The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-07-19
The Military Leaders,

COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.
Of the French commanders the most con-
spicuous are MaIshals Mcmahon, Canrobert
and Bazaine, who are reported to have the
principal commands. Marshal McMahon,
descendant from a family of Irish mobiles who
lost all in defence of James H., and remained
in France after the final overthrow of the
Stuarts, began his military career during the
war with Agiers in 1880, particularly dstin-
gushing himself in the assault of Constan-
tine. The reestablishment of the empire in
France found him brigadier general and
devoted adherent of the Emperor The Cr-
mean war established his reputation as SOL
dier. At the head of the division formerly
commanded by General Canrobert he storm
ed and captured the MalakoH-one of the
most brilliant feats in modern warfare. Fol-
lowing the war with Russia came that with
Austria in Italy. In the campaigns of 1859
he distinguished himself by the celerity Of his
movements and the skill he displayed in
handling his men. To his ability and dash
were due the great victory of Magenta, and as
as reward for his services Napoleon created
him Marshal of France and Duke of Ma
genta. There is not in the French army a
more dashing officer than Marshal Mcmahon.
a close student of the military maneuvres of
the first Napoleon, he believes in sudden and
rapid marches upon the enemy.
Marshal Canrobert is, if anything, better
known as soldier than Marshal McMahon
Like the latter, his military career began in
Algiers, and he first distinguished himself in
in the assault on Constantine. Subsequently,,
placed in an Independent command, be de-
lealed the Arabs in three campaigns, in the
last Of which he displayed great military skill
in the disposition of his forces. When Louis
Napoleon was President, General Canrobert
was one of his aides-de-camp, and aided in
carrying out the coup detat. Sent to the
Crmea in command Of the First division, he
participated in the battle of Alma, where he
was wounded by a splinter of she'll, which
struck him in the breast and hand. Alter
the resignation of Marshal st. Arnaud Gener-
al Canrobert took command Of the Army of
the East, and at the battle of Inkermann great
ly distinguished himself by his personal yalor.
He led the famous charge of the zouaves, dur
lug which he was slightly wounded. Bad
health compelled him, in May, 1855, to return
TO france, ON arriving in which country the
Emperor treated him with n al ked distinction
During the Franco Italian war of 1859 he
won fresh laurels by his heroism at Magenta,
while at SOlferino his famous movement in
aid OF Marshal Mel turned the scale OF yicto-
ry in favor of the French. For these services
he was made Marshal of France. General
Canrobert is one of the most heroic men in
Europe. In every engagement in which he
has participated he has, with almost reckless
courage, exposed his person to the enemy.
As consequence he is immensely popular
with his men.
r. Marshal Bazaine is well known to the peo-
pie of the United States. He first distin-
guished himself in Africa and subsequently
served with credit in the Crmea. Daring the
Italian campaign he remained in France on
home duty. In 1862 he was placed in COM
mand of the French expedition to Mexico,
and succeeded Marshal Forey in the supreme
command. In the sister republic he greatly
distinguished himself, considering the num-
ber OF men as his disposal, and for his ser
vices he was created Marshal of France i'm
1864. Marshal Bazaine bears the reputation
of possessing one of the most strategic minds
in the French army.
There are several other French generals of
established reputation, who will, no doubt,
take active part in the contest. Count de
fankao, General de Goyon, General Lebnuf
ana Count de Montebello are skilful officers.
Marshals paraguay d'Hilliers and Random are
each seveEty-fye years of age, and viii proba-
bly, not take the field.
COMMANDERS OF THE PRUssIAN ARMY.
Excepting the brief revolutionary struggles
of 1S4S, the first Schleswig Holstein war of
the same year, the second war of 1864, and
the brief but decisive struggle with Austria
in 1866, Prussia has been engaged in no arm
ed conflicts since the downfall of the first Ma
poleon. AS a consequence of this long inter
val OF peace the present Prussian generals
have not made as great military reputation as
their French opponents. Nevertheless, dur
ing the war with Austria they displayed con-
siderable skill, their manoeuvres and combina-
tons being carried out with complete success.
The leading mind in the Prussian army is
said to be General Count Won Moitke. He