New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-11-14

the moment of approach. A striking ex-
ample of this was seen at Liegnitz, when q
regime Mt Of cavalry charged what appeared
to them to be thin line OF skirmishers, but
was greeted by heavy volley from Q
strong body of infantry, which had been
hidden behind crest occupied by the
skirmishers. No one, think. who saw the
volley of blank cartridges delivered, tailed
to be convinced that had the charge been
real attack, and the rifles shotted, the
cavalry would have been thrown into con
fusion.
The artillery, I judged. went into action
at ranges of 1000 to 1900 yards. meas
urej some of the ranges with Boulange's
extremely portable telemeter. The read
ings were consistent, generally agreeing
with the limits of the length of front eccu-
pied BY the firing guns, so that believe
this instrument-simple and cheap-will be
valuable addition to those carried into
actien. l may mention here that the IN
ventor has lately applied the instrument to
the musket itself. inserting a small one in
the stock, near the butt plate, 60 that it is
always ready for use, and enables the rifle
man, if he can note one shot from his enemy,
to set the elevs ting sight to the correct
range. 1t determines the range to within
twenty-five yards. As the rifle is effective
to over 1900 yards. this determination at
long ranges will give the men much in
-
crease the effect of their fire. The instru
ment is intended to be inserted in the rifles
of the sergeants, or other non commissioned
officers. 1t costs about 81; rather less
four and half francs.
The movements and operat oHs of these
two days presented lively image of the
actual contest bet ween two armies of 10000
men each. On the last day the invaders
We're, as at Leignitz, outtianked, and COM
PEELED to form new line nearly at right
angles with that first occupied. The IA
cllty, speed and order of the movements
were as striking here as there. Intrenched
lines were abandoned without hesitation,
troops were put in motion without change
of formation, without deployment, unless
peculiarly OF the ground required 1t. The
new line was speedily formed, in tune to
arrest the rapidly advancing attack.
The assailants were compelled to bring
up all their reserves. The hills were COW
cred with the concentrated forces OF both
armies, and with almost every man in sight
of the Emperor, the battle and the opera
tions for the year closed with charges and
countercharges across gently soping val
ley; charges which in the course actual
battle could not, l think, have failed to
meet repulse with terrible slaughter.
Beside the daily dinner given by the EN-
peror, q ball was given to him on one even
ing at Heiligen Damn, watering place on
the coast, few miles from the headquars
tiers, then at Doberap, and the festivities
closed by dejeuner dinner, given to his
majesty on the last day, Saturday, by the
Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, whose family
have ruled the duchy or province of Meek.
lenburg, it is said, since before the inhabit
ants were converted from psganism. At 8
p. NJ, most of the officers assembled to at
tend the great school of war took the train
for Berlin, and dispersed to their respective
homes. l have greatly enjoyed the oppor-
nifty to meet and make acquaintance with
many officers Of various European armies.
We have rec lived the most cordial welcome
and hospitality from the government, and
from the officers Of the German empire,
and l hope that you will find it proper to
make known, through the State depart
ment, to the emperor, your sense of the
kindness and courtesy thus received by US
as representatives of the army OF our re-
public.
The German infantry appears to me ex-
cellent-well drilled and disciplined they
march well in review. and hold out well on
the road. These operations required as 40
tive movement as real campaign The
Ninth Corps was in active employment for
a week.
The formation is of wonderful strength
and tlexibility. The artillery is we'll APP
pointed; the guns are krupp's steel breech-
leaders; each is drawn by six horses. The
battery is, in time of peace, of four guns
only. The cavalry is well mounted; the
men well seated 10 their saddles. l saw
but two empty saddles in the movement of,
altogether, some $4,000 cavalry These
were in the review OF the Ninth Corps,
when the attempt to pass at the trot was
arrested by the raising of such a cloud of
dust as to entirely conceal the whole body
of cavalry, entirely envelOping them in
~, Iarlyp
platoon could not see that in its front. For
a few moments, till the orders could be
made known through the darkness, there
was great danger OF some disaster, as of
two divisions riding into each other, nr
even of losing direction and riding down
the Emperor or his staff.
The charges made by the cavalry against
infantry seemed all to be repulsed with
ease. Though there were several regi-
ments of mounted men armed with car
bines, saw none placed in position to
fight dismounted. The country, both in
Siliesia and in Mecklenburg was quite
open, not fenced; cavalry and infRtry and
artillery could 60 anywhere; the greatest
obstruction to overcome being the numer
GUS bitches. To pass these, when too deep
or abrupt for the artillery, the short spades
leather pouches at their backs-were
called into play. These were also used in
intrenching. The trowel bayonet has been
tried but not adopted by the German epgi
neers. Tho open country, though not en-
Jireiy devoid Of forests affords extensive
views, so that the greater part of the field
of ba.tle could always be seen by the
commanders. 1t affords, also, positions for
artillery at long ranges.
As to the effect of artillery upon the line
of infantry, think that at extreme ranges
it would be small; that at shorter ranges
the breechloaders would disable the guns
by killing men and horses, and that 1t is
only when the guns succeed in getting on
the TANKS, so as to entilade the line, that
they would produce any great effect upon
veteran Infantry. Upon cavalry and artil-
lery, exposed, their fire would be very de.
structiye. The cavalry, 1t appears to me
would be most useful in ex Exploring and gath
ering information. but could not see that
its effect upon the operations witnessed
was decided at any point. One charge of Q
body of cavalry upon the flank of another,
l saw, which seemed to be effective, but q
regiment of cavalry is seldom caught in
fagrante delictu and overwhelmed before
1t can form to receive the charge, unless it
is itself, at the moment in the act Of char.
ing some other troops.
There can be no donbt Of the great value
to every officer who Witnesses them of the
lessons taught by the sight Of these great
maneuvers. Our small army is too dis
persed to make them possible at home
They are practiced yearly in every Eu-
ropean army. In Britain in August; on the
continent generally in September; and if
detail Of our officers were made yearly to
visit and be present at the maneuyers of
each of the great armies Of Europe, the
knowledge gained would be of great value
to our country. Had we had 100 officers in
America who had each attended one of
these annual exercises they could not have