THE ARMY REFORM.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 March 1901, Page 3

THE ARMY REFORM.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPY'RIGHT.j

[per press association,]

Debate in the House of Lords

London, March 16. The Lords’ debate on the question of army reform initiated by the Duke of Bedford was continued.

Lord Wolselcy, in traversing the criticisms, moved for the production of all papers connected with the advice that lie had given to the Secretary of State for War, with the view of proving that Ids advice had been overruled. Ho never considered Ladysmith tenable, and advised that in the event of war the Biggarsberg and Van Rccnan passes bo occupied and Ladysmith used as a supply depot. Ho recommended early in September the despatch of an Army Corps to South Africa with other forces. He admitted that lie had under-estimated the Boors’ preparations for war, and their fighting power as an individual.

Dora .uansaou lie replying, sum mui me proposals made in the summer of 1899 to mobilise an Army Corps and later to occupy Delegoa Land with 12,000 mules in readiness for transport purposes, wore disregarded because tho Government’s policy was peace, not provocation. Lord Rosebery supported Wolseley’s motion for the production of written advice. Lord Salisbury suggested that the motion he withheld until it was indicated which among the confidential memoranda Wolselcy required to be produced. Lord Wolselcy pressed for a division. The motion was negatived by 62 to 38.