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\
Major-General Nelson A. Miles.
I ommanding United States Armies.
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A NARRATIVE OF PERSONAL
OBSERVATION AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
BY
NELSON A. MILES
MAJOR-GENERAL COMMANDING THE U. S. ARMIES
With Fifty-six Illustrations
NEW YORK
DOUBLEDAY & McCLURE CO.
1898
y
13349
Copyright, 1898, by
Nelson A. Miles
MANHATTAN PRESS
474 W. BROADWAY
NEW YORK
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Major-General Nelson A. Miles Frontispiece
PAGE
Sarcophagus of Alexander at Constantinople 3
From " Constantinople," by Professor E. A. Grosvenor.
The Fifth Regiment Imperial Turkish Cavalry 5
Moltke Monument at Constantinople 7
From a photograph lent by General Miles.
The largest Turkish war-ships, the " Mesoodich " and the " Harridich," lying
in the harbor of Constantinople 9
Abdul-Hamid II., Sultan of Turkey since 1876. Born 1842 12
From a photograph by W. and D. Downey, London.
A Squadron of the First Battalion of the First Regiment of Infantry, Im-
perial Turkish Guard 14
Therapia on the Bosporus 16
Osman Pasha, who commanded the Turkish forces in the defense of Plevna 18
Edhem Pasha, who commanded the Turkish army in the recent war with
Greece '. ,.'.'■. --A 18
Inner view of the fortress of Roumeli Hissar, on the Bosporus, sometimes
called the " Castle of Europe " 20
Reproduced from " Constantinople," by Professor Edwin A. Grosvenor. /
A MANCEUVER ON BOARD THE TURKISH IMPERIAL ARMORED FRIGATE " MaHMOUDIE." 23
Reproduced from " Le Monde IllustreV'
Constantine, the Crown Prince of Greece and Commander of the Greek
army in the recent war with turkey 25
Vlll LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
King George of Greece 25
Prince George of Greece, Commander of the Greek navy in the recent
war with Turkey 25
General Miles on the Greek picket-line, May 29, 1897 27
Kastraki, a village on the Greek frontier, in Thessaly, — a point of in-
terest IN THE RECENT WAR 29
Field-Marshal Viscount Lord Wolseley, Commander-in-chief of the British
Army 34
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
Lord Roberts ("Roberts of Kandahar"), Commander of the British forces
in Ireland 34
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
The Prince of Wales, as he appeared in the Jubilee procession 37
From copyrighted photograph by Gregory & Co., London.
The Jubilee procession in King William Street 41
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
Colonial premiers in attendance at the Queen's Jubilee and the heads of
the Colonial Office 43
From copyrighted photograph by Elliott & Fry, London.
Types of soldiers in the British army 44
From copyrighted photograph by Elliott & Fry, London.
Arrival of the Queen's carriage at St. Paul's 45
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
A group of colonial officers in attendance at the Queen's Jubilee .... 47
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
Indian native cavalry Guard of Honor 49
From photograph by Gregory & Co., London ; by permission of the publishers of " The Navy and
Army Illustrated."
The Hon. Maurice Gifford and Captain Ames, favorites in the Jubilee procession 5 1
From copyrighted photograph by Gregory & Co., London.
Soldiers of the empire 52
From photograph by Gregory & Co., London ; by permission of the publishers of "The Navy and
Army Illustrated."
Jubilee manceuvers at Aldershot • 53
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IX
PAGE
Ships in line at the Jubilee review of the British navy 57
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
Type of the English battle-ship in the Jubilee review — the "Prince
George " 58
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
The cruiser " Brooklyn," the representative of the United States at the
Jubilee naval review 59
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
The cruiser " Amiral Pothuan," the representative of France at the
Jubilee naval review 61
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
The cruiser " Rossia," the representative of Russia at the Jubilee naval
review 62
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
The battle-ship " Worth," the representative of Germany at the Jubilee
naval review 63
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
The Spanish armored cruiser " Vizcaya " 65
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
Her Majesty the Queen 66
The Princess of Wales 67
"One hundred and sixty-eight vessels of the British navy, manned by 38,000
men, the most powerful and effective fleet that ever floated upon the
waters of the earth " 69
Officers of the Russian gendarmerie preceding an imperial train 74
General Nelson A. Miles and his aide, Lieutenant-Colonel Maus, viewing
the manceuvers of the Russian army near St. Petersburg in honor of the
President of France 75
Prince Khilkoff, Russian Minister of Public Works 77
From a photograph by Levitsky, St. Petersburg.
