The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-11-07
DUkE or coxxlUeHrs WAR RECORD.
Refusal TO Let Hin 90 to South Afrio.
Recalls His Experience in Egypt.

The refusal Of the Queen and Lord Wellesley
70 allow the Duke Of Connaught 70 accompany
the army in South Africa in any capacity has
recalled the incident with which he was connected
at Tel-cl-Keblr in the Egyptian campaign OF 1882
In Eome quarters attempts were made 70 cast
doubt on the Dukes personal courage but he
was not in any way responsible for what took
place; and no ono who had an opportunity OF
observing his conduct during that campaign
entertained any doubt either az 70 his devotion
10 his duty or his pluck. lilo was simply victim
70 his elevated position and 10 maternal affection.
In the order Of the advance made by Sir Garnet
now Lord Wolse ley, the Guards Brigade, under
the Duke Of Conraught had the post Of honor,
the right Of The Gttscking line. and was supported
by q brigade composed Of two Irish regiments
and a battalion Of marines from tho Mediterra-
mean squadron. Late In the evening Of the day
before the battle when the regiments had taken
the camp at Kassassin Lock on the Sweet Water
Canal, telegram WAS received by Sir Garnet
wolselcy from the Queen expressing her desire
where he would be In danger. Az telegraph
official put u The Old Woman has telegraphed
place Of danger. The Queens Injunction nntyr-
ally embarrassed Sir Garnet Wolscley oonsid
erably, for 10 deprive the Queens son Of his com.
mnnd In the face OF the enemy would have cast
a slyr on his reputation that II would have been
hard to explain away. II was finally resolved
port aud move UP the supporting brigade into
the attacking line. The movement brought
about a panic among the baggage and transport
animals that nearly ended in a general stampede
For time the noise roaomhlcd nothing 30 much
as the wash Of the waves on pcbby beach durnR
gale. but after q time the animals were queted
and the march began. Had the Egyptians not
been in the habit ~ Withdrawing their outposts
about midnight the uproar must have given them
warning and red them for what was com
inc. hut although taken by surprise, they
opened heavy, though fortunately badly di-
rccted fire and the British casualties were rela
lively small. II happened. however, that the
casualties among the Guards Brigade were
greater than in the brigade in front, the FEyp-
tinn fire bring high and passing over the front
line to catch the battalions In rear: The Duke
OF ConnnuEht had run a greater risk than III his
brigade had remained In It's original place in the
formation Of attack.
The incident however. decided the British
army authorities that in future no members ~
the royal family near the throne should be al
lowed IN hold command or run danger In battle.
In addition Ia the anxiety for their personal safety
In case of danger they arc AN ncumbrancc on
account 81 the special consideration with which
they have ~ be treated There In also n certain
amount of professional Jealousy at prvi-
legged persons occupying positions belonging by
right 10 men who are passed over and ~ lose
chances Of earning listinctin. In the case OF
the Duke Of Connaught in Egypt this waa very
much 80. for II was up TO that time n tradition In
the Guards that only Guardsnhn could com
mand Guardsmen in the fold: and the dissaus.
faction his appointment to the command caused
was very great