[Cheers.] I
am glad to say that London has done its share. The total number of
Londoners accepted is not less than 42,000. [Cheers.] I need hardly say
that that appeal involves no disparagement or discouragement of the
territorial force. The number of units in that force who have
volunteered for foreign service is most satisfactory and grows every
day. We look to them with confidence to increase their numbers, to
perfect their organization and training, and to play efficiently the
part which has always been assigned to them, both offensive and
defensive, in the military system of the empire. But to go back to the
expansion of the regular army. We want more men--men of the best
fighting quality, and if for a moment the number who offer themselves
and are accepted should prove to be in excess of those who can at once
be adequately trained and equipped, do not let them doubt that prompt
provision will be made for the incorporation of all willing and able
men in the fighting forces of the kingdom. We want, first of all, men,
and we shall endeavor to secure them. Men desiring to serve together
shall, wherever possible, be allotted to the same regiment or corps. The
raising of battalions by counties or municipalities with this object
will be in every way encouraged.
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