New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-31
THECHINESE MANOEUVRES
NUCLEUS OF A REAL ARMY.
Foreign attaches Surprised at Eff
fectiUe Forces IN Field.

Picking, Oct 30.-The army manoeuvres, which
have just been completed, greatly impressed for
elgners especially those acquainted with the
condition of Chinese troops five years ago. The
opinion expressed on all sides is that China
has accomplished a wonderful task in raising
an army OF thirty thousand men to its present
efficiency. The foreign military attaches criti-
cised the generalship displayed-for instance,
the absence of proper support for the artillery,
which, they thought, was injudiciously placed
but they gave unstinted praise to the complete
control of the troops, and the steadiness Of dis
cipline which bore comparison with that of Eu-
ropean troops An observer. while riding be-
hind some of the troops lying in cover noticed
that not man turned his head from his atten-
ton to his work Complete suhordination pre-
vailed everywhere.
The final march past the reviewing officers
was abandoned, owing to a furious dust storm.
After waiting for three hours the visitors left
the ground. yet every regiment still remained
the ranks being in perfect order.
The scheme Of the manmuvres was the as
sumed invasion of Pe-Chi-Ld by a southern
force from Shan-Tung, whose advance was OPP
posed by the Northern army. Roughly esti-
mated, 10000 men were engaged. The final
parade showed 10000 infantry, 1000 cavalry,
LOO engineers 1900 artillery and 120 guns.
The infantry was armed with Mauser maya
zine rifles of the 1888 pattern with short dag
ger bayonet. many having been made at the
Han-Yang arsenal. The officers carried q
sword a revolver and field glass The mems
kit weighed ffty-four pounds each. the KNAPP
sacks being of japanese pattern. The pioneers
carried picks, shovels and saws. every one be-
ing in full marching order.
The cavalry were armed with Mauser car
bines and swords the officers carrying revolvers.
The men were mounted Monaghan ponies.
which, though small. were in good condition.
The saddery and accoutrements were bad, and
military observers as the weakest branch of the
army, being unsuitable for work as cavalry or
mounted infantry.
The artillery consisted of field and mounted
guns The Northern side had twenty-four
Japanese 7.5 millmetre guns, twelve Krupp guns
of the same calibre, eight Krupp mountain guns
and twelve japanese mountain guns. The am
munition carried mule back. The guns
Were served excellently, the ammunition being
brought UP quickly and with little confusion
The officers who sighted the guns and the ar
tillerymen We're armed with swords and re-
volvers.
No signalling apparatus with this corps was
observed and there were few ambulances. The
commissariat of each regiment included thirty
two wagons. the harness being OF German pat
tern, and badly made
The rations consisted of one pound and a half
of rice six ounces of cabbage six ounces Of
sailed vegetables, six ounces of meat. This kit
serViceable- The mems queues were tucked
under their
The foreigners who witnessed the manouvres
were the guests of the viceroy, Yuan Shi Kali
and were lavshIy entertained. The troops gave
many evidences of Japanese training, and one
attache remarked that he had seen twenty
Japanese in Chinese uniforms