Our Future Generals.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11737, 15 September 1902, Page 2

Our Future Generals.

MEN WHO (MADE, THMB MARK IN THE W«ri. criticism by wkd kitchener. Lord Kitchener has closed his work in South Africa with a tribute to those—civilians and soldiers—who during his command, rendered him "kind assistance or loyal service." Lord Kitchener adds that "notwithstaning all my care, there must necessarily be a proportion of officers omitted who have rendered equal or even better service than those who have been mentioned. This, however, is the fortune of war, and will, I am sure, be well understood by the Army I have been so proud to command." EULOGY FOR COLONIALS. To Lord Milner he offers his "cordial thanks and best wishes," it> having been the greatest relief to find he could always rely upon hia "unfailing sympathy and ungrudging assistance." Here is a notable tribute:— I find iti difficult in the short space at my disposal to acknowledge the deep obligation of the Army in South Africa to tho Governments of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Cape Colony, and Natal. I will 'only say hera that no request of mine was | ever refused by any of these Governments, and that their consideration and generosity werj only equalled by the character and quality of the troops they sent to South Africa, or raised in that country. There comes warm praise for the Navy. the South African Constabulary, the Railways Administration, Sir R. Solomon, the Legal Adviser, and Lord Kitchener's staff. The services are specially mentioned of Sir P. Girouard (Railways), Lieutenant-Col-onel Wickham (Transport), Lieutenant Morgan (A.S.C.). Surgeon-General Sir W. D Wilson, Oolo&el Applebe (A.O D), Lieu-tonant-Colonel W. K. Birkbeek, and Colonel Long (Remounts). LEADERS OF MEN. Next comes the lasts of fighting generals : Lord Methuem "has done more than most officera towards maintaining throughout thia campaign the high standard for personal courage, modesty and humanity which characterise the British Army. I snare his own dee£ regret that his wounds have prevented him from remaining in the field un- , til the conclusion of peace." j Major-General French "has had a most difficult task to carry out. His willingness to accept responsibility, and his bold and ' sanguine disposition have relieved me from many anxieties, and* after I hadl appointed I him* to .conduct the operations in Cape Colony, enabled me to devote myself, more completely than would otherwise have been I (possible, to the conduct of operations in the territories of the late Republics." Lieutenant-General Tucker: "I am indebted to this officer, who has never feared responsibility, or failied in giving emphatic pronouncement to the good common-sense of which he is possessed." Lieutenant-General Lyttelton "has latterIv commanded in Natal, and I ami sure that in his new position he will deal with the many important administrative questions which must now arise in the Transvisl and Orange River Colony to the satisfaction of all concerned."

Major-General C. E. Knox "has given me satisfaction, and has carried out his responsible duties withi ability and discretion." Colonel Clements "is possessed of fine soldierly quolities, which his misfortunes have served rather to accentuate than to obscure." j Colonel Stephenson: "Excellent officer, I who has displayed1 good siense wherever he haa beeni em^loved.'' Major-General F. W. Kitchener: "Exceptionally keen and energetic officer, who has done good service." Colonel Maxwell "has ani energetic mind and a sound judgment, which, coupled with his kindly and considerate disposition, have ! enabled him to render valuable service." Major-General Hamilton "is possessed of qualities of boldness, enegry, and resolution in no common degree." Colonel Elliot: "Worked hard, and with soma measure of success." Major-General Settle "has rendered valuable service in t/he difficult position of G.0.C., Cape Colony. I have every cause to feel grateful! to him for the judgment and tact which he has displayed when dealing with the innumerable difficult questions which have arisen in connection with the administration of martial law and other kindred matters." Major-General Wilson "did useful work, I and showed considerable capacity for or- j ganisation." Colonel Phimer "throughout the campaign has invariably displayed military qualifications of a veiy high ord?r. Few officers have rendered better service." Colonel Spens "has proved himself on many occasions a reliable brigadier." Colonel Little "has proved himself a capable leader of mounted trocps in the field.' Colonel Kekewich "has throughout this long campaign maintained his high reputation as a fine soldier of character, loyalty, and discretion. He is well qualifi^c 1 tc hold high command." Colonel Rochforb "is fearless of responsibility, never makes difficulties, and has, I think, all the qualifications for a leader in the field." Cotonel Park+ "is a deserving officer, who has done good service throughout the campaign." Colonel Scobell "is a cavalry leader of ability and resolution." Colonel Riminj?ton "is a leader of mounted troops, who is particularly well qualified for the conduct of special and independent raids or enterprises?. His knowledge of the theatre of operations, his energy, and his soldierly instincts have enabled him to render exceptional services." Colonel Barker, "excellent column conih mandei', ready to take responsibility and to disregard unnecessar-- details." Colonel Byng, "an ideal commander of an irregular corps." Colonel Sir H. Rawlin;;on "possesses tha qualities of staff officer and column commander in the field. His characteristics will always ensure him a- front place in whatever he sets his mind to." Lieutenant-Colonel Thorneycroft*, "an absolutely reliable officer of great experience, common sense and force of character." [ Lieutenant-Colonel Allenby, "a popular and capable cavalry brigadier." Lieutenant-Colonel Haig "is, in my opinion, one of the most thoughtful and best educated of cur cavalry officers in his *own rank. Ha has also shown considerable skill in handling men in the field." Lieut. Wing "has a high reputaton for boldness and dash. He has rendered good service.." Oiptain de Lisle "is an officer of remarkable force of character. He has soldierly qualities, and is a fine leader."

"Colonel Thorneycroft was, it will b* re collected, placed in command at Spion Kop over the head of Sir Charles Warren, and gave the order to retire. tColonel Park led the charge of the Devons on Wagon Hill.