THE WAR OFFICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13482, 8 May 1907, Page 9

THE WAR OFFICE.

Mr. Akthitr a'Beckett, for many years assistant editor of Punch, began his business life as a clerk in the War Office. - .In his "Recollections of a Humourist"' he tells a story 1 of the War Office in the Crimean period which throws a strong light on the great war correspondent, Sir William Howard Russell. The papers (he says), had been ringing with the mismanagement. of everything that could be mismanaged in the Crimea. It was decided to send John M'ilton, one of the brightest of the War Office men, to the seat of war, to act to the best of his ability, and then to report how matters really stood on his return Home. Milton was ready to start, and paid liis last visit to Pall Mall to receive his last orders. He entered the palatial apartments of the Secretary of State. ...... . Lord Panmure, who was seated with a copy; of Punch open before him with a cartoon of "The General Fast Asleep," or some such kindly witticism, looked up at his visitor with an inquiring smile.,, ; : _ "I am Mr. Milton," explained the future Accountant-General of the Army. "Ah, to be sure," returned the Secretary of State for War, referring to a paper, one of many which had been tied together by red tape. "Yes, Mr. Milton. You are going to the Crimea to see how things are progressing. Certainly. Well, I hope you will have a pleasant journey." Milton bowed, and said he believed that the Secretary of State had asked to see him. "Why, of course. ; To:„be sure. Wellhum—Mr. Milton, yes, Mr. Milton, you will see how things are" progressing. Of course, you will be careful not to do anything to compromise the Department. Mind and be courteous to everyone. 'Remember you are a civilian, and that" civilians must not ruffle the military. Peppery people, the military;' mind you are civil' and conciliatory to everyone. .Yes, everyone." • ' Milton bowed again, and waited for his final instructions. [• " You will be courteous and conciliatory arid everything that is pleasant to that rather severe , critic of our. methods Mr. Russell, of the Times. Good-day, Mr. Milton, I hope you will have a pleasant journey. Don't* forget. Be civil to Russell, of the Times.