ABOVE ADVICE.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 382, 14 January 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

ABOVE ADVICE.

A GREAT general invariably knows when he must be severe and when he may be open to the approach and even the advice of his subordinates General Grant was an excellent example of a man who possessed this faculty, for no man ever better understood how to exact what was duu to his position, or could be at the same time more simple in his relations with other men.

A striking example among modern commanders of the opposite quality was supplied by Marshal Benedek in 1886. During this engagenunt the forces Of the Crown Prince Frederick William began the movement,, the full significance of which was only perceived among the Austrians by General Braga, then of inferior rank, and but 34 years of age, Braga wrote to Marshal Benedek and communicated his information as to the nature of the enemy's movements. The Commander-in-Chief coldly refused to take any notice of it. Fearing the worat results to the army and to the country, Braga ventured to urge upon Benedek the certainty of his own opinions concerning it being accurate.

"If you do not withdraw," Marshal Benedek exclaimed angrily, "I will have you shot on the spot!" Braga withdrew. The Crown Prince's troops advanced rapidly, and struck tha very blow that Braga. with his foresight, had apprehended. The Prussians were victorious; the result of tho battle was decisive. Austria was hurailated before Europe, and Prussia was raised to a commanding position. Benedek will be remembered Jchiefly in history as a commander who was beaten it Sadowa. Braga's exhibition of sagacity commended bim to the Emperor, and not long ago he died at Vienna, a field-marshal of the Austrian army.