The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-09-28
EnsIand's south African Elephant.

EHEInnd's south African Elephant.
Rumors of "a few days ago. to the ef-
feet that there was serious disagree
ment between Lord Kitchener and Mr..
Brodrick. British Secretary Of State for
War, appear TO be confirmed by our
latest news from London. II appears
that when Kitchener accepted supreme
command in South Africa it was on
conditions that he be given a free hand.
He IS said to hold that this understand
ing has not been respected by the War
Office. and he has other causes of COM
Plaint He insists that martial law
should be declared as we'll in Cape
Town as in other places. The fact that
exceptions are made in favor OF several
important places handicaUs him in the
exercise of his military administration.
He also wants authority to impose heav-
Ter penalties for rebellion than he is al
lowed TO at present, and he needs more
and better ue-enf0rcements The Pail
Mall Gazette" asserts that it is in a
position To state that Lord Kitchener
lis seriously considering his position"
which means, of course, that he is like
ly 20 resign his command unless the
course of the war authorities is changed
To meet his views.
In England this matter is regarded
seriously. The country has generals in
plenty. but few who would be accorded
much public confidence in Lord Kitch-
ener's place The one substitute who
would be considered equal 10 the occa-
sioL is Lord Roberts. but Re is Com
mander-in-Chief, old. and out Of the
question. Butler would be more likely
than any other to receive the assign
mont but John Bull has not forgotten
Colenso. and would not look upon the
appointment with favor. Our despatch
says that Mr. Brodrick has been IN
conference with King Edward on the
subject OF the friction between Lord
Kitchener and himself, and it is prob
able that the influence and diplomacy
OK the throne may be successful IN
smoothing the trouble over.
one thing is notorious in connection
with the situation in South Africa II
is that Lord Ktcheuer's army is worn
out and stale. Two years Of inCessant
campaigning in a country for the most
part as rough as our own Rocky Noun
taiEs has taken the vitality out Of the
British troops Fresh men are not only
needed, but are necessary. Although
the Kings forces number two hundred
thousand, and those Of the Beers prob
ably not more than twelve thousand
the former are kept continually on the
move scouting and operating in flying
columns. and are so broken up and
scattered on account Of the vast area
to be guarded that the Beers are able
10 strike detachments here and there
and almost where they please, and in
hict heavy damage. The longer pres
cut conditions continue the greater viii
be the danger Of a general rebellion Of
the Cape Colony Afrikanders. The Brit
isE war authorities have realized the
necessity Of amply reinforcing Lord
Kitchener all along; but they have neg
lected 10 take measures for doing so,
principally because they cannot secure
voluntary recruits, and are afraid 10
resort to CONSUMPTION. They also have
feared the political effect at home Of an
acknowledgment that the present force
In South Africa is inadequate TO com
pIete the conquest OF the country.
A grave problem is thus presented TO
the British Government, and no one
seems able To suggest d solution. II is
very certain. however. that fresh troops
viii have To be found in some way. or
the war VIII go dragging along for an
other year at least