Chapter II: Act I

SCENE--_House of Commons, rather sparsely attended, it being
the occasion of a statement on the needs of the Army to be
made by the_ Secretary for War.

_Secretary for War_ (_continuing his speech_). And so, Mr. SPEAKER, I trust that I have justified the demand I have made for so many millions for building Barracks, and conclusively proved that the Authorities responsible for our military efficiency are thoroughly alive to the necessity not only of safeguarding the lives, but of increasing the comfort, of our gallant defenders. (_Cheers_.)