The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-06-19
UNCLE SANS STRENGTH.

In the table of the armed strength of
various countries it is customary to put
Russia first among the nations of the
world. with an active army of 1.125. 600
soldiers, a first reserve of 2 500. 900 and a
second reserve of 1874 900. bringing up
the total number of available soldiers
against 5000 900 in Germany, 4 500. 600 in
France, ,, 500, 900 in Italy. l 500 900 in
Austria-H Hungary, and LOO 900 in Tur-
key. But recognized authority among
military men, the France AIflitarie of
Paris, in a recent issue disputes the cor
rectness of the popular belief that Rus
STA can put in the field the largest army
Of the world in time of war and says:
The United States are not a great mil
itary power from the point of view of
their effective foot forces in peace, but
in time of war. their permanent con-
tingent would form the nucleus of the
vastest army of the world
Prior to the beginning of the Santiago
campaign and the stirring events of a
year ago at Manila. il was not usual to
include the United States in any COM
the nations Of Europe being compared
only with each other in this regard.
But, as the quotation from the French
military journal shows. in all cOmpu-
the United States must now be reckon
ed as a factor. and a very little conf
putation shows that the view OF the
French military paper is very nearly
correct. In the first place, in all authen-
tic estimates OF the availa Bile fighting
strength of European countries, sold
iers" Of every grade are included in the
general total, whereas the American
total is made up only of the regulars
in the permanent service of the United
States and without any reference what
ever to the national guard, which cor
responds to the first reserve and out
numbers the regulars in the proportion
of ten to one. The number of able
bodied male residents in different coun-
0n T., -e-Ssa
OOO. coo in Germany, 10, 900, 900 in Aus
tria. 1900, 600 in France, S,50o,000 in
Great Britain, $500, 600 in Italy and A.
600. 600 in Spain
BY the federal census of 1890 the
number of residents of this country in
the category of males between IS and
A years, both included, was 1920, 900.
Since then the population of the United
States has increased 20 per cent, accord
ing to the most reliable estimate The
actuary of the treasury estimated the
population of the United States on June
/, 1897, as -. SO7. 600. and by next years
census there is very little doubt but
that the total population will be shown
to be 75 000o, 900, an increase of l.. OO0,-
600 over nine years ago, and the total
number of Americans OF military age
will not fall short Of II. 600, 900.
In the United States the number OF
physically disqualified persons incapable
of serving in the army IS materially less
than in Russia. and the administrative
business of this country, too, is conduct
ed almost exclusively by civilians,
whereas. Russia is under practical mil
itary rule. thus taking from the num-
Der Of those available for military ser
vice all who are in the employ of the
government. Moreover, while A years
Is nut generally as the maximum age
for soldiers, the majority Of command
ers and many OF the officers, as well
as the rank and file, are about "A Ev-
ervthing considered, it is prOba ble that
Uncle Sam could. on 4 pinch. put more
troops in the field for a finish fight
than any other country in the world.