The Sun.
London, England, 1845-11-28 00:00:00

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LONDON, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28,1845.

An Ipswich journal, some days since, announced that
contracts had been entered into with parties in that
quarter for the supply of uniforms for 40,000 militia,
We have known for some time that, in the neighbour-
hood of the metropolis, orders had been given and ac-
cepted for large quantities of military uniforms, though
without the buttons or any distinguishing mark by which
the use for which these equipments were intended could
be ascertained ; and we believe it is admitted in most
circles likely to be well informed, that the " militia
papers" have been in readiness for some months,
and that tho embodiment of a strong corps of
militia only awaits the sanction of the QUEEN
and Parliament. We rejoice to find such symp.
toms of activity, and steps taken for carrying into
effect measures become absolutely necessary, not only
for the protection of these islands, but for putting our
numerous colonies in a proper state of defence, and
guarding our commercial interests in every part of the
globe. For such important purposes the strength of the
regular army is totally inadequate. With the exception
of the Indian troops, the whole military force fit for
service amounts to little more than 80,000 men, and
with these England has to preserve order in Ireland,
maintain numerous detachments in manufacturing dis-
tricts, garrison some fifty or sixty colonies, and be
at the same time prepared to meet exigen-
cies which the jealousy or aggressions of
her rivals may in a few months produce.
We believe it would be impossible to point out any other
great power, in any quarter of the world, where such a
preposterous system of policy is allowed to exist, or
where interests of such vast magnitude are left in such an
unprotected state. The navy has hitherto been the
main salvation of the country ; it saved England from
the invasion contemplated by BONAPARTE, and would
save it again from any similar attempt ; but, when we
look to its dwindled state compared with what it was in
bygone days, the small number of seamen actually em-
ployed, and the time that would be required to equip
and man fleets suited to a great emergency, to.
;ether with the totally defenceless state of the country,
it is impossible not to be struck with wonder and
astonishment at the long.coatinued apathy of different
Governments, and with fear for the destruction of life
and property by means which steam has now put into
the hands of those that might be the aggressors. Wo
have a few corps of yeomanry cavalry, some divisions of
old Chelsea pensioners, a body of police fully occupied
in preserving order in the capital, with occasional con-
stables in county districts not sufficient to guard life and
property; but we have no militia, no volunteers, no
military body, in fact, whatever, except the standing
valley, that could at first make a stand against
disciplined troops and save the country from some
great disgrace and calamity. The troops in Ireland
cannot be spared ; Canada and the other American pro-
vinces are not half garrisoned under existing circum-
stances ; and, for aught we know, the affairs of the
Punjaub may yet require aidional reinforcements. The
Minister, therefore, has no choice but to raise a strong
body of troops, capable
necessary, with
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the presence of
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Ireland, and dispense, if
the whole of the standing army. He has plenty of
money ; the surplus caused by the ample proceeds of the
income and property-tax will furnish means for supply-
ing the necessary expenses; and, should the in-
terests of the country, the maintenance of her inde-
pendence, and the assertion of her rights, require
more, the people of this country will neither be backward
nor stingy in such a cause. Let them only compare
the situation of England with that of our nearest neigh-
'hour. In France there are a million of armed men, pro-