THE WAR AND SPECTACLES.
[To THE EDITOR OP Tan "SPROTATOR."] SIR,—In your editorial in last week's issue headed "Scientific Recruiting," which I think sets out clearly, as I have not seen them explained before, the reasons which entangle so many would-be recruits, I note you write, towards the end of the article : " Other men, again, are unaware that the changes in the standard will now allow them to enter the ranks. The allow- ance of spectacles is of course one of the great changes." Two recruiting offices have informed me within the last four or five weeks that men wearing spectacles are only available for the R.A.M.C., while one of the recruiting officers informed me that he was aware of no change in the regulations about spectacles. I, and perhaps others like me, would be glad to know the nature of the change and the manner in which it applies. It would also be useful to be able to quote the reference to the Order in question. On the general question, should not all recruiting offices keep a register of rejected men, with their names and addresses and reason of rejection P If standards alter, they could inform those concerned, who would then feel that they were wanted, and that they would not be risking a second refusal. The register would also be evidence that a man had tried to join. The issuing of a small certificate to each rejected man would not take much time or be costly, and would give him the means of backing up his own statement if challenged as to why he does not enlist-- I am, Sir, (to., Idstorsc. P.S.—I find it strange that recruiting offices have no particulars as to Territorial regiments.
[We certainly understood that defective eyesight of the kind which can be put right by spectacles is now no bar. Of course a register should have been kept in every county. In Surrey one has been kept and a badge given. The result has been useful from many points of view.—ED. Spectator.]
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