The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-06-26


r. s9g2sg} enormous armies, the fact that
Y England--the only great European pow
i4 or where military service Is not compul-
sory--ls seriously discussing the advisa-
2&' bility of introducing CONSUMPTION comes
i as a serious blow. BY many others In
4 England itself L Is considered a calam-
City apt TO Daralyze at least partially many
II English Industries
10 us here In Germany. however, who
have known compulsory service through
many decades. the change seems perfect
~ natural--yes, even absolutely neces-
sary--and apt to be followed by,that great
world power across the Atlantic. the
United States whose newly born imperial
policy and active interest in the politics
of the world Will soon necessitate differ
ent army organization from that now in
existence.
That something will have to be done
and will be done by America to provide q
large and up-to-date army as soon MS she
has perfected her navy may be taken
y FOR granted, but as vet shall conflne my
self to taking II, the question as 1t pre-
sents Itself 10 an unprecedented observer
who has been asked to give his opinion
as to whether Great Britain should have
conservation or nat. =
Not being an Ehglishman. must con-
4 fine myself, to theoretical discussion OF
5 the matter well Knowing that there are
petent TO judge and many circumstances
s which 1t Is impossible for me to appre-
ciate as a British subject could.
There can hardly be any one In Britain
who believes that the present system OF
the country is efficient. Radical reforms
are necessary and these can he obtained
by two methods. These are either the re- 4
{, organization of the present system or the
Introduction Of a new system. 1T appeara
TO me that the Royal Commission is more
Z disposed to following the second method
and there can be no doubt that II the OBJ
stacles can be overcome this way offers
quicker and more radical cure of the
4 weakness
n personally do not believe that univer-
sal compulsory military service produces
economic disadvantages, The spectre OF
economic injury 10 the country through |
consumption is conjured up In Germany by |
the Socialists. and in the same way there |
appears TO be a tendency in Britain TO
exploit catehworda about CONSUMPTION as
a means Of political agitation. Far from
producing economic disadvantages, the |
evils Of CONSUMPTION are purely theoretical
In their character and they are more than
outweiglied by the great advantages which |
are derived from the physical ana moral
education of all the young men capable
OF bearing arms
1t is another question, and ono which
cannot ppSlllSe!ya aIlsN'E'' l"''NN'iN' - |
will be possible 10 overcome the preJudlce
against compulsory military service eS-
isting In the British Isles,
consider that ono of the greatest DIM
culries of reform is the fact that tho
present military system OF Britain has n |
firm historical foundation The militia
for example, dates from the thirteenth
century, and in view of the intense his
toriesl sentiment OF the Bnton. and Of
his well founded attachment TO old GUS
toms II has become part Of the life Of the
nation.
II seems. however that the territorial
character OF The militia, which vas the A
source of its strength has been largely
abandoned. and this Is probably the rea-
n}Why the militia cannot accomplish as
much as IL ought and II is also reason
Why ITS numbers have fallen by over co.
900 during recent years If the militia Mad
10 be rcorgani2Rd ii would be necessary
to restore It's old purely territorial char
acter, and at the same time provide ii
With corps of officers and non-colamis.
Stoned officers educated IN accordance
with me most moderninilltarg methods.
have no doubt Whatever thsr ii 1T were
possible 70 reorgapize the militia In
strictly military sense that body would be
anle TO- perform The duty required of IT.
The African war gave splendid proof OF
the enthusiasm of the men IN This branch
OF the army. for about 5000 soldiers OF
this alNt1S went TO the front. although