The Army Council are to be congratulated on tackling an
extra- ordinarily difficult question with good sense and decision. The regimental system is like the Ark of the Covenant. A man might well be terrified of touching it. But the new scheme certainly ought to have universal support. It is being objected that it will kill esprit de corps, which is an invaluable motive to the fighting man, and that the whole thing will be as unpopular as the plan it succeeds. We do not believe it. British soldiers who pass through the Training Reserve will show that they have only one esprit—the esprit of the whole Army, the esprit of " beating the Boches." The experience of the Navy proves that the esprit of a Service is just as valuable as any esprit can be. Besides, a man quickly develops an esprit of his ship. She may have been the worst ship before he joined her, but she becomes the best when he steps on board. So it will be in the Army. Every one regrets the slight temporary modification of the revered old regimental system, but it is plainly necessary.
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