+successful. It was precisely the same picture as that which we called
+a portrait of Mr. Burdett-Coutts on the previous day, but though Lord
+Stanley knew the joke no one else saw it. One of the censor's friends
+took from me a damp fresh copy of the paper, as I came out of the
+works with an armful, and looking at the portrait remarked, "I say, I
+did not know that Lord Stanley had an imperial--'goatee,' as you call
+it--funny I never noticed that he wears one. Devilish good portrait;
+clever of you to publish it." Mr. Burdett-Coutts was the only other
+man beside Lord Stanley to understand what we were doing. He fathomed
+the joke because we explained it to him, and I sincerely hope that he
+appreciated the pure fun and harmless pleasantry of the spirit in
+which it was conceived and carried out.
+
+We had, from a coloured man, a letter complaining that we declared the
+British policy to be "equal rights for all white men, without respect
+of race or creed." To this he objected. He said that we were
+advocating the policy of the Republics, and added, "I would like to
+point out to you that when once your policy is known in this colony by
+our people it will cause universal dissatisfaction." He was presumably
+one of those natives, most numerous in the towns, who, by reason of
+their intelligence and ambition, deserve most helpful, generous
+consideration. But the "Universal dissatisfaction" which he threatened
+would include a myriad negroes of the Karroo and the so-called "farms"
+of the Boers. These form the mass of the natives; clothed in their
+complexions and living in huts of twigs and matting. Equality with
+white men can be offered to them by statute; but they cannot realise
+it, and the world has seen mischief, unhappiness, and perplexing
+political problems result from over-haste in this direction.
+
+We did succeed in arousing an artist to defend his calling against the
+boasts of the mechanical manipulation of the camera. Mr. W. B. Wollen,
+R.I., was the champion of art, and he spoke for it with the ardour of
+conviction, and the force of one who is right and cannot be gainsaid.
+
+I cannot think why we omitted to call upon Mortimer Menpes, Esq., the
+distinguished painter, then in Bloemfontein, to add his views to the
+series of letters we hoped to secure upon this subject, the Camera
+_v._ Art. Mr. Menpes had come to the war because, he said, nothing
+else was talked or thought of in London, and an exhibition of
+paintings of ordinary subjects, such as he gives with distinguished
+success each year, would have fallen flat. He was very busy, very
+popular, and very successful with the army. This issue (April 13)
+contained a witty letter by him upon the postage stamp craze.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                            BLOEMFONTEIN, GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1900.
+
+PROCLAMATION.
+
+     TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICTS OF ALBERT, STEYNSBURG,
+     MOLTENO, WODEHOUSE, ALIWAL NORTH, BARKLY EAST AND COLESBERG.
+
+On the recent retirement of the enemy to the north of the Orange
+River, the rebels who had joined them in the Northern Districts of
+Cape Colony were treated by Her Majesty's Government with great
+leniency in being permitted, if not the ringleaders of disaffection,
+to return to their farms on the condition of surrendering their arms
+and of being liable to be called to account for their past conduct.
+
+I now warn the inhabitants of the Northern Districts, and more
+particularly those who were misguided enough to join or assist the
+enemy, that, in the event of their committing any further act of
+hostility against Her Majesty, they will be treated, as regards both
+their persons and property, with the utmost rigour, and the extreme
+penalties of Martial Law will be enforced against them.
+
+       ROBERTS, Field Marshal,
+                Commander-in-Chief, South Africa.
+  Army Headquarters, Bloemfontein, _April 9, 1900_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+It is with great pleasure that we present to our readers to-day a
+portrait of Lord Stanley, the present popular Press Censor with Lord
+Roberts' Field Force in South Africa. The portrait is by W. B. Wollen,
+R.I., and is a masterpiece. We like it, but we are surprised that the
+censor should wear precisely such an antediluvian collar as we saw on
+Mr. Burdett-Coutts in yesterday's view of our Portrait Gallery.
+
+[Illustration: Lord Stanley.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE ABSENT-BODIED BURGHER.
+
+BY A. B. PATTERSON.
+
+     _A Screaming Farce now being played daily with great success
+     in the Theatre of War near Bloemfontein._
+
+CHARACTERS:
+
+1. JACOBUS JOHANNES VAN DER MAUSER (The absent-bodied Burgher).
+
+2. KATINKA VAN DER MAUSER (His Wife).
+
+3. REGINALD TALBOT DE VERE-CROESUS (English Cavalry Officer).
+
+     _Scene_: A Farm in the Free State. Pony saddled at the door.
+     J. J. van der Mauser preparing to mount.
+
+J. J. VAN DER MAUSER (_Centre of Stage_). Katinka! Katinka! Bring me
+the old rifle that is in the barn among the sheep-skins. The old
+muzzle-loading Boer rifle, with which my ancestor, the great
+Ten-britches van der Mauser shot the lion in the days of the Great
+Trek.
+
+KATINKA: Nay, Jan! Pause and reflect! 'Twill blow thy head off. It has
+not been fired these thirty years.
+
+JAN: Nay, woman! I purpose not to fire it. I intend to hand it in to
+the British--I only wish they'd try to let it off! Then will I return
+speedily, provided with a pass, and go up into the laager to do a
+little Rooinek shooting. While I am gone, Katinka, be not afraid. The
+English will put a sentry on the farm so that not a blade of grass
+shall be touched, not an onion taken from the ground. Be diligent, and
+sell them all the butter you can.
+
+KATINKA: The proclamation says the price of butter is to be
+two-and-sixpence a pound!
+
+JAN: Then don't take a penny less than three shillings and sixpence.
+If you run short of milk, drive in the cows of our neighbour Smith,
+who has fled to the English. And Katinka (_whispers tenderly_), if you
+see the Rooineks out in the open, don't stand anywhere near them,
+darling! You might get hit! You understand? Now, farewell!
+
+(_Proceeds to pull on an extra pair of breeches, and so goes off to
+the laager, while the band plays "My dear old Dutch."_)
+
+[Interval of some days, during which the British encamp near the farm,
+and Katinka sells them, at famine prices, every drop of milk and every
+pound of butter that the cows will yield, and every egg that the hens
+can be induced to lay.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCENE TWO.
+
+The open veldt. Row of kopjes in the middle distance. Enter cavalry
+patrol with Reginald Talbot Vere-Croesus at their head. (Band playing,
+"Let 'em all come.")
+
+FIRST SOLDIER: I thought I heard a rifle shot.
+
+REGINALD TALBOT DE V.-C.: Nay. 'Twas but a soldier being shot for
+stealing a bar of soap from an enemy's cottage. Serve the miscreant
+right. Take open order, there. Walk, march!
+
+_They ride round the stage with one eye on the kopjes and the other
+admiring the fit of their breeches. Rifle shots are heard from the
+kopjes. Band changes to, "You never know your Luck!" Heavy rattle of
+musketry from kopjes. Patrol driven back and retire to pom-pom
+accompaniment from the big drum_. R. T. de V.-C. _falls prone from his
+charger_. KATINKA _rushes in (r.u.e.) weeping hysterically and throws
+herself on his body_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ENTER JACOBUS JOHANNES VAN DER MAUSER _(l.e.), and leans on his
+rifle, staring gloomily at the scene._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JACOBUS: Ha! ha! So it has come to this! She secretly loves the young
+English officer who reconnoitres kopjes with an eye-glass! (_Sticks
+his chin out, claws the air and ambles about the stage a la Henry
+Irving._) But I will be revenged! Ha! ha! I have it! I will go and
+join the Johannesburg police! False woman, what sayest thou?
+
+KATINKA (_hysterically_): I am innocent, Johannes. I am innocent!
+(_Coils herself round the body of R. T. de V.-C. a la Sarah
+Bernhardt._)
+
+JACOBUS: Innocent! Then why weepest thou?
+
+KATINKA (_rising suddenly_): Weep! I should think I _would_ weep.
+Didn't he owe us three pound seventeen and sixpence for milk! How am I
+to make the dairy pay if you persist in shooting my best customers?
+
+     (JACOBUS _embraces her_. REGINALD TALBOT DE VERE-CROESUS
+     _being, fortunately, shot exactly through the head with a
+     Mauser bullet, recovers at once and embraces her also, and
+     joins in a song-and-dance trio, "Be careful what you're
+     doing with the gun," and the curtain falls to the tune of,
+     "It mustn't occur again_.")
+
+NOTE.--This farce will be continued till further orders.
+
+                                                    A. B. P.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--The present campaign has most
+decidedly, as your correspondent in THE FRIEND of the 11th says,
+commenced a new era in the history of illustrated journalism, but not
+to the extent that he thinks.
+
+The camera and the pencil can, and will, live together during a
+campaign, but I venture to doubt if the camera will be able to do all
+that its champion claims for it, and the war artist who knows his
+business, which cannot be learnt in a single campaign, will come out
+on top. For reproducing and putting before the public scenes
+representing the strife and clamour of war, with its accompanying
+noise and confusion, the man with the kodak cannot compete for one
+single moment with the individual who is using the pencil.
