LTO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."'
Sin,—The date given by me in my letter on the above subject in the Spectator of the 14th inst. as that of your article in favour of universal military training should have been March 1st, 1902, not March, 1901. I think I gave the sub- stance of it, though, fearing to encroach on your space, I may have imperfectly epitomised it.—Hoping you will insert this correction, I am, Sir, &c., LIEUTENANT-COLONEL.
[We have looked up the reference given, and must at once admit that we were wrong and our correspondent right. That is, in the article he refers to we used language which goes much further than we had gone before, or have gone since, in support of universal compulsory service. We endorsed Mr. Samuel Smith's plea for compelling every one to serve either in the Regulars, Militia, or Volunteers. Reflection, however, has convinced us that such universal service is not wise or necessary, and that it is quite enough to demand universal, and so compulsory, physical training of a military character for all boys and lads. If we can obtain that, we may, we are sure, rely upon the service coming with- out compulsion whenever the nation needs such service. Universal physical training of a military character, including the use of the rifle for boys in elementary, and for lads in continuation, schools,—that is our policy.—En. Spectator.]
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