The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-08-26

coolness and tenacity under trying cir
/ CuHsJdncos. With an army in prODOr-
/ loh 70 us vast population. and developed
/ ON the lines of modern military science
/ Russia and England would ina their
! supremacy in Asia lost. In the event of
war they would find a most formidable
/ enemy able 70 pour army after army
| across their frontiers long before their
home forces could be sent 10 protect
them. Even the broad Pacific ocean does
not so securely guard our western coast
! as 70 preclude the possibility OF attack,
IN the event OF quarrel with China, and
the chinese navy viii probably be as
powerful prOportiOnately as the army"
OF the fighting qualities Of the Japancse
. Mr. Walker speaks enthusiastically. In
his opinion, they are the equals OF any
troops in the world, and their reckless
bravery and utter indifference TO danger
strongly impressed him. as it has every
one who has had opportunities of ObserV-
ing them. The writer remembers near
lng similar oppression IN regard to them
from General Grant, shortly after he
visited Japan on his tour around the
world. 1hat famous soldier was not
usually enthusiastic in his expressions,
but he surprised his hearers on the oc-
casion mentioned by his high praise Of
the MikaQO's troops In action they are
described as fighting as stubbornly and
OF III Mahdi. They may be relied upon
10 give their enemies OF the Middle
Empire most effective object lessons
whenever they meet and their forces are |
quite sufficient in numbers 10 maintain |
the war for a long time against the hun |
dreds Of millions Of China, even If they |
fan in the end.
Though much Improvement has been |
made in the Chinese army in the last |
few years, great deal remains Of the
Old methods that appear iEdescrbably |
az surd To educated fOldiers. 1t is not |
very long since a Chinese army, when |
drawn up, was SO disposed as to repre-
sent the heavens, the earth, the moon, |
I ne planets. or sometimes the five ciawed
dragon. or the mythical tortoise. An
n tantry drill more Tesembed an army
or mountebanks, tumDling and jumpiag
over each other, than anything warlike.
5oers corps Psbe were odteNed to represent
IDEAS OF strategy were ludicrous. On one
occasion general was sent with n
arge force 70 suppress rebellion. AT
his approach the rebels retreated down |
1 long peninsula, which was several miles
n breadth 1hereupon the imeprial force
vas set 10 work building a fine solid wall
icr0ss the entrance to the peninsula, ana
N its completion marched proudly away
0 report 10 his sovereign how he had sup /
resssd the rebellion. The idea that the
ebels might cross over the wall. or march
round IL, apparently did not suggest IT.
elf
On another occasion. when Tien Tsin
'as threatened, the best skill OF the Chin
sse engineers could devise no better
Ian for defensive works than q high
rcular wall around the entire city, with
ut any arrangement for flank defence.
Referring 20 the report that the Vice
~, Iii Hung Tschang, had been deprived
{ the honor OF the yellow jacket Mr..
Ialker was incredulOus, but explained
lat such deprivation implied no loss Of
over or authority. 1t is simply highly
lied honor, and its revocation would
regarded az a withdrawal OF personal
yor by the Emperor. or the famous
Iceroy, whose name, by the way. is pro- |
,unced Lee Hoong Chang, MIR. Walker
eslks with deepest respect Indeed, In