+
+How can he produce a picture that will show the public at large
+anything like an accurate bird's-eye view of what a modern battle is
+like? The brain of the camera cannot take in all that is going on. The
+man with the pencil does so. A few lines to indicate the background
+and the characteristics of it, and he is able to put before the world
+what has taken place, that is if he knows and has seen what troops
+have been doing.
+
+In another paragraph there is a sentence which is a very unjust
+reflection upon "the old-fashioned war artists, who draw on their
+imagination." I should very much like to know who the old-fashioned
+war artists can be who are referred to in this manner. The few men who
+are still alive, and there never were many of them, are all men who
+have seen a large amount of fighting, have sketched and worked under
+fire, sent their work home often under enormous difficulties, and been
+in very many tight places. Why should these men be referred to in this
+way?
+
+I suppose there has not been one single campaign in which the camera
+has been in such frequent use; but is it possible, by this means, to
+bring before us the various phases of a battle--a modern battle, I
+mean, with its absence of smoke, enormous expanse of front and general
+invisibility of both the attackers and defenders? Take a battery in
+action. Can it show us the excitement and turmoil round the guns, will
+it show us (unless it is a cinematograph) the trouble amongst the
+teams when a shell drops near them? I think not. What it can do, and
+does, is scenes which are more or less peaceful, such as camp views,
+incidents in regimental life and also bits on the line of march, but
+of an action--no! None of us artists are at variance with Mr. Scott in
+other parts of his very able letter, and we cordially welcome the
+camera artist, knowing very well that he has his field of work in
+which we cannot hope to compete with him for a moment; but to put the
+camera, which, after all, is only a very fine piece of mechanism, on a
+par with a sketch is more than most people can put up with, especially
+
+  Yours very faithfully,
+                        W. B. WOLLEN, R.I.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHESTNUTTY--BUT GOOD.
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Is this a chestnut? Johannes
+Paulus Kruger sent a commissioner home to England to find out if there
+were any more men left there. The commissioner wired from London to
+say that there were 4,000,000 men and woman "knocking about the town,"
+that there was no excitement, and that men were begging to be sent to
+fight the Boers. Kruger wired back "Go North." The commissioner found
+himself in Newcastle eventually and wired to Kruger, "For God's sake,
+stop the war! England is bringing up men from hell, eight at a time,
+in cages!"
+
+He had seen a coal mine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CIRCULATION, APRIL 11, 5,500.
+
+The circulation of THE FRIEND is as large as that of all the
+Bloemfontein papers combined.[18]
+
+[Footnote 18: This was a transparent joke, as there was no other paper
+in the town. But, joking apart, there never had been a newspaper in
+that country or region with such a circulation as ours enjoyed; yet it
+could have been twice as large had we employed our carts to circulate
+it in the outlying camps.--J. R.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+DOTS OR NO DOTS.
+
+_All about the New Stamp Issue._
+
+BY MORTIMER MENPES.
+
+     How strange a thing it is that so small a matter as a
+     general taste for collecting stamps should, as it were,
+     elevate a man at a single bound into a position where his
+     slightest tact at discrimination in detecting the difference
+     of shades between two bits of paper of the same colour will
+     sway and determine the destinies of a horde of fanatical
+     collectors!
+
+     That a man should occupy so exalted a position was
+     accidentally brought to my notice after a return to
+     Bloemfontein from a run to the Cape, where I found the
+     Market Square, the club, the hotels and the street corners
+     grouped with people who appeared to be intensely interested
+     in the discussion of some all-important subject. Thinking
+     that some radical proclamation had been issued, I paused to
+     listen, but instead of legal phrase and technical form
+     greeting my ear, the only intelligible word which I could
+     detect in the buzz which emanated from the centre of the
+     group was "Dot."
+
+     I passed on to another group, where the same "dot" arrested
+     my attention; then to a third, which was also "dotty,"
+     until, feeble and bewildered, I helplessly wandered about on
+     the verge of an incurable "dottiness" myself.
+
+     Finally, I pulled myself together again and, blind to all
+     danger, plunged into a group of "dotters," grasped one of
+     them by the arm, and in reply to my appeals heard him hiss,
+     as he roughly shook me off, "Surcharged stamps, you fool,
+     misprinted, without dots." Then I understood. My curiosity
+     was stimulated, I soon learned the subtle differences which
+     add to or subtract value from the surcharged Free State
+     stamps. Finally I became the proud possessor of a dotless
+     one myself. That settled it; I became hopelessly "dotty"
+     myself, and to the end of my natural days will always
+     realise that affairs of State, literature, art, even money,
+     are secondary to the importance of obtaining "the entire
+     set," especially if they are from "the bottom row" and
+     "dotless." This mania has taken possession of the entire
+     army.
+
+     From Tommy to General, the last biscuit or a drink of
+     whisky, or a pass to be out after 8 p.m. can be extracted
+     after a dozen refusals by producing a dotless stamp.
+
+     Kruger could end this cruel war in an afternoon by simply
+     sending out a dozen men mounted on swift horses, wearing
+     white coats with the entire set without dots pasted on the
+     back. These scouts should be unarmed and should ride in
+     close to our lines and then turn round showing their backs.
+     The moment the army would see the set, they would make a
+     rush, and all the scouts would have to do would be to ride
+     fast enough and in different directions, and by nightfall
+     the Imperial forces would be hopelessly scattered, and lost
+     in the boundless veldt. Kruger's scouts would be perfectly
+     safe, for no one would dare to raise a rifle in their
+     direction. Such an act might bring down a set; but imagine
+     if you can the fate of the miscreant if one dotless stamp
+     should be punctured or if--horrible thought!--a chance
+     scattering of the lead should dot some of the precious bits
+     of paper!
+
+In my inquiries during the first stage of this disease, I found that
+Major O'Meara was the supreme authority on this subject. I found the
+Major seated in a small room of the National Bank sorting out from a
+huge collection the stamps which were to be surcharged. For three
+hours I watched him, as with wonderful skill and discrimination he
+picked out bits of paper which were obsolete and which an accidental
+surcharging would have made of untold value, and set the whole world
+of collectors into a palpitating hysteria of speculation, until
+finally catalogued and bought by some multi-millionaire bent upon
+ruining himself to appease his craze. That all the legally surcharged
+stamps are carefully catalogued in the Major's busy brain will
+doubtless surprise at some no distant date a few rascally speculators,
+who, possessing obsolete issues, have surreptitiously surcharged them,
+in the hope of creating a rarity to sell at fabulous prices. Leaving
+the Major's presence, I realised that the last stage of dotlessphobia
+had fastened itself on me, and, knowing that recovery is hopeless,
+have abandoned myself to full indulgence, hoping to derive at least
+some miserable satisfaction before the end. With this one reservation,
+I am determined never to surrender to the universal stamp collector's
+weakness of stealing. Others may walk uprightly through six days of
+the week about their ordinary affairs and turn aside on Sunday
+afternoon from the path of blindness to pilfer another collector's
+treasure while his face is turned away, out of politeness, to sneeze.
+But I; no, I shall never, never, no--I won't steal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+A NOTABLE NUMBER
+
+     _Captain Cecil Lowther joins the Wits and Poets again. A
+     Report by Mr. Jenkins, who was "our Staff in himself."_
+
+
+Mr. Buxton wrote the stern editorial, "Judge ye," with which we led
+off the issue of April 14th. He reminded the Free Staters that England
+had, at the outset, no quarrel with them, but on the contrary had
+given them the "solemn assurance" that their independence and
+territory should be respected. The people of the little Republic had
+been led astray, had suffered conquest, and now were able to judge
+between the wicked whisperings of the two Presidents and the
+promptings of common sense and of regard for their future, "for,"
+wrote Mr. Buxton, "brothers you must be with us, heirs and possessors
+of world-wide citizenship and Empire."
+
+We had recorded our first wedding, and now was the day when we
+received the first application from an English firm desiring to
+advertise in our columns. A well-known house-furnishing firm were the
+enterprising inquirers. They said that they looked for a great
+development of the country and meant to send agents there when the
+war ended. On our part we made this request the basis of an editorial
+in which we said that this business letter "foreshadows the coming
+changes in local conditions with a prophetic touch."
+
+Mr. Gwynne concocted a clever set of quotations which he called
+"Gleanings from Great Minds," and we published number three of our
+series of home-made portraits, choosing Dr. A. Conan Doyle as the
+subject. At this the Army at last began to whisper and suspect, and
+many a smile greeted each allusion to our enterprise.
+
+But our _chef d'oeuvre_ was a second contribution by "Bertie," whom
+all our readers knew to be none other than the handsome, the witty,
+the travelled, and the popular Adjutant of the Scots Guards, Captain
+Cecil Lowther. As the first letter had already been published in the
+_Household Brigade Magazine_ I will not repeat it here, but the one
+that is now reproduced will give a lively hint of what our readers
+missed by the fact that Captain Lowther was away on duty in the boggy,
+sodden veldt, and could neither write nor think of writing, even to
+THE FRIEND.
