The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-30
4 Chinese Review.

The Moniteur de Ia Hotte publishes the
following description Of . grand review Of
the Chinese army. supplied by on eye
witness:
"The Chinese army may be estimated at
100000 men and more, including what
may be called the reserve. The purely Chi
nese element may be counted among them
for 100000 or 100000 men. The Mant.
chous, who are all compelled to serve in the
army, are divided into nine bodies. The
Mongols do not supply more than 100000
men. A review by torcblight took place
previous to the late war in the plains Of
Yan.chen.ra, at the gates Of Pekin. The
lights were attached to the horns Of oxen.
There were twenty -ons divisions Of the ar.
nv, extending from east to west. Enormous
lanterns were suspended in front Of each d.
vision, which indicated the name by means
Of letters of rose-celored paper. The sol.
dies passed backwards and forwards in con-
fusion, each endeavoriug to find his place.
An immense tent, painted blue, was placed
on Q hill, which commanded view Of the
entire plan, and indicated the places allotted
to the officers. The artillery, consisting Of
brass cannon, three feet in length, were
placed 10 front Of the tent. Each gun was
mounted on carriage with four wheels, by
means Of knotted ropes.
Some OF the guns were loaded, and some
not, in consequence, perhaps, Of their i'm
perfect condition, indicated by the iron
hoops with which they were held together.
The morning dawned before the troops were
formed into line. The lanterns were ne.
moved from the horns Of the oxen, and
shortly afterwards appeared the individuals
commissioned by the Emperor 10 review the
army. These singular persons descended
from their pslanquins, and entered the
large blue tent. A few minutes afterwards
oil the trumpets sounded, and the cannon
ct for service were fired. The manner
in which they charge their guns is worthy
Of remark. They first load with large
quantity Of 6" day powder composed Of
charcoal mixed with small quantities Of nj
tire and sulphur,) they then fill the touch
hole with finer powder, and, finally, they
Get FIRE to it with match Of twisted paper.
the cannon advances and recedes and some
seconds elapse before the explosion takes
place. One may judge by that Of the pre-
cision Of the fire, and Of the effect produced
by the cannon balls-when they are balls,
not stones-which are projected from such
machines. The firing Of the infantry sue,
ceeded that Of the artillery. The soldiers
fred 20 ut q time, commencing with the
centre aud ending with the TANKS; those
who fred advanced few steps in the midst
of confused noise Of drums beating.
This species OF manGuvrc was repeated
six times, and Immediately afterwards the
fire ceased along the entire line, the soldiers
firing the last shots in the air fearing, no
doubt to wound their comrades II il nc
cessary to obs rye that their muskets are far
from being supplied with the ingenious me-
cbansm OF ours What they call gun 10
nothing more than a large iron cylinder,
about 70 inches long, fixed To- stock with
out either lock or ramrod. A small iron
rod, to the end Of which is applied a match
STEPPED in ssltpetre. serves rs lock, and
Gets fire to the powder placed in the cavity
of the barrel and which is uncovered. After
the infantry exercise came tbat.of the cav
airy, which was grouped round the large
blue tent, and Was charged with the guard
Of the principal colors. When the signal
was given, by buglcs. the calvary marched
forward in the greatest disorder, aud al
vanced a. fast as their horses were able.
This race, for it deserved no other name,
concluded the review. The inspectors re
turned to their palanquins, the generals and
officers Quilted The ground. and the soldiers
did the same without order or object"