The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-05-30
world is beginning to estimate the
| fighting strength of Brazil.

world is beginning TO estimate the
fighting strength of Brazil.
Brazils geogra phical position is
such that she dominates the South
Atlantic strategically. By preventing
the establishment of submarine bases,
| by keeping a watch for raiders, by
searching out ard destroying secret
wireless stations, by preventing all
shipments of contraband, she can do
much for the allied cause. By Selling
the German merchant fleet interned
| in her ports, she can make valuable
addition to the allied tonnage.
| Towards the patrol of South Atlantic
waters she can contribute a navy of
So vessels, the majority of them
suitable for patrol duty. She has 10
ships, she has five, two of them
modern dreadnoughts. armed with
2-inch guns. One superdread-
nought of the most modern type, of
$4,000 tons burden with fourteen 12-
inch guns is still under construction
Besides these vessels, she has three
submarines, and a variety of older
cruisers, gunboats, torpedo boats, and
the necessary tenders.
The Brazilian army has an active
peace strength of $4,000 men. In 1908
Brazil adopted the system of conscrip-
ton. All citizens are liable for SER
vice. Men from 81 to 80 form the
first line, from 80 to 81 the second
line. and from 81 to "A the national
guard. The total strength of the re-
serves is about $4,000 men. A feature
of the Brazilian system is the num-
erous rifle clubs, of which there are
over 800 in the republic. These are
somewhat more intensive in method
than our rifle clubs; they form a sort
of light infantry. Army, ammunition,
uniforms and instructors are furnish
ed by the government, and the clubs
are organized into regiments.
The Brazilian army is armed with
the Mauser rifle of the 1908 model.
All the artillery, field and coast, was
made by krupp. The field artillery
is the same calibre as the famous
French seventy-fives, though not so
modern in type, dating back to the
models of 1908. The cavalry carries
lances anG Mauser carbines.
Both army and navy in Brazil have
seen service in the revolutions that
were not infrequent a few years ago,
and observers who saw them in ac-
ton are agreed that they fight ex-
ceedingly well. In the revolt of the
navy in 1894, sailors made a landing
in force in the face of spirited resist
ance by the army, and were finally
driven back to their ships. The hot
test kind of fighting took place in the
open, and both sides showed extreme
bravery and a high degree of mill
tary skill. 1t is said that popular SEN
t1ment IN Brazil would support the
sending of an expeditionary force TT
Europe. and that such a force would
be composed of first-class fighting,
men.
The present situation can hardly
fail to be favorable to a closer under
standing and commercial union be-
tween Brazil and the United States.
such a union is logical and necessary
and will be to the advantage of both
parties: German trade will never re-
cover from. the blows that the torpe
does are dealing it. The submarines
are consolidating Pan-Ameiica.
questions on the abovo or any SUBJ
Ject upon which the reader desires in
formation should be addressed the To-
peka State Journal Information Blu
reau. Frederic ]. Haskin, Director.
washington. D. c., with 2-cent stamp
ef closed for reply.