Insp.-Gen. (interrupting). You would find Volunteer officers as capable as any others. Your Royal Highness has no doubt studied the lessons taught by the war between the Northerners and the Southerners in America?
Com.-in-Chief. I have glanced at the subject, Sir, at the Royal United Service Institute. And may I venture to hope that you are satisfied, Sir?
Insp.-Gen. (after a pause). Well, yes, I think you are doing better. But, in future, give a share of the command to Volunteers pur et simple. And now just jot down what I have further to say to you.
[Scene closes in upon the COM.-IN-CHIEF taking notes.
CONNECTED WITH THE PRESS.
At a recent meeting of the Institute of Journalists, it was proposed that future candidates for membership should undergo an examination to test their qualifications before election. Should the proposal be adopted, no doubt some such paper as the following will be set to those desirous of obtaining the right of adding "M.I.J." to their names.
1. Would you as a Reporter venture to use such expressions as "devouring element" or "destructive fluid" in sending in "flimsy" to a London Daily Paper? State when you would consider yourself entitled to describe yourself "a Special."
2. What are the rights of a Journalist at a free luncheon? If an Editor finds himself present, should he return thanks for the Press himself, or leave that duty in the hands of a bumptious Reporter.
3. Write an essay upon the Law of Libel, and say when a paper, (1) should apologise, (2) fight it out, and, (3) settle it out of Court.