Although each of our great self- Governing Colonies are expected to maintain a militia or volunteer force for its own defence, the duty of de fending the Empire falls chiefly on the Imperial Exchequer, There, is, however, one great exception to this ru le—our great dependency India maintains not a volunteer force but a huge army, an army not only sufficient to defend the frontier against the incursions of the fierce border tribes, but also, it is hoped, against any attack on the part of our formidable rival Russia. It was with this army paid and supported by the Indian Exchequer that the British fLg was hoisted ever Burmah and that our influence was made pre dominant in Afghanistan. Further, from India an army corps went to South Africa and Indian troops formed the force which' represented Britain in She march to Pekin. Now the question is being mooted for the thousandth time whether India with her strained fiuances should be ex pected to bear the full burden of supporting a huge army. The feeling I have reason to believe is gaining ground, that the Imperial Exchequer should bear some of the expense. Britain could then, it is srgued, call on our Indian troops for assistance in time of war, add would be justified in doing so.—English exchange.
THE' PELORUS" GUARDIAN, FRIDAY,, NQVEia^i^j^ffll^.
