ALARMIST VIEWS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") entirely endorse and agree with your own views and those set forth in Mr. Robert Yerburgh's letter in the Spectator of December 23rd. There is nothing terrifying in the situation. But it is most important that our resources should be utilised to the full to make the struggle sharp and decisive, and I do not think even now that the difficulties to be overcome are fully realised, or adequately provided against. As a first, and as the most important, step, I feel that Mr. Chamberlain should take the War Office. The reasons are so obvious that I need not enlarge on them. It is enough to say that but for him our rule in South Africa would in a few years have passed away for ever. If this step were taken, I believe the rest would follow. The Delagoa Bay difficulty would be solved, the loyal English in South Africa would be organised and utilised, the transport would be sent to the front, the lines of communication properly secured, efficient guns would be procured and made available, and above all, sufficient forces would be sent to enable us, whilst holding tight our supremacy on Cape Colony, to turn the Boer positions and carry the war beyond them. Such details as maps, binoculars, and the purchase of country horses would not, as hitherto, be neglected. There would be no false parsimony or red-tape obstruction. Reform of all these things is absolutely required, and the present Colonial
Secretary, who is condemned at present to inaction, is the man to see it carried out.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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