The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-27
GEN. FRENCH AND
GEN. EWART QUIT



statement in regard to this matter at the
close Of last nights sitting of the House
Of Commons. but postponed II until mid
day to-day (Friday). The outcome can
not be indicated.
The Government did Its utmost
throughout yesterday to induce the two
officers to reconsider their decisions and
Il was rumorsd late last night that these
efforts had been successful. but this could
not be confirmed. II the officers were not
persuaded last night the efforts to induce
them to remain at their posts will be
renewed to-day tFriday). for the Gov
eminent 10 most anxious to avert the disas-
trous effects which their retirement might
have on the Amy. II is generally be-
iisved that II the two officers insist on
resigning large number Of the highest
military posts will be Immediately vacated
b. their present holders.
II II reported but without confirmation.
that several officers holding the last
named posts have already resigned. par
ticuiariy at Aldershot Field Marshal
Sir John Frenchs retirement would be
especially regretted and the efforts to
persuade him to remain have been almost
frantic. Lord Haldane. the Lord High
Chancellor. and Secretary Of War seely.
among others. had him In private con-
versation, and afterward the Field Mar
shall went to the House Of Commons.
where further pressure was brought on
him to withdraw his resignation. stu
iater he was received by the King. who
probably added his persuasions to those
OF the others.
Nothing further ID expected TO be
known until Premier Asquith makes his
statement in the House Of Commons to-
day.
Brig Gen. Cough, commander Of the
Third Cavalry Brigade, was interviewed
again at Dublin yesterday as to what he
and the other officers would do in view
Of the Governments reputation of the
guarantees given by Secretary Of War
seeiy that the officers In Ireland would
not be called upon to act against Ulster,
He said:
II have nothing further to say except
that I am going to do nothing. We have
the Army Councils written guarantee
backed by Field Marshal Sir John
French's signature. That 10 enough for
US"
Secretary of War Seely. when ques-
toned in the House of Commons last
night in regard to the alleged declara-
ton OF Brig Gen. Cough. 81 think Seely
ought to co." said he would inquire into
that Gen. Cough could have made no
such statement.
II is reported that Brig Gen. Cough
mas again been summoned to the ',
ONCE.
Conference ~ War once.
The principal commanding Generals of
the British army. including Field Marshal
French. Adjt. Gen. Ewart, Gen. Sir Hor-
ace Lockwood Smith Dorrien. aide de camp
General to the King and Lieut.. Gen. Sir
James MoncriefY Grierson. comma nding
the Eastern District with headquarters
In London. held a conference at the War
Office yesterday morning. Premier As
quith. Winston Churchill. First Lord OF
the Admiralty. and Col. Seely also held a
conference.
The results Of the conference OF the
amy officers was awaited with especial
anxiety In political circles for there 10 fear
that some action may be taken by the
commanding Generals in resentment OF
the Governments reputation of the
memorandum sent to Brig Gen. Cough OF
the Third Cavalry Brigade at the Curra III
camp which may disrupt the army to @
few days.
Array Conference secset.
The conference yesterday OF the distric
commanders with the Army Council wa
kept secret. IL is not known even VIII!
thsy were summoned or what they did
The military correspondent OF the Dali
Telegraph says:
The commanders warned the Arm.
Council that dangerous transportation
against the supposed intentions OF tn
Government toward Ulster exists in tn
army and no regiment can be counted o.
70 nsht on the Liberal side in the event 0
civil war"
This reads like an ex parte assumption
a. II 10 incredible that any commander
talked to any one.
The anxiety OF the Government to re
tain Field Marshal Sir John French
reflected in the Liberal morning paper
which write in such fulsome terms of tn
Imperial Cnel OF StaH that thelr claiI
that ne has given the most loyal suppoI
- the Government throughout the cris
10 quite superfuous. They virtually plaG
him on a pedestal as the champion I
the Government. These same panel
place Brig Gen. Cough on a pedestel g
the champion OF the Obstetrics. but a.
company this action by indulginE In mo-
vitriolic comments on his action in r.
signing his office.
Nobody doubts Field Marshal French
ability or value to the army. but he ca
hardly relish his sudden bossting I'M
the position Of a political savior IL
cidentally II tends to encourage the b,
lief that Field Marshal Frenchs retir
mont would be followed by others on
scale which would jeopardize the efficien'
OF the army.
The provincial Liberal press il not ga
isiied with the reputation OF the qua
antee to the officers by the Premier. b
insists that the guarantee must
actually withdrawn. They insist that Il
Government must make IL plain to all of
GERS Of the army that they must obey u
der any and all circumstances. Anoth