WAR OFFICE AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 351, 27 February 1902, Page 2

WAR OFFICE AFFAIRS.

ENQUIRY OBJECTED TO.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 25.

In the House of Lords, Lord Tweedmouth recapitulated the adverse newspaper statements and criticism on tho army contracts, and moved for tho appointment of a joint committee to inquire into all contracts for tho outfit, supply, and maintenance of troops in South Africa. Earl Moriey admitted that a pvima facie ease had been made out for ultimate inquiry, but said tho present criticisms were unfair in the face of what the War Office had done in difficult and pressing circumstances.

Lord Bibblcsdale, who was recently at the front, eulogised tho efficiency and energy shown in the conduct of operations. He said an enquiry would strengthen the hands of the War Office.

Lord Seiborne said an inquiry at present was inopportune. It would cover- hundreds of thousands of purchases. Many witnesses were at the front, and their whole time was needed for the discharge of thur uuttui,.

Lord Rosebery, who was seated on tho rearmost Opposition cross-bench, scathingly criticised the postponement of tho enquiry, especially on the purchase of remounts, until the war was over, when public interest would have evaporated.

Lord Lausdowne said an immediate inquiry would bo contrary to the public interest.

Earls Spencer and Tweedmouth wished to restrict the inquiry to tho purchase of remounts, meat contracts, freights, and transport.

Lord Salisbury said tho inquiry would paralyse the machinery whereby the war was prosecuted. Tho motion was lost by 88 to 25.

Tho Times regrets the postponement of the inquiry. It says that after tbreo hours' debate the main point was almost overlooked, namely, the deplorable sluggishness of the Government for months to see that the struggle was ono wherein mounted troops were of supremo value. Tho tender of Bergl and Co. for tho supply of meat to the army is dated January 6, while the written undertaking to uso colonial meat as far as possiblo is dated January 27. In the llouso of Commons Lord Stanley stated there had been no change in tho terms of the contract since it was signed. Bergl would pay ordinary railway rates for oarriage and ordinary rates for storage.