The fighting chiefs are rewarded first, as usual. It is
officially announced that both General Wolseley and Admiral Seymour have been offered and have accepted peerages. Honours to sub- ordinates cannot, of course, be distributed until the official reports have been received, but we trust there will be no needless delay, and that the medals to the soldiers will this time be issued within three months of the final battles. England rewards liberally, but rewards too late, an absurd waste of power, which Mr. Childers and Lord Northbrook should be able to correct. If, at the same time, they will distribute a few sharp punishments, the next war will be much more perfectly arranged. By all reports, a. disgraceful break-down occurred either in the despatch or the transport of medical stores, even chloroform being wanting for operations. Individuals must be responsible for that, and though it may not be possible to shoot them as privates are shot for smaller offences, it is possible to dismiss the guilty with ignominy from the public service. The Government is habitually far too lenient to such offences. A great contracting firm would be as hard as iron, to the immense improvement of its whole service.
