The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-07-22
EngIand's Fighting Strength.
THE WEAKNESS OF GREAT BRITAIN AS A III
TARY POWER.

THE WEAKNESS OF GREAT BRITAIN AS ALL
TARY POWER.
In estimating England's weakness as u
military Power we have drawn attention
TO the fact, remarks the United Service Ga
zette, that the sum total OF forces at her
command to operate abroad would on
emergency be about 1G,j00 men, which
number might be increased by calling out
the reserve. That q Power like England,
with military force on paper OF 5C3,SlS OF
every service and OF all arms, should
show such an insignificant muster is not
10 be wondered at IL the composite and
heterogeneous elements making up her
army be considered. The militia, yeo-
manry, and the volunteers are not to be
taken into account, as practically the event
OF their services being requisitioned de-
pends on danger of invasion or the de-
claratiOn OF a European war. We have TO
consider solely the quota OF our regular
forces, which number $4,000, and out OF
this gross total about one half the force is
required for India and our colonies. Thus,
reducing the equation to its simplest terms,
we are left to deal with $4,000 men OF all
arms available for attack and defence.
In the distribution OF this number the
different garrisons have to be pro-
vlded for, schools OF instruction, and
and among the non-ef1ective must be reck-
oned the sick, recruits not passed drill,
prisoners, clerks, and hospital ordellies.
out of the remainder Ireland takes the
lions share, requiring corps fdrrn<e to
keep the country from rising in open re-
bellon. In the summer OF 1879 the num-
Der Of British troops in ireland was made
up thus: Five cavalry regiments, six bat
teries horse artillery and royal engineers,
and sixteen regiments OF infantry OF the
line. This force has been largely augment
ed, and now stand ut eight cavalry regi-
ments, four batteries royal horse artillery,
fourteen batteries and companies OF field
artillery and royal engineers, and twenty
seven regiments of infantry. In general
terms il may be said that Ireland re-
oIires 10000 more than she did three years
ago; and iu the face OF recent events he
would take a hopeful and sangulne view
OF the situation who could say that
the necessity for this extra force will be
transient and not permanent. With this
constant draw on our military resources,
Il viii be wise to consider what measures
could be taken to restore the force in Ire
land to its normal condition. The number
of infantry regiments could not be reduced
without supplying an equivalent in their
place. and as dsafection in Ireland is not
only chronic, but appears to grow more
serious every day, the question seems poll
tic OF increasing permanently the strength
OF the ROYAL Irish constabulary by 10000,
which would let free more than corrc-
spending number Of infantry OF the line.
The duties performed by our regular troops
in Ireland are by no means OF an exalted or
martial nature. Pig-driving, cattle-seiZing,
and guarding-bailiffs, and process-seryers
are uncongenial employments, and tend 10
make the troops unpopular IN country
where soldiers hitherto have been warmly
welcomed. Ten thousand extra constabu-
larry would not only be more efficient IN
these civil processes, but would act as an
increased detective power and operate
largely toward the prevention OF crime. L.
must be borne in mind that in the event OF
any complication requiring England 10
send an eXpeditionary force abroad, Ire.
land, instead OF being an element OF
strength, would be one OF weakness and
so far from relying on being able 10 reduce
the strength OF our army OF occupation,
Englands difficulty would be lrelands
opportunity, and stronger iorce wouiu
be necessary to maintain order there,
should we unhappily be engaged IN ior-
eien war. II will be well to face TINS view
OF the situation and make provision ior the
future. AS has been proved, we could not,
without the undue strain OF calling up our
reserves, muster more than 10000 men Of
all arms for active service, and OF this Iorce
a further contingent would be required 10
preyent Ireland from taking advantage OF
our embarrassment. With what authority
can England speak at conference when
the fact is well known that she could not
Mace more than $4,000 men In the heid
without denuding her colonies and
leaying her magazines and arsenals
unprotected from those desperadoes
who deal in dynamitef Apart from
the consideration Of the question
from purely military point OF view,
the increase OF the Royal Irish constabuiary
would, politically speaking, be- attended
with the best results. The Irish con-
stabulary are q splendid corps, aad as
body deserve to be recognized by granting
them a defined military rank. Ihey are
well drilled, and ft TO operate with Troops
OF the line. Their equipment Is al ina.
could be desired, and In strength anu
physIoue they surpass all In our regular
services. the Guards alone excepted. Ineir
LOYALTY Is and has always been unoouDteas
and 4 canyot be denied that with lVyVW