The War Office and Horse Transport. 265 



the brilliant services rendered by its officers 

 during peace and war. Their pay and pensions 

 are practically the same as what they were 

 thirty years ago. An Army veterinary officer 

 is the only Army officer who has no authority 

 over his subordinates. For instance, if an 

 Army farrier commits a breach of discipline, 

 his Veterinary Colonel has no power to punish 

 him, although a last joined subaltern would 

 be able to do so. The authority which 

 veterinary officers should have over their 

 men has often been asked for, but always 

 refused, on account of the military caste 

 prejudice which rules our unfortunate Army. 

 Hence, many capable young veterinary 

 surgeons prefer private practice to the 

 poor position which the War Office offers 

 them. And yet our military authorities 



