THE ANNUAL BRITISH ARMY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10986, 8 June 1901, Page 7

THE ANNUAL BRITISH ARMY.

The Army Annual Bill. Avith which the House sat up all night on Tuesday, writes Mr H. W. Lucy in the "Sydney Morning Herald," reminds members of a curious hktorical fact. The raising or keeping of a standing army AA'ithin the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in time of peace is against the I»av. This constitutional axiom dates back to the period in English history Avhen the Sovereign levied armies, and there avus apprehension that they might bs used against the people. That period is happily long past; the army and navy, though still nominally the King's or the Queen's, are absolutely and directly under tlie control of Parliament. Nevertheless, the old friction is maintained. Parliament, essentially Conservative in respect of ancient constitutional practices, declines to repeal the statute forbidding the maintenance of an army in time of peace. But something must be done, and there has been conceived this device whereby Parliament fpccially indemnifies all Concerned against the acknoAvledged breach of the laAv. Still, jealous of the sanctity of ancient customs, the indemnity runs only for a year. At this present date the existence of the armyis recognised, and the Mutiny Act enforced "in the United Kingdom, the Channel Island-*, and the Isle of Man" till Tuesday next, April 30th. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary. that before that date the Army .Bill shall be added to the Statute Book, otherwise Tommy Atkins might tAveak his colonel's nose, and would _c subject to no penalty other than that following on conviction for common assault.

AN OLD SERVANT OF THE QUEEN

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of "Cornwall and York, while in Sydney, received an interesting visit from an'told servant (Mrs O'Neill) of/her late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, who was presented to their Highnesses by Mrs J."-T; .Shaw, of.Strathfield. This old lady is now in her eighty-third year, and AA-as born-at Windsor' She Avas a servant at the Castle when William King, and remained ther§ until after the marriage of his Majesty King Edward VII. Their Royal Highnesses gave her a gracious reception, and she was visibly overcome by their kindnes_. A long and interesting conversation took place, during which MrO'Neill was able to recount many things either forgotten by or unknown to their Royal Highnesses. Lady Hopetoun was also most kind, and expressed her sympathy in a ..practical -manner by giving MiO'Neill a. parting, gift.. After the visit was over Mrs O'Neill said, "I don't care !ioav scon I die-now;' I have seen the grandchildren of her Most Gracious Majesty-" His Royal Highness the Duke pleased the old lady greatly Avhen he said; "1 Khali tell my father*. I have met you." r