The Sun.
London, England, 1852-01-21 00:00:00

THE FRENCH AND PRUSSIAN

FIRE-ARMS.
We recently published some extracts from Colonel
Chesney's " Observations on the Past and Present State
of the Army," which must have forcibly impressed our
readers with a sense of the culpable negligence which
has allowed other nations, especially the French, to dis-
cipline and equip a description of force to which we
have at present nothing to oppose. We shall not
here enter into any technical description of the dif-
ferent kinds of muskets which have lately been
adopted on the continent ; but referring those
who desire a scientific knowledge of the subject to
Colonel Chesney's work, we shall offer a brief popular
account of the nature and probable consequences of the
new mode of armament referred to. Tne object of a
musket or rifle is, of course, to throw a ball to the
greatest possible distance—or, in other words, to pro-
duce the greatest possible propellent power by means of
the explosive force of a given quantity of powder. The
difficulties to be overcome are three—the imperfect
ignition of the powder, the resistance of the air,
and windage, or loss of explosive power. Now, in
all these respects, the common English musket is in the
highest degree faulty. In the first place the powder is
ignited from behind, so that the ball leaves the barrel
before it has received the full force of the explosion ; in
the next place, a round bullet slot only meets with very
great resistance from the air, but is also liable to a mis-
placement of the centre of gravity ; and lastly, it is im-
possible, with balls of the ordinary construction, to avoid
a great loss of power, in the shape of windage, inasmuch
as it is hardly practicable to make them fit the musket
barrel very closely.
Let us, then, see how these defects have been remedied
by the French and Prussian inventions. The French
rifle (M. Minifs) is loaded, as ours are, at the muzzle.
The ball resembles in shape an acorn, round the cup end
of which are cut two deep grooves. The reader must
further suppose that the stalk of the acorn is extracted,
and that, in the hollow so left, is inserted the end of
a small iron thimble of somewhat larger diameter than
the hollow itself. A piece of greased paper is wrapped
round the thimble and the grooved end of the ball, and
the whole is rammed down as easily as the charge of a
common musket. When the gun is fired, there is, of
course, an indefinitely short period during which the
force of the explosion is not sufficient to
move the bell. During this instant the thimble
is driven into the hollow; but the introduc-
tion of this foreign body causes the ball to expand in
such a manner as to " force the lead into the grooves of
the bore so completely that the whole base of the bullet
is exposed to the action of the powder without allowing
the slightest windage, or any diminution of the
' explosive force of the powder, by which so much of
the impetus is lost in common rifles." Tho Prussian
Ziindnadelgewehr, or needle musket, is so compli-
cated an instrument that it is not very easy to
explain its construction. The distinctive peculiarities
of this weapon are the following:—lt loads at the breech;
the ball is "conical at the point, cylindrical in the centre,
and round at the larger end: it becomes rifled in pass-
ing through the barrel, and is propelled with much
greater force than the ordinary rifle ball, on account of
its having a suitable centre of gravity, and also on
account of the more perfect ignition of the powder,
which takes place in front"—the latter being effected by
means of a needle, which is darted, by the action of the
trigger, through the powder, and into some explosive
compelled forming the head of the cartridge.
The range of these weapons is perfectly terrific. In
a series of experiments detailed by Colonel Chesney, the
French musket, at a distance of 655 yards put 25
balls out of 100 into a target two yards square—whilst
the common musket did not reach it, and a field piece
struck it only six times out of 100. At a distance of
218 yards the new musket struck the same target 100
times in succession—the common musket only hit it 41
times out of 100. But the most extraordinary result
attained was at a range of 1,093 yards. At this dis-
tance a field-piece generally diverged six or eight
yards from its object, but an experienced marks-
man, with the new weapon, hit a moderate•sized
target three times out of four. We pass over Colonel
Chesney's remarks upon certain minor conse-
quences of the introduction of this musket; but
the practical importance of the invention, and the
arrangements which have been made by the French
Government to give it full efficiency, are subjects
of the very gravest interest. Such of our readers
as have been in Paris will remember certain little
square built men, dressed in dark green frocks and
trowsers, and armed with a strange looking sabre
bayonet—singularly thick at the back, and double.
edged for the first four or five inches of its length—
which fitted on to the end of a short and thick rifle,
provided with a numerous array of sights. These
men are the chasseurs, or carabineers. There are in
the French army about 14,000 of them, and every
tenth man in the line regiments is able, in case of
need, to do duty in the same capacity. A more for-
midable body of men it is hardly possible to imagine.
They aro systematically trained to the practice of the
whole art of sharpshooting. Instead of being subjected
to that martinet drilling which seems to exhaust the re-
sources of our military officers, they are accustomed to
judge of distances by the eye—to shoot at a mark at
a distance of 600 metres—to keep up on foot with ca-
valry at a trot—and to practise all sorts of gymnastic ex-
ercises. During the siege of Rome their fire was so
deadly that every gunner who showed himself at his post
was instantly shot down, and to the officers
of Garibaldi, dressed in scarlet, it was certain
death to visit the ramparts. Those results were
obtained at a distance of about one thousand yards—
a distance at which the report of a firm-arm is almost
inaudible, and the smoke almost invisible. We can only
glance at the effects which this invention is expected to
produce in military tactics. It appears, from Colonel
Chesney's book, to be the opinion of those who are best
qualified to judge on the subject, that, with this weapon,
the sharpshooter will become not only a most impor-
tant element in an army, but more especially a highly
formidable antagonist to artillery and cavalry. The
range of the new musket is certainly inferior to that of
heavy guns loaded with case shot, or to that of rockets,
but it is superior to that of ordinary field-pieces ; and
there seems reason for believing that a field-battery
would, if unsupported by a force of this description, be
exposed to a very serious risk of being put entirely hors
de combat before it could be brought into service.
We have probably said enough to show the formidable
nature of the enemy with whom we may some day he
called upon to contend; but there is another side to the
question—a side which Englishmen, as timid in
the absence as they are brave in the presence of
danger, aro constitutionally indisposed to dwell
upon, It is this—the invention in question in-
creases the powers of defence in a still greater pro-
portion than it does those of attack. Men standing
behind loop-holed fortifications with rifles which would
kill at 1,000 yards distance, could not be very safely
attacked, and such a force would put no small ob•
stacle in the way ef an enemy wishing to laud
troops and cannon on our coast. General Jackson's raw
militia, with their rifles and cotton-bag ramparts, were
more than a match for the troops who had stormed Ba-
dajoe and Ciudad Rodrigo, and who had defeated Mar-
mont and Soult. Whatever accusations have been
brought against Englishmen, whether by friends or
by foes, no one has ever denied that we have the raw
material of soldiers in the richest abundance. Physical
strength and courage are not by any means rare qua-
lities in this country; and it will be obvious that the
chief qualities wanted for the particular service which
this new invention will bring into prominence, are not
so much those of a disciplined soldier as of a brave,
active, and intelligent sportsman—viz., sound lungs,
quick eyes, and strong limbs. Moreover, sharpshooters
act not in masses, but in small bodies. Why, then,
should we not drill, all over the country, small volun-
teer companies of riflemen? We have not a doubt that
any number of persons who might be required would be
found willing to learn the use of a gun and the use of
their limbs. Thu hereditary maxim of " three French-
men to one Englishman" may -be considerably beyond
the truth, but we aro very sure that, if a sufficient cause
for fighting and an efficient method of fighting can be
pointed out to our countrymen, they need not dread any
force that any other nation can bring against them. One
thing at least is clear—something must be done to givet.
our army the advantage of this new inventier, what-
ever ha
ever may be its value. To lag behind in availingour-
selves of' improvements of this kind is suicidal folly.—
Chronicle.

