BRITAIN'S DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 911, 2 September 1910, Page 5

BRITAIN'S DEFENCE.

TERRITORIALS INADEQUATE. By Telegraph-Prese Aaeooiation-Oopjnglii. London, August 31. Lord Esher, Permanent Member of the Imperial Defence Committee, in an article in the "National Review," states that (10,01)0 Territorials nro■ required annually, but that there is no sign of that number being forthcoming. The.nuiuerical strength is, ho snys, tho truest and real test of the voluntary principle. If the limit of tho nation's yield of Territorials has been reached, tho electorate must choose between leaving the forces of the country below thfc minimum or decide on compulsory service. The "Westminster Gazette" deplores the article, which tho advocates of conscription are certain to hail as a proof of the failure of the voluntary system. The "Scotsman" states that many resignations of members of the County Associations are probable, the associations realising the futility of working on exist-' ing financial lines. The paper adds that a feeling prevails that, the Government is withholding funds in order to stimulate an appeal ./or private subscriptions.

In a recent leading article "The Times" said:—"lt would be a great pity.were zeal for national service .to lead any of; its advocates to disparage or under-rate .the organisation of the Territorial Force (the reorganised Volunteers. and Yeomanry). ... It is quite, true, as Lord Cuizon says, that the Territorial Force as it now stands could not hold its own against the trained troops of Continental armies.. But it is no less true, as Mr. Haldane pointed out in debate the other day, that the force is only two years old. Its imperfections can bo remedied as they disclose themselves; it is at least a beginning upon the right .lines;,and it would be a great mistako to disparage it becauso it is not already all that we could desire. Mr. Haldautt was able to give a very good account of the progress that has been made the preliminary difficulties' of organisation and equipment,' and to show that the force is being taken seriously both by the War Office and tho County. Associations."

i AN UNEULY TEERITOEIAL. ':, . . LETTER. FEOM ME. HALDANE.. (Eec. September 1, 11.30 p.m.) ' .'. . ■ London, September 1.; Mr. Haldane, Secretary, of State ' for War, in reply to a letter from Mr.'Alfred Mond, Liberal M.P. for Sw.ansea, with respect to the sentence of fourteen days' imprisonment passed on-. Drummer luieath, of the Swansea; Territorials, for impertinence to his captain, says lie has consulted the general, in charge, who. is opposed to any reduction of tho sentence. i Mr. Haldane adds that if, the. nation is serious in.desiriug a citizen' army' for Home defence—and no other will do—the citisrens. must conform to the essential conditions of military discipline. The vast majority do this willingly. ■