Sin,—I have read with great interest in the columns of
the Spectator the announcement of the proposed experiment in Militia training. Every one interested in the preservation of this branch of the Service must congratulate Colonel Pollock on his patriotic effort ; but at the same time I think it is worth while pointing out that the experiment has been tried before, accidentally, it is true, but nevertheless very thoroughly, and, I venture to say, successfully. I refer to those battalions of the Militia which, having volunteered for active service during the war, were sent, not to South Africa, but to garrison towns, where they were side by side with battalions of the Regular Forces. For a year or more they went through the same course of training, and the result was eminently satisfactory. Referring to that battalion which was quartered at Cairo during the war, the late Colonel Forestier-Walker, then Chief Staff Officer there, told nie that he could never have believed a year's training would have made so great a difference or tussled out so magnificent a body of men. The recent review in Edinburgh has helped to show the public what the Volunteers are, when not seen through the distorted spectacles of the present War Minister. Could not the same be done for the Militia F—I am, Sir, &c., D.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR-]
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