28 DECEMBER 1901, Page 3

The Commander-in-Chief, acting under the express direc- tion of the

King, has issued a letter to all commanding officers abolishing a number of articles of uniform. Amongst the articles condemned are brass spurs, gold-laced trousers, and all regimental patterns of frock-coats. Full details of the alterations will be shortly issued, but a few of the changes to be introduced are already specified. The letter sets forth that " all officers in your command should be immediately acquainted so that they may avoid incurring unnecessary expense in their provision in the future." In other words, economy is to be studied in the matter of the cost of uniforms, and that is a great gain. On the other hand, the need for a reasonable amount of decoration in soldier's dress on parade and in peace time is incontrovertible. Not until the whole popula- tion, female and male, are philosophers will it be possible to distinguish soldiers from civilians by a dress which dispenses entirely with ornament.