THE ARMY SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 64, 18 March 1901, Page 2

THE ARMY SCHEME.

DEBATE IN HOUSE OF LORDS. WOLSELEY ASKS THAT PAPERS BE PRODUCED. MOTION NEGATIVED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 4.51 p.m., March 17. London, March 16. In the House of Lords, tho debate on the question of army reform, initiated by tlio Duke of Bedford, was continued. Lord Wolseley, traversing the criticisfhs, moved for the production of all papers connected with the advice he had given to the Secretary of State for War, with tho view of proving that his advice had been overruled. He never considered Ladysmith tenable. He advised that in the event of war, that Beggarsberg and Van Reenan Passes bo occupied, and Ladysmith used as a supply depot. He recommended in June, 1899, the mobilisation of one army corps in the west of England. He recommended early in September the dispatch of an army corps to South Africa with other forces. Ho admitted that he had underestimated the Boers’ preparations for war, and the fighting power of the individual Boer. Lord Lansdowne, replying, said that the proposals made in the summer of 1899 were to mobilise an army corps, the latter to occupy Delagoa, and twelve thousand mules in readiness for transport purposes. The recommendations were disregarded, because the Government’s policy was peace, not provocation. Lord Rosebery supported Lord Wolseley’s motion for the production of the written advice.

Lord Salisbury suggested .that the motion be withheld until it was indicated which paper among tho confidential memoranda Lord "Wolseloy required to be produced. Lord Wolseloy pressed for a division. The motion was negatived by 62 to 88, [The reference to Delagoa is given as cabled, but hardly seems credible.]