New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-13
ENGLAND'S HOME DEFENCE.
GOVERNMENTS PLANS ANNOUNCED IN
BOTH HOUSES.


of George wyndham. Parliamentary Secretary
Of the War ONCE, in regard to army measures
Joseph H Choate. the United States Amoassa-
dor; Henry White the Secretary of the United
States Embassy and w. T. Baker, the president
of the Chicago Board of Trade, were among
those present in the Strangers Gallery.
Mr.. Wyndham and cheered when
the House went into Committee on Supply, and
said that he die not propose to deal with the
question OF the prosecution of the war but
would proceed Immediately TO outline other mill
tary measures necessary for placing home de-
fence a satisfactory footing. The Govern
ment. he continued. had not even considered
the question Of compulsory service, which was
entirely unnecessary In view Of the activity of
recruiting for the auxiliary forces Since the
ten Thousand recruits had Joined under the
existing conditions, and he pointed out that If
improved facilities were offered he anticipated
that the voluntary auxiliary forces II their eff
cheney was increased, would easily suffice for
passive defence and TO garrison the seaports
and other positions. They might even be quail
ned for undertaking more onerous duties.
TO RAISE THE PAY OF MILITIA.
The Government proposed 10 put the pay of
the militia the same scale as the regulars
and embody the whole militia. In the spring
and summer the volunteer artillery would be
rearIned and a higher capitation grant would
be given to the volunteers coupled with the
demand for higher efficiency. A mounted in
fantry volunteer corps would be formed. and
the yeomanry would be treated the same
broad principles. The artillery, army service
corps and engineers necessary for two add
tional army corps would be raised forthwith.
namely, thirty-six field batteries and seven
horse batteries. The speaker also said 1t had
been decided to raise twelve additional infantry
battalions.
Mr.. wyndhams announcement that commits
sions in the regular army would be offered to
the colonies was received with great cheering
Continuing, Mr.. wyndham said the existing
cavalry forces would also be expanded by seven
regiments and that commissions would be Of
fered to militia officers. TO the colonies and to
the universities. At present. the speaker further
pointed out there were 10000 regulars in the
country, and the increase anticipated to be
10000 There were now $4,000 men in the
auxiliary forces. and II was estimated the in
crease would be $1,000. Altogether the country
would soon have at least $4,000 men, and Mr.
wyndham anticipated that the number would
be nearer 100000 than half q million.
THE FLEETS EFFICIENCY
In his remarks, Mr.. wyndhaIn referred to the
Governments confidence in the power and splen-
did efficiency OF the feet saying 1t was never
greater more legitimate than now. But, In
case Of the fear Of invasion. the garrisoning OF
the coast towns would devolve on the auxiliary
forces. as It would be the first duty Of the feet
To be OF the enemy's coast, or face to face with
the enemy
The Government. Mr.. wyndham then said.
was not making appeal for money and men
in a spirit Of panic. The risk was not much
nearer than year ago, but II had increased IN
exact proportion 10 the reduction of the home
military defence, which sufficed to Justify the
present demands for increase OF the resources
for home defence
The Liberal leader, Sir Henry Campbell Ban
herman. who followed, said he had heard OF the
great scheme for the administration of a great
army. but he had not heard single figure men
toned to the cost thereof even IN regard
10 the particular vote. How much of the money
required was due TO the present war?
To this question Mr.. wyndham replied: -Four
hundred and twenty thousand pounds"
1t was explained IN the Hobbies Of the House
OF Commons that Mr. Wyndham meant TO con-
vey that all the supplementary estimates asked
for were due to the war, except 100000 re-
CURED for the new scheme to close the financial
year Of March 81.
ACTION OF THE LIBERALS
Sir Henry said he could not be expected TO
pronounce opinion upon the scheme sud
denly. but he added that he believed that nine
lehtns OF MS hearers were ready to do almost
anything for the purposes Of the present war. but
would like to regard it war measure alone
leaving the question Of the future increase and
arrangements open for future discussion
Sir Charles Dixie Advanced Radical member
for the Forest Of Dean Division of Gloucester
shire said Mr.. Wyndhams speech seemed to
support the heresy that Great Britain should
rely upon home defence while the truth was
that the most powerful defence lay in the strik-
ing power Of the fleet"
A ]. Baifour, First Lord Of the Treasury and
Government leader denied the statement re-
Gently published that Sir Edmund J. Monson.
the British Ambassador to France, had been
temporarily ordered to withdraw from Paris
owing TO the offensive attitude of the French
press with regard TO the war in South Africa
The Secretary Of State for War Lord Lans-
downe. furnished TO the House of Lords where
the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cam
bridge were interested listeners a statement
similar 70 that of Mr.. Wyndham
Lord Lansdowne said there were about one
hundred and seventy thousand reserves be-
tween the ages Of twenty-five and fortw-ive
who had served with the colors whom the Gov
eminent proposed 10 ask to join the army for
year for home service only.
Replying TO a question as to whether Major
General Sir Frederick Carringtonwas destined for
command in South Africa and whether Gem
eraI Methuen was still IN command at the Mod
der River Lord Lansdowne answered that por-
ton Of the query referring to General CARING
ton in the affirmative. and added:
General Roberts is now at the Modder River
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES