15 MARCH 1902, Page 2

We have expressed elsewhere our deep regret that se gallant,

so self-sacrificing, and so devoted a soldier and servant of his country as Lord Methuen should, after two and a half years of ceaseless, and latterly of successful, activity, have suffered so terrible a blow ; but we must notice here the verdict passed on him and his work by Lord Roberts in the House of Lords on Monday. That speech was one worthy of the Commander-in-Chief. Its generosity and sincerity of tone went straight to the heart. Never did a chief show better in dealing with the misfortune of an unsuccessful subordinate and comrade in arms. Yet the speech was per- fectly simple and straightforward, as became the utterance of a British soldier, and the note of generous defence was never forced. If anything could raise Lord Roberta higher in the esteem of his countrymen, and increase their sense of his chivalry and kindliness of heart, it would be his speech on Lord Methuen.