We entirely agree with the Duke of Bedford's criticisms. As
our readers know, we attach immense importance to the creation of a sound Militia, but no true reform of the Militia can possibly be attained if the War Office are to regard the Militia battalions simply as bowls from which they can skim the cream whenever an emergency arises. The result of such a policy must be the neglect of the skim milk. The Duke well summed up the true position in regard to the Militia in the following words :—" The ambition of the Militia is to become a properly organised self-contained force as the second line of the Regular Army, and for the purpose of expanding the Regular Army by organised units. It would seek to become better both in quality and in quantity,—in quality by a longer recruits' training ; in quantity by, if possible, a shorter annual training, thus mitigating that dislocation of civil life which keeps so many men out of the Militia." This, as our readers know, is the position occupied by the Spectator.
Previous page
