The Evening Star TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1872.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2769, 2 January 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1872.

The news via Suez affords very little room for comment. With a simple expression of regret, we may pass by the reports respecting the health of her Majesty and the Prince of Wales, botli of whom appear to be suffering from illness. Commercially, matters look bright at Home, yet the contradictory condition of the money market would tend to puzzle financiers, were it not for the rumored intention on the part of the Prussian Government to adopt a gold coinage. The first effect of this would be to drain the bullion from the Bunk of England, which to protect it-

self has raised the rate of discount to live per cent. The anomaly is thus presented of abundance of money in the hands of discount houses at moderate rates, while the Bank is curtailing its accommodation. The pressure for bullion seems likely to be increased by the action of the French Government should their project respecting an expansion of the circulation take effect. Financial moves of that description invariably more or less effect the value of money, and as a consequence, tend to induce caution in mercantile matters. It would not have been surprising, therefore, had prices suffered, and it must be considered a sign of healthy and extensive demand for wool, that in spite of these adverse circumstances, they have been maintained. Politically, European affairs seem satisfactory enough. There do not appear to be any quarrels brewing amongst the nations, but there are so many complications arising out of bygone arrangements, that there is no security for any European country remaining at peace twelve months. Slight as it may appear, the abolition of purchasing commissions in the British army is one vast step towards securing peace at Home, So long as officers were of the aristocratic class, there was a constant tendency towards war, on account of the promotion and distinction that success secui’ed. The army was always a favorite profession. At one time it was not necessary that the holder of a commission should be a competent officer. Some fifty years ago, there were cadets of ten or twelve years old, whose names were on the roll, but who never joined a regiment until they completed their term at school or college. Gradually more was expected of them ; the best move prior to the abolition of purchase was the system of competitive examination, and now the last link is severed that connected preferment in the army almost exclusively with the aristocracy. Men of the middle class may take the lead, and no doubt will in future, and the army must be officered by persons of ability instead of those whose only claim is family connection. This change has been forced upon the Government at Home by the altered system of warfare. An efficient military officer must be able to do more than put his nien through their daily drill. Routine must now be subjected to genius. Changed arms require changed tactics, and moreover, the difficulty of recruiting the standing army rendered necessary the popularising of the service. Men did not feel disposed to enlist and undergo the discipline, restraints, and disagreeables connected with it, and the chance of being shot at, with no prospect before them beyond reaching the rank of sergeant. Thirteen pence halfpenny a day, with seven pence or eight pence deducted for food, clothing, and maintenance was very poor inducement to take to soldiering. But things are changed. The class feeling is shown by two thousand applications for permission to retire having been made by army officers. Military glory has not the charms which pounds, shillings and pence possess, Their only chance of getting out without loss was to take the compensation that will be conceded them. But in time to come, aristocratic withdrawal from the army, means aristocratic opposition to war. &o long as the family name and interest were identified with military glory their share of taxation was willingly borne : but now that their class will have to bear the burden without reaping the exclusive profit and fame, they will see less charm in the art of mutual destruction and greater in the arts of peace. Every investigation made into the state of preparation for defence by Great Britian has disclosed the bad effect of the purchase system. It was no longer possible to maintain it, and make the alterations necessary to secure efficiency. In war as in everything else, more is expected of both officers and soldiers than of old. When it was only a game of hard knocks, the strongest arm and quickest eye and hand generally won : but now that it is resolved into an application of skill and science more courage and equal endurance are needed. The soldier is not now-a-days a mere fighting machine: each man has more responsibi.ity thrown upon him, in proportion as more depends upon his individual intelligence. On every ground, therefore, the change is likely to be beneficial.