The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-05 00:00:00

THE PAST MILITARY YEAR.

(From the United Serrice Gazette.)
The curtain has fallen on one of the most eventful
years in the history of the British army.
At the commencement of 1857 England was in a state
of profound peace with the whole world. There was
not even a black speck in any quartEr of the horizon to
denote the possibility of a storm.
Confident in a perpetuity of calm, the Minister for
War had, in strange opposition to bis declared purposes,
carried the reduction of the army to the lowest possible
scale. His estimates were moderate enough to satisfy
the most rigid sticklers for economy. Nothing had aug-
mented but the Half-pay List, which in itself was evi-
dence of financial reduction.

On the other baud, a young and able Commander-in-
Chief, in spite of the obstructions to wholesome progress,
had pushed forward the good work of army reform,
wringing from the Minister's reluctant hands the means
of augmenting efficiency. A system of depot battalions
—intended as a nursery and reserve for regiments—was
successfully introduced. Great improvements were
effected in the schools of instruction in the use of the
musket. An Inspectorship of Infantry became a new
feature in the army. The Queen's regulations underwent
careful revision. The proper education of staff officers
was insieted upon. Means were taken to form musical
schools for the improvement of military bands, and a
new description of manual and plitoon exercise came
into use. To render the position of the subaltern more
endue able, and check the baleful extravagance which dis-
tinguished military messes, the General Commanding-in-
Chief made a generous effort to restrict the table expen-
diture of officers. A committee of the House of Com-
mons presented a report on the subject of promotion by
purchase, in which, as on former occasions, nothing was
concluded, but which brought out in a striking manner
the disinterested character of the head of the army, and
a new plan was formed' (4nd subsequently rectified) for
qualifying the youth of England for commissions in the
army. Finally, the pay of the assistant surgeons has
been augmented by 25 per cent.
In the midst of these and other wise measures, carried
forward to a steady and unostentatious manner, a de-
wand was suddenly made for the services of troops in
Chins. A war had arisen through a misunderstanding
between the representatives of British interests and the
china authorities, and as the first manifestation of hos-
tility was followed by murders and massacres of British
subjects, an expedition was despatched under Lieut.-
Gen. Ashburnham. But scarcely had the troops left
the shores of this country when news arrived of a mutiny
in India of so serious a character that the services of
nearly half the British army were instantly put in re-
quisition to save to England her gorgeous Indian empire.
Nearly 30,000 good soldiers of all arms were, within
three months, despatched to Bengal, Madras, and Bom-
bay, fur nearly the whole of the Peninsula bad become
the scene of sanguinary and devastating warfare. The
costly effect of Lord .Pantnure's premature reduction
then became apparent. The recruiting sergeant was
obliged to exert himself vigorously, and the additional
temptation to enlist was held out of a bounty and a free
kit—the latter having hitherto been paid for by the sol-
dier. Commissions of ensigns were offered to gentlemen
who could bring 100 men, and Leutenant-c,,lonelcies
w,re promised to those maj irs who could raise entire
regiments. Many militia regiments were forthwith em-
bodied, and a considerable increase was made to the
streugth of several regiments of the line by the addition
of vecond battalion,.

Pending the arrival le India of the reinf
naents thus suddenly required on so large a scale, the few
Q regiments stationed in the East had manfully
entered upon the work of rescuing the country from the
mutineers, who were our own rained sepoys, numbering
70 to 80,000, and who had regained possession of all the
important places in Upper India. The history of no
army in the world presents so many brilliant pages as
were supplied in an incredible short space of time, under
a burning sun, in the worst period of the year, by the
corps which proceeded to the rescue. TheTarAiueers,
the 9th Lancers, the 14th Light Dragoons, the 60th
Rifles, the 75th, the Bth, the 52d, the 5 le the 90th, aed
the 93d, and above all the 64th and 78th Regiments
have gained imperishable renown. The sweeping march
of Havelock will be remembered in after times as a
thing unparalleled in ancient or modern history. The
skill of the general and the unconquerable spirit of his
men were the theme of universal admiration. The former
has had his re ward in success, in honours, a pension, and
a regiment—the recompense of the latter is to come.
May it be most liberal I It cannot be on too gen.rous
a acele for their deservings.
But let us not limit our tribute to those who have nobly
dared and nobly done in the dreadful crisis. Very
much praise and gratitude are due to the brave
soldiers who, surrounded by thousands of miscreants
thirsting for their blood, maintained their ground in the
midst of perils, privations, and anxieties. The 32d at
Luckdow are to be honoured, as were the 13th at Jel-
lalabed, and even more so, for their trials have been
greater and their solicitude heightened by the presence
of a vast number of helpless females and children.
From the list of good soldiers whose names were
an honour to the British army, a fearful deduction has
been made by the ruthless scythe of death during the
past year. We have lost veterans of Waterloo and the
Peninsula—the men who had greatly distinguished
themselves in Hindostau. Generals Sir J. Macdonnell,
Sir R. G. H. Clarges, Sir W. Herries, Sir Nicholas
Thorne, and Sir G. Berkeley were among the remaining
few who followed the fortunes of the great Wellington.
Sir John Doveton had no equal in the length and cha-
racter of his services in India. Sir H. Lawrence had no
peer in the brillancy of a career, wrought out entirely by
his own energy, courage, and great sagacity. Neill and
Nicholson, of the Company's service, were also among
the very meritorious officers wile im we have lost. The
roll bound by the cypress would not be complete which
should ignore their names and that of Sir H. Barnard,
who fell too early in his promising life.
Thus much of the past. It has been a year of great
endurance—the army has been severely tried in several
ways, and in each instance has come out of the ordeal
most honourably and successfully. Of the future we may
cherish the most pleasing expectations. The road to im-
provement is open. The hands which wield the destinies
of the army are capable in every way, and are directed
by sound heads and pure hearts. Some great changes are
on tapir, which wi 1 largely augment their responsibility;
and we most sincerely hope that the confidence of the
country will be given to them that their labours may be
lightened, and their proper sense of importance aug-
mented. The army of India will, of course, almost im-
mediately pass into the hands of the Crown, involving a
heavy amount of additional care, and requiring some
new features of organisation. We may expect also to
see the Militia placed more directly under the authority
of the Commander-in-Chief. Centrali,.ation is indispen-
sable to efficiency, and just now we have several forces
acknowledging distinct authorities—a source of trouble
and delay, if not of shifting responsibility. This done,
and power being given to the Commander-in-Cbief to
use a certain discretion in the pecuniary arrangements
connected with the sale of commissions, without refer-
ring every paltry matter to the Secretary of State in the
War Department, vs e may expect to see the military
machinery work smoothly, and to the unquestionable
advantage of the country.

