LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE ARMY LEAGUE.
[To THE EDITOR OF' TILE "SPECTATOR."]
was high time for some one to set on foot an active movement in this urgent matter of Home, or rather Imperial, Defence, and we, therefore, after watching in vain for signs from "the lights that (should) guide us," have ventured to step in. Readers of your recent numbers will be cognisant of the general scope of the above-named League, and an attempt at this juncture to give specific details would obviously be premature. However, I beg to enclose a copy of the notice which the members of a small provisional committee are distributing among friends. One friend has patriotically offered to the League, for such period as may be necessary, the free use of offices situated at 8 King Street, Cheapaide, whither all communications should be addressed. We appeal to all good citizens to send in their names, and, in reason, their suggestions. We make a particular appeal to those men to do likewise whose names will lend influence and whose special knowledge will give weight to our counsels. We would wish our permanent committee to be formed mainly from among such men. The provisional members will, once the organisation is set upon a firm basis, hand it over willingly to abler hands. The present need is for the accession to our ranks of large numbers of earnest recruits.—I am, Sir, &C., H. HARCOURT KENT. Grafton Cottage, Sandgate.
"Tux ARMY LEAGUE.—Dear Sir,—If you are interested In the formation, under proper auspices, of a Society to concern itself with the organisation and development of the military resources of the Empire at this crisis in its history—in much the same way that the Navy League concerns itself with our naval resources—will you be good enough to forward your name and address, without delay, to the Secretary (pro tern), Army League, 8 King Street, Cheapside, E.C. No pledge is given by sending in one's name now. Full details as to the aims and constitution of the League will be furnished before a final decision as to joining it is required. Immediate steps of a practical kind are contemplated. If every person who agrees in the main with the scheme will do his share, both by sending in his own name at once and by obtaining those of others, an efficient working organisation will be speedily estab- lished. The offices in King Street have been freely lent to the League, and there are at present no material expenses. The cooperation of gentlemen who can assist in the way of formation of affiliated local committees will be welcomed. A most en- couraging amount of support has already been met with during the short time the organisation has been in existence. The ultimate details of our programme must largely depend upon the resolutions arrived at in the conclave of experts which we hope to assemble; meanwhile the following indications may be given as to its general outlines. In the first place, the Army League will be entirely non-political. Acting on behalf of, and as representing, the man in the street,' it will aim at bringing to bear on the Government that support and pressuro for whieh governments nowadays seem to wait and, indeed, to ask. While this League is in full sympathy with th., objects of the Navy League, the British Empire League, and with all that tends towards Imperial Federation, its special work will lie in the direction of pressing, by all legitimate and con- stitutional means, for
(1) A thorough organisation and development of our military system, including, The creation of an Army sufficient and efficient for tha needs of the Empire.
A comprehensive scheme of Imperial defence ; and Included in the above, but the urgent question of the moment, immediate and adequate provision for home defence.
Important questions connected with the development of our Volunteer Forces, with the institution of military drill both at schools and for lads after leaving school, and with the provision of increased facilities for rifle practice will necessarily claim attention.
That the British people at last begins to realise the gravity of the general situation is evident from the widespread display of feeling, both public and private, and the Army League offers itself as a convenient channel for the concrete, and therefore effective, expression of this strong national sentiment. What was done a few years since for the Navy, thanks mainly to orderly agitation in the Press and by the Navy League, may surely be by sin) ilannethodsaveomplished at the present juncture forthe Army. It must be steadfastly borne in mind that a speedy and successful conclusion of the Boer War will not affect in any material degree the ever-present necessity for the reorganisation and development a our military resourees.—THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE."
[The Army League has our warmest good wishes in the work it has undertaken.—ED. Spectator.]
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