LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
[Letters of the length of one of our leading paragraphs are often more read, and therefore more effective, than those which fill treble the space.]
THE WAR OFFICE AND THE VOLUNTEERS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] desire to thank you for your article on the Volunteers in your issue of February 9th. It is only right that those men who have made themselves efficient, but on account of age or infirmi- ties (I, alas! am of the number) have not felt themselves able to sign on for the rest of the war, should be allowed to go into a Reserve instead of being turned out altogether. They would con- tinue to drill with their corps whenever they could, and would be available in case of national emergency. It is known, however, that there are a certain number of men who joined a Volunteer Corps in order that they may put on a uniform from time to time and pretend that they are doing their bit. Whenever they are asked to dig trenches, or go on guard, or do any other job which involves any sacrifice, they regret that their business engagements render it quite impossible. No indulgence should be granted to them.
May I add to your suggestion? There are a good many Section D men who have been training for anti-aircraft defence. It will be a great disappointment to them if they are to be declared ineligible after all, as they will be now under the new regulation. Merely to put them into the Reserve will not be enough. Their C.O. ought to have the power, if he thinks them capable, of allowing them to take their share of credit and danger in this new
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