Mr. Brodrick made his first speech as Secretary-elect for War
at Godalming on Tuesday. It was rather an important speech, though it was a modest one. Mr. Brodrick asked his friends to reserve congratulations until he had done his work, and repudiated any idea of making vague promises, but he admitted that there was "a great work to be done," and believed that possibly before the leaves were on the trees again some result might be attained. He was himself "an enthusiast for the British Army," and thought that the knowledge acquired in his ten years' experience of the War Office "would prove a useful adjunct to those inspirations which will be afforded me by the greatest soldier of the age." With him he hoped to establish a system which would secure "the safety of these islands and the discharge of our respon- sibilities throughout the world." He was aware that there would be much criticism, and aware, too, that the organisa- tion of the British Army must always be a "delicate" matter, because service was voluntary, but he pleaded only for public confidence and time to get through initial pro-
ceases. That is a sound tone for a reforming Minister, who will have to hurt a good many people, and must expect vitriolic comment from those he hurts.
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