Sir C. Dilke's Ideal British Army.

Evening Star, Issue 7610, 12 May 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

Sir C. Dilke's Ideal British Army.

♦' In the March number of the * Fortnightly,' Sir Charles Dilke sketches his ideal of an effective perfected British Army. To bring maritime ports and coaling stations into a condition strong enough for selfdefence without assistance from the navy, he estimates the expenditure on guns and other material at L 3,000,000. Several proposals are made to knit together the branches of this service. For garrison duty abroad he would use local forces under British officers specially trained. The firstclass reserve would be affiliated to the volunteers or militia; the militia to be available for foreign service, and the volunteers for permanent service when the militia are arboad and the first - class reserve are summoned to the colors. For all branches of the service he suggests an easier and looser uniform ; the present "smart" dress being useless for campaigning purposes. As a means of attracting superior men of culture into the army—men who will not submit to coarse barrack life—Sir Charles proposes a short service for recruits of this character, and liberty to live where they please at their own expense, provided they attend to orders. This relaxation of service is allowed in Russia. After a year of service such recruits could pass an examination. No system of general service is advocated. Decentralisation and localisation are relied upon to improve the organisation of the army. A First Army Corps should always be in readiness, and the materials should be at hand for a Second Army Corps out of the first-class reserve.