Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-07-22

hogan 90 WfHht.
II is a common error that military
tactics are quite different from what
they were In ancient times. A brief
glance az history win, however, show
that the principles upon which troops
are trained and fight have not been.
changed, but merely modified and de-
veioped 10 suit improved arms. A study
Of military subjects at the present time
cannot but prove interesting TO all cit-
tens, aud, as n distinguished military
writer remarks, perfect knowledge Of
the principles Of the art Of war and Of
their correct application in theory may
easily be acquired by any person Of
average intellect, although, Of course,
their correct application in practice be-
longs to great commander alone.
The Greek phalanx, rendered steady
and firm by discipline, overcame the un-
disciplined Persian warriors, and was
In turn beaten by the Roman legion,
rendered more mobile thnn the phalanx
by constant trimming. After the Cartha-
genian wars the Romans, learning by
experience, formed strong reserves of
horse and foot, which were brought into
action at the decisive moment OF the
battle. Another point 10 be noted in
connection with the legion is that II
owed much of its success 20 the employ
ment Of a greater number Of missile
weapons than its opponents, and thus
early we hRve the lesson taught Of the
necessity OF obtaining what tact!cians
call "fre superiority"
~ "a 1f.I l,,
the days Of the Plantagenets were also
gained By similar tactics, for they con-
sisted In discharging large flights Of ar
rows upon the enemy as he advanced to
the attack, and then, when he was
thrown iuto confusion by their fire, as
suining thu offensive and charging
down the flank with large bodies OF
horsemen, witch were always posted on
the wings ready for that purpose.
After the introduction of firearms the
first general 20 benefit largely by the
change was Gustavus Adolphus. The
success Of this great commander was
due 20 his clear perception of the fact
that mobility must depend on discipline
and the great advances his troops made
in development OF fire. II was also 20
the understanding OF these points by
Frederick the Great and the energetic
manner In which he used his knowI-
edge In the training Of his forces that
Prussia owed the rapid transformation
Of her army into the most formidable
force In Europe.
Frederick's tactics, which were the
basis Of what are termed "lineur tac-
tics" consisted In forming his troops
Into two lines (the cavalry being on
the wings, the infantry In the center
and the artillery, usually in heavy bat
teries, on the 'front.' and, when once
the troops were engaged, In rapid fir
ing and repeated bayonet charges.
There were no skirmishers, for the line
once formed was launched at the enemy
and sought TO overpower him as rapidly
Rs possible.
The skirmishing tactics of Napoleon's
army have been extolled for q whole
/ century and have been made the basis
Of regulations innumerable; yet II was
through force Of circumstances rather
than from choice that these tactics were
pursued. The French army at the close
Of the las, century, composed of the
levies Of the revolution, was not capable
of fighting in line, and as there was no
time TO train II TO the state OF perfec-
ton required by that system II was
found that the best way Cor II 20 fight
was In clumps, the braver spirits being
pushed forward in extended order
with the unlimited numbers of men al
the command of Napoleon, this method
proved successful against the peace
trained armies OF the continent, but II
broke down before the well-trained line
OF England.
During the present century great ad
vances have been made in the improve
ment OF firearms. The rifle took this
place Of the smOoth-bore, the breech
loader was substituted for the muzzle
J loader, and now the magazine rifle has
been universally adopted by civilized
powers. Side by side with the improve
mentS made in firearms, artillery hal
advanced step by step, until by Ia
mobility, rapidity OF fire and the deadly
) effect OF It's shrapnei shell field artil
lery has become one OF the most pOtent
7 and terrible factors Of the moderI
! army.
What the battle Of the future will b.
when highly trained and numerous
: army corps pour the concentrated fire
OF shrapnsl and musketry, propelled by
! smokeless powder, one upon ruu'her
cannot even be imagined, much less de
scribed. OF this, however, we may bi
assured, that that ARMY W Aieh make
.'al...=saaiipiine" the basis oteits orgnniza
tion and tactics win prevail In the fu
ture as in the past.-Pall Mall Gazette