Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-11

uhants and 4 900 Numidian cavalry. Later
be was defeated at Nola by Mhrcellus,
with loss Of four elephants Killed and
captured. He met a similar loss at Cru
lncntum, two elephants being killed in an
unsuccessful attempt 10 relieve Capua,
and five more slain in the battle of Can't
SUM.
At tho battle of Metarus his elephants
we're rcpaised Ey pikon.n, fur being
slain on tho spot and tho rest being driven
back on tho Carthagcnian lines.
The most remarkable example Of the
use OF elephants during this period was
presented ut the battle Of Zarna, where
Hannibal covered his limo with 10 less
than 50 elephants. Scipio Immediately
changed the usual formation of the Ro-
man lines. Where the Romans had stood
before in solid phalanx be left wide
spaces Ike lanes between the lnanipuli of
the legions, masking the arrangement by
throwing forward number Of skirinish-
ers and light troops.
Hannibal gave the usual order for the
elephants 70 charge the Roman lines in Il
body. As they went tearing down upon
tho army the administers retreated through
the lanes and the passages were left wide
open. Elephants on tho charge will keep
on in straight lire. As they sped through
the Passages Scipio piEemen threw
spears, lavclns ard darts into their feet
and trunks Thus tortured they soon
turned back and fed in fright upon their
own people. That battle taught tho Ro-
mans the value Of tho open formation.
Tho last Roman battle with which ele-
plants were connected was the battle of
Thapsus, when Julius Caesar overthrow
the last army Of tho republic and its Afri
can auxi!iaries. That the victory over
them wac regarded rs important was
shown hy the frequent appearance Of Gle
plants On Roman coins and medals.
Elephants were usod in large numbers
In the wars of India as late as 1870, and
they form az this day very important
factor in the British army in India, being
used fer tho transportation OF batteries
and supplies.
III discussing the elephant as an engine
OF war noted circus man is reported as
saying: 'Tu begin with, he can go where
horses cannot. a Cuban thicket would be
nothing Ia an elephant who had spent
half his life in African iuug!es. Field
pieces could ho strapped to his sides or he
could Inc put IN harness and made to draw
the heavier impediment1. The average
ItIs0n has nc idea of the strength Of "a
full grown elephant. In travelling about
TIE country Ne use them in hundred
ways Very frequently cages and heavy
wagons get stuck in the mud. Four and
iiNe TEAMS Of horses are unable to start
them, ami the elephants are brought up.
Two Of them brace their heads against the
rear end and push Out comes tho wagon.
Consider what invaluable assistance they
would lie To- al army crossing a low piece
q ground with AN equipment of cumber-
soma artillery When it caIno to carrying
and putting in place the heavy timbcrs
that are oi5oH used in building temporary
Notifications, the herd could be Utilized TO
splendid advantage. Tho elephant is a
living derrick.
"Anotkcr yoint worth considering is
shnt the hide ~ the pachyderm is practi-
cally bullet proof. He has vulnerable
spots, Of course but they embrace bat a
few square inches around the ears. AS Il
moving fort for a squad Of meE the animal
would be u great success. Five of our
herd have seen actual service in the tribal !
wars Of the Punjab. These, OF course,
the warriors ride in the howdahs and
make effective battle on the enemy's
forces. The elephants enter into the spirit
of the thing and trample down or kill
with their trunks all who come within
reach. They come to be like old war
horses, who scent the battle from afar and
are eager for the fray.
1t is said that the war department at
Washington is seriously considering the
use of elephants in Cuba. They would be
a sensational adjunct to Theodore Roose
yelt's rough riders from the plains.