+
+A large collection is made from this issue of the paper of April 14th.
+All that is in this book reflects the excitement, the routine, and the
+dramatic and picturesque phases of a soldier's life, as well as the
+strange situations and conditions produced by the conquest and
+occupation of a city in war. If that is true (and it is true in a very
+great degree as I believe), then in no chapter are more of all these
+novel views of irregular life mirrored than in this. From this you
+shall learn what a soldier had in the way of rations, how a great and
+majestic mind dealt with the rumours that British prisoners were
+being far from generously, or even humanely, dealt with by the
+semi-civilised foe; how a polished wit out of his superabundant humour
+found time to set down his sparkling thoughts in a soaking wet camp or
+a cold, wet plain, within sniping distance of the enemy, and finally,
+how drained of almost every line of foodstuffs, medicines, clothing,
+and luxuries the over-burdened town we lived in was becoming.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                               BLOEMFONTEIN, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1900.
+
+SICK AND WOUNDED PRISONERS.
+
+The following communication has been addressed to President Kruger:--
+
+     From Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commanding in Chief in
+     South Africa, to His Honour the President, S.A. Republic,
+     Pretoria,
+
+                                                     _April 12, 1900._
+
+It has been reported to me that the Non-Commissioned Officers and men
+of Her Majesty's Colonial Forces, who have been made prisoners of war,
+are treated as criminals and confined in Pretoria jail, where they are
+very badly fed. It has also been brought to my notice that at the
+beginning of March there were ninety cases of enteric fever and
+dysentery among the Non-Commissioned Officers and men in the camp at
+Waterval, and that, as Dr. Haylett, the Medical Officer in charge,
+failed to obtain from your Government the medicines and medical
+comforts which he required for the sick, he resigned, Dr. von Greldt
+being appointed in his place.
+
+It is stated that the prisoners at Waterval have to bivouac on the
+open veldt without overhead shelter and with only a layer of straw to
+lie on, while the sick are placed under an open shed with iron roof. I
+am informed that it was only upon Dr. von Greldt threatening to resign
+that medicines and mattresses were supplied for the sick. I can hardly
+believe that your Honour is aware or approves of the harsh treatment
+of the prisoners belonging to the Colonial Forces, or of the want of
+consideration shown to the prisoners at Waterval. The former are Her
+Majesty's subjects, are duly enlisted, are subject to military
+discipline, and wear uniform. According to the recognised customs of
+war, they are entitled to be treated in the same way as any other
+soldiers of Her Britannic Majesty, and I must remind your Honour that
+all prisoners captured by the troops under my command are equally well
+treated, whether they are burghers or foreigners. The utmost care has
+been taken of your sick and wounded, and no distinction has been made
+in the field hospitals between them and our own soldiers.
+
+[Illustration: _The Front Page of "The Friend" of April 4, 1900._]
+
+I invite your Honour's early attention to this matter, and I request
+that orders may be given for the Non-Commissioned Officers and men of
+the Colonial Forces to be released from jail and to be treated, not as
+criminals, but as prisoners of war.
+
+I also request that the prisoners at Waterval may be provided with
+overhead shelter, and that the sick and wounded may be properly
+entertained and taken care of in accordance with Article Six of the
+Geneva Convention.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MY COMRADES' CONVERSATION.
+
+(ANONYMOUS.)
+
+  When I was quite a young recruit, not very long ago,
+  My comrades' conversation was a talk I didn't know;
+  I really thought to some far-distant country I'd been shipped
+  When they said I was a "jowler," and described me as "just nipped."
+  If I was "slightly dragged," or with my "praco" couldn't cope,
+  They said I'd "lost my monnicker" and earned an "extra slope,"
+  And, though I'm known as Ferdinand to all my kin and kith,
+  They went and dropped my Christian name and called me "Dusty Smith."
+    They called me "Dusty Smith."
+
+  _But a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  For you won't feel queer on "Drug-hole beer,"
+    What's called "three-thick" in the Army._
+
+  I asked them what my food would be. They said: "Your food? Oh, that's
+  'Meat,' 'jipper,' 'spuds' and 'rooti,' with occasional 'top-hats.'"
+  They said I'd find coal-hugging quite a lively little job,
+  Then they put me "on the timber" and they called me "Junior Swab."
+  But when my work was over, after "tapping up" a bit,
+  I'd take my own "square missus" out--you bet we made a hit.
+  And when I had to go on guard she'd come there every day
+  To see me marching down the street and hear the "fiddlers" play.
+    Just to hear the "fiddlers" play.
+
+  _So a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  As I slope my gun in Number One
+    What's called "Long-Swabs" in the Army._
+
+  But now I understand them 'cause I know my way about,
+  And comprehend the Sergeant's unintelligible shout;
+  When he says: "Shooldare Hipe!" I know that he means: "Shoulder hup"
+  So I'm never for "Small-dodgers" and I never got "Built-up."
+  I'm not a mere "Jam-soldier," I've extended sure enough,
+  And been made "Assistant-bully" so I help to cook the "Duff."
+  I keep my kit and rifle clean, so's never to be rushed,
+  And I've never been "done-tired" and I've never once been "pushed."
+    No, I've never once been "pushed."
+
+  _Then a soldier's life is the life for me,
+    And the foe shall ne'er alarm me,
+  And soon I shall be Corporal,
+    What's called "Sauce-Jack" in the Army._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GLEANINGS FROM GREAT MINDS.
+
+BY H. A. GWYNNE.
+
+"The horse is the natural enemy of Man: the horse is the only animal
+that will dash himself over a precipice to avoid the shadow of his own
+feed-bag."--_Kipling._
+
+"All civilians must remain in their houses after eight o'clock at
+night."--_Hints on Housekeeping_ (by Lord Roberts).
+
+"Your Mounted Infantry--it is as much as they can do to keep their
+hats on."--_Albrecht_, captured Boer Artillerist.
+
+"I call the Cavalry the Oh, Lor! regiments. They ride up to a kopje
+and stare about till they are fired at, when they say, "Oh, Lor," and
+gallop off."--_Albrecht._
+
+"I'd rather be a coward all my life than a corpse half a
+minute."--_Solomon_ (junior).
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.
+
+No. 3.
+
+DR. A. CONAN DOYLE.
+
+[Illustration: Dr. A. Conan Doyle.]
+
+The accompanying wood-cut is a portrait of the well-known author, Dr.
+A. Conan Doyle. The author of "Sherlock Holmes," who is so generously
+giving his time and whole-hearted attention to the sick and wounded,
+will, by the use of the "Holmesian method," be able to tell, without a
+moment's hesitation, at what period of his eventful life the
+photograph was taken, of which the accompanying block is a
+representation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ANOTHER LETTER HOME.
+
+BY CAPTAIN CECIL LOWTHER.
+
+MY DEAR FATHER,--Since I last wrote to you we have been having a quiet
+time down South "pacifying the country." This consists in collecting
+arms--which we keep--and inviting the burghers to take oaths--which
+they don't keep--at least some of them don't. Every one seemed pleased
+to see us and very ready to tell all about their neighbours'
+misdoings. If one believes only half of what one was told, the smiling
+little village where we were quartered must be only one station this
+side of a very warm place.
+
+A spice of danger is added to police work if there are other
+detachments in the neighbourhood. It is this wise. Two of our captains
+who were out after springbok one day were suddenly glued to the
+ground by the well-known whistle of bullets over their heads. Leaving
+their respective hills after dark, they returned and, with quivering
+lips, recounted to us the dangers through which they had passed. An
+eviction party was organised and a thorough search made for hidden
+rifles on the farm where the incident had occurred.
+
+Not unnaturally, none were found, as we heard on our return that Stoke
+had been out with six Non-Commissioned Officers and had walked the
+country in line shooting at everything that moved.
+
+You remember Stoke, don't you? He was the fellow who was not going to
+bring a knife and fork out with him as everybody on service would of
+course eat with his fingers.
+
+Do you remember that rather pretty song that MacRavish in the A.S.C.
+used to sing? "Lay down thy lute, my dearest." The Provost-Marshal has
+now adopted it for his own, and I have had to give up all the loot I
+had collected in the last three months. It is very disappointing, but
+I suppose he will give it back when his staff have taken what they
+want.
+
+We have been having a bad time the last few days, as there are
+detachments of troops constantly passing to the front, and unless one
+lies quite quiet they shoot at one. Their scouts, too, bang through
+the middle of the kitchens and camp "looking for the enemy," which is
+rather annoying for us, but it does not do to interfere.
