New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-19
LORD R0BERTSs CRITICISMS.

Discussion of and judgment upon the conduct
of the British army in South Africa are not to be
postponed until the end of the war. That is
made clear in Lord Roberts's official dispatch of
February 3d. now published. The Commander
in Chief is no believer in laissez faire. He calls
his men TO prompt account and passes Judgment
upon them before their acts have grown cold.
In such fashion he holds that the discipline and
morale OF the army are best to be promoted.
His criticism of the management Of the army
in Natal, especially in the operations which cui-
minated at Spipn Kop is sweeping and scath-
ing yet distinguished by discriminating judg-
ment. Colonel Thorneycrofts action, first In
assuming command at Spon Kop and then in
ordering abandonment of that position, he con-
dennis as inexcusable Neither does Thorney-
croft's superior, General Warren, escape. He is
censured for leaving Thorneycroft there, for not
keeping himself acquainted with what was go
ing on, and for 'errors of judgment and want
of administrative ability" in the general conduct
of his campaign. That is severe censure for
man of so extended and largely successful expe-
rience both an administrator and as leader
in the field, and it may we'll be that upon the
strength of it General Warren is, as reported,
being recalled. But Lord Roberts does not stop
there. General Warrens superior, Sir Redvers
Ruller must bear his share of blame, for his
"disinclination to assert his authority'-that is
his failure to do the very thing he should, above
all else, have done.
1t will be observed that these criticisms differ
essentially in purport from those which were
made at the time Of the operations by the wise
acres and amateur field marsbals of the clubs
and press. They are made by man who speaks
with the authority of knowledge whose judg-
ment on all questions, whether of strategy or of
fighting, must be accepted as final. They are
moreover-and this gives them an exceptional
and peculiar fOrce-made by q man who is al
ways conspicuously ready and prompt TO bestow
commentator whenever IL is deserved. Indeed
in this very dispatch he gives high praise for
galantry TO one of the officers upon whom his
heaviest censure falls. The pervading notes of
the whole dispatch are those Of knowledge,
authority and justice, and not one Of these,
fancy. will be challenged. The men whom he
has criticised will not sulk nor nurse resent
nent but will seek TO retrieve their faults with
a wiser circumspection and with an even more
devoted loyalty to their commander.
Not the least noteworthy feature OF Lord
Roberts's dispatch Is the brief final sentence,
which refers 10 1.-THE admirable behavior of the
troops" That is characteristic. British officers
have hitherto been guilty OF grave of judg-
ment They were at New-Orleans They were
at Balaklaya. But there no faltering of the
troops mot tho the soldier knew some one had
Numbered" The real hero is Tommy Atkins.
And that fact is most gratifying and reassuring
10 the British people. since 1t shows them that
the qualities which have for ages made them
one Of the worlds chief lighting races have not