A group of commanders in the Russian army at the grand review at
Krasnoe-Selo 78
Nicholas II., Emperor of Russia 81
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris
X LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Manceuvers of Russian soldiers — the passage of a river 84
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
The royal party at the review of Russian troops held in honor of the
President of France 85
The Fifty-second Regiment of Infantry of Vilna at Theodosia, in the
Crimea 88
From a photograpli by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
Review of hussars of the Emperor at Krasnoe-Selo, August, 1897 89
Arrival of President Faure at Kronstadt to visit the Emperor of Russia,
August 23, 1897 91
The First Regiment of Orenburg Cossacks at Kharkoff, performing exercises
on horseback 96
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
Emperor William of Germany, and Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria . . 97
From a photograph by Strelisky, Budapest.
King Humbert's regiment of German hussars, dismounted 99
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
The Emperors Francis Joseph of Austria and William of Germany 101
From a photograph by Erdelyi, Budapest.
Detachment of a German bicycle corps, numbering 800 men 104
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
Emperor William of Germany, and King' Humbert of Italy 105
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
Siege artillery at Algiers 109
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES
IN TIME OF WAR
*&y
Sarcophagus of Alexander at Constantinople. From "Constantinople," by Professor E, A. Gi
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES
IN TIME OF WAR
IT had been my purpose ior several years to visit Europe at the first
opportunity when there should be a European war, or hostile armies
actually in the field. I not only wished to see the troops in action, but I
desired to investigate the condition of foreign armies and the requirements
for accommodating troops in garrison, as well as the best arms, uniforms,
and field equipment for troops in an actual condition of war.
It is customary for governments to send officers abroad lor this pur-
pose, and it has been the practice of our government since its establish-
ment. The first prominent officer to go on this duty was General Winfield
Scott, at the time of the war between Napoleon and the allied armies;
but he reached Europe too late to be a witness of the final scene of the
great drama at Waterloo. Delafield's and McClellan's observations during
the Crimean war have been of deep interest to military students; also
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General Sheridan's experience with the Prussian army during the Franco-
Prussian war. General Sherman, while in command of the army of the
United States, visited Europe in 1872, and remained an entire year.
His observations were of great interest and importance to the United
States. We have now military officers at nearly every court in Europe,
as well as in the Orient ; and military and naval attaches from foreign
countries are on duty at our own capital.
Since the close of the Russo-Turkish war in 1S78, no opportunity for
such observations as I desired to make presented itself until the hostilities
between the Greco-Turkish forces in 1897. It may be well at this point
to recall that the difficulty between Turkey and Greece began early in
1897 in Crete, where the Christians of the island were dissatisfied with
the Mohammedan rule. When the riots in the island had become so
serious that war between Greece and Turkey threatened, the powers
sent war-ships to the harbor of Canea. On February 21st these ships
fired some fifty shots into the camp of the Cretan insurgents, located
outside of the town — a warning that Europe would not permit hostile
actions. The' skirmishing in Crete continued through the rest of Feb-
ruary and into March. Early in March, however, Crete ceased to be the
point of observation. The Turkish and Grecian armies confronted each
other on the frontier of Thessaly. They exercised tolerable self-control
until early in April. Then the daring advance of the Greek irregulars
into the disputed territory caused Edhem Pasha, the commander of the
I urks, to suggest to his government that it was time to declare war,
which Turkey did on April 1 7th. Diplomatic relations were at once severed,
and fighting began. It was evident that there was to be war in earnest.
I at once made my preparation to go to the field. At the time I left
Washington, May 4th, the Greeks on the western frontier were holding
their own, but in the east the Turks had driven them back and occupied
Larissa. The latest information from the Levant seemed to indicate not
only that Greece and Turkey would be engaged, but that some of the
Balkan states and possibly one or more of the great powers of Europe
Ill
The Fifth Regiment Imperial Turkish Cavalry.
