We note with satisfaction that the protests against the appointments
of Generals Buller and Wood to command the First and Second Army Corps have been very strongly taken up throughout the Press. The Times has written vigorously on the question, and on Tuesday the Morning Post had an article which was marked not only by the penetration and ability which have so greatly distinguished its military leaders, but by a thoroughness and a plain-speaking which leave nothing to be desired. What will be the upshot of the matter remains to be seen. It has been argued that General Boller is first and foremost an English squire, with all the admirable independence and self-reliance that belong to that type, and therefore it is asserted that he will not sit down quietly under the public criticism he has received. He will, it is declared, either resign or insist that the Secretary of State for War shall make a public statement, declaring that it is an entire mistake to suppose that the War Office meant to censure him by publishing the Spion Kop despatches, and that he possesses now, and never at any time forfeited, their entire confidence. We agree that this is what we should like to see Sir Redvers Buller do, but we fear that there is little probability of his thus insist- ing that he will not hold his post unless the Government withdraw or explain despatches which are being made the ground of public censure on his conduct.
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