THE UNION JACK CLUB.
[To Twe EDITOR OP THR "srsontroa."1 Snt,—We sing of the glories of Tommy Atkins, we cheer the outgoing troopship, and we raise elaborate memorials to those fallen in war. But too often the living soldier in our midst is treated as though he belonged to another race. Even to-day one can see the sign over the doors of shoddy-genteel establish- ments in garrison towns: "Soldiers in uniform not admitted." The average citizen who finds little opportunity for either cheering or sneering can now show where his sympathies really lie. The Union Jack Club—the most magnificent attempt ever made to cater for the sailor and soldier in their hours of leisure—needs 216,000 before Monday week that its establish- ment may be opened by the King free of debt. My own experiences in the Russo-Japanese War showed me con- vincingly that victory in battle lies with the intelligent, sober, self-controlled soldier. The Union Jack Club will help us to have and keep this kind of fighting man. It will give the sailor and soldier, just at the spot where they need it most, a home and a club more attractive than the cheap lodging- and public-houses now open to them. It will be a sign to them of the sincere respect in which we bold them and their calling. It lies with the general public to prove their appreciation by quick subscriptions. These should be addressed to Sir Edward Ward, at the War Office, London. He gives twice who gives quickly, be the subscription big or
Previous page
