We have dealt at length elsewhere with Mr. Balfour's singular
apology for the want of preparation for the war. We may say here, however, that though we have a certain sympathy with what Mr. Balfour has to say as to the military authorities, we cannot admit that the Ministry are in the least exculpated even if they can show that they went wrong from relying on the advice of military experts. When an army is in the field the Government must of course trust the military experts in command; but in peace they have no right to shelter themselves behind the experts, but must use their own judgment. Say, for the sake of argument, that Lord Lansdowne could show that he was specifically advised that it was quite reasonable to go to war with eighty sabres in reserve. Should his willingness to accept such advice absolve him from censure ? A civilian who applies his mind to the matter can decide just as well as any soldier whether stores are short, and since the responsibility is his, he ought so to apply his mind. If any other principle is admitted as long as we keep (as we hold we must) supreme control in the hands of civilians, all power to enforce responsibility will disappear.
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