certain divisions from the Indian Army, composed of highly
trained and very efficient troops, and a body of cavalry, including
regiments of historic fame. The dominions beyond the seas are sending us
freely of their best. Several divisions will be available, formed of men
who have been locally trained in the light of the experience of the
South African war, and, in the case of Australia and New Zealand, under
the system of general national training introduced a few years ago.

The Call to Arms.

In the response to the call for recruits for the new armies which it is
considered necessary to raise we have had a most remarkable
demonstration of the energy and patriotism of the young men of this
country. We propose to organize this splendid material into four new
armies, and, although it takes time to train an army, the zeal and
good-will displayed will greatly simplify our task. If some of those who
have so readily come forward have suffered inconvenience, they will not,
I am sure, allow their ardor to be damped. They will reflect that the
War Office has had in a day to deal with as many recruits as were
usually forthcoming in twelve months. No effort is being spared to meet
the influx of soldiers, and the War Office will do its utmost to look
after them and give them the efficient training necessary to enable them
to join their comrades in the field. The divisions of the first two
armies are now collected at our training centres; the third army is
being formed on new camping grounds; the fourth army is being created by
adding to the establishment of the reserve battalions, from which the
units will be detached and organized similarly to the other three
armies. The whole of the special reserve and extra special reserve units
will be maintained at their full establishments as feeders to the
expeditionary force. In addition to the four new armies a considerable
number of what may be designated local battalions have been specially
raised by the public-spirited initiative of cities, towns, or
individuals. Several more are in course of formation, and I have
received many offers of this character. The territorial force is making
great strides in efficiency and will before many months be ready to take
a share in the campaign. This force is proving its military value to the
empire by the willing subordination of personal feelings to the public
good in the acceptance of whatever duty may be assigned to it in any
portion of the emp