THE ARMY LEAGUE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.']
feel sure that all good citizens will hail with satis- faction the establishment of an Army League with the aims and objects set forth in the letter of Mr. H. H. Kent in the Spectator of March 3rd, and I have in expression of my sympathy -with the movement sent in my name to the Provisional Committee as requested in his appeal. I have ventured, however, to suggest for the consideration of that Committee that the mention in their circular of "our Volun- teer Forces" and the omission of the Militia Forces might lead to a misunderstanding, and to the preventing many from joining who, like myself, are of opinion that a well-organised, strong, and thoroughly efficient Militia Force should form the backbone of our home defence army. I think it should be understood that this force, being of a more permanent character, and therefore more certain to be available, should be the first to be thoroughly brought up to the requirements of the day, equipped with transport, &c., and organised with field artillery and Yeomanry, so as to admit of its being mobilised for home defence at the shortest notice. Then (or at the same time if possible) our splendid Volunteer Forces should be in like manner equipped and organised with mounted infantry, &c. Thus would the immediate and adequate provision for home defence be, in my opinion, best fulfilled, and this should, I think, stand first in the list of the four chief needs which, as the circular of the Committee truly states, are essential to the maintenance of our Empire.—I am,
Sir, &c., INFANTRY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.
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