So splendidly self-confident and so evidently sincere was Mr. Arnold-Forster
in his belief that he could and would give the nation the Army it needs, that the House, as it listened, almost believed with him that things talked about are things done. Here, indeed, is the pathos of the situation. In reality nothing is accomplished. As for economy, the total saving produced by the Arnold•Forster scheme, if carried out, will, if any, be the merest trifle. As to efficiency, the ultimate fighting strength of the British nation will be greatly diminished. This for the future. Meantime we have, though Mr. Arnold•Forster doss not Gee them, the
clearest signs of the disorder caused by his schemes. The threat of annihilation—absorption into a Home Army is annihilation, however our military metaphysicians may argue shrivelling up the Militia, and the Volunteers are manifestly unsettled and uneasy. As to the Artillery, the Government have unquestionably been negligent, and Mr. Arnold-Forater's ingenious depreciation of foreign guns cannot alter the fact. As to the short rifle, Mr. Arnold- Forster in effect yields to the pressure put upon him, and promises that at present it shall be manufactured only for the use of the Cavalry. If he will further instruct a Committee of Experts to devise the best Infantry weapon capable of firing the Service ammunition, the short-rifle agitation will have done excellent work for the Army. On the division, the Government majority sank to 47 (254-207).
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