Lord French last Sunday made another of his habitual inspec-
tions of Volunteers. This time he visited Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. At West Ham he said that it was possible now to provide Volunteers with nearly all the equipment they required, but natur- ally the Government before spending money wished for a guarantee that Volunteers would continue their services " for the duration " and not exercise their right under the Act of 1883 to retire at a fortnight's notice.. Referring to the meeting recorded above, Lord French said that the proceedings were " very satisfactory," and added: " In time you will hear something. In the meantime prepare your minds for what must be done." In another speech at Ipswich he said that the Volunteers must look forward to the time, " not far distant," when home defence would be entrusted entirely to them and to such men as could not for some good reason be sent to the front. " Not one man who can serve in the trenches should be left at home. The defence of your native shores is a very great role." It is with great satisfaction that we read these words of Lord French. They are words of wisdom not only as regards the , Volunteers but as regards the disposition of our Regular forces.
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