126 ENGLAND S HORSES, 



consequences from exceptional scarcity, nevertheless, private 

 enterprise will never produce for general utility that class 

 of sire which alone can improve the race of our general 

 horses, and maintain them in high excellence, from the 

 self-evident reason, that the emolument to be derived from 

 public stallions of high character would not pay the outlay 

 imperative upon their procuration and maintenance. 



There is no getting away from this axiom, and whatever 

 may be the course of the Government when called upon to 

 legislate for a question that brooks no longer " shelving " — 

 the better direction and promotion of the supply of Eng- 

 land's Horses for Peace and War — there is the hete 

 noir no casuistry or sophistry can anyhow dispose of, nor 

 can it be amply treated but by acceding to the plague spot, 

 and adopting prompt and practical measures to neutralize 

 its painfully suggestive consequences. 



See we not our position ? Do we not ponder with sad 

 forebodings upon the evidences we have perused from 

 sources that, alas ! admit of no doubt ? Are not the remarks 

 we have read from Cavalry Colonels, Army Contractors, and 

 others, alarmingly suggestive of possible retribution for a 

 national crime ? Yes, crime ! War is a possible contingency 

 for this great nation. Horses are required in war. We see 

 from example of recent times what an immense power they 

 are. Our Cavalry strength in re-mounts is incomplete, so 

 with our Artillery. What are we to do ? Why, make up for 

 lost time and stupidity by energy, talent, and wisdom. 

 Have we not sadly exemplified the parable of " The Unwise 

 Virgins" ? May not the time for prejjaration pass ? the 

 hour of necessity be at hand ? and we too late for present 

 emergency ? but, happily, not so for future provision. 



Except the country is satisfied to dispose of these con- 

 siderations, and content to lose that safety and prestige 

 which attaches to it, of possessing the best horses and best 



