The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-07-04
HORSES EOR WARFARE.
Russia and the United States the Only
Two Countries with a Proper Supply.

Russia and the United States the Only
Two Countries with Proper Supply.
The CrlY two great nations which
contain enough horses within their
borders to meet all the eXigencies of
war or of peace are, unquestionably,
Russia and The United States. In his
"Srmmer Tour in Russia published
in 1882, Mr.. Antonio Gallenga tells us
that the unwieldy empire under the
dominion of the Great White Gar
"coyers one-sixth of the habitable globe
while its population hardly exceeds
that of Austria and Germany, its two
nearest neighbors, combined" Mr.
Gallenga adds that the Rev. Henry
Lansdell. in q journey of five months
from the Thames to the mouth of the
Amoor, went over $500 miles by rail,
300 miles by steamboat and 5000
miles by the aid of horses-or about
11,30o miles altogether in d straight
line. This amazing empire, sparsely
occupied by human beings, when its
prodigious bulk is borne in mind, boasts
possession of more horses than any
other nation on the face Of the globe.
General Sir Robert Wilson. who was
British Commissioner at the head
quarters of the Russian army during
the Moscow campaign of 1912, tells us
that no troops in the world are better
mounted or can defend ground better
than the Russian regulars. Their
artillery" he adds, sis so well horsed
and so nimbly and, handily worked
that it bowls over all irregular
tiles of surface with an ease, light
ness and velocity which give it
a great superiority. The vivacity
and alertness Of the cavalry and the un-
quaiIng steadiness of their infantry
make it pleasure to command them in
EXTREMIST difficulties; for, as in the case
with the British soldier the most I'M
bounded confidence may be reposed-to
use sailor $ eXpression-in their answer
to the helm, in every stress of situation
and under the greatest triais.' From
the same source we learn that the First
Napoleon had witnessed with admira-
ton the unyielding yalor of the Russian
soldier under circumstances the most
unpropitious for its display, and lad
recognized qualities and propensities
which render Russian armies, when prop
erly organized, pre-eminent in the field.
''He had became acquainted with the
no less resolutG character of the Russian
peasantry, and had found nothing want
ing which art and discipline might not
supply for the construction of military
force on the most extensive, efficient,
and economical basis ~
At that time the Russian soldier pay
was not more than twelve shillings per
annum, and his only ration in time OF
peace was water and rye bread baked
like biscuit Behind the army an
enormous territory, with reserve OF
horses-a considerable portion Of them.
it is true, not more than ponies, NUN.
berlng from thirteen to fourteen million
head. There is no more fatal error
than that which arises from undertaking
an enemys strength-an error which
the history of the past shows that. CT
all others, this country is the most ap;
te commit. Turning to the United
States. we find that not less than clever
million head of excellent horses is con.
tanned within the broad limits of the
,Unon-a stock upon which, in combi
nation with the equine resources of the
dominion of Canada, it is probable the
war department of this country will
have to draw largely in the event of
protracted war with such q power rs
that welded by Russia.-L00doA Iclc,
OyulJh