Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-11-20

also customary that the bravcst ride before
the ranks, and after having soundly abused
their antagonist, they challenge the strongest
to singlc-combat. This offer decides tho
whole battle; and the party whose cham
pion is beaten thinks il only proper to retreat
in disorder, or be cut up piccc-meal. En-
gagcmen,s where masses fight are unknown,
and the whole art of determination is reduced
to mere skirmishing.
The army is raised from the offspring Of
the soldiers, who arc almost all married. 1t
is rather an opprobrium to be soldier, and
the very name Of laon-tscang enough to fill
people will, aversion, SO that no honest man
would enlist. AS the army is very badly
paid the privates are obliged osllift for them
selves as well as they can. They generally
understand some craft or other, and arc fire.
qucnty engaged in husbandry. Every prov
incc has some lands which arc either cultiva-
ted by the military, or let for their own adj
vantage. The most propitlous time, how
ever, for these heroes is, when they are OH
actual service. Then they find some OPP
portunity for squeezing and robbing, and
their numbers insure to them always impuni-
ty. Hence the terror awakened amongst
the peaceful inhabitants at the sight Of the.
defenders of the country for they arc private
marauders.
Every private may become an oniccr,and
the greater mandarns have risen from tho
ranks; the qualifications for advancement
are thorough knowledge of archery run
ming, jumping, and general knowledge Of
tactics. 1t is surprising how ignornant the
officers in general arc, though there are reg
ular examinations instituted to enable them
to obtain degree. Once advanced, they
are promoted by slow steps, and though nicr-
1t is the sole cause, yet money is a still moro
important article, and one may buy COM
mission at case. s,howcvcr, the situations
arc by no means lucrative, and are retained
with considerable risk, there is little ambi-
ton shown to rise in tho service by paying
sums.
As whole, the Chinese army is unique
in its kind, and time will show Of what stuff
the men are made, who, according to their
own statement keep all nations in subjeciion.
"You'RE A NICE YOUNG Man, But You
CAN'T COME IN ~ " IlolIo there, friend,
YOU can't come in !"said a faithful doorkccp-
or yesterday, to a tall, eccentric looking indi-
vidual, who was hurryiny with long strides,
into the new American Theatre. 90, just
allow me to take peep" said the tall CUSTOM
err stopping and turning abruptly.
Cant do it, sir. My orders are to let no
person in but the owners and essces."
Tell me, soldier, hast thou wife ;" said
tho stranger, grasping the door door-kcepcr's
arm.
"Well, reckon sad the man, willie tho
blood flew from his check, and lie loo!. Ell
into the tall gentlcman's eyes, expecting to
detect some symptom Of insanity.
| And children 7" said the inquirer, with
tragic start.
"WclI, Mister" replied the door-kcc2cr,
[ don't know how rs any Of your business,
bu reckon is got small chance Of a
family
" Here, take this wedge Of massive gold!'
exclaimed the stranger, picking upa block uf
wool that was lying at his feet, and thruSii &
ii into the door-kecpcr's hand.
The man looked at the wood, and then ct
the stranger, witha great deal of astonish-
ment, and then said, with very solemn de-
liberation, ~ .ook here, now, my good man,
its pretty clear to me your mother don't
know you're out, but it won't do for you to
come fooing III this way round me-. You
may be a rery nice young man, but you eant
foclc mr'
"You don't know me, my good man!'
swell, don't"
"My name Is Smith"
"You don't say so! How IS Mrs. Smith
and the family! and where is little John7"
"Mv name is Sol Smith," said the indi
vidual, changing his tone, and assuming that
dignifed manner and graceful attitude pecu-
liar to HIM ); " have Just got here from tho
Gen. Pra,tc, which is still aground five
hundred and seventy miles above Nicksbure
am the lessee Of this establishment, and
like your attention to business. You shall
retain your situation as one of my door-kecp.
ers as long as you please; and now, sir
please allow me the favor Of passing in for n
few moments"
The man fell upon his knees, just n,
Triptolcmus Muddlcwork did before Charles
: Xll.,) and Sol, waving his hand gracefully
walked in.-Picayune.
DEFINITION OF PLEAsu.G.--lt is difficult
to say what pleasure means. Pleasure bears
different sense TO every one. Pleasure to