Happily, however, Class I. of the National Reserve has stepped
in to supply the deficiency. Over 13,000 men of the National Reserve have undertaken, out of pure patriotism and without pay or reward, to serve, in case of a general mobilization, in any part of the habitable globe. Curiously enough, the splendid example set by these ex-soldiers has been very little recognized by their fellow-countrymen. The War Office accepts the invaluable help given by the National Reserve practically in silence. Yet the National Reserve is the only real addition made to our military strength in the course of the last six years, and may well save us in the day of strain from actual bankruptcy in the matter of personnel. In this context it is worth noting that a portion of the Surrey Reserve goes under canvas this week at Newlands Corner— the camp is the first ever held for National Reservists—and to-morrow there will be a church parade and an inspection by Lord Roberts. The men in camp will number some 800, and, unless we are mistaken, will provide a battalion which will be well worth the nation's attention. Here is an asset of incomparable value. Are we going to use it or throw it away, or, at any rate, treat it as something not worth worrying about P
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