The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1905-12-22
CHINA'S ARMY OF 10000.
FOREIGN ATTACHES WITNESSED
RECENT FIELD MANOEUVERS-
AMAZED AT RESULTS.
Japanese Training Apparent in SUI
bordination and Observation-Disclosures
kiiles Useds but Cavalry Service Is
lA.ferior.

Japanese framing apparent IN SUs
bordination and Observation-Disclosures
kiiles Used. but Cavalry Service Is
Inferior.
Evidence that China is shedding her
skin of conservatism and is preparing
to take her place with other Oriental
nations, is evidenced by her first regu-
lar army manoeuvers, just ended at
Shangtung. A number Of diplomatic
attaches, representing the military or
the principal nations of the world,
were present as guests Of the viceroy,
Yuan Shi Kai, by whom they were
lavishly entertained. To those who
remember the condition Of Chinese
troops five years ago this feat Of
raising an army of forty thousand
men to it's present efficiency is mar
velous. There were some unfavorable
criticisms, to be sure; but all gave un-
stinted praise for the complete control
Of the troops and their steadiness Of
discipline, the latter bearing COMPARE
son with that Of European veterans.
Armed With Modern Equipment.
L AC cSuCAAC VI Iuc uldAOCutCAS was
the assumed invasion Of CLlei by a
southern force from Shantung, whose
advance was opposed by the northern
army. The infantry were armed with
Mauser magazine rifles, with short
dagger bayonets. officers carried
sword, revolver and field glass. The
private's kit weighed fifty-four
pounds, knapsacks being Of Japanese
pattern. The pioneers carried picks
shovels and saws.
The cavalry were mounted on small,
Monaghan horses, and carried Mauser
carbines, sabres and revolvers. This
is regarded by the military observers
as being the weakest branch Of the
army.
There were no tom-toms, no stink
pots, fire works, gods on poles, or hid
eous masks, in which the Chinese SOL
der of the past placed his whole re-
lance.
Hand of Japan Discovered.
This wonderful transformation in q
few years, from an unorganized mob
Of fanatics to a well equipped, intel
ligent army of defense, is said to be
due largely to Japanese influences.
One attache remarked that he had no.
ticed at least twenty Japanese officers
among the troops. Many Of the can
non are Of Japanese type, and the
knapsacks are japanese in design.
The fine hand of Japan is seen at
every turn.
The artillery consisted Of field guns
Of various types. and Japanese noun
tain guns carried on mule back. The
guns were served excellently, and this
branch ~of the army appeared to be
efficient, though there was no signal
ing apparatus, and no range finders.
Each regimental commissariat in
Guided thirty-two wagons, German in
pattern, but poorly constructed. The
rations consisted Of rice, l IL pounds;
cabbage, 6 ounces; sailed vegetables,
6 ounces, and meat 6 ounces, carried
in japanese haversacks.
All things considered, the progress
Of China in her military organization
appears to be wonderful. With few
more years Of effort, aided by Japa-
nese influence, with her inexhaustible
natural resources and her multitude Of
men to draw upon for raw material,
China will be formidable enemy and
a powerful ally in the development of
the East.