BRITAIN'S ARMY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1913, Page 2

BRITAIN'S ARMY

THE TERRITORIALS DECLINE IN NUMBERS DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF LORDS. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. LONDON, 12th FebruaryIn the House of Lords, Lord Herschell, replying to Lord MiddletOn, who directed attention to the decline in the number of Territorials, stated that, in addition to 253,000 Territorials, the National Reserve numbered 190,000. The Government was convinced that proper provision had ' been made "against particular dangers, and was able to guarantee that the country had been safeguarded. Lord Roberts said, that, speaking as a soldier, it was nonsense to' say the Territorials Were fit for war. . Lord MethUen stated that, if ,. both parties appealed to the country on the question of compulsory training he befleVed that the system would be accepted. Lord Haldane, Lord Chancellor, said the-' Government t had 1 concentrated on naval defence owing to the impossibility of organising the military in any way so as to relieve the navy. If a compulsory army were raised the Government would be enabled to maintain the Imperial overseas forces t on a voluntary basis. The proclamation of inefficiency had produced a bad impression abroad. Lord Lansdowhe, Leader of the Opposition, said what was needed Was an unlimited supply of half-manufactured soldiers, which co«W be obtained by compulsory school training., ■