New-York tribune., 1901-01-06
BRITISH ARMY REFORM
DEPENDS LARGELY UPON Earl, ROR.
ERTS's INITIATIVE
srILER's FRIENDS REVIVE THE D1sr,-s
SION OVER LADYsMITH-MATRr
MONIAL PRIZES

Copyright: lScls The New-York
GBY CABLE To THE 1RIBUsE.l
London, Jan. 6, 6 a. m.-Earl Roberts has eone
out OF town TO visit a sister in the country over
sunday, but Will be back at the War Office early
on Monday. II is clear that army reform, Do
pends in a large measure upon his Initiative
rather than upon the recommendations Of tbe
special Commission appointed by Mr.. Brodrick
20 consider the details Of the administration of
the War Office, which three committees have
investigated TO little purpose during the last
three years. Nothing is said by Mr. Brodrick
about restoration OF the functions which were
taken away from the Commander-in-Chis when
the Duke OF Cambridge resigned the post II
would be an earnest Of real reform il Lord
Roberts, who knows from practical experience
what is needed in order TO increase the efficiency
Of the army, were armed with these larger
powers. That would be an effective tribute 70
a General whom the Court and people have
honored, and it would crafty the army, which is
fretting under War Office control
Sir Henry Colvile's course in attacking the
staff OF the army in South Africa is condemned
by military men, but he commands certain
amount of sympathy in the service by his strict
ures upon the War Office for exercising author
ity with which il ought not to be intrusted. The
interests OF the service suffer. without doubt.
from civilian attempts to enforce discipline when
the personal authority of the Commander-in-
Chief would be accepted without questioning
This is the anniversary Of the Boer assault
upon Ladysmith, when General Whites men
drove the enemy from Wagon Hill after fight
ing from dawn TO dusk. General Buffers Devon
shire friends might have chosen a more oppor-
tune day for reviving the discussion over his
alleged orders for the evacuation of Ladysmith
and il they considered it necessary TO refer to
the matter they might have delivered a more
effective reply. They assert that General Butler
did not order General White to surrender. but
suggested measures which might be taken il his
supplies were TO run out. They also explain that
General Butler. after failing at Coienso, was
rnisinsormed respecting General Whites sup
plies which Were larger than he supposed. This
explanation tends TO confirm rather than dspel
the vague rumors which have found their way
into print, but not from any authoritative
source. II is probable that General Butler after
Colenso photographed to General White that he
could not make a second attempt TO cross the
Tugela for four weeks, and suggested retreat
under certain conditions if the garrison
without food. The precise terms in which this
recommendation was made known only to
Butler and White and their confidential staff
officers. II is a passage OF the secret history of
the campaign which VIII be brought TO light
some day in order TO silence the rumor mongers
who have heard the camp talk of Ladysnnith.
Lord Lansdowne's two sons had a hearty re
oeption at Bowood yesterday their return
from South Africa, where they have seen ardu-
Gus service.
There IS long series OF fashionable weddings
this month, many bridegrooms being military
officers who come IN for consolation stakes after
failing TO carry off prizes in South Africa Gen
eral Pole-Carew and the young Duke of West
minister are among them. The marriage OF Sir
Ernest Cassel's only daughter. one of the richest
girls in England, with Wilfred Ashley, Sir Henry
Campbell l-Bannerman's secretary, has been fol-
lowed by the wedding Of Sir Robert Cunliffe and
Miss Cecile Sackvie West IN Pimlico.
Miss Muriel Wilson, who will be the star per-
former in amateur theatricals at Chatsworth
during the Prince OF Wales's visit. is credited
with saving by her presence Of mind the life OF
diplomatic official in q train accident at Don
caster. l. n. f.
DT-SSrA tn TREAT WITH CHINA