Literature of the South African War 321 to Mr. Balfour's Cabinet. It is only fair, however, to add that this decision was due not to any doubts as to the righteousness of the British case, but to a desire to let bygones be bygones in South Africa. Save this single defect, the ofificial History would appear to serve well the purpose for which it has been written, namely, the instruc- tion of the army. The popularity of the Times History is more evident amongst amateurs than with professional readers. The sting and virulence of its irresponsible criticism attract the former (who revel in its pungency) but repel the latter, who know the true difficulties of war. Moreover, in the second volume at least, the accuracy of its narrative is not altogether above suspicion. The official History has a truer aim ; in accuracy of statement it leaves nothing to be desired, while for the most part it seeks to present the facts to the reader in so clear a form that, given ordinary professional judgment and knowledge, he can deduce therefrom the true lessons. The soldier who studies the Times History has thrust under his eyes a key to all the problems which present themselves for solution, but, if his mind be already stored with a knowledge of war and if his judgment be unbiassed, he will find reason to doubt the infallibility of the key. If on the other hand he reads the official History, he must exert his own mental faculties to arrive at the true solution, but he will find them stimulated and assisted by undoubtedly im- partial narratives, written by soldiers for the information of soldiers. The authors of the Times History are no doubt patriotic Eng- lishmen who desire to drive home into the English nation and army the true lessons of the war. But the army mistrusts the virulence of its criticisms, while the British nation has been encouraged By this very virulence in its extraordinary delusion that every civilian knows more about the art of war than a professional soldier. The nation, moreover, is at the present moment in one of those moods in which it regards all military questions with apathetic cynicism. It is unlikely, therefore, to study a book like the official History, which fails to afford the attraction of the impalement of unsuccessful generals. By the soldier, however, who desires to master his pro- fession, the official History of the War in South Africa will be found a mine in which true ore can be dug. To the impartial his- torical student it presents evidence which may be accepted as above suspicion. A British Officer.
