, 1881-07-10
THE ENGLISH VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

LII Elm u440a *OA0n AA41A1s AhAa AA- w.
Yesterday was great day for Old En-
| gland, having been set apart for the review
OF the volunteers before the Queen in Wind
| sor Park. All of England that could get into
the park, it Is to be presumed, witnessed the
| spectacle, with the exception Of the Houses
| Of Lords and Commons, for whose accomno-
tlatlon Prince Christian, Ranger Of the
Park" had declined to reserve any seats
The omission reused spirit Of Indignation
III both Houses, rs well it might, considering
that the Prince III his official capacity has
| had nothing else to ito for a year or mort. In
earning the salary which Parliament votes
him. Be tlis as it may, however, all IN at
tendance must have been gratited at the
unusual spectacle Of III regiments Of
all arms, numbering more than $1,000
,nen in scarlet, parading and executing
their nlanenvres III the beautiful park.
Twenty-eight English and two Welsh
counties were represented i'll the review, and
this large number OF volunteers was brought
to London, viewed and reviewed, and sent
home again on the same day, which is quite
as remarkable as feat i'll railroad trallsp0r-
tation rs it is from 4 military point Of view.
It was the largest military review ever
held III England, that which was made in
honor of the Sultan Of Turkey in 1867
amounting only to 2S.0 600 men in line. The
day was made n general holiday, SO far as
London was concerned. All volunteers en-
gagged III the public service WHO could pos
stly go were granted leave Of absence for
the day, and this example was followed BY
nearly all classes of employers. Every one
enjoyed it excepting the disgrunt1el menl-
bcrs OF Parliament whom Prince Christian
had snubbed and left "out in the co!d' to
stand round OIL tip-toe and see as much as
they could Of the martial pageant.
In the efficiency OF the English volunteers
there las been marked improvement, which
is II oted with satisfaction by the English
Journals. 1t is said thai while their orgar-
ization is still imperfect and fragmenlary,
''tlley art: efficient i'll the groundwork Ut
drill, they furnish 4 large percentage Of ac-
cpmplished marksmen. they devote theM
selves more and more asSidnously to contint-
ors instruction in the field and under canvas,
they are accustomed to combined movements
in battalions and brigades, their numbers
are maintained from year to year without
t1iminution.'' This is reass1.ring testimony
US to the progress of Il people who are not
very prone to soltliern5, especially in the
volunteer ranks. 1t Is probable, however,
that the necessity has become apparent.
The volunteer organization of Great Britain,
which was inaugurateu in 1850. Ind its origin
III the grave suspicion which the people
had Of the intentions of Louis Napoleon |
when lie assembled great army at Bou-
logne. The relations between France and |
England are not even SO cordial now rs they |
then were. The recent disposition of France
to extend her territorial area ''bey0nd seas"
in the North Of !Africa,-nn exteil- |
sion which is fast bringing her to the very
sands Of Egypt, are not looked upon with |
OH jealousy by the British people, the more
So because France moves III with perfect in |
difference to English suggestions or pro-
tests. 1t is possible that England recognizes |
the likelihood Of Il collision at n no very dis |
can't day, and feels that her supremacy over |
the watery boundary between herself and |
France and her defense against any menace
Of invasion may be best maintained By a
large and efficient home-guarl. While all the |
nations Of Europe are increasing their forces, |
and no one can tell where the storm may first |
strike, England is acting wisely iu placing
ler volunteers upon the strongest possible
footing