We note with great satisfaction the Order issued on Tuesday
by General Sir H. L. Smith-Donieu at Aldershot. It has been brought to his notice that betting en the result of football matches is very prevalent amongst soldiers, and that in certain instances non-commissioned officers or men have acted as agents of bookmakers, and as intermediaries between them and other soldiers belonging to their unit. General Smith-Dorrien accordingly warns all non-commissioned officers and men that such practices are contrary to the Army Act and King's Regulations, and render them liable to severe punishment. Commanding officers are instructed to have this Order read on three successive parades, and to see that every precaution is taken to prevent temptations to gamble being placed in the way of soldiers. This instruction, admirable as it is, will, we fear, remain a counsel of perfection until the liberty of the Press to encourage gambling is circumscribed by law. The subject is not, however, one which we can deal with now, but we hope to return to it as soon as the political situation becomes less acute.
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