The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-11-08

DCibbdfuf 10 dioO fttNh"Stb
authority on the theory and prac-
tice of modern warfare. The
George II. Doran Company is
about to publish an English
translation of his work on Cav
airy in Peace and War" with an
introduction by Gen. Sir John
French, now in command OF the
English army in the field. Ex-
tracts from the work are given
herewith.
ny FIELD MARSHAL SIR JOHN
FRENCH.
rs there such thing as the cavalry
spirit. and should 1t be our OBJ
i ject to develop this spirit, II
It exists, 10 the utmost. or 10
suppress III General Won Hernhardi
Thinks that this spirit exists and
should he encouraged. and 7 agree
with him. 1t is not only possible but
becessary 20 preach the army spirit, or,
sn other words. the close comradcship
bf all arms in battle, and Mt the same
fine 20 develop the highest qualities
ind the special attributes OF each
branch. The particular spirit which
we seek 10 encourage is different for
zach arm. Were We to seek to endow
pavalry with the tenacity and stiffness
pf infantry, or 30 take from the mounted
arm tho mobility and the cult OF the
offensive which are the breath OF It's
fife, we should ruin not only the cavalry
hut tho army besides. Those who sCof
bit the spirit. whether Of cavalry. of ar
hillery or of infantry, are people who
have had no practical experience Of the
actual training OF troops In peace or
pf the personal leadership IN war. Such
men are blind guides indeed
Another reason why welcome this
book is because Il supplies a timely
answer 10 school men who see in our
South African experiences, some OF
which thcy dlStort and many of which
they forget. the acme of all military
wisdom. II is always danger when
eny single campaign IS picked out, at
the fancy OF some pedagogue, and It's
lessons recommended as "a panacea. II
Is by study and mediation OF the whole
Of the long history of war; and not by
concentration upon single and special
phases OF g.. that we obtain safe guild
ence TO the principles and practices OF
an art which Is as old as the world.
Il is not only the campaigns which
We and others have fought which de-
serve reflection. but also the wars which
may lie in front OF us Gen. Won Bern
hardi does not neglect the lessons OF
past wars, but he gives the best OF
reasons for thinking that the wars in
South Africa and Manchurla have little
in common with the conditions of war
fare In Europe. We notice. rs we read
his book, that he has constantly In his
mind the enemies whom the German
srmy must he prepared to meet theil
arms their tactics and their country
and that he urges his comrades TO keeI
tho conditions of probable wars con-
rtantly before their eyes.
1t passes comprehension that some
critics in England should Rravely as
sure us that the war in South AFRICA
should be our chief source of inspiration
and guidance. and that 1t was not alb
normal All wars are abnormal, because
there Is no such thing as normal war
In applying the lessons Of South Africa
20 the training Of cavalry, we should h'
very foolish II We did not recognize "a
this late hour that very few Of the con
ditions of South Africa are likely u
recur. ! will name only frw Of them
The composition and tactics OF the Roe'
forces We're as disslmlar from those .
European armies IA possible. Doe
comma ndos made no difficulty abou
dispensing 10 M" four winds whei
pressed, and reuniting again some day
or weeks later hundreds OF miles from
tho scene OF their last encounter Sucl
tactics in Europe would lead 70 the dis
ruption and dishandment Of any arm,
that attempted them
agree generally with the .GermaI
regulations when they suggest that raid
against communication should no
divert cavalry from their true BATH
objective. and consequently ! must Won
ture to differ from the author on III.
point. though | do not approve OF .
that the German rcguldtl MS say con
corning the employment of CaYairy 1
battle. The opinion which | ho 4 an
have often expressed IA that the tru
role of cavalry on the battlefield ~
reconnoitre, to deceive, and finally
support. If tn cnemy'S cavalry has bee
overthrow, the lie Of reconnaissance
will have been rendered easier, In IN
roles OF deception and support su2
an immense and fruitful fed of usefu
ness and enterprise IL laid open 10
cavalry division, which has thought OF
and practised these roles in IT'S pedc
training and is accustomed to act
large bodies d!smountcd, that ! cam
hiring myself to believe that any equiva
lent for such manifest advantages ca
be- found even In the most successt'
raid against tho enemy's communities