The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-02-16
Military and Naval Strength or France aud
EngIand.-Ihe Chances OF Invasion.
Fom he London Times of Januayv 90

rom he London Times ~ january %.
As Englishmen noted for their businesslike
habits, their general GOODNESS of judgment, and
their sound common sense we now submit to them
In their national capacity plain statement of facts
ana probabilities >pecting question Of infinite
Importance.
IL has often been said that we were exposed to
rum from French invasion Pancs have often
peeh created, and as often subsidized in the absence
OF ANY actual visitation, but not aware that
the case has hitherto ever been stated in a clear
dispassionate manner. Such q statement how
ever, we now Introduce To the reader-a statement
drawn up with as much preciseness of calcu laton
and great an indifference to the interests in.
volved az is shown in the purchased report of a
professional accountant, The Baron p. f. Mau-
rice 10 native OF Switzerland and captain of en-
glneers IN the service OF the confederation. As a
piece OF military practice he has computed and
tabulated the probabilities of the case before us
with elaborate minuteness, as far the rules of
science are concerned, but with no more sympa-
tfnes than naturalist might ieelin fight between
a polecat and buzzard. We ehall do our best to
initiate his serenity, and present the reader with
plain exposition of this national affair Some ponts
1t is evident will hardly come within the scope of
an arlthmetical estimate, but the chief of them ad-
init OF being stated with the same perspcuity and
the same reliance upon vouchers as the report of
an ordinary railway company We shall first
give the baron's calculations in his own FORM and
then remark upon them in detail.
Captain Maurice alleges, and is at the pains 10
prove by summary, that the French army musers
1884 men Of all arms, 81, 90l horses, and 23G
guns; that this number could be doubled under
strong Inducements out of soldiers who have
served their time, and that the existing stores in
the arsenals could be readily augmented by an
annual supply OF 100000 muskets and 900 can
non from specified manufactures and foundries
He further states that the French navy comprises
IN vessels actually afloat, 224 sailing ships 100
steamers and sail and steamships compounded.
Referring US, In continuation, to the map Of
France, he observes that in the $50 miles of coast
between Brest and Boulogne there 20 ports,
which he cnumerates and describes, of various
sizes and capacities; and he remarks that the base
of operations constituted by the coast line between
these two points possesses, in respect of the
rity and facility OF its communications, every
tegetical advantage that could be desired, being
fortified by three lines Of citadels the continental
side, and by Paris iNelf at its apex.
Assuming, then, an invasion OF England to be
decided upon, Captain Maurice estimates the re-
quise strength Of the invading army at 81 800
men of all arms, including 1000 infantry, o.
900 cavalry, 1880 artillery, 900 engineers, and
1880 for the wagon train. Applying the proved
rules OF military science to the equipment Of this
force, he adds 81 500 horses, 1876 carriages of all
kinds, and $50 pieces Of cannon, field and siege
Into the particular composition of the different
brigades and equipages we need not enter, nor arc
we called upon to do more than state very simply,
that quarters could be found for such an army be-
tween Brest and Boulogne. The succeeding qucs-
ton, as Captain Maurice acknowledges, Is both
difficult and novel. concerning it does the ascer-
tainable capacity for transport possessed by ships
OF war. lie says however, that he has "good at
carry for short distances, in addition TO their own
compliments, something like the subjoined mum
Der OF troops, according to their respective racer: