OUR INDIAN ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 520, 29 May 1909, Page 13

OUR INDIAN ARMY.

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY LORD/ KITCEENER. ' In the conree of tho Budget debato in the Oonncil of the Governor-General of India in Calcutta, v Lord Kitchener mado a remarkably exhaustive and important speech, in which he s/iidl, "This is the only military budget framed since I. arrived in India under conditions of financial stringency. ' My solo aim througliont my tenure of office has been to place the administration of the Army oh a sound business footing. The first business condition neoessary to justify military expenditure is the maintaining of the Army in a thoroughly efficient state. After study, 1 concluded that the Army consisted- of splendid material, from which the bost economical value was not being obtained.. I felt that the ■ first essential step was A to improve the .organisation, training, and' distribution of the. Army. Wβ are now able to mobilise nine infantry divisions and eight cavalry'..brigades' with a rapidity hitherto impossible. By introducing a test of training we have.rectified many weak points in the regiments. The divisional system has been introduced, and tho Quetrta Staff College if proving of the greatest value. Tho complete rearming of tho artillery with quick-firers and of tho troops with new rifles is now practically complete. We are also able to produce in India guns, rifles, and-ammunition on a , scale to meet all needs in the field." He gave, a vigorous denial to tho statement oontained in Sir Edwin Collen's recent letter to tho effect that his ■ policy'. meant the' massing of the troops on the frontier,'and concluded as follows :—"I cannot help stronglyexpreesing my. conviction that only by a policy of continuity can the Army bo maintained ready to fulfil its grave; duties.'! \ _ .-. :.; ; , ... ■. . • ■'