, 1876-05-31

improbable tnaG This guarded OPINION decI~
dedly underestimate the power of the
united Christian States of Turkey. Herr
Won Wickede's cautious disposition will
not, however, tend to weaken the force
of his general conclusion.
To begin with Roumania, Herr Won
Wickede ranges it in point Of power be-
tween Seryia and Montenegro, though in
area and inhabitants it far outstrips its
tellow-States. In numerical force Of SOL
dIers, indeed, Roumania is decidedly SUI
perlor to Servia, as might be expected
from the relative numbers of the two popu-
l%atlons, there being considerably over four
millions OF Roumanians, while there are
considerably under two millions of Servl-
ans. The difference, however, which
exists in all points OF vigorous physique,
native courage and susceptibility to disci-
pine between the Moldo-W alachian and
the Serb is so great that mere numerical
preponderance is of less consequence.
Though the Moldo-W alachians are espe-
clally given to Boosting of their descent
from Trajan's hardy Roman Colonists,
they are far from displaying much sign
of having inherited the most valuable mili~
tary qualities of their italian ancestors.
1t may, indeed, be doubted whether the
numerous Rouman regiments in the Austro.
Hungarian service have shown themselves
much below the martial level Of their
telloW-soldierY, but it is agreed on all
hands that it takes infinite pains to turn
the Rouman into a soldier. Excitable
and glory-Ioving, the MoldO-W alachians
lack the more enduring virtues OF the
military character and what is an addl'
tional difficulty, the Roumanian governing
classes are among the least worthy speci-
mems of an aristocracy in the world,
Especially in the upper ranks in Rou'
mania,'' writes Herr Won Wickede, " there
reigns generally-of course, with numer-
Gus eXceptiOns-such corruption, etfemlna-
cy, and immortality, that it is almost I'M
possible for them to produce efficient
officers. These young Boyars have usually
devoted themselves to all the excuses of
the modern civilization Of the West, and
often outstrip their Partisan models"
They are Partisan gommcur without the
redeeming fire and passion and military
aptness Of the FrenChman. There Is on
equal absence of religious fanaticism,
that ruling impulse of the Serbs. The
Moido-W alachian is fond of taking things
easy in religion, as in other matters,
and neither are the laity so priest
ridden, nor are the clergy SO en-
terprising and active as in Seryia and
Montenegro. Such as they are, the Rou'
manian Army numbers on the war footing
$4,000 regular troops, and 5000 horses,
with 1874 guns, together with q species OF
Active Reserve of Militia, the Dorobanzes,
who number some %, men. There is,
besides, the National Guard, correspon-
ding to the German Landwehr, and this
force ought legally to include the remain
ing manhood of the country. Partly
through want Of funds and instructors,
partly for fear of revolutionary propagan-
dism, the National Guard remains in an
embryonic condition, and the Regular Ar
my is alone available for active hostilities.
AS the Regulars are really completely
armed and fairly disciplined, a corps OF
$4,000 Turks would probably be occupied
by the necessity of watching Roumania,
in case of any general instruction. AS
it is not likely that under any circum-
stances Roumania could sensibly aggran-
disc her present territory, no energetic
offensive would have to be dreaded by
the Turkish commanders, unless indeed
Prince Karl should be called upon to play a
part pre-arranged at Berlin, q contingency