The National tribune., 1892-08-04

is recommended by the commanding officer.
Pensions vary from % cents to 66 cents per day.
Within three months after enlistment the
soldier can buy his discharge for $50. After
that il is raised TO 800, and the consent of the
officer commanding must be obtained.
The uniforms are generally more brilliant
and gaudy than those In the u. S. Army. The
ordinary undress uniform is bright scarlet
coat, dark-blue trousers, and a small round hat
always worn on one extreme side of the head.
The cavalry and artillery forces wear blue uni
forms with a different style of braid on the
coat.
There are a number of special regiments
which have distinctive uniform and accouter-
ment
Among these are the several regiments of
lancers. These are mounted troops, and are
armed with long lance in addition to saber
and gun. The practice of this troop is very in
teresting to see, so expert are the men at pick
ing up and striking any object. They are said
to be very useful in breaking the ranks of OPP
posing troops, because the lance can be used
before the bayonet of an enemy.
THE HORSE GUARDS,
or Queens Life Guards, are magnificent speci.
mems OF manhood. The standard hight is six
feet AS these staiwart fellows sit on their
horses, wearing steel breastplate and numer-
our other trappngs, they might almost pass
for aye ancient knights" whom they have
partly copied. This is probably the fayorite
British regiment.
Some of the Scotch regiments dress in full
Highland costume; that is, they wear short
kits +" over the bare knees made of genuine
Scotch plaid, plaid stockings and white leggings.
Their uniform is said 10 be the most expensive
OF any in use. Ii looks rather picturesque to
see regiment Of these Highlsnders on the
march or drill. The bsg-pipers play the genu-
inc old Scotch instrument for these regiments
Sometime ago. when in Edinburg Scotland,
saw II. Il. H., the Duke of Cambridge, Com
mander-in-Chief of all Her Majesty's forces
lie was there 70 inspect tho Highland regi-
ment stationed in the castle in that city. He
is an old man with decided military appear
ance. Yet his features look like those of a man
who enjoyed the high living of court life. He
has not great reputation among the people
for bravery, and great deal of sport is made
Of his military career during the Crimean war
he is q full cousin TO the Queen, and to that
relationship he may TO some extent owe his
high position. The salary is something not to
be despised. 1t is half as large again as that
of the President of the United States.
. THE MILITIA
is a force that could be well relied upon. 1t
constitutes -well-drilled force about the
size of the National Guard in America. The
actual number is 100000. The members are
called out annually for q days drill in camp,
and il may be extended longer, or the recruit
may be summoned for six months continuous
drill.
The enlistment is for six years. On the
whole the militia constitutes a well organized
and well-disciplined force 1t would form
valuable auxiliary to the regular troops if there
were any occasion for their use. 1t is COM
posed Of those who like the military profession,
and good percentage does eventually enlist.
The most numerous body is the organization
of volunteers. These would probably CORE
spond most nearly to our own National Guard.
There are no paid officers and the companies
assemble in camp for few days annual drill.
The necessary expenses, without wages. are
paid by the Government.
The total strength is 100000. They are, OF
course only fairly well drilled. Each volun-