The Volunteers will soon occupy the position which those who
took a long vie* always foresaw they must reach. Such a prophecy was not really bold or rash. It was fairly obvious that if the war went on long enough the War Office would not be able to do without
he services of some three hundred thousand trained men, nearly all over the military age, but still capable of rendering useful part- time services and of giving their whole time in the event of invasion. The decision always rested with the Volunteers themselves much more than with the War Office. But the period of official discourage- ment has given way to very active encouragement. The meeting of the Central Association on Thursday week, at which Lord Derby presided, was only one of many significant signs. The proceedings were private, but it was announced that both Lord French and Lord Derby made statements as to the future use of the force. Sir D'Moore Creagh in a letter resigning his position in the Central Association pointed out how much money the Volunteers could save the State. A sentry of the Royal Defence Corps with reliefs cost £930 odd a year, a Volunteer sentry with reliefs only £120 odd.
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