Question. Why did you become a member of a Volunteer corps?
Answer. With the intention of strengthening our national defences.
Q. Then you think such a proceeding patriotic?
A. Not only patriotic, but necessary.
Q. You probably have some recollection of the French collapse in 1870-71?
A. Yes; but I have been chiefly influenced by considerations of a mathematical character.
Q. Make your meaning plainer.
A. I mean that it stands to reason that as only a small percentage of our people are trained to arms, and ninety-six per cent of our neighbours are converted into soldiers, the latter, in the case of a quarrel with us, would have the upper hand.
Q. And you think a quarrel entailing the arbitration of the sword might be sprung upon us at any moment?
A. Precisely; that is entirely my opinion.