|
71st, and Mackenzie, Earl of Saforth,
who embodied the old 78th, now the 72nd, would never have thought of
AN ALTERATION, SO UNNECESSARY
AND SO UNCONGENIAL TO CELTIC FEELING. WHOEVER HAS THE HIGH HONOUR TO
COMMAND THE BRITISH ARMY, SHOULD NOT FORGET HOW SRONGLY THE HIGH-MINDED
AND BRAVE GAEL, ARE ATTACHED TO THEIR NATIONAL COSTUME; and as these
regiments have still the name of Highlanders, and are composed of them, it
is to be hoped their appropriate
military costume will be yet restored to them."
‘While
on this subject I cannot avoid noticing an
unaccountable practice in some Highland regiments where the officers
seldom appear in the feilabeag except on field days and particular
occasions! Is it from an idea that it is unbecoming, or that the privates
are only obliged to wear the kilt? It is a strange inconsistency and a
very unmilitary custom, for which I presume the respective Colonels or
Adjutants are answerable. Having some time since lived four or five years
where the 78th Rosshire Buffs were stationed, I MUST EXONERATE THAT CORPS
PROM THE ABOVE REFLECTIONS, officers and men being always dressed in
proper regimentals.
I know, from my own experience, that
all the men being Scotch, all the Scotch officers are deeply attached to
the kilt, and would not change it for any other uniform, however
splendid—A few English officers, on joining Highland regiments, are apt to
ridicule the kilt, and thus foster an idea that the five kilted regiments,
do not wear the feilabeag by choice, but I have uniformly observed, that
after serving a short time amongst the Highlanders these would-be critics,
become the most enthusiastic admirers of the dress.
I have worn the kilt myself
as child, boy and man, and maintain
that a warmer, a more comfortable dress could not have been invented for
the Highlands of Scotland, the tartan being three ply thick round the
body, and the feet encased in thick stockings, vital heat is kept in two
of the most important parts of the human frame, while the knees after a
time become hardened and capable of bearing any exposure. How far the kilt
is adapted to the climate of Canada,
is not in my province to say, and I believe that the
authorities intend ordering the 78th to discontinue the kilt for the
winter, but of this I am certain, were a stipulation made to discontinue
the dress for good, the Rosshire Buffs would sooner be frozen on their
posts than discard forever their national costume.
COLIN MACKENZIE, Capt. 78th Rosshire Buffs
C.
(See Page 29.)
HON. JAMES LESLIE.
(1786-1873.)
"Another veteran has been removed
from the political arena. The Hon. James Leslie, Senator, whose death is
reported from Montreal, has at one time played a conspicuous part in the
affairs of the country, though of late years. |