+
+All the rifles are supposed to have been given up in the
+neighbourhood, so I was hurt in two senses--when I sat down on a very
+hard sofa in a farm close by and found that the cushion was stuffed
+with two Mausers and a lot of ammunition. The farmer professed to be
+as surprised as I was, but I don't see why he should have objected to
+my taking them away. He said they must have been left there
+accidentally by Potgieter or Pienaar. As you cannot throw a stone
+without hitting some one of those two names his statement was rather
+indefinite, besides being untruthful. It is awfully good of you
+sending me out all those woollen comforters and meat tabloids, but
+next time you are sending I wish you could send me enough stuff to put
+a new seat and knees to my breeches, as they are both deficient at
+present and even on active service they scarcely come under the head
+of "luxuries."--Your affectionate son, "BERTIE."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RATION SCALE.
+
+_Get all you can but don't take less._
+
+It is all right to claim as much as you think you can get and to get
+all you really can, but in case of argument it may be just as well to
+have this little list stuck inside your helmet. You may know some way
+of getting more than this--striking the A.S.C. when it is badly
+rushed, or very sleepy--but if you reach the issue depot when it is
+too wide-awake for you, here is the list, just to make sure you'll not
+take less than regulations give you.
+
+One man, one day:--Biscuits, 1 lb.; fresh bread, 1-1/2 lb.; preserved
+meat, 1 lb.; fresh meat, 1-1/4 lb.; coffee, 2/3 oz., or tea 1/3 oz.,
+or 1/2 oz. of each; pepper, 1/36 oz.; salt, 1/2 oz.; sugar, 3 ozs.
+(including sugar for lime-juice); compressed vegetables, 1 oz.; fresh
+vegetables, 8 oz. (when available); rice, 2 oz. (in lieu of
+vegetables); cheese, 2 oz. (in lieu of 4 oz. of meat); jam, 1/4 lb.
+(three times a week); rum, 1/64 of gallon--when ordered; lime juice,
+1/320 of a gallon, if certified to be necessary by the medical
+officer; candles, 1 per officer; office authorised canteen.
+
+Meal or flour for natives 1 lb. a day, which may be increased to 1-1/4
+lb. when supplies are plentiful; natives receive the same ration as
+soldiers with the exception of vegetables. Meal or flour is usually
+substituted for bread.
+
+Indians enjoy a special scale of rations.
+
+Forage:--English horses: oats, 9 lbs.; oat-hay, 7 lbs.; bran, 3 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+Colonial horses: Mealies, 8 lbs.; oat-hay, 4 lbs.; bran, 2 lbs.;
+chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+Mules: Mealies, 5 lbs.; bran or chaff, 2 lbs.
+
+To officers.--If you countersign a claim for any more than this you
+had better be sure it is in the hands of a very "trustworthy" man, who
+can bluff it through, and get the A.S.C. men mixed up. If he doesn't
+know his way about they'll catch him up and send him back.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HUNGRY BLOEMFONTEIN.
+
+BY J. W. JENKINS.
+
+     [_A young Philadelphian who very cleverly united in his own
+     work and person the entire reportorial staff of the paper._]
+
+This town is hungry. The shops are practically bare. Nothing worth
+speaking of comes to market. The matter has passed from the stage at
+which it might be regarded as a joke. Bloemfontein really hungers for
+necessary articles of diet, and it has one week in which to raise an
+extra appetite before the first train of foodstuffs comes to its
+stores. The hopes of two trucks a day for Bloemfontein merchants, held
+out two weeks ago by the Imperial Military Railway Officials, have
+proved vain. The two trucks never came. The line has been taken up
+wholly by the transportation of troops and army supplies. Next
+Thursday, however, unless the present plan is changed, a train of 20
+trucks will leave Port Elizabeth with goods for merchants here. There
+will be one train a week thereafter. All day on Wednesday and Thursday
+the business men flocked to the Director of Supplies, who will assign
+to each his proportion of tonnage.
+
+For a week the best families of Bloemfontein have been without butter
+or sugar. The hospitals have commandeered nearly all the fresh milk.
+There is not a can of condensed milk to be bought in town, nor a can
+of jam, nor of cocoa, nor a pound of coffee. The last candles sold in
+town were sent in from a country store. They disappeared in a day. The
+town depends for its potatoes on the few which come into town every
+morning.
+
+The daily supply of fresh vegetables is so small as to be hardly worth
+mentioning.
+
+Toilet soaps and English laundry soap disappeared long ago. You cannot
+buy a razor or a shaving-brush or a tooth-brush.
+
+More than one druggist lacks material for putting up prescriptions:
+glycerine, cascara, bromide of potassium, boracic acid, carbolic
+disinfectants, ginger, zinc oxide, blue ointment, acetate of lead, and
+iodoform. Absence of some of these from the prescription shelves might
+result seriously.
+
+Eno's Salts and chlorodyne cannot be bought in town. Beecham's Pills
+were "all out" four months ago.
+
+The flour mills have been closed for several days for want of water.
+They will resume, feeding their boilers with well water, but the end
+of the wheat supply is in sight. There is still mealie meal, but
+bakers declare that it won't make bread.
+
+Cigars that are worth smoking and whisky worth drinking haven't been
+seen for a week. Hospitals take all the soda-water that the factory
+can make.
+
+Shoemakers have not even veldschoens in ordinary sizes. They have had
+no leather for two weeks, so shoe repairing is out of the question.
+
+Winter is coming on, the mornings are already growing chilly, but
+clothiers have no hose and no heavy underwear of white man's quality.
+All hats suitable for army wear were sold long ago.
+
+Merchants declare that if they had not been promised two trucks a day
+by rail they would have brought supplies from Kimberley by ox-waggon.
+It would have taken six days, but would have been worth while.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+OUR "FRIEND" NO LONGER
+
+     _We retire from the paper, leaving it in able and patriotic
+     hands._
+
+
+The unique and delightful episode had ended. On April 16th, just one
+month after we established this new departure in war, we turned THE
+FRIEND over to the proprietor of the _Johannesburg Star_, upon an
+arrangement quickly and generously made by Lord Stanley. Within a week
+I was ordered home by the surgeons who saw the state my battered body
+was in. Mr. Landon preceded me by a few days, invalided also. Mr.
+Buxton remained upon the paper under its new proprietors, who were old
+workmates with him, and Mr. Gwynne remained, and yet remains as a war
+correspondent (January, 1901), sturdily doing his always excellent
+work in the field. In that work I think he has few superiors among
+living English-speaking correspondents, and I know that many military
+and journalistic experts agree with me. The pity is that the nature of
+his work for Reuter's has kept his genius as a writer practically
+hidden from the public.
+
+Mr. Shelley took up the photographer's side of the entertaining duel
+between the men of his calling and the actual and proper artists; Mr.
+Melton Prior indignantly lamented an indignity or an attempted theft
+of which he had been the victim. We reported a great football match
+between the officers of the Gordons and those of the First Contingent
+of the Royal Canadian Regiment; and, finally, we perpetrated the
+fourth hoax, in what we called "Our Portrait Gallery." The "portrait"
+was in each case from the same advertisement block which Mr. Gwynne
+and I had found on the floor of the _Express_ composing-room, which he
+had thought nearly enough like Mr. Burdett-Coutts to bear production
+as a likeness, and which we presently resolved to publish every day as
+a picture of a different man each time.
+
+The notice of a concert in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund refers
+to a notable enterprise engineered by the universally distinguished
+Mr. Bennet Burleigh of the _Daily Telegraph_, aided by Mr. Maxwell,
+the very talented correspondent of the _Standard_, and others. They
+carried it out with such skill that the entertainment proved the
+greatest social event, if we may so term it, of the army's sojourn in
+the capital. Every one of note who was able to be there attended it,
+and the receipts at the doors and in the competition over the works of
+Messrs. Prior and Wollen, were very considerable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  PRICE:                                        PRICE:
+  ONE PENNY.            THE FRIEND.             ONE PENNY.
+
+(_Edited by the War Correspondents with Lord Roberts' Force._)
+
+                          BLOEMFONTEIN, EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1900.
+
+"OUR FRIEND" NO LONGER
+
+BY JULIAN RALPH
+
+At some time all friends must part, and the time and parting have come
+to THE FRIEND, its friends of the public and those war correspondents
+who have been conducting this journal just one month to-day.
+
+To-morrow this paper will be turned over from the charge of those who
+were only writers to the hands of men who are practised and able in
+the management of all departments of a daily journal.
+
+In bidding farewell to our trust, we can boast of nothing unless it be
+that we have entertained the troops and the town, and made no enemies
+of whom we know. The rest of what we have done has only been
+trying--though we have tried hard.
+
+We have said before in this column that it has been an unique
+experiment--to make one loyal newspaper out of two that were none too
+English, to make it with talent unused to the work, to make it, often,
+without news and to conduct it so as to produce something palatable to
+both the conquerors and the conquered.
+
+We take this occasion to thank the Field Marshal, Lord Roberts, for
+the trust he reposed in us, and to express the hope that we did not
+disappoint him.
+
+We also wish to thank those who have assisted us, both among our
+fellow correspondents and the talented men of the army. Poets we find
+the latter to be, for the most part. We hope all these will continue
+to give the helpful right hand to the enterprise under its new
+managers.
