New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-20
ROBERTS AND HIS GENERALS.
"BoBs" HOLDS MILITARY regulations
IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND.
Copyright: 1900: By The New-York Trbune,I

rcopyright: 1900: BY The New-York Tribune.I
ley CABLF T. THE TRIBUNEJ
London. April 20, / a. ma complete en-
bargo upon war news leaves the press free TO
continue its discussion of General Roberts's
commentaries upon the unsuccessful battles of
British Generals. The charge is made that Gen
erai Methuen's report of the battle of Mayors
fontein was accompanied by a criticism from
General Roberts which has been suppressed by
the War Office. II this has been done, it is
possible that the Queens wishes have been re-
spected General Methuen has been favorite
at Court and the Queen was highly pleased
with his work in organizing the Jubilee parade
II is not however, the practice Of the Queen to
interfere with the functions Of any department
Of the public service. and il is not probable
that she had made General Methuens case an
exception TO her general rule. Lord Lansdowne
and General Methuen are warm friends The
selection Of the Guards General a division
commander was probably due to Lord Lans-
downe's preference and the structures upon his
conduct may have been suppressed on that ac-
count. II is not a foregone conclusion that
General Roberts commented upon Methuen's
By it concerned dead rather than living sol
diers and General Roberts may not have con-
sdered Il eithe- necessary or expedient to dis
cuss them. General Methuen has not been sent
home like General Gatacre, but he has been
taken out OF tire fighting line and has not been
overwhelmed with proofs Of affection and IA
vortisn. General Methuen, moreover. has three
victories TO his credit and deserves considera-
ton on that account.
Army officers cannot complain that they have
been vigorously disciplined during the campaign
There have been many failures and mistakes
but Gatacrc IS the only general relieved of COM
mand and Colonel Crofton is the only minor
officer removed from the active list and placed
or half pay General Butler and General War
ien are not expected by their friends 20 remain
in Natal after being publicly exposed TO censure
from Lord Roberts. Butler is high spirited SOL
dier who will feel keeny the injustice Of being
removed from command in Natal after his sue
cess in relieving Ladysmith But his recall is
locked for in military circles. General Warren
has been highly respected in South Africa and
Cecil Rhodes has been one Of his warm per
sonal friends but he has never been popular
among the Aldershot set, and is neither a cour-
tier nor a carpet knight. General Warren with
out doubt knows more about South Africa than
any other British soldier except Sir Evelyn
Wood. but he cannot get on with the other
generals. Clery VIII naturally succeed him un-
less General Kitchener is promoted and sent to
Natal, but this is hardly probable. Some ex-
perts suggest that General Roberts's comments
On the Spion Kop affair were suppressed long
enough TO enable General Butler 70 set himself
right by relieving Ladysn7ith, and that there
Will be q second commentary on the final chap
ter Of the campaign which VIII be compli-
mentary 10 Butler and will enable him 10 re-
main in Natal.
General Roberts seems TO hold every military
reputation in South Africa in the hollow Of his
hand. The War Office may exercise suspen-
sive veto, but whenever General Robertss opin-
ION is known the nation and army adopt it and
tnere is no appeal from it,
News from all sources is so meagre that il is
scarcely necessary TO present a summary Of it.
ehced but the censor is keeping everything
back
Inc Dutch ENJOYS have taken Holland, and
queen Wilhelmina viii receive them graciously.
european courts, under the leadership of Ger
many, stand aloof
Ihe messenger Of a host of American school
OhHoren has arrived at Southampton the
PRESIDENT Kriger
~ Inc Australian delegates who are aiming
- prlng about confederation on Canadian
mes "lil be accorded brilliant reception at
a nIATIoN FOR MID AND UPPER NEW-YORK
syJysS;A AeY West Z3rd Street Station Of the Penn