8 SEPTEMBER 1900, Page 12

(To THE ED/TOR OF TIIE "SPECTATOR.") SIR,—There is a way

in which members of a rifle club, who from various causes are unable to join Volunteer regiments, and are consequently untrained men, might be useful in case of invasion. If they are affiliated to local Volunteer com- panies, and registered as a sort of second-class reserve for that force, they might be utilised for the defence of store- houses, railway stations, waterworks, &c., where a knowledge of the rifle, and not necessarily of drill, would be invaluable. By their connection with a Volunteer corps, and being under a responsible officer, it could not be said that they were nothing more or less than " Franc-Tireurs," and liable to be shot like spies if captured by the enemy.—I am, Sir, &c., Snanrsuoarza.