New-York tribune., 1899-12-24

Necessity for large increase Of the stand
Us iorce OF cavalry by the addition Of several
0e'"enls Of lancers and larger provision for
u'i'eu infantry. Cavalry is an expensive
"l OF the service, but it will be difficult for
rarlament to refuse supplies for STRENGTHENING
'He mounted force. The staff will also be like
~ 10 recommend measures for improving the
ar'liiery service to put IL on a level with
'he French and German armies in long range
raplu hring guns. The spectacle Of an army
corps outmatched even by the Dutch republics
III held artillery and dependent upon the navy
Ior effective support In attacking intrenched
positions is that humiliates veterans and
nation alike. Not only will there be an in
crease of military armaments as the result OF
the present campaign but there will also be
systematic arrangements for making perma-
ment use of the imperial contingents and pro-
noting their efficiency. At first they were re-
garded as having sentimental value but they
are now considered too important auxiliary
forces to be lost sight OF In future
The finest example Of fexibility In dealing
with the Beers has been the conduct Of the de-
fence at Mafeking by Colonel Baden-Pow He
has met his Dutch foes on their own ground.
matching their craft with finer subtlety sur
prising them with frequent night sorties, and
post which is naturally indefensible He is
cavalry officer who Joined the Hussars when
he was nineteen. and is now lieutenant colonel
of a regiment Of Dragon Guards. His life has
been spent in the army and in special service
and travel. and he is an authority cavalry
tactics. having written manuals on reconnois-
sance work and scouting. He has a soul above
military routine and red tape, and as a natural
leader Of men has rallied around him at Mafek-
ing not only a we'll known group Of British
officers of high social position. hut also sea-
soned hand of frontiersmen and adventures.
The defence of Mafeking has been the most
heroic and picturesque episode Of the war. 1t
has been the work Of natural scout, whose ear
has been constantly on the ground listening for
the stealthy approach Of the foe and whose
keen intelligence and inventive skill have de-
vised a great variety of resources for thwartng
the devices Of Cronje and other crafty Beers
Colonel Baden-Powen has travelled widely
and had many adventures for a man Of forty
two. He has served in Ashantee, India, Afghan
istan. Zuuand and Matabeleland, and has
wonderful talent for getting work out Of lower
races his principle being that "a smile and
stick will carry YOU through any difficulty In
the world" He knows a little about great
many things. and has. perhaps, as many ac-
complishments as any other Englishman Of his
time Not only is he a soldier and wonderful
scout but he is also author with clear and
animated style; artist who can illustrate his
own books, and etch and paint equally well; an
amateur actor Of fine versatility; a musician
with an excellent voice. sportsman equally al
home in the woods and yacht; crack
rife shot an expert swOrdsman, polo player.
and the natural master Of reves in any garri-
son or social circle. Colonel Baden Powell Is a
child OF nature as we'll a man of the world
and with all his varied accomplishments he has
the keen senses of an American Indian If he
had been Sir George Whites chief Of staff, or
Sir William Gatacre's policeman the bat
talions would not have been ontrapped in Dutch
ob,scodoe l. y. f.