+
+And so we say "adieu" to THE FRIEND, and good luck to its new
+conductors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY
+
+No. 4.
+
+LIEUT.-GENERAL POLE-CAREW, C.B.
+
+[Illustration: General Pole-Carew.]
+
+We feel that we owe an apology to our readers for presenting the
+portrait of one of our first fighting generals in civilian costume,
+but our artist left his colours at home and refused to paint at all
+unless with plain black. The artist in question is Captain Cecil
+Lowther, of the Scots Guards, and this is his first effort in art. For
+General Pole-Carew, the subject of this masterpiece, what is there to
+say except that his promotion has gratified the entire army and evoked
+the heartiest congratulations from THE FRIEND?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE WAR ARTIST OF TO-DAY
+
+BY H. C. SHELLEY.
+
+_Editors_, THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Can you inform me whether there has
+been a sudden exodus from Bloemfontein of war correspondents armed
+with cameras? There ought to have been, and yet I have inquired in
+vain whether such an event has taken place. For, look you, the
+judgment has gone forth from the pen of Mr. Wollen that the "war
+artist"--meaning the man with a pencil as opposed to the men with a
+camera--"will come out on top." Truly, this is most disheartening. No
+one likes to be thrust to a bottom position, and if that is to be the
+fate of the man with a camera, why should he any longer endure the
+hardships of campaigning and the sorrows of separation from the
+comforts and companionships of home?
+
+But the war correspondent with a camera has not gone home. He has no
+intention of doing so. He is unrepentant enough to believe that he,
+and not the man with a pencil, is going to "come out on top."
+
+Let us have the point at issue clearly defined. War correspondents are
+with the army to report the war--some by word pictures, others by
+camera or pencil pictures. Sight-seeing is a passion with humanity.
+Every inhabitant of the British Isles would like to have a personal
+vision of the conflict in South Africa, but--save for two or three
+irresponsible persons whose presence at the front no one can
+understand--those inhabitants are compelled to rely upon the eyes of
+others. Now, leaving aside the correspondents who devote themselves to
+word pictures solely, the question to be decided is--does the man with
+the camera surpass the man with the pencil in depicting the actuality
+of warfare?
+
+An astounding claim is made on behalf of the man with the pencil. He
+can, we are told by Mr. Wollen, show the public "an accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like." And he does it by "a few
+lines to indicate the background and characteristics of it." The same
+authority assures us that "the brain of the camera cannot take in all
+that is going on. The man with the pencil does so." Such is the case
+for the man with the pencil. Now for the test of cross-examination.
+
+Modder River and Maghersfontein may be cited as two representative
+battles of the war, and so may be honestly used as touchstones to try
+the claim Mr. Wollen makes on behalf of the man with a pencil. In each
+case there was a battle-line of some five or six miles, in each case
+the enemy was invisible, in each case it was physically impossible for
+any one man to see more than a small portion of the battle. A
+spectator on the right flank at Modder River could have no personal
+knowledge of incidents which were happening in the centre of the
+bridge, or down the river on the left flank. Even of his own
+particular section on the right flank that spectator could not attain
+to a perfect knowledge. But the man with a pencil is untrammelled by
+such minor matters as time and space; he "takes in all that is going
+on." Or, if he does not take it all in, he puts it in his sketch. The
+result is no more "an accurate bird's-eye view of what a battle is
+like" than a photograph of Oom Paul is like a photograph of Mr.
+Chamberlain. In short, the facility with which the pencil-man can jot
+down what he did not see is his ruin.
+
+It will be obvious that the man with the pencil, not being ubiquitous,
+_cannot_ "take in" all that happens on a battlefield; he sees just as
+much as, and no more than, the man with the camera; for the
+rest--which forms so large a proportion of his sketch--he has to rely
+upon the testimony of others. Now, when the public have in their hands
+a result attained by this method, what is its value as an "accurate
+bird's-eye view of what a battle is like?" Absolutely _nil_. People at
+home want to see a battle as they would have seen it if they had been
+present, and no sane man will contest the assertion that the best
+medium for giving them that vision is the camera rather than the
+pencil. Try as he may after the actual, the man with the pencil
+thrusts his personality between the event he sees and the people at
+home for whom he wishes to reproduce it, and consequently his sketch
+becomes a miserable failure when considered as an "accurate bird's-eye
+view of what a battle is like."
+
+On the other hand, what does the man with the camera do? He and his
+lens see at least so much of a given battle as any man with a pencil,
+and what they see they see with unfailing accuracy. Take that battery
+in action which Mr. Wollen choses to cite as a subject wherein the
+powerlessness of the camera is supposed to be illustrated. The camera
+man does not fear the test. He can show the guns coming into action,
+record their unlimbering, depict the preparation for firing, and time
+a photograph at the actual moment of firing. It is true that his
+picture will not show quite such a volume of smoke as the sketch of
+the man with the pencil. But why? _Because the smoke is not there._
+The man with the pencil puts it in because other men with pencils have
+been putting it in for generations. Perhaps, too, the public would not
+mistake the sketch for a battle-scene if the smoke were absent.
+Anyhow, what becomes of the boast of _accuracy_? Moreover, the man
+with a camera will not present his public with a twelve-pounder firing
+from the carriage of a howitzer.
+
+There is something more to be said for the man with a camera.
+Now-a-days he is in the habit of screwing a telephoto lens to the
+front of the camera, and with that lens he can immensely outdistance
+the vision of even that all-seeing man with the pencil. Objects a
+couple of miles off are brought near, and groups of men can be
+photographed at such distances as prevent them assuming any posing
+attitudes. In this way actuality takes on the added charm of natural
+grouping, and I shall be greatly surprised if some of the telephoto
+pictures of this war do not take rank as the most artistic as well as
+realistic records of its incidents.
+
+After all, the man with a camera may safely leave his case in the
+hands of others. Take a negative and a positive witness on the
+question in the abstract. Mr. Julian Ralph writes that "the pictures
+of our battles which are coming back to us in the London weeklies are
+not at all like the real things," and then he adds: "I saw the other
+day a picture in one of the leading papers by one of the best
+illustrators. It showed the British storming a Boer position. In the
+middle ground was a Boer battery, and the only gunner left alive was
+standing up with a bandage round his head, while smoke and flame and
+flying fragments of shells filled the air in his vicinity. In the rush
+of the instant he must have been bandaged by the same shot that struck
+him, and as for smoke and _debris_ in the air, there was more of this
+in a corner of that picture than I have seen in all the four battles
+we have fought."
+
+Now for the positive witness. He is no less a person than the art
+critic of the _Pall Mall Gazette_, who can no more be charged with a
+predilection for photography than Messrs. Steyn and Kruger can be
+saddled with a predilection for truthfulness. This critic dwells, as
+Mr. Scott did in the letter which opened this discussion, upon the old
+and new methods of war illustration, and then candidly adds: "I would
+like to say that the artists score off the photographer, _but they do
+not_. The public wants the facts as near as may be, and are too deeply
+stirred to be put off with melodrama."
+
+One other witness may be called to give Mr. Wollen an idea of how the
+work of the man with the pencil is faring at home. Here is a recent
+private letter from England, which makes merry in the following
+fashion over those sketches which are so inclusive and accurate:
+"There is a picture of two gunners standing to attention after having
+exhausted their ammunition. The man nearest the gun is looking
+straight in front of him, with a bandage round his head, a
+bullet-wound in his face (close to the left ear), two in the right
+side of his chest, and one in his right leg, some distance above the
+knee. Within a yard of him is a bursting shell. But that man ignores
+such trivial things. Still he stands. I suppose the weight of so much
+lead in him keeps him up. One wonders whether he is hollow inside, so
+that the bullets all drop down into his feet."
+
+No wonder, worthy editorial sirs, you have not witnessed an exodus of
+men with cameras from Bloemfontein; they are staying to "come out on
+top." Sincerely yours,
+
+                                              H. C. SHELLEY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+"WHO STOLE THE CART?"
+
+_To the Editors of_ THE FRIEND,--SIRS,--Practical jokes are out of
+date, and the perpetrators have universally come to be regarded as a
+mixture of fools and knaves. It is intolerable to attempt a practical
+joke upon a friend, but to play one upon a stranger is downright
+rascality. To accept an excuse for such a thing is to admit the pleas
+of the man who took a piece of old rope that he did not mean to take
+the horse that was at the other end; or that of other fellows who
+sneak property, pick pockets, or forge cheques, that these acts were
+all done in fun.
