THE SURREY VETERANS.
[To THE EDITOZ OF THE " SPECTATOR:] have only just seen the Spectator of April 30th and read your remarks about the Surrey Veterans. While entirely agreeing with what you say as to the value of a hundred thousand Veterans, I cannot help feeling that they would be useless; if we could not provide them with uniforms, arms, and ammunition. Can we do this ? I am greatly afraid we cannot ; and without uniforms we should expose them to being shot in cold blood if taken prisoners. Accord- ing to the German text-book just published, "Taschenbuch fur den Train und Verpflegungs-offizier im Felde und im bianoeuver," all persons not members of the organised armed forces caught in the act with arms in their hands have forfeited their lives and are to be shot. Cannot the Spectator • The ride stocks should be in three sizes, to suit the smaller boys.
lead the way to the formation of a league or society which would raise funds and purchase uniforms (to be approved of by the War Office) which could be stored and served out to the Veterans if war broke out ? I think that this is a matter deserving of consideration, and would receive attention if you would take it up.—I am, Sir, &cc., Vfxf LIBER ET MoarAn.
[We hope that when the country through the eyes of the Press sees the Veteran Reserve of Surrey lined up on the Horse Guards Parade, and realises what an asset for national defence we possess if we only take the trouble to develop it, public opinion will give sufficient support to the Secretary of State for War to justify him in proposing the formation of a Veteran Reserve in every county. That accomplished, the storing of uniforms and rifles will automatically become part of the duty of the War Office.—En. Spectator.1
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