Subject to certain reservations, this is a sound scheme ;
but unfortunately Mr. Arnold - Forster couples it •with plans for dealing with the Auxiliaries which call for the opposition of all who desire to strengthen instead of diminishing our military resources. He proposes imme- diately to reduce the Volunteers by some sixty thousand men, and to change the conditions under which that force exists in such a way as, in our belief, still further to rob it of strength and essential efficiency. The Militia he desires to abolish altogether, but recognising the opposition that any such scheme will meet with in the country, he only asks to "take counsel" in the matter during the autumn. Viewed in the light of Mr. Arnold-Forster's frank expressions in regard to the subject, this, however, can only mean one thing,—the abolition of the Militia. In these circumstances, it is essential that those who do not desire to see the Militia destroyed should insist that before Parliament separates a pledge be given that the Militia shall be retained as it now exists, even if the Government will not promise—as they should and could—to improve it.
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