Earl Russell has published another letter advocating immediate- increase to
our defensive forces. He adheres, as is natural, very much to the old ways ; but holds that we ought to be ready to. defend the United Kingdom against invasion, to defend our Colonies, to maintain all engagements, and to protect our honour- and interests when deeply involved. For these ends, he would, now that armies are on such a gigantic scale, always keep 200,000- Regulars and embodied Militia within the islands ; would largely and quickly increase the Artillery ; would reduce the term of ser- vice in the Line to seven years, and would restore the ballot for- the Militia. And he would abolish purchase. On the other hand, he would retain that curious abuse, the appointment of officers to the Militia by the Lords-Lieutenant, though promotions should, be made by the Commander-in-Chief, and he affirms the Duke of Cambridge to "be, by general assent, the right man in the right place." It remains to be seen if Parliament is of the same opinion.
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