+
+I have been much interested in reading in THE FRIEND about horses,
+saddles, bridles, and even riems being stolen in this campaign, but I
+think I can add to the list with a more startling experience of my
+own. I bought a waggon from a well-known man in this town and had it
+sent to a coach repairer to be overhauled. It was a conspicuous
+vehicle, as much so as a Soudan pantechnicon van, with white wall
+sides, upon which were painted, in letters that could be read half a
+mile away, the owner's name, business, and address. This waggon was
+impudently taken in the night-time, dragged to stables some distance
+away, and there left. From the police I have learned that paint had
+actually been purchased, and it was evidently the intention of the
+thieves to transform my waggon, by painting out the name and address,
+and so daub it with khaki or some other colour that it should become
+unrecognisable. By a fortuitous accident the waggon was discovered in
+the nick of time.
+
+The law here is such that an aggrieved party must become a prosecutor,
+which is an undertaking a transient visitor naturally shirks.
+
+I think it my duty to call attention to the circumstances and the
+inadequacy of the existing means for the prevention of wrong-doing and
+the punishment of the wrong-doers.--I am, sirs, yours truly,
+
+                                       MELTON PRIOR,
+  War Artist, _Illustrated London News_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WEDNESDAY EVENING CONCERT.
+
+Thanks to the kindness of the Military Governor, Major-General
+Pretyman, the concert in aid of the "Widows' and Orphans' Funds,"
+London and Bloemfontein, will be held next Wednesday evening, instead
+of during the afternoon. Major-General Pretyman has conceded that upon
+the date in question, Wednesday, 18th inst., the pass regulation will
+not come into force until midnight. That means that citizens may move
+about after 8 p.m., or until twelve o'clock, without requiring any
+special pass or being called upon to produce a permit.
+
+The committee of war correspondents declare that the entertainment
+will require no booming. It is to be a red-letter day in the calendar
+of concerts given for charitable purposes in Bloemfontein, both in
+respect to talent upon the platform and to the celebrities who will
+crowd the Town Hall that evening.
+
+Amongst those who will appear will be Miss Fraser, the Free State
+nightingale, who will sing original verses written by Mr. Rudyard
+Kipling for the occasion; Miss Leviseur, Miss Jessie Fraser,
+Lieut.-Colonel Townshend, C.B., Surgeon-Major Beevor, Scots Guards,
+Lieut. James Forrest, Captain Nugent, the celebrated vocalist; Captain
+Wright, R.N. (The Skipper); the Lightning Cartoonists, _alias_ The
+Gemini; Mr. Preshaw, Major Jones, R.E., besides, in the language of
+the _entrepreneurs_, "a coruscation and galaxy of stars of the first
+magnitude too numerous to mention in the brief space afforded." It is
+hoped that the military band will be present, but, at any rate, that
+the concert will be high-class without being dull is guaranteed from
+the fact that Messrs. Ivan Haarburgher and King are in charge of the
+musical arrangements.
+
+Tickets may be had and seats booked at Messrs. Borckenhagen and Co.
+Prices: 5s., reserved seats; gallery, 2s. 6d.; soldiers in uniform to
+gallery, 1s.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+ADIEU TO "THE FRIEND"
+
+     _We made a money profit as well as a good newspaper--but the
+     entire experience thus quickly passed into history._
+
+
+Thus ends the history of this new departure in war and in journalism.
+Of it Mr. Kipling wrote afterwards, "Never again will there be such a
+paper! Never again such a staff! Never such fine larks." It has been
+impossible, after all my good intentions, to tell of scores of the
+peculiarities of the paper, and its editors' experiences. Sometimes
+copies of THE FRIEND did not look twice alike for days at a time, as
+we strove to make it more and more workmanlike, and more and more
+original and attractive.
+
+We began, as I have said, with advertisement "ear-tabs" on either side
+of the heading. Then we put the Royal coat-of-arms in their places.
+Next we put the arms in the middle of the title space and published
+mottoes and notices in new "ear-tabs." At first we put double leads
+only between the lines of the leading article each day, but presently
+we dignified the cable news and Mr. Kipling's contributions in that
+way. We once put some editorial notices in rhyme, and set them up in
+black job type--when we changed the price of the paper to one penny
+for everybody.
+
+We knew that our money returns were in confusion, but because we had
+taken over a business manager from one of the two commandeered
+newspapers, whom we could hardly expect to be in sympathy with us, and
+because we had established two prices for the paper and were being
+victimised by some of our customers, we could not see how the finance
+of our venture was likely to come out.
+
+A practised man of affairs, from the City Imperial Volunteer Mounted
+Force, Mr. Siegfried Blumfeld, most kindly took the trouble to look
+into our accounts, and we learned from his report that we were making
+money, but not nearly enough to satisfy our pride and hopes. However,
+as events proved, we gained a splendid profit, and were able to make
+Tommy Atkins's newspaper pay a handsome sum toward "Tommy's" relief.
+All that any of us have even thus far learned of the profits is to be
+found in the following formal letter I received from Lord Stanley:--
+
+                ARMY HEADQUARTERS, PRETORIA, _3rd October, 1900_.
+
+SIR,--I have been asked by Major-General Pretyman, C.B., to forward
+you a copy of a letter which he has received bearing reference to the
+use made of the profits of THE FRIEND newspaper.
+
+General Pretyman adds that there will be a further cheque, which he
+proposes to send to some other charity, but which he does not specify
+to me.
+
+  Yours sincerely,
+                                                         STANLEY.
+  Julian Ralph, Esq.,
+
+
+                         (_Enclosure._)
+                STELLENBERG, KENILWORTH, CAPE COLONY,
+                                                         20/8/00.
+
+SIR,--As Honorary Treasurer of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families
+Association, I enclose a formal acknowledgment of the cheques for L136
+17s. 3d. so kindly sent to our Association by the War Correspondents.
+Should you have an opportunity of doing so, I should be very glad if
+you would convey to Lord Stanley and the other gentlemen our great
+appreciation of this kind and thoughtful gift.
+
+  Yours very truly,
+                                        (_Signed_) W. L. Sclater.
+
+Had we been able to "inspan" a proof-reader with a Lee-Metford rifle
+and a determination to use it to enforce his "corrections," we should
+not have announced the Queen's reception in Dublin as a great tribute
+by London, neither should we have made Mr. Kipling speak of a
+"shixlvl" when he wrote a "shovelful." Four of us had to fill a great
+chasm nine columns long and wide every day, and to do proof-reading as
+well. We produced the nine columns incidentally as a thing done with
+our left hands, the while that our minds and souls and master-hands
+were devoted to correcting proofs. Bravely as we battled with them,
+they kept coming like a swift tide, until, in a reckless way of
+putting it, they were heaped on our table as high as the top button on
+each of our coats. When it came to time to go to press we regularly
+and daily observed that we had not only overlooked errors enough to
+wreck our reputations, but that the compositors had failed to correct
+many of those which we had marked. Gravely, in a body, we used to
+march to the printing-office and threaten to send the guiltiest
+culprits as prisoners to Simonstown, charged with being hostile to the
+blessings of enlightened government. Then we would go to lunch and the
+paper would come out--so full of mistakes that there was clearly
+nothing to do but to allow the humour of the situation to have its
+way, and to laugh until we almost cried at the extravagance of the
+offences we were committing against journalism and "the art
+preservative of arts."
+
+Despite its whimsicalities, THE FRIEND was a dignified newspaper, and
+very nearly a complete one. The largest daily circulation of any
+Bloemfontein newspaper had been 400 copies, but we regularly sold from
+5,000 to 5,500 copies. We published Reuter's telegrams from all over
+the world (semi-occasionally when military messages did not block the
+wires), and the _Capetown Argus's_ tidings of what went on in South
+Africa.
+
+As I have written elsewhere, "its unique origin and purpose, and its
+eccentricities, combined to make it the basis of a collecting mania."
+Copies with a mistake in a date line, corrected after one hundred
+papers had been struck off, brought five shillings on the date of
+issue, and ten shillings two days later, and the price had risen to a
+guinea by the time the newspaper was turned over to the managers of
+the _Johannesburg Star_ and _Capetown Argus_. This took place when it
+was apparent to all of us that two or three of us were not in the
+physical trim to serve THE FRIEND and our distant employers without
+causing one or the other to suffer great neglect.
+
+The competition for complete sets of the newspaper ran the price up
+to L10, and this strife ran neck and neck with the rivalry to obtain
+sets of Free State postage stamps made British by the letters V.R.I.
+on an overline of printing. One of these stamps was quoted at L10
+while the army lingered in Bloemfontein, but I have my own reason for
+thinking that THE FRIEND will receive a higher valuation than any
+"pink sixpenny stamp" or any set of stamps, for it fell to the lot of
+that journal to emphasise the present power and usefulness of the
+press as no other journal has ever done.
+
+A single copy of this newspaper is reported to have fetched L25 at a
+London charity bazaar.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Since the return to England of three of the editors we have decided to
+perpetuate the little organisation in a fraternal "Order of
+Friendlies," and Rudyard Kipling has designed a badge which Messrs.
