The Times publishes a very flattering account of the pro-
gress of recruiting. Owing to the expiration of the ser- vice of the men enlisted for long terms during the Crimean war, the operation of the Short-Service Rule, the increase of 3,600 men in the Army, and other causes, an unusual number of men was required in 1876, and it was forth- coming. No less than 311,000 recruits have come forward, and with the exception of the Artillery and Foot Guards, the Army is fully manned, while the deficiency in the Artillery is only 500 men. The recent increase of pay, of course, has something to do with this state of affairs ; but the main reason is that the short-service system proves, as it was expected to prove, acceptable to recruits. The quality of the recruits has, of course, to be tested ; but a full supply always improves quality, as it tempts the recruiting-officers to be more ready in rejecting can- didates. Half the recruits condemned by critics as " weeds " want nothing's° much as a year of the Queen's diet.
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