SEABORNE MAILS.
[N signifies that the mails are sent front the General Post-Office
by the night—and M by the morning— dispatch.]

When made up is From what
PLACES. 'General Post-ol2lce port dis- When
London. patched. due.
--. —..._
-----------1
i,33l3eur laegzniieumls Ayres :: •::
...
...
rici
9th9 t Daily
hooff
tthi•i•oe
America (by Brit. pkt.)N Jan 23 .. .. Liverpool • • 'Jan. 29
America (by U.S. pkt.) N Jan. 27 .. .. Liverpool . • Jan. 24
America (by U.S. pkt.) M; .. .. Southampt.
monthili.o.nt
i.l •
Southampt,Spouvt ehra m p .
J}',
te Dailyll:
...il*
11
Africa (West coast)•• N 14th of the month Plynionth Feb. 3
Alexandria* . • .... Nl9th & 30th of mo. Dover Jan ',B
Callfornia(viaChagres)M 2d & 17th of month So
Cape of Good Hope N,l4th of month Plymouth..uthampt. Jan. 20
Constantinople* .. • • Nlth 17th 27th °fin° Dov Feb. 3
Central America .. Ml2d & 17th of mon. S er .. Jan. 30
Channel Isles • • .. Nl'Mon., Wed., &Fri, Southampt. Jan. 20
Chili •• •• •• . M 17th of the month !Southampt. Tn. Th. Sat
France .. .. Si &N Twice daily 'Southampt. Jan. 20
Greece* • • .. • ..
•• N ithl7th27th .f
Dover .. Twicedaily
Hamburgh .. .. N,Tuesda &
Friday
mo Dover .. Jan. 30
Holland .. • .
.. 31,,,,,,_
.no!' . riday London .. Tees. Sat.
Honduras .. •. . 7en • & Satur. London .. Nioa.Thur
Ireland .. .. lif ~, N_ 17th. of the mouth Southampt. Jan. 20
India (via South rg A Twice daily .. .. Holyhead • . Twicedally
amiL) 1.1 20th of the
India (via Marseilles) N Feb 28
month;Southanapt. .
,Bth& 24th ef month Dover • • jan• 18
Mediterranean (via
Southairnten) •• Si 20th of the month Southampt. Jan. 23
Mediterianean (via
jliarseilles) .. .. N Bth& 24th ofmonth Dover • • Jan. 18
—"lc° • • •• •• M2d of the month.. Southampt. Feb. 5
Madeira .. .. .. M 9th of the month Southampt. Feb. 16
Malta*
.. .. I 7th,17th,19th,27th 1 Dover Jan. 28
i & 30th of month
NaPl".* • • • • • • N sth 15th 25th of me Dover • - Jan. 22
Papal States'
.. .. N sth 15th 25th of mo Dover .. Jan. 22
Peninsular.. .. M 17th 17th 27th of mo Southampt. Jan. 26
Peru • • . .. • . Mil7th of the month Southampt. Jan. 22
Tuscany* .. .. .. N sth 15th 25th of mo Dover • • Jan. 22
West Indies .. .. Si 17th of the mouth Southampt. Jan. 20
West Indies (except
Havanna & Nassau) M 2d of the month .. Southampt. Feb. 5
* The mails to those countries thus marked (5) are conveyed by
French packet vi. Marseilles.
don
The direct Havre mail from Lon via Southampton during this
month will be made up three times a week only, instead of daily.
Malls to and from California
Csuroapit I.— , rota the United States
are now despatched and due by every American puke;

