SPIRIT OF THE BRITISH RACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1919, Page 5

SPIRIT OF THE BRITISH RACE.

GENEROUS TRIBUTE BY MARSHAL HAIG.

London, April 1

AN INTERESTING DISPATCH. Received April 11, 8.50 p.m. London, April 1. Sir Douglas Haig, in a dispatch dated March 21, describes the advance of the British forces in Germany and the occupation of the Cologne bridge-head. He briefly reviews the chief features of military interest in the operations of the British armies on the West front during the time hp commanded, and tliankn the able and gallant officers who assisted him-

Dealing with the new armies, Sir Douglas Haig says that the whole Empire may Hie proud of its achievement in building up, in the very midst Of the war, great new armies, on more than g Continental scale, capable of ibeating the best troops of the strongest military nation before the war. we were able to accomplish this stupendous task is due purely to the loyalty and devotion of our Allies, and the splendid work of the Navy, but mainly to th» wonder ful spirit of the British race every where throughout the world. At the outset, tlie lack of instinctive discipline placed the new troops at a disadvantage, but during the last two years the discipline of all ranks in the lew armies, from whatever part of the Empire they came, was excellent. The universities and public schools of the Empire again proved that they were unrivalled in the formation of character in which is the root of discipline. This doe,i not mean that the universities and public schools enjoy a monopoly of the qualities for making good officers, for the life of the British Empire generally proved soijnd under the severest tests, and while giving the men whom it was an honor for any officer to command, it furnished officers of the highest standard from all ranks of society and in al' quarters of the world.

Promotion has been enti'relv by merit, the highest appointments being nppi) to the humblest, provided the necessary qualifications of character, skill and knowledge were present.

Sir Douelas Haig concludes with a very warm and sincere acknowledgment of the great debt of all ranks in the armies in France, to our kinsmen and kinswomen of the British Empire for their unfailinir support by thoughts and praver;. and their work during the long Tears of war. Their trust and confidence never wavered: their labors n<n»>r • "1 Bnorificne VpivUh'no nr privation* worn frm OTPfI + prnvi^ar l therpliy +V vonrla r' *\ie ttOOpS mjgh.t auoijU&te'lv be supplied.