Sfit,—I think it is generally agreed that this country requires
a large, efficient, and not too expensive Army for home defence. This can be obtained by calling out the Militia for the three winter months, and paying them a fair wage. There are many thousands of able-bodied men in this country whose living during the winter months is very precarious, and a few weeks of bad trade or bad weather bring them to the verge of starvation. Many of these men are very suitable material for the Army, would welcome the certainty of regular wages for the trying period of winter, and would no doubt join the Militia in very large numbers. It is no wonder the Militia recruiting is now unsatisfactory. After being out of work half the winter, they are called out for training just when their services are wanted in the country, and when good wages might be earned ; consequently no one cares to enlist and no employer cares to have Militiamen. If the above system were carried out, a considerable national difficulty would be solved—viz., the employment of the able-bodied who are unable to find work in winter—wages would be steadied, labourers retained in this country and employed in the spring and summer months, when they are so much wanted on the land and in other occupations. Of Course difficulties will be raised, but every one outside the War Office knows they can be overcome.—I am, Sir, &c., R. STRATTON. The Duffryn, Newport, Mon.
[We have always felt that the months when employment is most restricted are the months for Militia training. . If the Auxiliary Forces were administered by a separate Department, whose business it was to consider their interests from all points of view, there would be some chance of such schemes being considered.—En. Spectator.]
GERMANY AND ENGLAN]).
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