3 JULY 1909, Page 22

[TO TIM EDITOR OF TUB " se BorsTon.1

Sin,—May I add a few words in explanation of my own letter in your issue of June 19th, and in reply to the answer signed Robert A. Johnson in your last number ? Your correspondent states that I applied to the wrong Department. I mentioned in my letter that I had interviews with four officers,—A, B, C, and D. I should further have explained that B and C were officers at the County Association, and D an officer commanding a divisional corps. I was sent to them from the War Office. In fact, then, I did apply to the County Associa- tion; the surplusage of visiting the War Office does not destroy my case. Your correspondent seems irritated because I described myself as a suitable candidate for a commission. I only meant to imply that I possessed ordinary intelligence and the usual complement of arms and legs. I had to mention this, I imagine, else it might have been thought that I was purposely neglected. He further accuses my letter of being '• weak-kneed." I do not know what he means by this expression. If he means that it was not strong enough, I am inclined to agree with him. For example, I could have suggested that to treat one applicant as I have outlined is to lose the applications of some of his friends. If he refers to my anonymous signature, I can cure that defect by this reply. I did not sign my name previously because, as I stated, I was no longer eager to join. I was afraid of being worried about the matter. No doubt such fears are groundless !—I am,