The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-12-22
The Great School for Military In.
struction.


We are struck by the intelligent discrimi-
nation with which the military movements
in South Africa are discussed by newspapers
In all parts OF this country. 1t contrasts
most favorably with much OF the reatment
OF the subject by even the most important
OF the English journals.
The ignorance OF military conditions dis
played in England, more especially at
the beginning OF the Boer war, even by
men and newspapers OF civil consequence,
was often almost childish The fanciful
tales OF terrible bayonet charges by the
British in these days OF long-range and
quick firing guns received credence in such
quarters. The element OF personal bravery
In BrtishIofilcers was made OF capital impor-
lance In determining judgments as to the
outcome OF engagements In which II was
displayed vainly. though actually in no ex-
traordinary measure. IL was alleged to be a
tradition Of the British service that officers
should expose themselves recklessly, from
mere vanity, though really. as sensible men,
they INDUCED in no such foolishness IL they
had had previous experience in war. The
casualties among them have not been
greater than they arc usually in modern
war or than they seem to have been among
the Beers. Like other troops. the British
have surrendered and been taken captives
whennfurther resistance was hopeless. Ger
tain regiments were described rs redoubt-
able, thoughin action they were beaten, as
all troops. even the b at. whether OF famed
or unframed regiments, are liable TO be
beaten.
hn Ep tbr0ppbnut hax al
an unfamiliarity with the actual conditions
OF modern war, which would be sur
| prising. In view OF the military expert
ence OF British troops, II their wars
for half a century past had not been
with savages or seni-civiliEed peoples
only. They have not yet been taught the
lessons Of bitter and strenuous war, but
continue to write and talk about 1t on the
strength OF purely imaginary conception
of battles which Is far away from ie true
facts as they are known to soldiers who
have been long engaged in practical fight
| ing. In our own country, however, there
still.remains large part OF the generation
| which got its instruction in war as II really
is during the terrible four years OF the civil
confiict-the greatest armed contest
OF modern times. Many thousands OF men
on both sides who shared in the dangers
and exactions and tuition OF that superla-
tive strain upon the military ability OF a
people still survive and the memories OF
the lessons taught by it are burned into
their consciousness. They are the most
thoroughly seasoned veterans OF war In the
world, for, as compared with our civil con-
fiict, the Franco-German war was only brief
ordeal. They know that fighting practically
is something very different from the bat
ties In picture books or on the theatrical
stage. When they read OF the retreat from
Glencoe, the siege OF Ladysmith and the
defeats Of GATAcRE, METHuEN and BUTLER,
they know from personal experience under
similar circumstances In Just what condi-
ton the English are left after the engage
ments, and no fanciful newspaper descrip-
ton can produce in them any illusions rs
to II or soften for them the harsh lines OF
; the picture their personal experience OF
war enables their imaginations to draw.
The stories OF terrible bayonet charges did
not impose on their credulity; they knew
better.
, Consequently, there Is now in this coun.
try great body OF competent military
critics brought down from the Civil War
who are either writing for newspapers OF
are instructing men who write for them
, on this South African war; and they are
increased by the younger generation OF
} American soldiers who had a chance to see
: what fighting actually ia In the recent con
, fiict with Spain or amid the uncxceled diff
: ficulties Of the Philippine campaigns