In the provinces also opposition was almost silent, and the great colonies were even more unanimous than the mother country.

Misfortune had solidified us where success might have caused a sentimental opposition.
On the whole, the energetic mood of the nation was reflected by the decided measures of the Government.

Before the deep-sea cables had told us the lists of our dead, steps had been taken to prove to the world how great were our latent resources and how determined our spirit.

On December 18th, two days after Colenso, the following provisions were made for carrying on the campaign.
1.

That as General Buller's hands were full in Natal the supervision and direction of the whole campaign should be placed in the hands of Lord Roberts, with Lord Kitchener as his chief of staff.