THE NATIONAL RESERVE.
[To ran Roma or ran "tirscraros."1
Sin,—May I join with Captain Holmes in expressing our great indebtedness to the Sheriff of Surrey for the Whitsuntide Camp, for, apart from the great value it has been in reviving interest in the National Reserve and as an incentive to recruiting, it has also been the means of bringing the different units in Surrey together, thus giving an opportunity for the ventilation of views as to our future ; and, in passing, may I mention that in regard to the officers it was instrumental also in introducing an annual dinner P There appears to be much difference of opinion as to the real objects of the National Reserve. Lord Roberts and many others favour the idea of the National Reserve being formed as a kind of third line, each unit being complete in itself, as against the present policy of the War Office, which is that the force shall act as a "reservoir" (to use the expression of Lord Roberts himself) to the Regular and Territorial Forces. One naturally hesitates to express an opinion contrary to that of such an eminent authority; but, Sir, as one who has been interested in thie movement from its inception, and as an officer in that force, I have come to the opposite conclusion. To run the Reserve on:independent lines exceptifor administrative purposes would mean, to begin with, the creation of a Staff, which would have to be paid for. Where is the money to come from? Is it to be given at the expense of the other active forces of the Crown, and therefore to their detriment ? Again, take the question of officers. In many districts there is a great difficulty in obtain- ing efficient officers. Will not this difficulty be multiplied in an independent force P On present lines it does not so much matter, as on mobilization a commander of Regular and Territorial units would only pick out the more efficient officers, and the remainder would either retire or do service of a non-combatant nature.
The War Office is faced with the difficulty of filling up the ranks of the Regular and Territorial Forces, and in regard to the latter every effort has been made by the County Associa- tions without success. Is it not obvious to all that in the National Reserve there is a force of the greatest utility for that purpose ? Captain Holmes calls this "adding water to wine." I should prefer to reverse the order, for would not the addition to the ranks of the Territorial Force of old soldiers, many of whom have seen active service, be of inestimable value? It does not admit of argument. Until the day when we shall see compulsory service it is our duty to support what we have got and make use of every shred of material, and not depreciate a force because its existence may appear to some to keep off compulsory service, which so many of us consider the only true remedy. As to the apathetic:: treatment of this force by the military authorities, I am in hearty agreement with Captain Holmes. The public in many districts have contributed liberally towards new headquarters, rifle ranges, &a, and unless the authorities take a little wider view in the management of this force I, too, fear that the present wave of patriotism may disappear.—I am, Sir, &o., G. T. WHITELEY, Captain S.N.R., Croydon Battalion.
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