The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-01-30
10 his strong splrit OF imperialism.


1t is equally well known that he has al
ways recommended the enlargement and
improvement of the artillery force. his
recommendations on the subject being
treated with indifference alike by the
Secretary of War and by the so-called
Ordnance committee, the members OF
which were the only people whom Lord
Lansdowne condescended to consult about
the matter.
Even with the operations Of the Gener-
ais now in the field the COMMANDMENT
Chief has nothing to do. They are abso-
lutely independent of his control, take no
directions or even advice from him, and
correspond over his head directly with
the Secretary of State for War. Needless
TO add, he has not been consulted with re-
gard to their selection. and In the cases
of at least three commanders now at the
front he first learned OF their appointment
through the newspapers.
There is but one branch OF the military
administration Ger which Lord Wolseley
has enjoyed absolute and undisputed con-
has enjoyed absolute and undisputed con-
trol-namely: that of the mobilization and
of the reseres, and this, it may be pointed
out. is one feature of the present war
which has been SO entirely successful as
to excite the warmest degree of admira-
ton at Berlin and at other military CEN
tiers on the continent. For II is only mil
itary men who are aware of the cleer or
ganization and the skill that hae been
required not merely to mobilize an army
of 10000 men, but also "a. coney 1t, fully
h. Ha1l 90
than 1000 miles away from home. in the
space of few weeks.
Lord Wolseley has frequently been
blamed for his optimism. But the latter
has been fully justified as far as the
scheme of reserve and mobilization which
he devised and created are concerned,
while the fact that NTH should main
tain a sunny temperament and a hopeful
disposition IN the face Of every kind OF
trial and annoyance Is to his credit rath-
err than a matter Of criticism The in
quiry has been made as to why he should
not have taken the step OF resigning
when he found his advice fouted by the
Secretary Of State for War and his every
recommendation ignored. But in the first
place soldiers such as Lord Wolseley are
not In the habit Of abandoning the post
of duty, especially at the outbreak Of
war. while If the present COmmander-in-
Chief had rendered his resignation every
time that his counsel had been spurned
he would never have been able 10 place
the British army upon such a foting as
that which, despite OF its reverses IN
South Africa, it enjoys today.
II cannot be denied, however. that its
showing would have been much better
had his recommendations been followed
instead OF being pigeonholed like those Of
his old friend and camrade. General Sir
William Butler, a scientific soldier Ike
himself who. while commander az the
Cape. urgently advised the placing Of the
frontiers Of Natal in a proper state OF de-
Tense, pointing out the need OF heavy (
guns and the fact that the Beers were al !
together moderated.
Nothing is more amusing for those who /
are acquainted with the facts Of the case
than to hear people. such as Kipling. for /
instance. accuse Lord Wolseley Of self !
Advertisement and Of currying favor with /
the press on that account. For there is /
no English soldier now living who has /
been so constantly and consistently ahus- /
ed By The press as the present Command |
er- in-Chief
There are two points 20 which ! should /
ike 20 draw attention before concluding 4
this letter. Lord wolselsy has sometimes
been blamed for not reaching Khartun in /
time 70 rescue hls friend. China Cor i
don II was through no fault % bic that 4
the departure Of the expeditionary relief /
force from England was delayed until TOO /
late Mr Gladstone ard the sate Lord /
Granule stopping The way and turning a
dear ear 70 al the mingled entrestlss. re-
monstrances. and recommendation of /
Lord wol~essy and % NJ Joseph Cham
5erlain. who thea occupied a minor Office
h the Cabinet but WIN was with Wolse-
lev heart ana soul 81 the matter
wfth regard 20 TIE charges q ssl1zh-
7@ss hrguEh. against Lord Woiseiev. 10 [
better proof q the falsify - th8s aectsa-
ion can Be- rfen than the loyalty ard o.
ro1.ou <fth which ne - reEzr5sG b. fhs
lo-caTea Wolselsv men. who are she
ofacerz q The army. ard fhs
'act th1t he rssksi rs s9vsrsiEu's favar
= q vasa ztterup; % secure ths Tshab1ti-
alton % . partscultriy s.sIlaa;. but un-
o-zunae4 corurads-raH1eiT poor Ts5e1~
fns Bake TIE Iefts- writes ~ ire late
Zhests - the Queer a; Lord wolseiey's
cyutsarfnE This spDssl zas draft
=. /. nay bs stated b.
Ex-ATTAcHE-