THE COMMAND OF THE ARMY.
New Style—in the Future. Scene—Interior of the Council Chamber at the War Office. Committee of National Defence in Consultation.
First Member. Well, really, I think the troops should advance.
Second Member. Certainly, but how about their uniforms?
Third Member. Oh, I am responsible for that department. Everything fairly well. At least, I think so.
1st M. Oh, if you only "think so," we had better break off for a while.
[The Committee "break off for a while" and then reassemble.
3rd M. Now everything's right. I thought there was some trouble about the new forage caps. Well, the difficulty has been surmounted, and all is as correct as can be.
1st M. Pleased to hear it. Ammunition up to the mark?
4th M. That's my special department. It may be, but——
3rd M. Oh! Don't you think we had better adjourn a bit?
1st M. Why, certainly.
[They "adjourn a bit," then reassemble.
4th M. Glad I had an opportunity of looking into the affair. Fact is, although we had a lot of cordite, there was certainly——
1st M. Yes, I know. But is it all right now?
4th M. Right! Of course! It never was wrong, but——
1st M. Quite so. Don't let's waste time. How about the transport?
5th M. I am responsible for that. If you really want to move the troops any distance, perhaps I had better——
1st M. It's very annoying! but as you say "you had better" do something or other, let's scatter for a time.
[They "scatter for a time," and reassemble.
5th M. Lucky I overhauled my department. If I hadn't you wouldn't have been able to move the troops a dozen yards.
1st M. But is it all right now? Equipment, ammunition, transport? Are you all right?
Chorus. Yes, Sir.
1st M. (through telephone). Quick, march!
[The troops are moved.
Old Style—in the Past. Scene—Anywhere in front of an Army.
Commander-in-Chief. I vouch for everything! I have only to give the word of command. Quick, march!
[The troops are moved.