14 OCTOBER 1882, Page 1
We question if the War Office is wise in allowing
Sir Nathaniel Rothschild, or any other individual, to present the British Army in Egypt with tons of tobacco and thousands of pipes. The intention is most kindly, and the Rothschilds owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Armyoshich it is graceful of them
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to acknowledge ; but the precedent is dubious. Suppose wo are at war with Turkey, and the Council of Foreign Bondholders, in an enthusiasm of delight at the price of Turkish Bonds, pre- sent every soldier with a ten-pound note ! Gifts to the hos- pitals are excellent, as no one will get shot in order to enjoy tons of lint; but only the State should either pay or feed its soldiers.
