VOLUNTEERING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2003, 26 July 1880, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PBEBS Sib, —As a good deal has been said_ lately about volunteering, I would like to give my opinion of what ought to be and what ought not to be the first thing after General Davidson's report on the claBS of men he saw in the volunteers. (I don't mean the officers.) _ I don't think the Government would bo doing a wise thing to cut down tho capitation grant. Take for instance a company of fifty men —all the capitation they draw for twelve months is £IOO. Out of that they have to find uniforms, pay for their rifle range, gas, and band. It ill beoomeß a Government to talk of cutting down their capitation when those men have to pay as much again out of their own pockets. And what for may I ask ? Not for show. Not for praise. Not for gain. For they get neither ; but for pure patriotism. Now, if the Government want to curtail tho expenses of volunteers, why not do away with the outlyiDg companies that are too far away from the centres of population, and likewise do away with the cadets. What is i the use of them ? I b»lieve in boys being ; drilled, but that should be left for tho schoolmaster, who would have some control i over them. The boy officers have no control, i Another thing they ought not to have comi mand of componv funds, and above all things ) they ought not to be allowed to hold their , meetings at hotels. Not five per cent, of > those boys when they grow up ever join i the adult corps. In conclusion, I think that 3 every Government should encourage the , patriotism of a nation, and not by false a economy undermine the volunteer systom. j " I am, &e., 1 Foe his Queen and Cotjntbt.