The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-08-10
1T SUITS ENGLAND.
Suggestion of Count Won Waldersee
to Command in China.


to Command in China.
New York, Aug. 1O.-A dispatch to the
Tribune from London says:
The nomination of Count Won Valdez
see to the command of the expeditionary
forces in China has been favorably re-
ceived here, and though it is scarcely
correct to say that the official consent
of all the allied governments had Deen
obtained to the appointment prior TO
the public announcement on Wednesday
there is no doubt that it Will be cordial
~ accepted by the British cabinet the
subject was no doubt discussed at
special meeting of the defense commit
tee of the cabinet held yesterday after
noon under the presidency Of Lord Sails
bury.
Military men in London admit that
since Lord Roberts and Lord WolSeley
are out of the question, no more DIS
tinguiShed soldier could be found for
the chief command in the far east than
Count Won WalderSee. In addition to
his personal distinction, the count pos
sesses the necessary qualification Tor
holding the grade of field marShal, SO
that he Will be superior In rank TO any
of the officers commanding the various
national contingents. 1t has been sug-
geSted that the German emperor adrO1t-
ly forced the hands of some or the Other
powers who threatened to Squabble in
terminably over the generaliSsimo QueS-
ton by suddenly informing them that
he intended to send out a Prusslan field
man detachment. AS this officer would
necessarily take precedence OF every
other in the field it was easy to place
him nominally at the head of the entire
allied force but the precise authority
which Count Won Waldersee is to WELD
is still the subject of discussion. 1t will
be difficult, if not impossible, to give
to him precisely the status OF COM
mander-in-chief of a national army. He
will be rather the president of coun-
Gil of generals than an autocratic leader,
subject to control except that OF
SuperiOrS at home.
1t is a situation requiring immense
tact and temper but there is general
confidence that Count Won Waldersee
will prove equal to the emergency. He
should find little trouble in coming to
an understanding with both the English
and American officers. Though an ul-
appreciates the two Anglo-SaxOn peo-
pies. His marriage to a talented Amer
lean woman and his former close ac-
quaintance with the Empress Frederick
long ago placed him in touch with some
of the most influential perSonageS in
London and New York. At one time,
indeed he was a little too strongly in
sympathy with what was known as the
English faction at the Berlin court to
please the kaiser, but for some years
he has been on confidential terms with
his imperial master, who has the high
est opinion of his strategical ability.
The appointment, however, has not re-
1eved the gloom which hangs over po-
litical circles in England. 1t is felt
that it does not portend a brief and
easy campaign in China The publica-
ton of the allies losses at Pei Tsang
tells in the same way. There is an in
creasing apprehension that large rein
forcements will be still required for the
far east. This is peculiarly annoying
to the British war office, which has its
hands full in South Africa.