The 'TIMES,' MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1885,

THE FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS AND
SAILORS ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.
Sir,-Ample provision having been made under recent
regulations for the relief of the widows and orphans of
our soldiers and sailors who may be killed or die of disease
or of wounds in war, a further responsibility and duty
now devolves on the country in seeing that the wives and
children of those ordered on active service are not
altogether forgotten, or that the cry of poverty and want
be not added to that of suspense and anxiety. The Government
“Separation,”. a1lowance, together with that stopped
from the pay of the soldier himself, is for his wife 1s. and
for each child 3d. per day; whereas no provision whatever
is made for the many respectable women, married with or
without leave, who are not on the strength of the regiment.
For both I would venture to make an earnest appeal, but
especially for the latter, wholly unprovided for, and who
in a somewhat extended experience in the distribution of
former funds, I have invariably found a most deserving class.
I shall be glad to receive subscriptions and to’ hear
from any who would be glad to help in this movement.
All amounts received will be acknowledged in the daily
press.
I have the honour, to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES GILDEA, Major, late 'I'reasurer and Hon.
Sec. Zulu, Afghan, Bombay, and Indian Patriotic
Fnnds.
20, Phillimore•gardeus, W., Feb. 21.