The Sun.
London, England, 1860-08-01 00:00:00

THE IMPORTANCE OF DRILL.

Discipline is the very essence of a soldier's life, be
he of the civil or military arm of the service. Of
what, then, does discipline consist ? Of two essen-
tials—the one undeviating obedience, the other a
perfect acquaintance in all the routine of military
drill. A soldier cannot be a self-creation no more
than an untutored youth can blindly rush to the
bar and hope to plead successfully against the
astute advocates of years of undeviating labour—
no more than the reckless unscrupulous convict can
stand up in the market-place and preach Heaven's
truths to an attentive and devoted congregation—
no more than the timid man seek with nerveless
arm to meet the lion of the forest in some wild hun-
ter's caravan. A soldier's calling, like all other's,
has its essential studies and preliminary grounding.
Proficiency in the use of the rifle, though a necessary
element in his career, makes not the soldier by pro-
fession, as the sudden arrival at man's estate makes
not the manly effigy intended by creation. A man
may prove a crack shot, but he does not on that
account alone become a good rifleman. Without
drill, thorough hard going drill, the best shot
cannot hope to be of service to his country in the
hour of need, or ensure safety for himself in the
presence of the foe. The volunteers must be care-
ful not to fall into the grave error of running
before they can walk, to aim at proficiency in the
use of the rifle before they know its powers in com-
bination with masses, and understand its use in the
presence of a determined enemy. Par above supe-
riority in shooting, do we consider superiority in
drill; and we have no hesitation in• saying that a
thoroughly drilled body of men, well up in the use
and practice of the rifle, though never having fired
a shot, would be far worthier of dependence in the
day of battle than an ill-drilled, and consequently
disorganised mass of the best shots. Volunteers,
learn your drill; be perfect in that, and proficiency
in the use of the national weapon will naturally
follow. We are glad to see that this point is at-
tracting attention, and had much pleasure the other
day in noticing a meeting of the Warwickshire
Rifles at Wyddrington, near Birmingham, the seat
of Capt. Ratcliff, the commandant of the corps.
The object of the gathering will be seen by the
following extract from a printed circular issued to
the members of the corps :—" The adjutant will be
provided with a complete roll book of the company,
and will insert marks from his own observation.
The proceedings will commence with company
drill, to be followed by manual, platoon, and posi-
tion drill. Every member should be prepared to
answer such questions as may be put to him in re-
ference to any of the foregoing subjects. Each
member will have to give full instructions as to the
method of piling arms ; also, as to distance of step
in slow, quick, and double time; in stepping out or
stepping short; bugle call drill, and also skirmish-
ing. A prize for regular attendance at drill since
April 12th will be given. An extra prize will also
be adjudged to the sergeants for proficiency in the
discharge of their duties as non-commissioned
officers." This is a new feature in the movement,
and one which its well-wishers should favourably
consider and adopt. Great praise is due to Capt.
Ratcliff, the promoter and giver of the prizes, who
certainly exhibits his fitness to command, and that
in this instance at least he is the right man in the
right place.

EXECUTION OF HICKS, TIIE PIRATE.—A hitter
dated New York, July 18, says :—The execution of the
pirate Hicks, on Bedloe's Island, in New York harbour,
took place last Friday. A steamer, containing the con-
demned prisoner, the officers of the law, and about 600
passengers with free tickets, first took a sort of pleasure ex-
cursion in the vicinity of the Great Eastern, and then
landed the victim, whose hanging was witnessed by thou-
sands who were combining aquatic sports with the gratifi-
cation of their curiosity.

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