IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 108, 16 May 1901, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

DEBATE ON ARMY RE-ORGANISA TION.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigb London, May 14.

In the House of Commons, Mr Brodrick, Secretary for War, moved tho second reading of the proposed reorganisation of tho Army; Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman moved an amendment, affirming that the scheme was not adapted to the special needs of the Empire, and would increase the burdens of tax-payers, without adding to the Empire’s military strength. He contended that tho Army Corps system was too rigid. The scheme was likely to ho interpreted as aggressive, as increased armaments dominated the policy outlined. Mr Wyndham, Chief Secretary for Ireland, defended the main features of tho proposals, especially the decentralisation idea. The work would bo placed in the hands of six generals of South African experience.

Sir Charles Dilke favored decentralisation.

Mr Winston Churchill feared the scheme involved a danger to the Navy, which would thereby be rendered uselessly weak, and the Army uselessly strong. Tho debate was adjourned. THE DEBATE RESUMED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 12.35 a.m,, May 16. London, May 15. The debate on the army re-organisa-tion scheme has been resumed.

Several speakers urged that higher rates should be given to men in the army. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman was charged with introducing tho element of a mero party fight. Lord Stanley declared that most of the speakers were agreed in regard to three requisites, viz., reform, defence of the Motherland and defence of the colonies, and a mobile force for attack which could be ready instantly to co-operate with tho navy. Government was introducing a scheme to secure for the colonies the same class of men as the Imperial Yeomanry, with the same regulations and the same name, which a portion of the force had certainly helped to make historic. Sir J. C. R. Colomb said it was a costly scheme based on traditional ground less than on dread of invasion. He recommended consolidation and co-ordination of tho Empire’s defences.