New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-22
CAMBRIDGE RETIRES.
FOR EIGHT YEARS THE DUKE WAS COM
MANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY.

.,,scu.RAcrER AND ABILITIES EULOGTZED IN THE
vorsr OF coMMoXs-IN HIS SUCCESSOR TIE
FUNCTIONS or THE OFFICE WILL
BE GREATLY MODIFIED.
,o,dor lime 21-In the House of Commons to-
Aay II Campbell Banncrman. Secretary Of state
>,r War. announced that the Duke of Cambridge
would retire from the command Of the British
Army. Mr. Campbell Bannerman said, in an
nouncing the coming retirement:
4, the close of the financial year His Royal
1Jighness the Duke Of Cambridge VIII relinquish
the position OF CHIEF in command OF the BritIsh
forces which he has held 50 long. He has devoi-
ed his whole life to the service ana mas llcn'iiled
himself with the Army. II Is hardly possible that
any one engaged in the civil administration OF
the Army make this announcement without
feelings Of emotion. We can look back with ad-
miration and gratitude upon his long career.
which has been distinguished by consistent zeal
and marked by marvellous improvements In the
Army His resignation has imposed upon the
Government a serious task. The Duke o. cam
hr,dee cannot be succeeded by any officer who
combines such large and varied powers and abili-
ties.
The Government ne said, would accept and pro-
coed In the premises upon the principles OF the
DIXIE Of Devonshire's scheme Of army COM
MISSION emoodying a plan whereby the Secre-
,arv Of state for War would be advised by a de-
lucrative council composed of experienced Off
GERS (Cries Of Hear Hear')
Mr. Campbell Bannerman further said that the
appointment Of a Commander-in-Chefo OF the
Army would be maintained. but his functions
would be greatly modified. He would be subject
70 the ordinary rules affecting staff officers and
his office would be tenable for period of ten
years, which term would be capable OF extension
II desirable. The Commandment would be
the principal military adviser Of the Secretary of
State for War. whose council would consist of
five general officers.
Mr. Balfour said the House must all feel that
the severance Of the Duke of Cambridge's connec-
ton with the Army event which must
move the country for the moment. but they must
exclude this feeling from their consideration of
practical questions which could not be long de-
ferred II was certain. however. that they would
never find any man who would inspire greater az
lection in the Army. or who would be animated by
any higher sense of his public duty well as his
duty TO the Queen and - Parliament
His ROYAL Highness George William Frederick
Charles born in 1919 is Queen Nictorias cousin.
He became a colonel in the British Army when he
was eighteen years old. and was advanced through
the grades OF major general, Acknowledgement,
general and field marshal. until in 1881 he received
letters patent as Comma nder-n-Chcf Of Her Maj
esty's land forces. lie commanded the First D-
vision of the Eastern Army in the campaign Of
1854 and was engaged in the battles OF the Alma,
bastopol. AS Commander-in-Chief he received an
the Duke has not been regarded as a commander
of the times by the men Of late commissions ~
Toned. opposed to up-to-late reforms and obnoxious
IN the administration Of discipline An example OF
harsh treatment OF DR.. Briggs. who rather than be
tray his friend. Lord Connemara. TO public oboquy.
was made 20 surrender his commission and face
public insult administered by the Cominanier-in-
Chief. In due course of time Or. Briggs position
was explained and his character vin1cated: but
not even then or after the War Department had
Teinsta ted the doctor would the Duke of Cambridge
confess that he had been wrong IN dealing with
surgeon in the British Army whose war record was
quite as clean as his own; and whose humanity IN
conduct lad been infinitely superior.