Smyrna times., 1885-08-19
HORSES IN WAR.

The only two great nations which con-
tain enough horses within their borders
to meet all the exigencies of war or of
peace are, unquestionably, Russia and
the United States, says The London Tlele-
grGph In his Summer Tour in Rus
sla, published in 1882, Mr.. Antonio
Gallenga tells us that the unwieldy en-
pre- under the domain of the Great
White Gar "covers one-sixth of the
habitable globe, while its population
hardly exceeds that of Austria and Ger
many, its two nearest neighbors, COM
bined."
Mr.. Gallenga adds that Rev. Henry
Landsden, in journey of five months
from the Thames to the mouth of the
Amoor, went over 1900 miles by rail.
$500 miles by steamboat and {. 900 miles
by the aid of horses-or about II 800
miles altogether, almost in a straight
line. This amazing empire, sparselv
occupied by human beings when its pro-
dlglous bulk is borne in mind, boasts
possession of more horses than any other
nation upon the face of the globe. Gen.
Sir Robert Wilson, who was British
Commissioner at the headquarters of the
russian army during the Moscow cam
paign in 1912, tells us that no troops in
the world are better mounted or can de-
fend ground better than the Russian
regulars "Their artillery" he adds,
lis so well hOrsed, and so nimbly and
handily worked, that it bowls over all
irregularities of surface with an ease.
hghtness and velocity which give it a
great superiority. The vivacity and
alertness of their cavalry and the un-
quailing steadiness of their infantry
make it pleasure to command them in
EXTREMIST difficulties, for, as III the case
of the British soldier, the most nm
bounded confidence may be reposed-to
use sailors sexpression-in their answer
to the helm in every stress of situation
and under the greatest trials"
From the same source we learn that
the first Napoleon had witnessed with
admiration the unyielding valor of the
Russian soldiery under circumstances
the most unprOpitious for its display,
and had recognized qualities and pro-
pensities which would render Russian
armies, when properly organized, pre-
in the field.
He had become acquainted with the
no less resolute 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 soldiers pay was not more than
l2s. per annum, and his only ration in
time OF peace was water and rye bread |
baked like biscuit. Behind the army
stands an enormous territory, with a re-
reserve of horses-a considerable pro-
portion OF them, it is true not more than
ponies - numbering from thirteen to
fourteen million head. There is no more
.atal error than that which arises from
undertaking an enemy's strength-an er-
'or which the history of the past shows
hat of all Others this country is the
most apt to commit.
Turning to the United States, we find
hat not less than eleven million head of
excellent horses are contained at this
moment in the bread limits of the Union
"a stock upon which, in combination
With the equine resources of the Domin-
on of Canada, it is probable that tho
Var Department of this country will
lave to draw largely in the event of
9rotracted war with such power as tina,
Welded by Russia.