The sun., 1902-03-11

out disturbing operations elsewhere'
LORDS SYMPATHY FOR MBTHUEN.
Tn the House of Lords the Under Secretary
,or War. Lord Raglan, read Lord Kitchener 8
despatch.
Field-Marshal Lord Roberto, Commander
in-Chief. arose and said that for more
than two wears Lord Methuen had carried
on his work with zeal. intelligence and great
perseveranoe. He was beloved by his
men and no work was too hard for him
or them.
Lord Roberts said he felt sure that the
House must be deeply grieved at what
had occurred. He would ask their lordships
to defer any adverse criticism until they
had information as to whom the RESPONSE
billy rested on.
Lord Spencer, acting Liberal leader,
said he did not wish to offer word OF hint
of criticism at the present moment. Gen
Methueu was one of the most jealous OF
soldiers.
The MARQUIS OF Salisbury. Prime Minis
ter expressed his deep sympathy for the
noble and gallant soldier. 1t was no time
for entering upon an explanation OF his
actions. He had always acted with the
greatest gallantry. Therefore, he uord
Salisbury, } would only enforce the sugges-
ton to defer criticism or examination OF
the very sad and mels acholy intelligence
which had reached them until they could
speak with greater confidence. He was
convinced that Lord Methuen had done
his best.
Lord Salisbury said he was sure that the
gallant soldier would feel that even in the
sorrow of this misfortune no had the sym
,.thy nd dtr,ira ion NJ his fellow subjects
for whom he was working.
Lord Kitchener's first message announc-
ing Lord Methuen's disaster was received
on Saturday and further message reached
the War Office yesterday. proving that
the Government had been acting on Lord
Kitohener's advice and had held back the
news until details arrived.
HATIoNALsTs CHEER AT THE NEWS.
The reading Of the despatch by Mr.. Brod-
rick created a profound impression in the
House and was received in silence, except
when the Nationalists cheered at the first
mention of disaster and again loudly when
Lord Methuen's capture was announced.
Cries of .Shamo came from the Ministerial
benches.
After reading the War Office message,
Mr.. Brodrick continued: Il trust may be
allowed TO say a word in reference to the
commander of the troops who has met
defeat. II is only fair 20 Lord Methuen To
say that for two years past he has been
conducting operations week after week In
the most difficult country to the satisfac-
tion OF the Command nder-i in Chief and with
out failure in any particular. Lord Meth
uen early in the war failed in carrying out
the relief OF kimberley under conditions
which, after a full survey of the position
and considering the composition of his
force, appeared 10 Lord Roberts TO reflect
no discredit on him. The untiring energy
which he has since displayed and the con-
hdence with which he has been regarded by
all who have since served with him deserve
the fullest recognition
Mr.. Brodricks remarks were followed
with deep approval from the Conservatives
on the Ministerial benches.
LONDON, March 1.-THE Telegraph. dis
crssing the latest British disaster does not
withhold praise from the Boer leader. II
says editorially: The Boer commander
in his latest as we'll as in his previous ex-
plot has shown what no other leader on
the side OF the enemy has ever done-a
mastery of daring yet severely scientific
tactics which would do credit to any pro-
fessional soldier. If Delarey were stepped in
Clausswitz and Jomini he could not have
struck with more skill or design or GER
tainty in action
Against such an estimate OF the Boer
leaders prowess mas he set the assertion
that his men were, contrary TO the laws
~ war. wearing the uniform Of their enemy,
a fact which in the popular view here OUT
weighs any aim 10 bestow admiration
on the conqueror.
Concerning the details Of Delareys coup
nothing at present can be added 10 the
official dispatches II does not escape
norice that on the face of these Gen. Methuen
and his staff We're absolutely unaware
81 Delarey's presence In the neighborhood.
which prompts the Standard and other
papers 70 ask, notwithstanding their pro-
fessed resolve to suspend judgment.
what the British patrols we're doing.
Furthermore. il is remarked that the
Boars were in nowise overwhelming
strength, being apparently but 800. to
the British 200. This, says the Standard.
is undeniahly a severe shock 10 British self
respect. hut probably the bitterest draught
In the dose is the fact that more than 500
British mounted troops were chased by
the Beers for four miles from the scene Of
action.
This exclaims. the pro- Boer Daily Neus
ID. a terrible. a most humiliating statement
Tor any Englishman 70 read. The Neirs
however. pours balm on the wounds 10y adj
dug that il must be remembered that these
men were not regular soldiers. They were
nneoes. Rudysrd kipling g's waits and strays
from a system Of recruiting which would
never bear examination.
This criticism is aimed at the new Yeo-
manry, of which It is believed the bulk
Of Gen Methuen's columns consisted and
many Of whom are assumed 10 be raw and
unframed. One critic sarcastically re-
marks that the flight reflects much needed
credit on the Remount Department, as IL
was not expected that British mounted
troops would beable 10 show their heels 10
the Beers in such long run.
The serious criticism of the press, on
the whole. may be summed up in the state.
nent that the reverse is grave and humili-
ating, tending 20 add months TO the duration
OF the war, but that the net result can be
easily exaggerated.
An incident AZ home has aroused even
greater indignation than the disaster itself
-. il. in I, ,f.l, 81.