The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-10-01
FORCES N FINE TRIM
And Officers Selected Who
Have Met RurgherS Before.
80ERS HAVE BETTER GUNS
British Miles AIger Case
Peace Party Resumes.

Copyright, 1899, by Associated Press.)
London. Sept 3o.-Comment regarding
the personal and material Of the British
soldiery, which is expected to be fight
ing in a short Eme in South Africa, con-
tinues to occupy q large share of public
attention. Many criticisms appear. di-
rected against the government for not
permitting the war Office, months ago,
to put an adequate defensive force on
the scene of action. But the rumors Of
the forthcoming departure of the army
corps somewhat aDpeased these critics.
It is almost certain that General Sir Red
vers Henry Butler, the former adjutant
general, will have supreme command in
South Africa. In the meantime, the mill
tary responsibility is divided between
Major General Sir George Stewart White
and Lieutenant General Frederick Will
lam Forester-Walker the latter at the
Cape and the former in Natal, each be-
ing supreme over his own district. Cen
eral White, who 81 described as a fight
ing man, keen as mustard" has not yet
arrived in Natal. Upon him viii ldevolve
the duty of checking any desultory BOer
raids; or, in case of q, premature out
break of actual hostilities, of holding Ma
tai until General Buffers army corps ar
rives, when the aggressive British cam
paign will probably occur. Some dissat-
isfaction is expressed because General
White has never served in South Africa.
But 1t is generally thought that his fight
ing abilities will more than make Up for
his lack of typographical kno Wedge.
Under Generals White ana Walker viii
be host of officers specially selected for
their knowledge of Boer methods AMI
South African cGmpaign.ry. General SIR
William Simmons, General Whites sec
ond in command, Is one Of the few sur
vivors of the massacre Of JsanIeV Lana.
The artillery. in Natal, viii be Command
ell by Colonel Downing late chief in
structor at the school of gunnery, Shoe
buryness WIZ has the highest scientific
and practical reputation, comparing
somewhat with Pear Admiral SIMPSONS
record in the United States navy as an
ordnance officer. Major General French,
commanding cavalry, is n Gashing Of
ficer. General Young served throughout
he early Egyptian campaign.
Much has beer said regarding the phys
ioal unitness. of a large percentage of the
British rank and &le going to South AZ:
r:ca or already thr,e. y great differ
er ce of opinion on the subject exists
But it can be said that the regiments Sc
lected are believed to have the highest
standard of physique, and all are COM
paratively long-service men.
Many of the British officers believe the
Mauser, with which the Beers are armed,
IS superior to the Lee-Metford rife Of
the British for use against civilized
troops. A small-arms expert said to a
reporter of the Associated Press: THE
Lee-Metford will stop savages. but that
| IS not the object most desirable when
| fighting against civilized forces. Under a
well-managed Mauser fire troops will
come on, dropping gradually from the eff
feet of CALLING wounds and not realizing
! the necessity of cover retreat until,
when within deadly zone, they find half
their number disabled and unable to face
| the full weight of short-range fire. In
| other words. Mauser armed troops are
more deceptive to the enemy than those
]
! the latter being visible to the officers d.
/ recting the fight"
The Indian and Australian horses,
which will be much used by the cavalry
and mounted infantry, will probably suf-
! fer more from the change Of country
/ than the men, being obliged to live on
! oats and mealies, the form Of fodder they
are utterly unaccustomed to.
The apparent inclination Of the secre-
tary Of state for war, the Marquis of
Lansdowne TO run the campaign prepa-
rations on his own ideas and his ten
dency to consult subordinate officers,
have called forth a published reminder
that he has a capable commander in
chief at his elbow. Some comparisons
are made as TO the status Of Field Mar
shall Lord Wolseley compared with that
of Major General Miles, when the latter
was reported to have been disregarded
by Secretary Alger.
The Daily Chronicle publishes the sit
uation pithily. saying: The interim dis
patch IS followed by an interim cabinet
meeting"
The peace is making the most Of the
respite. urging every possible argument
likely to avert war. But ii looks as
though a collision must occur before the
cabinet re-assembies. If war breaks
out it is expected that Premier Schreiner
I Of Cape Colony, viii Immediately resign.
The session of the British parliament is
not expected to be either long or excit-
ing and TO be mainly devoted 10 voting
the necessary money and supplies. The
army board met after yesterdays cabi-
ret council and discussed the various
strategic questions. Opinions appeared
to favor the belief that the Beers Will
make no serious invasion OF Natal.
The prospect Of stringency in the
money market occupies serious attention
in financial circles. There has been an
immense drain Of gold 10 South Africa
since the crisis. Altogether, from Lon