The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-14

at and surmounted in the most brilliant manner;
first, in columns OF sections, and after
wards in q not less dificult, but more
beautiful evolution, In line. Then one
squadron after another threw out detach-
ments in pursuit OF an imaginary enemy; the
troopers dispersed, galoping wildly and cutting
the sword exercise appropriate to the Imaginary
occasion, Ieaping easily and dexterously the OBJ
stacles which l have roughly described while
nourishing their weapons above their heads or, 1t
might be, STOPPING low In the delivery OF the
ground point. 1t was evident that the men and
horses alike were thoroughly familiar with the art
OF eaping, and this must have resulted solely from
assiduous practice.
USE AND VALUE OF CAVALRY.
The value OF cavalry to get across q country en-
numbered by such impediments not alone every
cavalry soldier, but every reasonable man must
appreciate. Granted, as 1T is readily granted, that
cavalry cannot charge with ef1ciency over any
other than smooth ground, unbroken by any such
obstacles, 1t is stnl surely OF consequence that
cavalry force should be able TO surmount easily
any obstacles that may lie between them and the
ground. And when have alluded to charging
mean phase OF cavalry warfare which may be
held as comparatively episodical in the dnties of
cavalry. The leading functions OF cavalry in
modern warfare are to make rapid raids
around nanks to dash out at intervals for the pur-
pose Of cutting OF or procuring intelligence, to
ride straight as the crow flies to tear up railway
lines, to cut on Geographic wires, to intercept
generals heedlessly riding with small escorts, to
dash unawares at batteries Of artillery limbered
up, to disturb communications cut of con-
voys OF provisions For one and all these duties
it s plain that the ability to take country as it
comes in the riders way Ia an absolute necessity.
cavalry soldier loses half his value II he has only
tyift nj hnu n n n a 4
at Gallop across q level field only to be brought
up outstanding by the ditch or fence which bounds
it, have no desire to comment unfavorably on
the cavalry OF European nations, with which l am
familiar, but would distinctly assert that there is
no European cavalry with which am acquainted
but would benefit materially from studying the
drill so assiduously practised by the Austrian cav
airy, as evidenced in yesterdays parade.
FRENCH, BRITISH AND GERMAN RIDING.
Frenchmen, as a nation, ride badly, and it can
not be said that her cavalry ride well. III Their to
q civilian or to q military Frenchman fence OF
moderate dimensions is an insurmountablc OBJ
stacle. Britons are horsemen by descent, by up
bringing and by bias, and yet inexplicable as it
may seem, the drill OF the British cavalry is even
more stolid and tradition-hampered than that OF
the French. Great as was the name achieved by
the Prussan Uhlans during the Franco Prussan
war, much question whether q Prussian cavalry
man knows how to ride his horse at an average
fence, or whether his horse has the experience
necessary to enable him to face it with confidence
and to clear it with dexterity. The truth is that
riding across country, although to some degree a
gift, is far more the outcome Of careful and assd
uous practice.
HARD WORK THE FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE.
This practice the Austrian cavalry pursue with
never-faiing assiduity, and under difficulties to
which, perhaps, no other European army is subject
In that force the non-commissioned element so use
full indeed, essential in most armies, may be said
to be practically wholly lacking. The but
for three years, and the non commissioned officers
accept their discharge at The end OF that period OF
services the training, therefore, OF the soldiers de-
wolves almost entirely upon the commissioned off,
GERS They are not alone responsible for the dis
cipline Of the commands, but the regmental oni-
GERS such az lieutenants and rittmesters, are not
only responsible Tor the discipline and efficiency
their commands, but act besides as riding masters
and rough riders, and perfect in their drill and
duty every man and every horse under their COM
mand. witnessed couple OF days ago in q cav
airy riding school In Vienna an "onlcers' ride"
mainly composed Of rittmelsters OF comparatively
long service. Their drill was no formal manage
practice they rode their horses over graduated
series of obstacles, any one OF which would have
turned rider not accustomed to a fair hunting
country. The lesson which witnessed was one OF
a series. On the completion OF the course each OF
the officers who composed the class returns to his
regiment and to his squadron, and there takes up
the duty OF equestrian instruction, being respon-
sible for the tuition, have said, OF every man
and horse under his command.
HINTS FOR HOME USE.
Under these circumstances it is the reverse OF
remarkable that the Austrian cavalry should be
expert in such exercises as we witnessed yester-
day morning; and think the suggestion is worthy
Of consideration that, in nation in which, wisely
no large standing army is perpetually kept up,
there ought at least to be depot or nucleus OF
cavary-trained riding instructors capable OF per-
forming more unitarian functions than the old
fashioned drill of the riding school, and able, in the
course OF month or six weeks to turn out rider,
or it might be even troop OF mounted men, ca
pable OF sitting their horses across average hunt
ing country, and OF using their swords with suf-
fcient dexterity not to amputate their horses
heads. With intelligent men mounted en- fairly
good horses no greater amount OF rudimentary in
struction than this ls necessary to enable them 10
take the field with reasonable efficiency, seeing
that every day in the field is worth to the acute,
Jealous and intelligent dragon at least week in
barracks in riding school or on the manage.
EDMUND YATES.