The splendid physique of the men was the cause of
universal comment and admiration, for they were only veterans in service to their country, not in years. The majority were indeed in the prime of life, the average age being forty. No men over fifty were placed on the Register, in our opinion somewhat too rigid a restriction. We should ourselves have preferred fifty-five. The condition, smart clothing, and general alertness of the men were most noticeable, and it was evident that they were all men occupying good positions in life. That of course surprised no one in the case of the ex-Volunteers, but in the case of the ex-Regulars it was a proof of bow absurd it is to say that there is no place for the old soldier but in the ranks of the unemployed. Indeed, the parade was an excellent advertisement for the Army, and a youth with thoughts of enlisting might very well have said to himself : " If this is what the old soldier comes to, the Army is not a bad profession after all."
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