BRITAIN’S ARMY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4308, 18 March 1901, Page 5

BRITAIN’S ARMY.

CABLE NEWS.

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THE REORGANISATION SCHEME. DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. LORD WOLSELEY’S ADVICE. (Received March 17. J. 51 ji.m.) LONDON, March Id. Li tho Hun ■ ■ of Lords the debate on the question. cf army reorganisation was initiated by the .Duke of Bedford, who

served with the Grenadier Guards through the Egyptian war. Viscount WcJseley, who followed, traversing criticism of himself, moved for tho production of ail papers connected with advice lie had given to tho Secretary of State, for War with a view to proving that such advice -had been overruled. Mo said ho. had never considered Ladysmith tenable, and had advised that in tho event of war in Natal the Biggarsborg and. Van Rconan’is Passes should be occupied, and Ladysmith used as a supply depot. He had recommended in June, 1809, the mobilisation of ciio Army Corps in. the west of England, and lie had recommended early dn September the despatch, of an Army Corps, with other forces, to South Africa. Ho

admitted ho had under-estimated the Boer preparations for war and tho fight-ing-power of the individual Boer. The Marquis of La^sdowno,, who was Secretary of State for'War at the time referred to, in replying, said the propo-

sals made in. the .summer of 1899 to mobilise an Army Corps, and, at a later .stage, to occupy Delagoa Bay, and land 12,000 mules in readiness for transport purposes, were disregarded because the Government’s policy was peace, nob provocation.

Lord Rosebery supported Viscount AVolscicy’s motion for the production of written advice.

Lord Salisbury suggested that, tlio motion .should bo withheld until it was indicated which among tlio. confidential memoranda Viscount Wolsclcy required to ho produced. Viscount Wolseley pressed for a division, and tho motion was negatived by G2 votes to 38„