The Times of Monday publishes a detailed report of the
condition of the Army in Great Britain. It will be remembered that the Government took six millions to fill up all gaps, and for two years has been talking of nothing but war, and flourish- ing the banner as if it meant immediate action. Well, accord- ing to this account, the " total number of men above three mouths' service iu the fifty-five battalions of the Line in the United Kingdom is 21,950," and the eighteen battalions first on the roster for foreign service number but 10,421 men, and of them only 6,082 are above two years' service. These battalions are 2,412 men under the peace complement, and if suddenly brought up to the war strength of 1,000 men each would require 11,000 volunteers. Old officers say this is the result of short service ; but this Government has had five years of power, and the only solid strength at its disposal is the Reserve of 40,000 men, prepared by Lord Cardwell's system. And yet it prides itself on its efficiency, its readiness to spend money, and its care for the Services. • If it had had one atom of courage, it would have prepared for the Empire a, disaster such as English- men have never known. Fortunately, it made secret agree- ments instead.
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