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF \V A R
might be involved. The unexpected frequent]}- happens, and as no one
can foretell when a war will occur, so no one can say what the phases
will be or how it will terminate. At the moment, no one anticipated
that, instead of any one of the great powers becoming involved, they
would all stand aloof and witness the tragedy until it reached a critical
point, and then combine to check its progress, and dictate the terms
of peace.
Such was the situation when I left Washington. On reaching Paris,
I found that several engagements had taken place while I was on the sea,
but that the result was still indefinite. I also learned that my best way
to reach the Turkish army
was to take the Oriental
Express to Constantinople.
This I did, arriving there on
May 19th.
I could not have gone to
a better place to observe the
Turkish army than Constan-
tinople itself. Not only is the
city the headquarters of the
complex military establish -
mentwhich governs the army,
but it is also headquarters for
the first ot the seven military
territories into which the em-
pire is divided. When I ar-
rived in Constantinople there
were fully 30,000 men sta-
tioned in and about the city,
giving me ample opportunity
to observe the methods and condition of the Turkish troops. There
was a mistaken impression, when the late war broke out, that the
Moltke Monument at Constantinople.
From a photograph lent by General Miles
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Turkish army was antiquated in its methods. Military men knew better.
The Turkish army is at present completely organized in accordance with
modern methods. This organization is not new ; it was undertaken
as long' ago as seventy years by Mahmud II. When, about 1S27, he-
decided to begin the reconstruction of his army, he was obliged to turn
his cannon on the Janizaries, and not to stop until the last one of that
body was dead, so hostile were they to any change in the methods of the
Turkish arm)'. After the Janizaries were out of the way, Mahmud II.
began to remodel his force. Ten years after this he had Yon Moltke and
other Prussian officers aiding him. This work has gone on steadily ever
since, until now the Turkish military forces are completely modernized.
A monument erected on the site where he formerly lived on the
Bosporus reminds alike Turk and stranger of the high esteem with
which Von Moltke's services in this work of reorganization are reearded.
The army is completely Moslem, no Christians or non- Moslems being
admitted. Although exempted from duty, the latter are not exempted
trom military taxes. All young Moslems who have reached twenty-one
years of age are expected to enter the army for twenty years of service,
unless they can show some good reason why they should not be called
upon, such as physical unfitness or family obligations. The registration
list shows that about 120,000 men are liable to service each year; but, as
a matter ot lact, only about 65,000 are incorporated into the army.
According to the latest figures, the army numbers in -time of peace
244,000 men, 24,000 of these being officers. Its war footing mounts to
fully 800,000. It will be remembered that, when the war with Greece
broke out in the spring of 1S97, the Sultan mobilized 600,000 men with-
out any great effort. New laws and reforms are in operation in the
army, which it is expected will add enormously to this strength. The
Sultan believes that at no distant day he will be able to call out, in case
of necessity, an army of a million and a half men. Of course fully a
third of this body will be utterly untrained.
These troops are drawn from all parts of the empire. What is known
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR
The largest Turkish war-ships, the " Mesorxlich " and the " Harridich," lying in the harbor of
Constantinople.
as the territorial system is in vogue in Turkey ; that is, the empire is
divided into seven military districts. Each of these districts furnishes a
corps, recruited in the main from within its own limits. If one runs over
the list of cities which are the headquarters of these corps, he gets some
idea of the distant points from which the Sultan draws his troops: Con-
stantinople, Adrianople, Salonika, Erzinjan (northeastern Asia Minor),
Damascus, Bagdad, and Sana (southwestern Arabia). Not all the portions
of the empire yield soldiers in equal numbers. Thus the division having
its headquarters at Sana furnishes few soldiers, its recruits coming from
Syria and Asia Minor. Those portions of the empire occupied by
nomad tribes, such as Tripoli and Turkestan, have never until within a
few years furnished troops. A few years ago, however, an effort was
made to utilize the nomads in an irregular cavalry resembling the Cos-
sacks of the Russian army. Regiments have been formed with good
success. The organization is known as the Hamidie Cavalry, in honor
of the Sultan, Abdul- Hamid. It is impossible, of course, to apply to
these irregulars the superior training given to men in the regular army ;
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nor are they called upon for any large amount of service. They furnish
their own equipments and mounts. As a rule, they carry ancient rifles or
pistols, and every man is armed with a lance. So far the only active
service which the Hamidie Cavalry has seen has been in hunting clown
the Armenians. It is easy to see from what they have done there that,
in case ol foreign war, they would be a most dangerous element in the
Turkish army.
