VIGILANCE COMMITTEES.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—All those who hope for the success of the "Army League" must feel grateful to the Spectator for the admirable article on " Vigilance Committees " of the 7th inst. Although it seems somewhat ungracious to criticise an article giving such friendly encouragement, I hope you will permit me to make a few comments upon it. With nearly all that is said I believe the Army League to be in cordial agreement, especially with your description of the composition of an " ideal" Army League. The only portion of the article which appears to me to be inconsistent with the line of action proposed by the Army League is that in which it is suggested that " a small— the smaller the better—Executive Committee should be charged with the duty of drawing up a scheme of Army re- organisation," and that such a scheme when adopted by the League should be pressed on the Government. This question has been carefully considered by the Provisional Committee, and there is a strong consensus of opinion that it is impossible for any body except the Government to produce a satisfactory scheme, and that it would greatly hamper the work of the Army League if it were committed to any definite plan for the defence of the Empire. Of course the abstention from the adoption of a scheme does not preclude the criticism of schemes proposed, or the offering of suggestions and emendations by the military experts who are members of the League, but it is thought that the action most likely to have a good result is that indicated in the letter from me which you were kind enough to publish on the 7th inst.,—viz., that the efforts of the League should be vigorously directed to dispelling the curiqus ignorance of our real position in respect of military preparation which is so prevalent ; ignorance which, considering the vital importance of the subject, is quite astonishing. When our real position becomes generally known we believe that the nation will insist on adequate measures being taken by the Government for the defence of the Empire. When this popular "mandate " is issued, and the Government, in obedience to it, has formulated a really comprehensive and adequate scheme, the business of the Army League will then be to assist the Government in every possible way to put their scheme into effect. Such a measure is. sure to meet with strenuous resistance. The Little Englanders, the peace party, the party who advocate " non-resistance "—those excellent people who appear to think (in spite of what might be sup- posed to be sufficient recent evidence to the contrary) that disputes between nations can always be settled on Sunday- school principles—and that class of taxpayers who are anxious to be fully insured against risks, but who strongly object to paying the necessary premium,—all these 'people will undoubtedly oppose any adequate measure for the safe- guarding of the Empire, and in resisting this opposition the Army League will (if its influence sprealls, as there is now every reason to hope will be the case) be able to afford strong and useful support to the Government.—I am,
Previous page
