THE NATIONAL RESERVE.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE "serceerea..a Sra,—One of my officers called my attention to the very able article in your issue of September 12th, relating to the National Reserve Force, and I am pleased to see that you, Sir, appreciate the value of this force, but I cannot find that the authorities yet do so. I have been late Organizing Officer, and am now in command of a battalion of the National Reserve, so I speak from experience. Nearly the whole of the recruiting in districts for the Regular Army has been done through the channel and under the influence of the National Reserve organization, and, furthermore, the ranks of the National Reserve have been a most fruitful source for men: But do the authorities recognize their value P I think not, as
there is no proper grant of funds to carry on the organization and work, not even for the payment of rent of the orderly room and those who are in charge of the roll.—I am, Sir, &c., X.
[It would be strange indeed if the Spectator did not appre- ciate the value of the National Reserve, considering that it may be said to have been born in our pages. We should, of course, have liked to see before the war a much more active appreciation of the Reserve, and we again and again appealed for its better treatment. We are bound, however, in fairness to the War Office, to say that they are now thoroughly aware of the value of the Reserve, from which they have already drawn some eighty thousand men, and from which they will draw a good many more. That is a magnificent contribution, and full recognition will come in good time.—ED. Spectator.]
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