THE ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 454, 12 March 1909, Page 5

THE ARMY.

CRITICISM BY OPPOSITION LEADER. REDUCED REGULARS. TERRITORIAL FORCE COMMENDED, (nj tkle6iui'h—l'iiEsa association—copyright.) ' London, March 10. Tho debato on tho Army Estimates was remarkable, firstly, becauso Mr. Asquith, Prime Minister, in his reply to criticisms, hinted at tho possibility of a future iXato boing set apart for discussing tho Army and Navy Estimates together—thus dealing with tho wholo problem of defence —and secondly, because of a notable speech by Mr. Balfour in favour of Imperial defenco committees and periodical re-examination of tho defenco question.' Whilo rgretting that there had been a reduction in tho numerical strength of tho regulars, Mr. Balfour said he was certain they would havo really good -militia and yeomanry regiments. Ho admitted tho earnestness of Mr. Haldane (Secretary of State for War), in organising the Territorials, and added, amidst Ministerial cheers, that this organisation, might, at somo future time, bo absolutely invahiablo as a forco making for tho safety of the Empire. ■ Sir Charles Dilko (Liberal member for Forest of Dean) deprecated Mr. Haldane's comparison of tho British and German armies' strength, and added:—"Such declarations havo a damaging effect on Australia." Personally, ho wished to seo Australian cooperation. Australasia and Canada wero devoted to peace, and objected to any pressure being used. Colonel Seely/ Under-Secretary for tho Colonies, replied that the Government had received Canada's and Australia's most cordial acceptance of the General Staff proposal. ■ -■ \ ■ TERRITORIALS. j STILL WANTED-75,000 MEN. (Rec. March 11, 10.10 p.m.) London, March 11 With regard to tho Territorial Force (whose.establishment is 11,150 officers ana ,302,204 men), corrected figures show that the present strength is 237,561.