THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UNIONIST PARTY.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
find in Lord Roberts's "Forty-one Years in India" (Vol. I., p. 215) a curious military parallel to the situation of the Unionist Party at the present time. In September, 1857, Archdale Wilson was hesitating to make the assault on Delhi with the force under his command. A Council was held to decide on what was to be done ; and that morning John Nicholson told Lord Roberts in confidence :—
"` Delhi must be taken, and it is absolutely essential that this should be done at once; and if Wilson hesitates longer I intend to propose at to-day's meeting that he should be superseded.' I was greatly startled, and ventured to remark that Wilson's removal would leave him, Nicholson, senior officer with the force. He smiled as he answered : I have not overlooked that fact. I shall make it perfectly clear that, under the cir- cumstances, I could not possibly accept the command myself, and I shall propose that it be given to Campbell of the 52nd. I am prepared to serve under him for the time being, so no one can ever accuse me of being influenced by personal motives.' Happily
Nicholson was not called upon to take so unusual a step Wilson agreed to the assault."
Worcester.
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