HERE is a fine specimen of Army Reform. We cite it from that Military
authority, the _Civilian_:--
"The expense of providing and maintaining window blinds for
officers' quarters is not chargeable against the public. Blinds
now fixed, which have been supplied free of charge, may remain,
provided they be maintained at the occupants' expense. Any
occupant not wishing to retain the blinds at his own cost, will
make a notification to this effect to the Controller of the
district, in order that they may be removed and taken into
store."
Officers' better halves are hardly likely to approve of this
retrenchment in officers' quarters. Faded furniture and carpets will
probably not find much favour in their eyes, nor will those eyes shine
any brighter for being dazzled, as they will be, when the sunbeams
stream in blindingly through the blindless windows. In rooms that face
due South, a parasol will be a useful adjunct to a breakfast table, and
we may even hear of officers with weak eyes being attacked by sharp
ophthalmia, and, all owing to their blindless quarters, becoming
helpless inmates of the Blind Asylum.
* * * * *
A Minor Cannon.
THE new 35-ton gun, or 700-pounder, is called The Woolwich
Infant. Sweet Innocent! Let us hope that affairs may allow it
long to remain such. Is the Woolwich Infant supposed to be a boy
or a girl? If a boy, it must be admitted that there was never yet
before such a Son of a Gun.
* * * * *