THE NATIONAL RESERVE.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The Secretary for War has recently stated in the House of Commons that the question of the future of the National Reserve is under consideration, and that he hopes to furnish full details shortly. It is to be hoped that the scheme, what- ever form it may ultimately take, will at the outset recognize three broad principles. The first is that " it must fit the men, and not the men fit the scheme " ; the second, that rural units are not on all fours with urban ones; and the third, that the position in relation to contracts must be recognized. Undoubtedly there are many enrolled who are partners in business firms, or are engaged under employment agreements by the terms of which they commit a breach by intentionally absenting themselves from business, and risk having the partnership or employment determined in consequence. These members, therefore, will not be able, however willing they otherwise would be to do so, to undertake any liability to serve when called upon unless they are protected in some way. It occurs to me that a short Act of Parliament will be necessary to enact that any such partner or employee who answers a mobilization call shall not be liable to expulsion from the partnership, or to have his employment agreement determined, by reason of his absence from business upon military service, and, further, that any agreement which seeks to deprive a partner or employee of his right to undertake a liability to serve upon mobilization, or makes such service a ground for determination of his partnership or employment, shall be absolutely null and void. Colonel Seely's answers to questions put to him would seem to suggest that the members of the National Reserve are going to be dealt with in their individual and not their corporate capacity. I sincerely hope this is not the intention. Broadly speaking, we are willing to accept collectively such service as we are capable of rendering upon mobilization, subject to the protection of our civilian employment under contract whilst on duty, and to being armed, clothed, and equipped forthwith. This represents briefly our offer, which now lies before the military authorities for acceptance within a reasonable time. Seeing how much is at stake, would it not be a wiser plan for the draft scheme to be published in the first instance, and for a definite time to be given within which objections could be lodged or suggestions made, so as to avoid anything being promulgated hurriedly that might endanger the success of the movement? In the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom.—I am, Sir, &C., CHARLES WALKER HOLMES, Captain, Surrey National Reserve; Commandant, Weybridge Company.
"Arlington," Oatlands Park, Weybridge.
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