A Sketch founded on the Suggestions of "The Greatest Briton."
Part I.—Before the G. B. took the matter in hand.
"I am heartily glad you have come," said the Commander-in-Chief (patented), throwing down the Fortnightly, "because this article upon the present condition of the Army, by the Author of Greater Britain, has put me out completely."
"En Retraite."
"I glanced at it, but could not get through it," replied the Field Marshal. "What does he say?"
"Well, so far as I can make out, that in the time of war all the Militia will be drafted into the Army, and all the Coast Guards into the Navy, and both will disappear together with the Army and the Navy in the first battle."
"Anything else?"
"Well," continued George Ranger, re-opening the Magazine, "he seems to think that we have got enough men, if we can't get more, but that we must defend India with the aid of compulsory service, although, for various 'religious and commercial reasons, almost peculiar to England, the non-adoption of Conscription is certain.'"
"From this I take it the article is slightly mixed?"