THE BRITISH ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 18, 16 October 1907, Page 4

THE BRITISH ARMY.

VIEW.

■ A French \yritor who is engaged in describing t!io llritish Army in tho pages of tho "Revue Militairo" says:—"Tho special situation of England, a maritime Power without Continental frontiers, has at present allowed her to escape from obligatory service, which is. viewed by the British people with profound dislike. All tho attempts recently mado to bring about a change in public opinion on this question have not as yet had timo to produce very serious results. Lord Roberts's efforts to show his compatriots the inevitable need of national service aro woll known. Ho has endeavoured in a hardfought campaign to make the people understand that a really national Army . . . can alone ensure, in tlio near ;futuro, tho Erestige and perhaps the liberties of Eugmd. His efforts and those of the National Service- League have not been ivhplly in vain. He has shown Englishmen the gravity of a danger which they wero accustomed to regard as absolutely imaginary. Lord Roberts and his partisans havo put- forward with conviction and impressive ardoui; a''number of ideas and facts which havo given riso to violent controversies. These • controversies

have been followed by reflection, and many people have had their faith shaken , even if they have not been ontirely convinced." THE BRITISH SOLDIER. : Tho writer's description of the character of the privato soldiers is worth , ■ quoting. "The British soldier is almost always' recruited from the lower classes of the people. He is usually an employee without employment or a-workman without work, who enlists during an industrial or commercial crisis or when want leaves him without any other resource. Tho touting and the seductions of recruiting sergeants havo the closest analogy with the methods employed in France' during the 17th and 18th centuries.' When recruits are, incorporated after being swept up for the greater part from the largo towns, they have the appearance of regular vagabonds, and their moral standard is often .that of the society which they havo frequented. But military service quickly transforms : them, outwardly at all events. Their love of games renders their military training easy; their uniform is brilliant and their bearing froej their appearance produces the best impression ,and their discipline is excellent. They aro respectful to their officers, who, if'not very closely in contact with their men, know how to set an , examplo of correctness, pluok, and energy, and to address them with that firm and self-respecting friendliness which characterises the English gentleman. The qualities of courage and tenacity . which-be-long to the English soldier aro classic, and the campaign of the Transvaal haa shown that he is not below his reputation;" - - - " : ■ . THE OFFICER. • . •Writing of English- officers the- French critic says:—"They are gonorally drawn from the upper classes, which aro well off and well educated. Although tho pay of the officer in England is , highor 'than in other .countries, it is still inadequate to meet the expenses incurred by the surroundings in* which.ho liyos. This situation has attracted attention, sinco its consequence is to: debar poor men from the-military careor,.and to fill the Army, with young men who are, it is said, moro concerned with their .sports and pleasures than with .military questions. These criticisms aro not - without foundation' ;but it would appear that the socondis made ; too much-of, and that it belongs to the category, of ready-mado opinions which are customarily expressed upon the English, Army. .. Boforb uttering them it; is well to remember - that the tasto' and constant practico of sport have created in tho English officer .those qualities of onduranco, boldness, and tenacity- so, much valued by. leadors in tlio field, aud that they have often, by themselves alone, probably averted or repaired many disasters." ,