Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-04-03
MILITARY QUESTIONS.

letter lately addressed the British public by
the distinguished veteran Lieut. Gen. Sir CHARLES Ma
PER- on the subject Of the public Defence prompted by
the reported hostile intentions Of France For the
ment Of our military readers quote some passages.
What the worthy veteran says respecting military enu
siasm possesses piquant humor.
The gallant veteran (says the New York Commercial
Advertser does not much danger in the strength Of
France, nor does he think England weak" The only
danger he sees is that the Duke of Wellington lad
mted to be the greatest general in the word appears
TO be without power to do that which he thinks
and which, it is said he has vany tried do the de-
fence Of England" One would think it might have oc-
CURED to this dutful Of Mars that the British Gov
ernment comedies with him in the opinion that there is
not much danger either in the strength Of France
the weakness Of England and Is therefore disposed
the good people of the British isles from the expense
Of increased standing army or military force.
Although General Napier avows this opinion Of the
weakness Of France and the strength OF England he
very soon renqush the Aatterng uncton and enters
with evinden guo into the enumeration of such mea-
he deems necessary for the protection Of the
country from those horrible fellows who are ever ready
do Louis Nnpoleons bidding Imagine says the witty
veteran the confusion the shall rs do
the country will be in il suddenly ragged the
shores Of England" He then bursts forth in the follow
ing strain:
1--WE have in the life Of the Emperor Napoleon bril-
liant example of the ought TO follow. When he
returned from Elba he wanted peace He sent out his
negoators he did oil that diplomacy could do but, Mt
the same time, hprpared NTH ugor perhaps neoer
before tctnsssed ancient modern times The storm
burst and he beaten Yes; but you have the man
who beat him And tho country calls upon you TO give
power to and trust that with your defence. The
public voice tells you that there is no time TO be lost
Minister'S going at the pace Of tortoise whilst France
is rushing with the fiery speed Of express train
The Duke of Wellington is the commander for such
crisis should it arrives and gorously would his great for
tunes bear his country through it, What fear you
You carry CgsarP If, unhappily for both countries,
have war; that rude game which demands unity of
command, viii, unless have single commander, be
unequal Let not the example of the Romans in ancient
days and of France noio in giving man temporary
power in time o danger, be lost upon us Half mea-
~ill not meet the present emergency"
The gallant general next makes upon all new in
venons in destructive Implements the patent rHe espe
ciay There s however much practical good sense i~ bis
remarks for the old has the benefit Of ca experience
in the Of He dyrecstes the decay Of the spirit
Of the old British soldier who always preferred TO close
with the enemy" and bccaSe positively enthusiastic at
the call charge with the bayonet keeping the enemy
alta distance by rifles has charms for General
Napier The weapon, he thinks is altogether contemp-
change in the temper and system of
British warfare much to be deprecsted, converting main