On the previous day Sir John French, inspecting the Company
after he had witnessed them at work, addressed the men in very complimentary terms. According to a report which appeared in the Westminster Gazette, he declared "that he had been more than surprised by the excellent manner in which they had acquitted themselves. They had improved each time he had seen them, and fully deserved the position in which they found themselves that day of drilling with the Foot Guards. Colonel Pollock's anticipations in regard to them had been amply realised, and they had proved themselves worthy of taking their place by the side of any of the Regular troops." This is high praise indeed, and may, we think, fairly be taken as a complete justifi- cation of our Experiment. The British Army has no more com- petent General than Sir John French. Moreover, he is a soldier who is not intent on making pleasant speeches or on inviting popularity in any form. We may, therefore, feel certain that be would not have used the expressions he did unless he meant them to the last word. We can only end by expressing our gratitude to Sir John French for the rigorous tests to which he subjected the Spectator Company, and also to the distinguished regiment to which they had the honour to be attached, and which showed them so much kindness and hospitality.
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