The Times informs us that the returns of recruiting for
1879 will show that short service still continues highly -popular. The full number of men required presented them- selves, and indeed the recruiting-officers were able, through the number of candidates, to exercise considerable dis- cretion. The total number of recruits for the four- years has been 112,000, while last year the desertions decreased one-fourth below the average. Part of this result is, no doubt, due to the distress from which the country has been suffering, and which, though not severe among the lower class, has been directly felt by some part of the unskilled labourers,—
masons' assistants, for example. Much more, however, is due to the popularity of Lord Cardwell's scheme, which, moreover, has already brought the Reserves up to 22,000 men, and will, in 883, bring them up to 45,000, among whom the proportion of efficients present with the colours will be as large as in a regi- ment. The only serious additions to our military strength are, therefore, due to the Liberal Administration. The Tory Govern- ment has wasted, not made, force.
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