Its Institution to be Considered:
Circular by Commandant for Oj inion 2
In a circular letter to all units of the S. V. C. and to present and retired officers of the Corps, Col. Marr Johnson ¢.M.G.,.8.0., the Commandant, raises again the question of the institution of a Long Service Medal. As will be seen from his letter this is not the first time the suggestion has been made, and there is no doubt that much interest will be taken in the matter by all ranks of the Volunteers. Col. Marr Johnson's letter is as follows 1.—I should like your opinion on the attached rough draft of conditions for the institution of a Long Service Medal.
2.—The proposal is no new one, having been raised in 1900 (vide S.M.C, Report for 1900 p.30. and abandoned in 1901 (vide §.M.C. Report for 1901 pp. 29 and 30).
3.—I may say at once that I disagree in toto with the reasons put forward for the abandonment of the scheme. The questions of "putting the medal within reach of members who are not permanent residents of Shanghai" and of the "object of the establishment of the medal" being to encourage re-emiting among young men in banks and other public offices whose occupation renders them liable to transfer to other ports" are, in my opinion, entirely beside the point. What is wanted is an outward and visible recognition by the Council of voluntary services rendered to that body.
4.—With this principle in mind, T have no hesitation in recommending that the medal should be confined to recognition of services to the Council. Individuals who have been volunteers elsewhere would doubtless like to have such service counted towards qualification for the Council med#, but 1 see no valid argument for introducing such a principle. Service under the Council is unique in the world, and we can no more acknowledge other service than can, for instance, the British Government recognize service in the S.M.C. as qualification for the Territorial Long Service Medal.
5.—Any suggestions for the design of the medal and riband will be cordially welcomed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.