26 JANUARY 1901, Page 23

ARMY REORGANISATION.

Army Reorganisation. Reprinted from Blackwood's Magasine. (W. Blackwood and Sons. 4d.)—This is a striking pamphlet on Army reform written by one who is evidently an officer of stand- ing and experience. We will not say that we agree with it entirely, but we gladly admit that it has many most useful suggestions, and we recommend its perusal to all who have the interest of the Army at heart. We are glad to see the writer dwells strongly on the need of increasing the Militia, and of taking that force seriously. He mentions, d propos of the Militia, the following most excellent proposal of Colonel limes, which we recommend to the consideration of the Under-Secretary of State and all who are interested in the Militia :—" It has been sug- gested by Colonel lanes, who has had many years' experience as the officer commanding the Gordon Highlanders (Militia), that the formation of a 'Reserve for the Militia' should be undertaken: every militiaman who has gone through the preliminary training being allowed to pass to the reserve, and being excused attendance from a certain number of annual trainings, provided he goes through a regular course of musketry each year, attending on Saturday afternoons, in plain clothes, at a local range, under regulations to be laid down by the officer commanding the regi- mental district. Some such arrangement for a reserve for the Militia is no doubt possible, and the force would thus be made capable of expansion when required, provided that arms, clothing and equipment for the whole number of men in he reserve aro sanctioned and kept in store." As to the writer of the pamphlet's general tone, we have nothing but praise. Clearly the best form of defensive action is the power and will, if necessary, to take the offensive.