The Hastings Standard Published Daily. TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 1897. WHITE AND BLACK.

Hastings Standard, Issue 248, 16 February 1897, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 1897. WHITE AND BLACK.

For the cause that lacks assistance, l-'or the wrongs that need resistance

For the future in the distance,

And the «ood that we can do.

The capture of liida, the capital of Nupo, by Major Arnold's column of lloussan soldiers is a thrilling story, illustrating, if such were needed tho wonderful influence of the l'.ritish otlicer over black troops. In the puniti\e expeditions in Chitral, the Sudan and the Nnpo territory black troops led bv I'nti h otlicers have shown wonder fid j/rit, marvellous lighting capabilities, unexampled energy and endurance, perfect discipline and unbounded connive. Colonel Kelly s march to the relief of the Chitral garrison astounded the military world, for the celerity with which it was executed and " the >.-cmim.dv impossible ditlicultics that were overcome. The asce'ic Sikh soldier when properly led, is a fighting machine of potentiality. In the Chitral campaign the Sikhs added really to their reputation for soldierly (junlitic-s. In attack and tiefeme, in ihi multifarious ml ' lUome duti--- of ihi -.ldu-r the sain d umttess cidifji'v w.c f xhibited. 'll < f< ft men Cooped ill' ;n '-b'' Hehidency with Ur. KoiK'rtion dt (l.iml heroic courage, uingtiilii'i 11f c..d ir.ince, .aid a humorous patience in the fiic<- of (lander; and tlltVli of 'he Ilio-t M-wre tU'Scription. lu Kyypt, the much malij/md Ukkwu Uaiuwl «id <liacipUav4 ty

British officers and led by the same capable men have wiped out the Dervishes from a great expanse of Egyptian territory. The " Gypy" was found to be courageous, cool, energetic and a good fighter. In every branch of military service, whether as infantry, cavalary or artillery, the Egyptian felaheen proved themselves worthy of the confidence reposed in them, and a credit to the men who had trained them in the arts of war. The Niger expedition introduces us to the fighting powers of the Houssans,blackest of black troops but soldiers every inch. The story of this expedition is a record of endurance, of daring and of fighting seldom surpassed. The handfull of men composing the column, commanded by Major Arnold, marched 200 miles through the bush in 17 days being obliged to advance in single file for the entire distance. A brilliant achievement for black troops and fit to be recorded side by side with Lord Robert's famous march from Cabul to Candahar in the last Afghan war, or with that thrilling episode which culminated in the relief of Chitral. If the marching of the Houssans was brilliant, still more so was the gallantry they displayed in the pitched battle, below the ridge at Bida. From dawn until sunset surrounded by hordes of Fulahs the little streak of uniformed and disciplined blacks fought with coolness and behaved splendidly. And what is the testimony of the gallant white men who led this equally gallant band of black fellows " They were under perfect control and discipline, and were equal to the best white men." Compare the achievements of blacktroops under British officers with the disastrous results that befell the Italians in Abyssinia or with the impotency of the Spanish troops in Cuba, and we can readily appreciate the daring success of our colored troops. The British Empire, embracing as it does every degree of climate, it is fortunate that for military expeditions in the tropics she possesses the right class of soldiers. No other nation stands as well. As the Empire expands, and it does go on steadily in the business of expansion, more and more reliance must be placed on black troops. If England desired it, she could in a very short time possess a coloured army of any dimensions, she may choose, composed of soldiers who would stand their ground against any foe. The secret of the success is the British officer. In India we have a training ground which no other nation can hope to equal. The British officer graduating in this school gets imbued with all the best traditions of Indian Government, but that which distinguishes the British officer in his dealings with his Hblack soldier, is his extreme fairness. Justice is dealt out with an even hand, confidence is engendered and discipline and duty become a matter of pleasure to the black trooper. British officers have also the power, or the happy knack of not merely gaining the respect of their sepoys but also of securing their personal regard. That is why black troops when led by their trusted officers do and dare and succeed.