The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-09
Reforms So Far-Reaching that They
Are Believed TO he the Work
Of Lord Roberts.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
TO BE GOVERNED ONLY BY THEIR
FITNESS AS Cos1MANDERs.
No Increased Pay for "Tommy At
kfns," but Less Barrack Square
Drills-Estimates for Next Year.

LONDON. March SIN the House OF
Commons to-day Mr.. Brodrick. secretary
of war, prefaced his introduction of the
army estimates for 19oi-02 by saying that
the war in South Africa had brought to
light many faults even in those portions
Of the army system which were believed
to be best. He complained Of the scanty
and reluctant support that the govern
ment's proposals for strengthening the
military arm had received in the House Of
Commons.
Mr.. Brodrick then proceeded to divulge
the War Office proposals. which contem-
plate the ability to send abroad three army
corps with division of cavalry-in all 12o.-
OoO men-and at the same time to have
sufficient force for home defenses. The
War Office proposals further contemplate
that the country be divided into six dis
tricts. each district representing an army
corps and each corps commanded by an
officer who had command In time of war;
The artillery was obviously insufficient and
the field artillery must be supplemented
by heavier guns. The army must be pro-
vided with a much larger body OF mounted
men and transports, and the musketry drlll
needed improving. 1t was a question be-
bWteu the voluntary ana tle compulsory
systems. He adhered to the former. under
which 10000 men had offered themselves
for the war. compulsion would. he said.
be like applying the spur 10 willing horse
and would be disastrous The goyerr-ss.-z-su
could not hope to get rid OF European en-
tanglements. 1t could not shut out the
possibility of having to dispatch forces to
defend the British possessions abroad.
Mr.. Brodrick then entered into details
concerning the proposed reorganization of
the army. He said the object OF the gov
ernment in dividing the country into six
districts was 10 centralize the responsibility
and decentralize the administration. The
three army corps to be entirely composed
of regulars would be stationed at Aldershot.
at Salisbury and in Ireland. The other
three army corps, to include sixty bat
taIions of militia and volunteers. would %
stationed at Colchester. York and Ecin-
burgh.
The government In addition proposed 10
raise eight battalions for garrison duty
from men about to enter the reserve, to
establish a reserve militia and TO raise a
force of 5000 yeomanry 10 be armed with
short rifles and bayonets. The net adds
ton to the army under this scheme would
be l26,5OO men at cost or tzVvO,Wp ana a.
600 additional trained volunteers.
Mr.. Brodrick also said 1t was proposed
that officers hereafter should be able to pro-
cure their uniforms at government estab-
lishnents at cost price.
Dealing with War Office reform Mr.. Broc-
rick insisted that there must be hearty CO.
operation between the commander -n-chlef
and the secretary of war, and he asked that
a committee be appointed to advise IN re-
gard to needed changes.
Mr. Brcdrick said the estimates for the
year apart from the war estimates
amounted to e2s,6S5.ooo. TIE government
had already taken on account Of the war
the full sum 1t expected TO have 10 ask for.
They were determined TO carsy the war sos
a conclusls and Rad not st.nted the gen.
erals In anything.