The Sun.
London, England, 1854-04-10 00:00:00

USE OF Trf E LANCE.

t, TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
lit,--From the kind manner in which you noticed
"'Y last letter, I am induoed to request the, insertion of
the following on the same subject.
i.„.112 the second division of the Lance Exercise (against
ntrY) I will again prove the so-called parry of little
-r
11° nee. The Lancer attacks a man on foot armed
th musket and bayonet, who grasps his piece
Kith both hands ; this gives him double power over
weapon, which is equally long as his op-
-11"ellt'el for the Lancer holds his lance in the
re, and offers but half its length-to his adversary.
e weight of the musket would assist the man on foot
strike &mil the lance point, and inflict a terrible
Round on horse or man.
The points to rear against cavalry or infantry are of
le little uses that I don't believe there is a Lancerin the
14131/4 " who would attempt the use of any of them—not
istheen
,favourite "port lance and rear point." It may
d, "They are not supposed to go through
—e lance exercise in action." Certainly not. But,
I'Lldeti to the use of their weapon, they will do
ta:°l3 ,e 1 Part of it. So much for the lance in at-
-01:111g. 'Now, let us see the use of it ih defence.
ih,h7 the Lancer form a guard so as to protect his head,
107,, or body, or parry a sword point ? He cannot
tit'e when we compare the firm close guards formed by
thaf."°,hroao, and the powerful and effective parries
ta:"" can be made by an expert Dragoon, the inutility of
he lance becomes apparent.
1, Methinks some one says, "But they are for the pur-
;„(3B6 of pursuing a flying foe." Very good idea that,
u all very well if they will obligingly turn about
and allow. the Lancer to prick them in the rear.
It:It let us take a fair and unprejudiced glance
been
history. The spear, lance, or pike has
1.11 the primitive weapon among the early
S 8" of every country ; and if so effective, how
it that it got into disuse as each country progrelle,
that during the Peninsular war and at Waterlooe
tiad not a tingle regiment of Lancers in the service, and
fr.eroanee but a few, which, strange to say, they copied
a semi-barbarous nation, who had retained that
:LP", Why it was thrown aside is easy to be seen.
better knowledge of the use of the sword proved the
1111Periority of the latter, and•caused the lance to be re_
Jetted; and when adopted by our Government it wa
be cautiously, as if they doubted its use, for we have
t four regiments of Lancers in the service. They cer-
tainly present a smart and imposing appearance ; but as
there is a chance of their coming to " hard knocks," I
Mvise they should be sent out armed with a weapon
they shall feel full confidence in using.

COUP DE SABRE.

STRAND THEATRE.

recliercM bill of fare has been prepared for the fre-
tinenters of this favourite place of entertainment. The
versatile abilities of the Irish comedian, Mr. George
il°dson, are to be displayed in a monologue called
Pddy's Portfolio, in which he will introduce, among
other things, some of the most popular Irish songs, as
well as burlesque imitations of well known actors, voca-
lists, ventriloquists, and conjurors. . This will be fol-
lowed by the classical gymnastic performances and asto-
nishing feats of IVlons. Delavine and his two sons. The
vocal talent of the dramatic corps, which is by no means
inconsiderable, will be rendered available in a piece of
alight construction, entitled The Gipsies' Haunt, the ob-
ject of which is to afford a vehicle for giving some old
but always welcome English songs and duets. A series
Of dissolving views, with vocal and instrumental music,
bill Wind up the amusements.

4: °I CLUB.—The third dinner of the Fox Club, this
aBcu,t took place on Saturday evening at Brookes
Prese The Earl of Ca.roperdown, Earl of Leicester,
Lord James Stuart, Mr. Edward Ellice, Mr. J. H.
Sangstone, M.P., Colonel Hon. Robert Boyle, M.P.,
St
J.
ir J. Montague y,
Cholinele Mr. Augustus Keppel
enso Sir A. K. Macdonald, Lord Sudeley, Mr.
ttenry Frederick Stephenson, Right Hon. Lord Marcus
11111, L
ntord Saye and Sele, Hon. Hamilton Duncan, Viscou Ebrington, Right Hon. Dr. Lushington, Vis-
count Enfield, Earl of Stafford, Lord Charles James
l'ox Russell, Right Hon. Sir Robert Adair, Mr. Frede-
rick Dundas, M.P., Mr. A. W. Robarts, Hon. Augustus
t arrington.
WHITTINGTON CUM.—A correspondent says ;—" The
number of members and the income of the club during
the Past few months have been
most satisf. For gnarter just ended, the total numberacto ry
of members
exclusive of life .subscribers, was 1.003 ; total receipts,
6401. 13s. 6d. For the corresponding. period of last
Year the subscribers numbered only 768, the receipts
being 332/ 108. The income since August has been
sufficient to defray all current expenses, and to enable
the committee *3 clear of a portion of old liabilities."