by the death of Bishop Claughton. To the man himself the exalted appointment was, in all probability, an unspeakable surprise, for there were at least sixteen other chaplains in the first-class who ranked before him by virtue of length of service; but in military, church and social circles it was voted quite the proper one, verified by Mr Edghill's unique experience both at home and at foreign stations, his influence with rank and file, his all-round ability and his consistent impartiality.
Our minds survey the period which has elapsed since 1885, and the manifest improvements brought about under the supervision and active co-operation of the Chaplain-General. To-day the Church is a living and a welcome influence among the soldiers of the King and country—one of the greatest aids in the maintenance of military discipline, and assuredly the most ennobling force in the building up of the sturdy characters of the men. It has long been the fond hope of people whose desire is the speedy Evangelisation of the world to make our sailors, calling at foreign ports, the bearers of the Message, and thus to form an important branch of missionary enterprise—inexpensive, and the more effective because of its identification with British trade and commerce. At present it is little more than an ideal, though the prospects are brightening. To our soldiers—the necessary defenders of our country—opportunities equally