+Tiffany & Co., jewellers, of Regent Street, have most ably and
+artistically executed in gold and enamel. Facsimiles of it adorn the
+cover of this book. It is of the size of a two-guinea coin. On its
+obverse side are the colours of the old Free State and Transvaal, upon
+which is imposed the red cross of Saint George. In the ends of the
+cross are the initials of the four editors in Greek capitals. Lord
+Roberts's badge has his initials in the centre of the cross in green
+under a golden coronet, and where the ring is, on top of our badges,
+his has a green enamel shamrock leaf. On the reverse side are four
+pens crossed and surrounded by a motto, "Inter Praelia Prelum," "In the
+Midst of War the Printing Press," here couched in monkish Latin. Lord
+Roberts's badge has a drawn sword of gold on top of the crossed pens.
+Only seven men in all the world belong to this order: Lord Roberts,
+Lord Stanley, Messrs. Gwynne, Kipling, Landon, Buxton, and myself. All
+others are eligible, however, who have dedicated themselves to
+"telling the truth at all costs and all hazards," so that the mind
+fails to grasp the future possibilities of its membership.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+  Barnes, James--
+    Anecdotes by, 223
+    Edits the thirteenth No. of THE FRIEND, 221
+
+  Battersby, Prevost, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 132
+
+  Bloemfontein--
+    Concert in, 227
+    Cronje warned that we should march to, 2
+    Evening Concert in Aid of the Widow' and Orphans' Fund, 408
+    Fooled by the Boers in, 283
+    "Free State Hospital" and Staff, 207
+    Settles down under Lord Roberts' Rule, 115
+    State of the Army on arrival at, 1
+    The Boer women in, 350
+    The Club at, 48
+    War Trophy Mania in, 318
+    Women of, The, 353
+
+  Burleigh, Bennet, Experience of, 35
+
+  Buxton, F. W., Facts about, 10
+
+
+  Canadians on Majuba Day, Description of, 22
+
+  Christian, Pt. Ewan, Story of a Colonial Hero, 39
+
+  Colvile, Gen. Sir Henry, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 131
+
+  Conan Doyle, Dr. A.--
+    Arrival of in Bloemfontein, 305
+    Contributor to THE FRIEND, 312
+
+
+  Enteric and its Ravages in Bloemfontein, 275
+
+  Eyre, Fred, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 292
+
+
+  Faulkner, Chaplain T. E., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 295
+
+
+  Gatacre and Clements join hands, Account of how, 76
+
+  Guards, The, Splendid characteristics of, 249
+
+  Guthrie, M.P., Mr. Murray, And the soldiers' comforts, 346
+
+  Gwynne, Mr. H. A., Facts about, 9
+
+
+  Hospitals and supplies from civilians, 260
+
+
+  I (Julian Ralph)--
+    Get ill and dispirited, 362
+    Replenish the Mess, 184
+    Visit Miss Bloemfontein, 160
+
+
+  James, Mr. Lionel, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 132, 301
+
+  Jenkins, J. W., Reporter to THE FRIEND, 395
+
+
+  Kellner, Dr., Tribute to, 362
+
+  Kipling, Rudyard--
+    And myself lunch with Lord Roberts, 113
+    And the Tommies in hospital, 259
+    And Tommy's poetry, 83
+    As Associate Editor, 99
+    At work for THE FRIEND, 133
+    Birthday Greeting by, 226
+    Departure of from Bloemfontein, 258
+    Editorial on, 86
+    Enthusiasm of, 132
+    "Fables for the Staff" by, 134, 167, 211, 225, 242, 250
+    "General Joubert" by, 241
+    I toast, 205
+    "Kopje-Book Maxims" by, 168, 251
+    Pen portrait of, 113
+    "St. Patrick's Day" by, 31, 116
+    Sends his first contribution to THE FRIEND, 28
+    "Song of the White Men, A," by, 262
+
+
+  Landon, Perceval, Facts about, 9
+
+  Langman Hospital, The, Facts about, 306
+
+  Love Letter, to Miss Bloemfontein, 32
+
+  Lowther, Capt. Cecil, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 392
+
+
+  Menpes, Mortimer, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 381
+
+  Milner, Sir Alfred, Speech by, at our Dinner, 204
+
+
+  Newman, R.N., Lieut. E. J. K., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 141
+
+  Nicholson, K.C.B., Sir William, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 131
+
+
+  Order of the Friendlies, The, Seven members of, 414
+
+
+  Paterson, A. B., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 92, 309, 376
+
+  Poems--
+    "Advice to an Officer on going to the War," 180
+    "Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, A," 324
+    "Barrack-Room Ballads," 342
+    "Birthday Greeting, A," 226
+    "Commandeering," 134
+    "Driving the Ox," 210
+    "Empire's Defenders, The," 244
+    "Fed up," 92
+    "For Freedom's Cause," 267
+    "General Joubert," 241
+    "Grumbles from the Ranks," 246
+    "Moderate Drinker's Lament, The," 315
+    "My Comrades' Conversation," 389
+    "Old Friends," 347
+    "'Orse or Fut?" 328
+    "Poor Old Cronje," 271
+    "Prices in Bloemfontein," 252
+    "Quartermaster's Yarn, The," 141
+    "St. Patrick's Day," 31, 116
+    "Silent Army, The," 245
+    "Smart," 368
+    "Socialism in Verse," 366
+    "Soldiers of the Queen," 292
+    "Song of the White Men, A," 262
+    "Sons of Britain," 254
+    "That V.C.," 309
+    "The N.C.O.," 233
+    "The Weary Trek," 110
+    "To the Soldiers' Poet," 59
+    "United we Stand," 215
+    "Voices from over the Sea," 299
+
+  Pole-Carew, General--
+    Headquarters of, 248
+    In War, 248
+
+  Press Censors, Examples of, 4
+
+  Prince Francis of Teck, H.H.--
+    And the Artist, 101
+    Duties of, The, 100
+    Our guest at dinner, 319
+
+
+  Ralph, Lester, Ill with enteric, 207
+
+  Roberts, V.C., Field-Marshal Lord--
+    And THE FRIEND, 84
+    Communication to Kruger from, 387
+    Dines with the Staff of THE FRIEND, 202
+    I am introduced to, 114
+    Speech of, at our Dinner, 205
+    Telegram of sympathy on General Joubert's Death from, 240
+
+
+  Scott, H. Owen, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 357
+
+  Shelley, H. C., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 401
+
+  Simes, Tr. George, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 215, 267, 299
+
+  Smith-Dorrien, Maj.-Gen., Letter from, 37
+
+  Stanley, Lord--
+    Contributor to THE FRIEND, 269
+    Daily visits of, to THE FRIEND Office, 164
+    Office of, at Bloemfontein, 5
+    Tribute to, as Press Censor, 3
+
+
+  THE FRIEND, and its Contents--
+   "Absent-bodied Burgher, The," 376
+    Advertisement in, 14
+    "Advice to an Officer on going to the War," 180
+    All Ranks contribute to, 131
+    "Anecdotes," 8, 66, 380
+    "Another Letter Home," 392
+    "Army Orders," 15, 49, 50, 108, 295
+    "As to the Future," 222
+    "Australian Correspondent, The," 67
+    "Ballade of Ten-a-Penny, The" (Poem), 324
+    "Barrack-room Ballads" (Poem), 342
+    "Birthday Greeting, A" (Poem), 226
+    "Boer Plans and Views," 333
+    "Brave Canadian, A," 242
+    "Brave young Highlanders," 349
+    "British Leniency," 290
+    "Canadians on Majuba Day," 22
+    "Caught by the Boers," 278
+    Christening Competition in, 274
+    Circulation of, 413
+    "Colonel de Villebois-Mareuil," 322
+    "Colonial Hero, A," 39
+    "Commandeering" (Poem), 134
+    Concerning Acrostics, 188
+    "Confession of a Horse-stealer," 46, 53
+    "Corne Drift," 339
+    Correspondence, 37, 90, 111, 188, 406
+    "Death of General Joubert," 241
+    "Don't" (Advice to Looters), 197
+    "Dots or no Dots" (Stamps), 381
+    "Driving the Ox" (Poem), 210
+    Editorial Announcements in, 17
+    "Empire's Defenders, The" (Poem), 244
+    "Enteric Fever," 281
+    "Fables for the Staff," 134, 167, 211, 225, 242, 250
+    "Facts and Otherwise," 22, 120
+    "Fed up" (Poem), 92
+    "First Impression, A," 312
+    First Issue of, 14
+    "For Freedom's Cause" (Poem), 267
+    From Enslin to Bobsfontein, 153
+    Gatacre and Clements join Hands, 76
+    "General Joubert" (Poem), 241
+    "Gleanings from Great Minds," 391
+    "Grumbles from the Ranks" (Poem), 246
+    "G. W. Steevens," 155
+    "How the Calf was Avenged," 325
+    "Humorous Side of the Campaign Recorded," 20
+    "Hungry Bloemfontein," 395
+    "Is the Art of War Revolutionised?"--
