A GERMAN CRITICISM OF THE MILITARY SITUATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6729, 26 February 1900, Page 3

A GERMAN CRITICISM OF THE MILITARY SITUATION.

TARY SITU4TJQN,

The Berlin "Militar Wochenblatt" pub- 1 lishes the commencement of a letter from ' a " trustworthy and experienced " pbservcr, I dated Capetown, Nov. 22, A translatipn ' of this letter is furnished by the Berlin cor- ! respqndent cf the " Standard.''" "The Boers " ars amed oseeltent l^man reputing ', rifles, and it is, therefor*, all the Less gurr j prising that the English lose a very high i

percentage of officers, as they can be recognised from a great distance by being in front of their troops and by flourishing their swords in action. This behaviour is extremely brave, but not prudent, especially as it is not in England's interests that such an ex-ir-TfT 5 number of gallant officers should be silled or wounded. British officers are acf. vs *° r ? ed to lead their men against uncivilised hordes, and in those cases it may be well for them to go in front in order to show a good example to their men. But they •n u not yet learne d to curb their courage «» light against troops of European descent,, or to seek cover in such contingencies as ir at present prescribed to the officers of all ■Continental armies. knn3 he „ B ° ers ,V nderstand cover, and inXr^f h6w t0 fi^ it. They are wW» real element when the defensive, Jff !** £ n °P en attack is very seldom carmc It y^ hem * Y ith the necessary ability hand, S" y he .SBfct-miUimetre rifle in their over th« ? ? Its superiority Z t£%i T Me "-? rd rifles « admitted even Ww thf th . the British troops, but iteff the c n i Qf tlnJLh El ? gl il h *° end "re the long-dis-wTthouTfaS^anl KV^ ftptin« „ ,Vct, - er *. ana to be always ready for are Ss" SL?"TK The *°™ s sarie?' Pe "° r to those of their adver-