New-York tribune., 1901-03-15
WOLSELEY'S FINAL. SHOT.
BRITISH LEADERS AT FAULT IN SOUTH
AFRICAN TROUBLES

MINING STOCKS RlSE-ANGLO-GERMANA At
TITUDE TOWARD RUssIAs DESIGNS IN
MANCHURIA-MR. CRoKER's REFORMS.
Copyright: 1901: BY The New-Yor; TribuneD
IBY CABLE To THE TRIIrNE.I
London, March ID, ! m.-Lord Wolseley's
eneech in the House of Lords to-day will be his
last word the conduct of the South African
war since he Will start next week on his mission
rs a special ambassador to announce the death
Of Queen Victoria. When the Duke of Bedford
was rno1 I'd to make critical remarks on the mill
tary administration. Lord Woseley took part in
the debate with the air of a candid friend who
was forced to say something against his will.
This debate exposed him to unexpected at
tack from Lord Lansdowne. and Lord Woseley
came out some Of the British generals did
from a Boer ambuscade. He is now compelled
in self-defence TO return to the subject, and to
reply TO Lord Lansdowne's charges. He has
been consulting with Lord Rosebery and other
friends and may to the government much
annoyance. The ministers are not pleased with
the turn which affairs have taken. and Lord
Lansdowne will probably be urged to maintain
self-restraint.
At the outbreak of the war the intelligence
department was held responsible for mscalcua-
tons regarding the Boer resources, but the re-
ports now in print prove that it was not at
fault Lords Wolseley and Lansdowne and Mr..
Chamberlain and the entire Cabinet We're caught
IN Boer arnbuscade, and should be held jointly
responsible for lack of judgment in under
estimating the magnitude of the military opera
,ions in South Africa. Neither Lord Wolseley
nor Lord LansdoWne wishes be the scape-
soat Mr.. Chamberlain made an extremely op-
fImistic speech the Imperial Institute yester-
day on the industrial situation in South Africa
and the prospects for immigrants of both sexes
The Kaffir Circus was again in a high state Of
excitenleut. with prices rising and investors
making their wants known. There was no au-
thentic account of peace negotiations, but the
mining companies were known to be making
active preparations for the resumption of work
et Johannes burg and this intelligence strength
ened the market.
In view of the expected statement by Lord
Wolseley in the House of Lords to-day in regard
10 the war in South Africa. the publication of
the memorandum in which. on his retirement
from the commandership-in-chie he places on
record his grounds for condemnng the arrange
rnent under which he worked for five years, is
very opportune. 1t is obvious that the existing
arrangements are susceptible Of Improvement.
but il is noteworthy that Mr. Brodrick con-
demns Lord Wolseley's conduct almost as
strongly as Lord Lansdowne does.
The announcement made by The Express
that Charles T Yerkes has secured a control
ling interest in the Metropolitan and District
railways of london is almost too good to be
true Certainly the prospect Of the adoption of
some up TO date system in these old fashioned
underground railways would be greatly vel
coined by Londoners who are compelled to
travel by them.
Disturbing rumors respecting Russian designs
in Manchuria had little effect upon the general
market. even when il was whispered that the
Cabinet had been consulting over the situation
IN China. and not over Lord Kitchener's diplo-
macy. The Anglo-German agreement operates
as safeguard against war scares, and it is
known that these two governments will stand
together if Russia breaks up the European con-
cert. and that Germany is more likely to follow
the Manchuria precedent than offer armed
resistance to il. In any event England VIII not
fight over China when the Chancellor OF the
Eychequer is at his wits end to know how to
cover deficits caused by this years and next
years war chests.
recent visitor to Richard Croker's district
gives me a glowing account Of the progress or
reform at Moat House. good sized cottage
with land around it which Mr.. Croker has been
coveting has been purchased by him, and this
with his previous purchases, will round out MS
estate bathing pool within the grounds VIII
De converted into a picturesque laKe, anu d
handsome pair Of gates will be put up at the
main entrance. Work a new driveway is IN
progress, and the Improvements in the grounds
are reported to be directed by a-competent land
scape gardener. Mr. Croker has taken great
interest in the alterations and finishing touches
required for making his English country house
pretty show place AS Letcombe is a small
village with only other large house. which
is called The Bowers. the improvements ana
reforms going on at Moat House are watched
eagerly by Mr.. Crokers rustic neighbors. VINO
enjoy seeing him spend his money freely, Ike
an English gentleman. especially as he makes a
point OF employing local talent and labor
l. y. T.