CHAPTER XI

.--THE NATION UNDER DEFEAT. Dec. 12, 1899-Jan. 1900.

Critical position of Great Britain--Her prestige in danger--Crass ignorance of military affairs--German system--Responsibility of Statesmen and Generals--Government unprepared--Necessity of reorganisation--Former national crises--Measures taken for defense--Change of Generals--Lord Roberts' military career--Lord Kitchener in the Sudan--Embarkation for South Africa--General Hector Macdonald--Offers of the Colonies--Australian and Canadian contingents--Mr. Seddon's loyal speech--Volunteers from Asiatic dependencies--London's contribution--Imperial Yeomanry--Gloomy outlook 205-234

##