+      Artillery, 172
+      Cavalry, 234
+      Infantry, 148
+    Its Infancy, 12
+    "Jokes to Burn," 294
+    "Karree Siding," 195
+    "Kopje-Book Maxims," 168, 251
+    "Lesson Learned, A," 269
+    "Love Letter to Miss Bloemfontein," 29, 32
+    "Military Law," 118
+    "Military Letter Writer, The," 212
+    "Miss Bloemfontein's Answer," 70
+    "Miss Uitlander replies to Miss Bloemfontein," 169
+    "Moderate Drinker's Lament, The" (Poem), 315
+    Money Profit on, handed over, 412
+    "My Comrades' Conversation" (Poem), 389
+    Names sent in for the New Colony, 330
+    "New Machine Gun, The," 179
+    Offices of, 12
+    Official Dinner at Government House, 129
+    "Old Friends" (Poem), 347
+    "Orange Peel," 255
+    "'Orse or Fut?" (Poem) 328
+    "Our Friend" no longer, 399
+    "Our Portrait Gallery," 370, 375, 392, 401
+    "Our Reply to Miss Bloemfontein," 74
+    Parodies, 65
+    Peculiarities of, 410
+    "Pont filled with Bullion," 218
+    "Poor Old Cronje" (Poem), 271
+    Price of, The, 85
+    "Prices in Bloemfontein" (Poem), 252
+    Printing Machines used for, 44
+    "Proclamations" in, 25, 45, 62, 107, 208, 272, 276, 291, 374
+    Queen's English and Dutch Compositors, 83
+    "Ration Scale," 394
+    "Realistic Comedy, A," 227
+    "Recent Engagements," 301
+    "Recent Experience of Mr. Bennet Burleigh," 35
+    Rights of Purchased for L200, 8
+    "Rudyard Kipling" (Welcome and Farewell to), 86, 263
+    "St. Patrick's Day" (Poem), 31, 116
+    Second Issue of, 28
+    "Second Relief of Kimberley," 142
+    "Serious Matter, A," 60
+    "Should Beards be worn in War?" 157
+    "Silent Army, The," 104, 245
+    "Sir Alfred Milner," 209
+    "Sir William Lockhart," 136
+    "Smart" (Poem), 368
+    "Socialism in Verse" (Poem), 366
+    "Society's Doings," 364
+    "Soldiers' Battles and Generals' Campaigns," 125
+    "Soldiers of the Queen" (Poem), 292
+    "Song of the White Men, A" (Poem), 262
+    "Sons of Britain" (Poem), 254
+    Strange Editorial Adventure, 42
+    "Sulk or Duty," 18
+    "Ten-a-Penny's," 216
+    "That V.C." (Poem), 309
+    "The Bravest Deed," 256
+    "The Down-trodden (?) Negro," 63
+    "The Great Ride," 94
+    "The late Colonel the Hon. G. Gough," 265
+    "The N.C.O." (Poem), 233
+    "The Quartermaster's Yarn," (Poem), 141
+    "The Russians Capture London!" 277
+    "The Soberest Army in the World," 88
+    "The Steynless City" (Loot News), 31
+    "The Weary Trek" (Poem), 110
+    "They Want More of Tommy," 343
+    "To the People of the Free State," 311
+    "To the Soldiers' Poet" (Poem), 59
+    "Tommy in a Lady's Eyes," 182
+    "Towards War," 189
+    "United we Stand" (Poem), 215
+    "Voices from over the Sea" (Poem), 299
+    We begin to feel at Home, 41
+    We Retire from, 398
+    Working Staff of, 12
+    "War Artist of To-day, The," 357, 379, 401
+
+  Thyme, Mark, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 315, 328, 342, 366, 368
+
+  "Tommy"--
+    As a Poet, 82
+    In Bloemfontein, 184
+
+  Tucker, Charles, Contributor to THE FRIEND, 59, 244
+
+
+  Villebois-Mareuil, Colonel de, Facts about his Death, 321
+
+
+  War Correspondents--
+    Battersby, Prevost, 132
+    Burleigh, Bennet, 35
+    Buxton, F. W., 6, 10
+    James, Lionel, 132, 301
+    Gwynne, H. A., 6, 9
+    Landon, Perceval, 6, 9
+    We Four--
+      Asked to undertake the bringing out of a Paper, 6
+      Grand Dinner-party given by, 202
+      Leave THE FRIEND to see a Fight, 221
+      Sent for by Lord Stanley, 3
+
+  Wilkinson, F., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 67
+
+  Wollen, R.I., Mr. W. B., Contributor to THE FRIEND, 379
+
+
+
+
+  _The Gresham Press_,
+  UNWIN BROTHERS,
+  WOKING AND LONDON.
+
+
+
+
+_Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson's List of Announcements_
+
+SPRING 1901
+
+
+=THE SIEGE OF KUMASSI=
+
+By LADY HODGSON, wife of Sir FREDERICK M. HODGSON, Governor of the
+Gold Coast. Demy 8vo. Profusely Illustrated. Price 21s.
+
+     Lady HODGSON has in a high degree the gift of vivid and
+     realistic description. The reader shares with her the
+     privations of the siege, the tense excitement of her
+     marvellous escape, and the peril of the bush. The account is
+     written with an unusual power of description and facility of
+     style.
+
+
+=ABYSSINIA=
+
+Through the Lion Land to the Court of the Lion of Judah.
+
+By HERBERT VIVIAN, Author of "Tunisia," "Servia." Demy 8vo. With 2
+Maps and 80 Illustrations. Price 15s.
+
+     The Land of the Lion offers much that is of great interest
+     to the student of ethnology and geography. Mr. VIVIAN has
+     made a valuable addition to the library of travel. His
+     observations show a keen appreciation of surroundings,
+     whether social, religious, or political. His style is
+     bright, and holds the reader's interest to the last page.
+
+
+=CYPRUS TO ZANZIBAR BY THE EGYPTIAN DELTA.=
+
+The Adventures of a Journalist in the Isle of Love, the Home of
+Miracles, and the Land of Cloves.
+
+By EDWARD VIZETELLY. With many Illustrations. Demy 8vo. Price 15s.
+
+     Few have had better opportunities of studying the
+     vicissitudes through which the little island of Cyprus has
+     passed than Mr. VIZETELLY. From Cyprus he leads the reader
+     through the stirring times of the occupation of Egypt, and
+     thence to Zanzibar. He has clothed the dry bones of
+     political history with the living flesh of graphic
+     description and humorous incident.
+
+
+=AT PRETORIA=
+
+The Capture of the Boer Capitals, and the Hoisting of the Flag at
+Pretoria. A Companion Volume to "Towards Pretoria."
+
+By JULIAN RALPH, Author of "Towards Pretoria." Extra crown 8vo. Price
+6s.
+
+
+=A SACK OF SHAKINGS=: Essays from _The Spectator_, &c.
+
+By FRANK T. BULLEN, Author of "The Cruise of the 'Cachalot,'" &c. &c.
+Extra crown 8vo. Price 6s.
+
+     Mr. FRANK BULLEN has taken advantage to the full of the
+     opportunities which are granted only to those who go down to
+     the deep waters, and has embodied his experiences in a
+     collection of delightful essays. These show the writer to be
+     possessed of deep sympathies, quick perception, and vivid
+     power of narration. The style shows distinction of thought
+     and expression, and the book may be summed up as
+     "fascinating."
+
+
+=THE SPANISH PEOPLE=
+
+By MARTIN A. S. HUME, Author of "The Courtships of Queen Elizabeth,"
+&c. Vol. I. THE GREAT PEOPLES SERIES. Edited by F. YORK POWELL, M.A.,
+Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford. Crown
+8vo. Price 6s.
+
+
+=THE GAME OF BILLIARDS AND HOW TO PLAY IT=
+
+By JOHN ROBERTS. With about 400 Diagrams, including complete sets of
+some famous breaks. Demy 8vo. Price 6s.
+
+     The latest book on the game, and one for novice and skilled
+     player alike. Almost every imaginable stroke on the table is
+     explained in the clearest possible manner, and the
+     explanation is assisted by well-drawn diagrams.
+
+
+=WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE=
+
+By JULIAN RALPH. Crown 8vo, cloth. Price 6s.
+
+     This consists of the History and Contents of the Unique
+     Newspaper published at Bloemfontein at the special request
+     of Lord ROBERTS, and during his occupation.
+
+     It contains many contributions by RUDYARD KIPLING, Dr. CONAN
+     DOYLE, Lord STANLEY, and many Officers and other eminent
+     men, and was edited by RUDYARD KIPLING, JULIAN RALPH
+     (Special War Correspondent to the _Daily Mail_), Mr. LANDON
+     (Special War Correspondent to _The Times_), Mr. GWYNNE
+     (Reuter's Special War Correspondent).
+
+     Most of RUDYARD KIPLING'S contributions to this paper are
+     now published in this country for the first time, and the
+     contents of the book make one of the most interesting and
+     entertaining books of the war.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of War's Brighter Side, by Julian Ralph
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR'S BRIGHTER SIDE ***
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