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and continual headaches; besides this her digestion was
greatly impaired, appetite completely gone, and always drowsy.
She considered herself past cure; yet notwithstanding her
advanced age, she is restored to the highest state of health
and vigour by the use of Holloway's Pills, declaring that she
feels more like a Young girl than one of her years, being so
hale and strong.—Sold by all druggists, and at Professor Hsi-
lowsy's Establishment, 2i Strand, Latin!

THE COUNTRY MARKETS.
JAN. 20.
The market was thinly attended the supply of wheat
and barley small; wheat sold about is per qr. de)rer, I
but the buyers acted with caution. Barley has become
a very animattd trade, and all descriptions met a free
sale nt fully a shilling more money than last week.
Beans and peas must also be noted 18 (Laren

PER QUARTER. PER QUARTER.
Wheat, red 403 to 44s Beans ... 2Bs to 30s
Do., new oos to 006 Peas
Do., white 4ss to 48s Oats..
Barley, malting 30s to 343 Rye_ ....... „
Do., choice oos to 00s Malt oos to 009
Do., grinding... 241 to 263 Flour, per sack OO5 to 003
AVERAGES FOR THE WEEK ENDING JAN. 17.
Wheat 1,625 quarters at 40s 1 Id.
Barley
f , 28s id.
Peas 25 ~ 283 6d.
Oats
Beans 55 ~ 27s 2d.
_ _ HULL, JAN. 20.

Messrs. Taylor and Bright's circular states:—We have
again to report a firm market for all kinds of grain, with
very small supplies from abroad. To-day our farmers
brought only a small supply of wheat, which went off
at about is above last week's rates. Rather more in-
quiry for foreign, but the high prices asked by holders
of landed parcels check sales, and there is none offering
from ship. Barley remains exceedingly scarce; both
grinding and malting must be quoted fully is to 25
dearer. Beans have met a free sale during the week at
our quotations, transactions being chiefly in Egyptian.
Oats and peas in moderato demand at full prices. No
change to report in linseed, but cakes arc rather easier
to buy, on account of mild weathi r, though we cannot
lower our quotations. Very little doing in either rape-
seed or cakes, which latter may sometimes be bought
2s 6d under tho above currency. Bones without alte-
ration.

The following are the present prices of grain
5. 5. 1
Wheat, English, red 33 to 40
Do. white 4O 46
Dantzic and Ko-
nigsberg 4l 46
Pomeranian and
Hamburgh . 316 40
Danish, Holstein, &

Friesland 34 36
Russian and Odessa 30 34
Oats, English
Do. Danish
Do. Friesland l9 21
Do. Russ. & Odessa 17 19
Barley,malting 25 28
Do. grinding 25 26
Beans 23 34
Do., foreign

s. s
Peas, white and yel. 30 32
Do. grey ... 27 —29
Linseed, Black Sea. 44 46
Do. Petersburgh 42 —45
Do. Riga& Archngl. 38 42
Do. Konigsberg .... 36 4°
Per ton.

Lins. c, Hull 71 17s 6d to 8101
Do. fine for. 71 103 Od to 0/05
Do. inf. foreign... 01 to 61 153
IRapeseed 221 108 to 001
Rape cakes...Bss Od to OW Od
Tares, English ......32s
Do. foreign 00s 005
Guano 5/ 71 to 10/
Bones, do loos Od to Os
Rye Meal Ol Os

CORK, JAN. 19.

Barrels. Currency.
0 White wheat Oos Od to 00s Od 00s Od-20 stan•
64 Red wheat lBs 6d to 19s Od 00s Od-20 do
78 Ditto ......... 19s Od to 20s Od
0 Ditto
305 Barley Ils Od to 12s Od
108 Ditto l2s Od to 12s 3d 00s Od-16 do
0 Ditto oos Od to OOs Od
0 Bere Oos Od to Os Od Os Od
181 Oats Os Od to Os 8d
280 Ditto
165 Ditto los Od to lOs 4d
84 Pigs 27s Od to 30s Od

28s Od per ow*