The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-12
HeSays the Empires Military Strength Is Am
pie, and Adds that wolselsy should Have
Made Bis Statements in Parliament.
Archbishop Walsh Saysthe League Will
Not Be Affected by the Papal Edict.
Austrian Railway Agents Arrested on Charge
of Abducting Men Who Are Liable to Mil
itary Duty-Gsneral Foreign News.
ESGLAND's MILITARY STRENGTH.
Lord Salisbury Thinks 1t Ample and Deprs
Gates Lord Wolseisy's Talk.

Lord Salisbury Thinks 1t Ample aud Depre-
Gates Lord wolseisy's Talk.
LONDON. May lin the House of Lords. to-
night Viscount Harding asked the government
as to the truth of the report that England is de-
fenseless; that her guns sre the worst in the
world. and that many of hsr ships and ports are
unarmed
The Duke of Cambridge denied that the coun-
try wss in imminent danger. The sensational
articles in the press purporsing to have ema-
mated from the highest authority had not ema-
mated from him.
Lord Salisbury said the government must OBJ
serve the utmost reticence in such uattsrst
Nothing could be more insane than to explain
to the world highlands strength and the nature
OF the precautions she was taking. The
fact was that there had been con-
sid cradle increase Of preparations in
recent years. Since 1884 the army
had been increased from 18l. 2l7 men of all arms
to 2l2, 40. Lord Salisbury strongly condemned
Lord Wolseleys recent speech at . banquet.
Lord Wolseey ought to have spoken in Parlia-
ment, where his statements could have been
answered and refuted. The tone Of panic which
pervaded the language used outside of Parlia-
ment was not shared by the government. which
was fully conscious that to disregard the de-
world would be q very grave derelction OF
duty.
In the House Of Commons Lord George Ham
ilton, in reply to question. said that the
Russian squadron in the Pacific consisted OF one
iron-clad and four cruisers, and was not equal.
either in numbers or strength, to the British
China station alone.
Lord Salisbury's speech in the House Of Lords.
this evening. has caused sensation in political
and military circles The attack upon Gen.
Lord oil xvh ad
general opinion is that Lord Wolssley will resign
after replying to the Premier. Liberals are in
clined 10 sapport Lord Wolselsy's position.
which is approved by all tbs military members
of the House Of Commons
The Duke Of Cambridge. General Lord
Wolsely. General Sir Butler. and other officers
held long private discussion in the War Office
today. 1t is reported that they decided to pro-
pose to Parliament to Immediately place the
first and second army corps on q war footing,
and issue magazine rifles to all the regular
troops; that epecial committee be formed to
attend to the stores necessary for field service,
and that the volunteer artillery corps be sent to
Portsmouth to be drilled in the use OF guns of
large cabre.
At sitting OF the select committee of the
House of Commons, tonight, Lord Randolph
Churchill presiding. General Nicholson. who
prepares the estimates for the War Once ad-
mitted that 100000 was required for barrack
accommodations. knowing, however. that this
sum would not be granted, he submitted an esti-
mate Of f200. 900, which Mr.. Stanhope. the War
Secretary. had cut down to ELS $50 Lord
Randolph Churchill commented sharply upon
General Nicholson's action in taking upon him
self the responsibility Of submitting false esfi-
mates
The Daily Telegraph explains that the ''high-
est military authority referred TO In its article
yesterday on England's defenseless condition,
included group of mer Of the greatest celeb
rity and experience, some of whom will proba-
bly, speak az the approaching city meeting.
The Standard defends General Wolseley. Il
says: HE may air his enxieties as q patriotic
citizen without committing On extreme ofenss,
but to confront aud impeach in Parliament the
government he serves would be an intolerable
breach of sound tradition Lord Salisbury's
warmth was, perhaps, excusable, although not
quite 90 fair to General Wolseley or to the reo-
pie. who are sick Of eternal commonplaces and
official optimism"