It is not worth while to inquire minutely whether Sir
Evelyn Wood or Sir John French carried the day. It is enough to know that both commanders availed themselves of the opportunities given them by the admirably thought out scheme which Lord Roberts had devised, and the carrying out of which he watched so closely throughout. It is no easy matter to draw up a scheme which will give the opposing Generals plenty of choice in the disposition of their men, but this Lord Roberts accomplished. In manceuvres the lessons are, of course, all learned before the troops come into contact. Up to that point it is almost as easy to show skill or the reverse as in real war. But though strategy rather than tactics is the essential business of manceuvres, it must be admitted that the set piece or stage battle of Lambourne Downs which took place on Thursday week was not without its lessons. It was certainly on the spectacular side most impressive.
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