As we have been criticised for over-eulogising the aohieve- meats
of the C.LV. in last week's issue, we may point out that Lord Roberts, who knows best, gave them a testimonial in his parting address that fully justified our reference, and that the themselves are not in the least likely to forget his appeal to them to let the country know what a splendid fellow "Tommy" is. We are glad to note that in his excellent speech at the banquet Colonel Mackinnon took occasion to commend the public spirit of the employers of labour in London who, in many cases at great personal sacrifice, had retained their men's names on the books. That is in the spirit of Pericles's famous speech, who said, speaking for the Athenians of his time : "Wealth we employ not for talk and ostentation, but when there is a real use for it," and foreshadowed the temper of our citizen soldiers in the memorable words : "If then we prefer to meet danger with a light heart but without laborious training and with a courage which is gained by habit and not enforced by law, are we not greatly the gainers ? " The Queen's tribute to the returning troops was worthy of the occasion and of herself. "Tell them," she said in her message to Lord Wolseley, "with what pride and satisfaction I have received unvarying reports of their gallant and soldierlike conduct during the dangers and hardships of a trying campaign. While joining in the happiness of the many relatives and friends who celebrate the home-coming of their dear ones, I deeply sympathise with those who look in vain for them that, alas ! no longer stand in the ranks with their comrades." She further paid them the compliment of opening the Marble Arch, and with characteristic consideration withheld the news of the death of her grandson, Prince Christian Victor, a gallant, popular, and distinguished officer, until the pro- cession had taken place.
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