ENLISTMENT is the mode by which the English army is supplied with troops, as dikinguished from the CONSCRIPTION prevailing in many other countries. Enlistment was in private hands until the year 1802, middlemen procuring recruits, and receiving a profit or commission for their trouble. This system being subject to much abuse, the matter was taken into the hands of the government in the above-named year. and is now managed by the adj.gen. Formerly, a soldier enlisted for life, and could never look forward to a period of freedom; or, at best, he could not retire on a pension while still possessed of a fair share of health and strength. This system was changed in 1847, by an act relating to limited enlistment; which provided that a man should enlist for 10 years for the infantry, or for 12 for the cavalry or artillery. At the expi ration of this period, he could either quit the army, without pension; or re-enlist for the remainder of 21 years for the infantry, or 24 years for cavalry or artillery. This second period of service entitled the soldier to a pension for life, after his discharge: and, in 1868, twopence a day was added to the pay of every soldier who re-enlisted (or re-engaged). This system of enlistment provided soldiers: but did nothing for the growth of trained reserves, with which to bring the army to fighting strength in the event of war. The " army enlistment act," of 1870, seeks to remedy this defect, by allowing men to enlist for 12 years, with the understanding that 6 years or less shall be passed with the colors, and the remainder with the reserve. This is known as " short service;" and, under the system, from 1876 onward, a reserve of trained soldiers will be formed. It is estimated that with an army of 180,000 men, of whom three fourths are to serve only six years with the colors, there will accrue, by 1882, a reserve of 100,000 trained men, all under 32 years of age. If apprentices enlist, the master may recover them
under certain conditions detailed in the mutiny act (q.v.) (which is passed every year). The mutiny act also provides that servants enlisting before the term of their engage ment, are validly enlisted, and are entitled to wages up to the date of enlistment. Periods of imprisonment are not reckoned as part of the time of limited enlistment, A recruit enlists into either one of the 70 sub-district brigades, each of which comprises either a two-battalion regiment, or /two single-battalion regiments, or he enlists for general service in any regiment to which the adj.gen. may post him; but artificers, as armorers, etc., are usually enlisted for general service, so that their services may be made available where most required. The army discipline and regulation act of 1879 made several important alterations in regard to enlistment. The recruit bad always to appear before a magistrate, but formerly could not refuse to take the oath without pay ing a fine of 20s. Now he is not enlisted until he appear before the magistrate, who causes to be read to him a series of authorized questions, and satisfies himself that the man is not under the influence of liquor, and voluntarily agrees to enlist. The recruit then signs the declaration, takes the oath, and is attested by the magistrate. If the recruit does not so appear, or appearing does not assent, no further proceedings are taken. If within three months of his attestation a recruit pays a sum not exceeding £10, he is now entitled to be discharged.