It is quite enough to compare the casualties amongst those officers with those of their brothers in the cavalry, artillery, and sappers to see on whom fell the chief hardships and dangers. In some regiments the whole set of officers was changed several times. The following figures serve as an illustration of how they suffered: Killed and Wounded. The 3rd East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 102 The 34th East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 89 The 36th East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 73 The 1st East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 71 The 4th East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 61 The 23rd East Siberian Rifle Regiment lost 50 It is impossible to recall the gallant war services of these and of the officers of many other regiments without profound respect and emotion. It must always be borne in mind that the infantry of the Line is the backbone of our Service in peace as well as in war. Consequently, we should make much more of those who serve in it than we do, and give them a better chance. At present the list of regimental commanding officers includes far too many Guardsmen or officers of the General Staff. I am convinced that if the importance of service in the Line is to be maintained, we must put an end to the present unfair acceleration of promotion amongst Guards and General Staff officers as compared with that of their brothers. The latter produce a great many men capable of being good regimental commanders; all that is wanted is to know how to select them. Since the last Turkish War they have undoubtedly made considerable progress, and it is for us to arrange that this improvement is continued by fostering it in every way.