we should show no hurry, but we should collec: overwhelming masses of troops. There is plenty of work for a quarter of 3 million men, and South Africa is well worth the costing blood and money. The advance of an army of 80,000 men in force, covered by 150 guns in line, would be an operation beyond the Boers' capacity to grapple with, bat. columns of 15,000 are only. trong enough to suffer loss. I believe when Lor Wolseley first offered the South African command to Sir Redvers Buller he told him he would place 20,000 men-at his command which, with those already out there, he thought would be amply sufficient for the purpose in hand. The Daily Telegraph, when hostilities commenced, estimated the number of fighting Boers at "not more than 45,000." Now we learn we must reckon them at 150,000, including all nationalities of helpers. In the light of present information there is. no doubt that the first estimate was altogether too low but itis likewise evident that their sympathisers are increasing by leaps and bounds, and it seems probable that before peace and order are finally established we may need to send out the "uarter, of a million men Mr. Churchill estimates we require.
IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS, During each day this week the excitement in the City has been gradually on the increase owing to the enrolment of the City volunteers; it.may be said to have culminated yesterday when the members of the "Lord Mayor's Own" wore finally selected. The ceremony was enacted in the Guildhall and one more: was added to its already numerous list of historic funetions—as that yesterday's enactment will be handed dowa as an historic event of our Queen's reign goes without saying. The departure of these City volunteers, which is practically fixed for the 13th inst., will be as public as possible. It is hoped that they may march through the principal streets of the City in order that Londoners may choer them and bid them God speed and a safe return, With the Yeomanry as a body this will of course be impossible as they come from all parts of the land. © The Prince of Wales, as Colonel in' Chief, will inspect the' London contingent of them prior to their departure, and judging from the enthusiasm I saw displayed in Cheltenham last. Sunday when the list of the Gloucestershire men chosen was displayed outside the office of the local nows-paper, Ishould say the provincial towns will accord their men a grand send-off. Cheltenham seems to have given itself over entirely to the war. balls or dinners, even progressive whist seems to be forgotten for the time bein All the friends Tealled on were busy kui ting socks or helmets for the soldiers or ing comforts for the sick and wounded.
me ladies send socks and handkerchiefs every week but they sty they fear only about one parcel in throe reaches its destination.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.