two years ago, when, I may say, the movement had begun to
ripen, I am not wrong, I think, in stating that the number of
Volunteers was very nearly 100,000 men. The force has since gone
through certain vicissitudes, but I think I may say that at the
present moment it never was in a more flourishing condition, and
it now numbers not far short of 200,000 men. Most sincerely do
I hope that the occasion may not arise when their services might
be required for the defence of their country, but I feel
convinced that, should that occasion ever arise, the Rifle
Volunteers of the United Kingdom will go to the front and stand
to their guns in every sense of the word.

"One great inducement to join the force has been, I think, the
Wimbledon camp and rifle shooting, and I feel convinced that in
no country are there better rifle shots than in this, and few
better than in the Volunteer force. No doubt a great stimulus
has been given to that force by their being called on to take
part in manoeuvres, reviews, and sham fights, and of late
years from their being frequently brigaded with regular troops.
I am sure there is nothing they like better, and I am sure that
for the Regular Army, as well as for the Militia, it is most
desirable this should continue.

"With regard to this regiment with which my name has been now
associated for twenty-two years, I can only say that from all
the accounts I have heard it is in a high state of efficiency.
Since the time of their formation in 1860, 2177 men have passed
through their ranks, and last year the regiment had a strength
of 518 men. Nearly all their officers, I believe, have passed
through the school, and attained the distinction of the letter P
in the Army List--a distinction of which I know they are justly
proud. I had an opportunity of reviewing them in 1863 in London,
and again at Wimbledon in 1870; I saw them at the Review at
Windsor last year, and I sincerely hope, if it may not be
inconvenient to those members of the corps who have so many
avocations, to see them before many weeks are over at the Review
at Portsmouth.

"Gentlemen, let me thank you also for the kind way in which you
have received the name of the Princess of Wales and the names of
my brothers and my sons. I am happy to be able to announce to
you that I received a telegra