VOLUNTEERING.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3951, 27 August 1881, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING.

(To the Editor of the Evening Stah.)

Sib, —Why is it that so much humbug is allowed in the reports of volunteer inspections? Is it because each corps furnishes their own "high fitlutin " account ? As the matter stands now no credence should be given to some reports of volunteer parades, without deducting considerably for exaggerations. The rule appears to be that the lesser numbers and more awkward corps do the most " bounc ing." Their reports are redolent with vivid representations of " exercises which they performed in a highly creditable manner, &c, " reflecting credit upon both noncommissioned officers and men" — advanced skirmishing drill —all or which was well done." The bare and stern description of some such volunteer parade by an unbiassed critic would read that the " attempt at exercise, which they evidently had been imperfectly taught, was absurd," &c.; " the laxity in turnings and other fundamental niinutise of drill was severely commented oh by the gallant Major," &c When a really smart and efficient corps is reported in favorable terms, well and good ; but it is absurd that every corps should, for the sake of gratifying the vanity and conceit of its officer*, be allowed to contribute so much fulsome military literature.—l am, &c ,

GUERILLA