The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-09-30
British Secretary For War is
Doing Business.
Regardless Of the Commanding
General of the Army.
CRITICISM FOLLOWS.
The Country Is Ill Prepared
For War.
Dewey Described as the One
Figure Without a Flaw.

Copyright, 1899, by Associated PressO
London, Sept. 30.-COmment regard
ing the personnel and material of the
British soldiery which is expected to
be lighting within a short time in South
Africa continues to occupy a large
share of public attention. Many crit
icisms appear. blaming 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 appeased these critics.
1t IS almost certain Gen Sir Redvers
Henry Butler, the former adjutant gem
eral, viii have supreme command in
South Africa In the meantime the
military responsibility is divided be-
tween Major General Sir George Stew
art White and Lieut.. Gen Sir Frederick
VIM Forester Walker, the latter at the
Cape and the former in Natal. each be-
ing supreme over his own district.
Gen White, who is described as
fighting man, keen as mustard" has
not Yet arrived in Natal Upon him
will devOlve the duty of checking any
desultory BOer raids; or, in case of a
premature outbreak of actual hOstilities
OF holding Natal until Gen Buffers
army corps arrives. when the agrees
sive British campaign will probably
occur Some dissatisfaction is express
because zen w mite mas never served
IN South Africa But it is generally
thought that his fighting abilities will
more than make Up for his lack of
typographical knowledge Under Gen
erals White and Walker will be a host
of officers specially selected for their
knowledge of BOer methods and South
African campaigning Gen Sir VIM.
Simmons, Gen. Whites second in com
mand, is one of the few survivors of the
massacre OF Isandlewhana The ar
tiIery in Natal Will be commanded by
Col Downing, late chief Instructor at
the school of gunnery. ShOeburvness.
who has the highest scientific and prac-
teal reputation, comparing somewhat
with Rear Admiral SIMPSONS reputa-
ton IN the United States navy as an
ordnance officer. Major General French
commanding cavalry is a dashing Off
GER Gen Young served through the
early Egyptian campaigns
Much has been said regarding the
physical unitness of a large percentage
OF the British rank and file going to
South Africa. or already there. A great
difference Of opinion on the subject ex-
lists But it can be said the regiments
selected are believed to have the high
est standard of physique and all are
comparatively long service men
Many of the British officers believe
the Mausers with which the Beers re
armed are superior to the Lee Netford
rifle 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 desir-
able when fighting against civilized
LorcSS- Under a Weli-mana gad Mar1sar
nre troops Will come on, dropping grad
uaily from the effect of calling wounds
and not realizing the necessity of cover.
u Le.Ieal uhtl when within deadly
zone they find half their number dis
abled and unable to face the full weight
OF short-range fire. In other words
-Aauser armed troops are more decep-
tive 10 the enemy than those armed
with Lee-M etfords, the effect of the lat I
ter being visible to the officers directing I
the fight
me indian and Australian horses
which viii be much used nv the CO..
alfy and mounted infantry viii proba-
bly, suffer from the change of country 1