The Pall Mall Gazelle of Wednesday gives special prominence to
an announcement, made, it states, "on trust- worthy authority," that Mr. Arnold-Forster has determined to give effect, at least tentatively, to his proposed plan of converting a portion of the Militia into Line. "A circular," it adds, "has been addressed to certain Militia regiments in- viting them to go over bodily to the Regular Army, the rank and file being taken on for home service on the new terms, and the officers being incorporated with the general body of regular officers. If the first steps are encouraging the measure will be extended to the thirty battalions as indicated." We feel sure, in spite of the Pall Mall's positiveness, that it must be mistaken. It was distinctly understood when Mr. Arnold- Forster's scheme was outlined in Parliament at the end of July that no steps would be taken to carry the controversial part of the scheme into operation without the consent of Parliament being first obtained. But the virtual abolition of the Militia was perhaps the most controversial part of the whole. To effect such abolition in the Recess and without further discussion is, we feel certain, a violation of good faith of which Mr. Arnold-Forster would be incapable. All that he can be doing, and that, no doubt, he has a right to do, is to make inquiries among Militia officers.
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