IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9099, 18 March 1901, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

DEBATE ON ARMY REFORM.

(Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright— United Press Assooiauuu.) LONDON, March 16. In the House of Lords, the debate on the- question of army reform, initiated by the Duke of Bedford, was continued. ■ Lord Wolseley, traversing the criticisms, moved for the production of all papers connected with the advice he had given to the Secretary of State for War, with the view of proving that his advise had been overruled. He never considered Ladysmith tenable. He advised that m the event of war, the Biggersberg and Van Reenan Passes be occupied, and Ladysmith used as a supply depot. He recommended m June, 1899, the mobilisation of one army corps m the West of England. He recommended early : m September the dispatch of an army corps to South Africa with other forces. He admitted that he had under-estimated the Boers' preparations for war, and the fighting power of the individual Boer. Lord Lansdowne, replying, said that the proposals made m the summer of 1899 were to mobilise an army corps, the latter to occupy Delagoa, and to 'have twelve thousand mules m readiness transport purposes.' The .recommendations were disregarded,- because the Government's policy wits 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 the confidential memoranda Lord Wolseley required tor be produced. Lord Wolseley pressed for a division. The motion was negatived by 62 to 38. It appears that Lord Wolseley complained to Lord Lansdowne that it would be cruel, if not criminal, to send auxiliary forces into action with absolutely useless guns. Lord Lansdowne replied that they must first supply the needs of the regulars. I