[ADVERTISEMENT. j- SIGHT AND HEARING ---- SPECTACLES—.
POWERFUL TELESCOPES OPERA, RACE, AND PHRSPECTIVB
GL ASSES. —S. and B. Solomons, opticians, 39, Albemarle-
street, Piccadilly. Observe—opposite the York Hotel, W.
By her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent for valuable and ex-
traordinary improvements in the most powerful and brilliant
Glasses, to
ICnaomwpt,heßadeisetloucerss.e,
TheseOea Telescopes and
Perspectives
possess
such extraordinary power that some, three and a-half inches,
with an extra eye-piece will show distinctly Jupiter's moons,
Saturn's ring, and the double stars ; with the same telescope
can be seen a person's countenauce three-and-a-half miles
distant and an object from 16 to 20 miles. For the waist-
coat-pocket, and aro of larger, and all sizes, with increasing
powers accordingly. The RoyalhExhhibiteilo.sno,nleBasnlb.—esAeevnaalnu(-1
valu-
able, newly-invented, very small, powerful, Waistcoat-pocket
Glass, the size of a walnut, by wic
known one and a-half mile distant. a
Theyperson
answer every pur-
pose on the Race-course and at the Opera-houses. Country
scenery and ships are clearly seen at 12 to 14 m
are invaluable for shorting, deer-stalking,
yachting, to
They
sportsmen, gentlemen,an4 gßa.ameeekeemepresers,
land tourists. Opera,
powers. - invaluable preserving SpGecaLsteslees, Lenses of
pe aurtei
onnt i
spower,tahual
Camp, Perspective,
wonderfulof
tiie
fgrroematestthistrainnvs
steorevneidplaonydtbeir strengthenedsight atThe great Advantage derived
vision impaired becomes pre-
very aged persons aro enabled
the most minute occupation—can see
with those lenses of a much less magnifying power—and
they do not require the frequent changes to the dan.
gerous effects of further powerful assistance. Persons
can be suited at the most remote part of the world by send-
ing one of the glasses out of their spectacles in a letter, and
stating the distance from the eye they can read small print
with it, and those who have not made use of spectacles by
stating their ago. Deafness.—New Discovery.—The Organic
Vibrator, an extraordinarily powerful, small, newly-invented
instrument for dearness, entirely different from all of nets
surpassing anything of the kind that has been, or pro): ably
can, be produced. Being of the same colour as the sk in, is
not perceptible. It enables deaf persons to hear distinctly at
clam:hand at public assemblies ; the unpleasant sensatie not
singing noises in the cars is entire!" removed, and it affords
all the assistance tliat possibly could bo desired.-39. Alba
markt-street, Piccadilly,—Oppooito the York Hotel, W,

FAILURES IN GLASGOW.—The suspension of Messrs.
J. and W. Wallace, sewed muslin manufacturers, wars
officially announced on Thursday. The liabilities are said
to amount to 250,0001. As this bankruptcy has beers
looked for for a considerable time, its occurrence did nut
create any excitement. Another house, the name of which.
has been mentioned in connection with recent Bank-
ruptcy Court proceedings, is also reported as down:
Liabilities estimated at 80,0001.—Glasgow Herald.

THE BISHOP OF OXFORD V. THE VICAR OF EYNSRAN.
—ln consequence of the dispute between the Bishop
of Oxford and the Rev. William S. Bricknel', M.A.,
Vicar of Eynsham, Oxon, relative to the removal of
the communion-table in the parish church, the following
notice was placed on the church door, Eynsham, pre-
vious to Christmas-clay :—" '['he Bishop of Oxford
having directed the removal of the communion-table irk
the parish church of Eynsham, by violence if necessary •
in the event of its being placed in the position require d
by the rubrics and canons of the Church of England
when the holy communion is administered (canon.
82), and it having been made known to me that
several persons are likely to be deterred from at-
,enclance at the communion upon the approaching feanticeva!
hrough fear of witnessing the unseemly coneecituesu
which might ensue from an attempt to carty:2uso
giro
a direction from his lordship, I feel it cojudr:„florded
this public notice that no o
tuary.—W. S, /3nuiragsu.,
cla/ for any
suoir4eneenritaYtion of the Banc-
on Christmas-