What I saw of the Turkish soldiers in Constantinople convinced me that
they are among the most effective in the world. There are many reasons
for this fact. In the first place, the Turks are a strong race, accustomed
to hard labor, and consequently are easily molded into enduring soldiers.
They are all Moslems, and their religion has three elements which con-
tribute largely to their soldierly qualities. First, it teaches them to
believe in an absolute despotism; second, it enforces simplicity of life
and strict temperance; and third, it promises them unending pleasures in
heaven as a reward for their endurance on earth. The long term of
service required of the Turks adds, of course, to their effectiveness. It
should not be forgotten, too, that this service has much of it been active.
In the last hundred years Turkey has had a greater war record than
any other nation in Europe. From the beginning of the century up
to January i, 1897, she spent thirty-seven years in actual warfare. The
cost ol handling this tremendous army is not great, when compared with
what other nations spend on their armies. According to the official re-
turns, the year of 1S97— 98 cost $25,250,000. This does not include the
extraordinary military expenditure occasioned by war. It is not the
common soldier, however, who gets this money. His pay amounts to a
little less than a dollar a month, and often the government is many
months in arrears in paying the troops.
The administration of the Turkish army is very complicated. There
is a Military Cabinet, which regulates cases concerning the distribution
of the troops; there is a Superior General Inspection Committee of some
thirty members, whose duty it is to study measures for improving the
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IX TIME OF WAR II
army ; there is a military section in the Household of the Sultan ; and
there is a War Ministry, composed of some ten different bureaus. During
the time that I was in Constantinople, I met several of the leading- mili-
tary men of the empire, and was greatly impressed by their knowledge
and their ability. The military genius among them is undoubtedly
Osman Pasha. He is a man about sixty-six years old, well built, of
medium height, strong in physique, and intellectually the peer of any
of the field-marshals that I subsequently met in Europe. His experi-
ence has added greatly to his natural instincts for military life. In the
terrible war of the Crimea he acquired knowledge of the equipment,
disposition, and management of large armies in the field, ami he proved
himself one of the ablest generals in Europe in the series of wars between
Russia and Turkey. In the last of those wars, being placed in com-
mand of an army of 70,000 men with 77 guns, he made one of the
most brilliant defensive campaigns of modern times. Pitted against
Russia's ablest generals, the Grand Duke Nicholas, Eieutenant-General
Gourko, and that greatest military leader of his day, Skobeleff and an
army of 150,000 men and 500 guns, Osman Pasha made his defense of
Plevna a most creditable military achievement which demonstrated fully
his skill and tenacitv- During this desperate siege, three pitched battles,
besides many minor engagements, were fought. The losses ol the assail-
ants were 40,000 men, and of the defendants 30,000. The siege of
Plevna won for Osman Pasha the title of Gazhee the Victorious.
Osman Pasha reminded me of General Grant more than any other
man I saw on that side of the Atlantic. His manner is very much like
that of Grant; a man of few words — in these expressing condensed
thought. In referring to the success of the army, the rapidity with which
it had been mobilized, and the universal success in the series of battles
just ended between the Turks and Greeks, he made a significant remark.
" Persistency," he said, " is the great secret of success in war. It an army
is not successful one day, tenacity of purpose and persistency will in
the end bring victory." This was the great characteristic of the m,in
12
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who commanded the government forces in the latter part of our great
civil war.
Although the Turkish military administration contains man)- able
men, the Sultan is the real as well as nominal head of the Turkish army.
Abdul-Hamid II., Sultan of Turkey since 1876. Born 1S42.
From a photograph by \V. and D. Downey, London.
Each department of the military administration is under his guidance,
and he can and often does assert himself in its affairs. But the Sultan
is more than the military head of the Turks. He is the recognized spirit-
ual representative not only of the Mohammedans of his empire, but
of those of the entire world, numbering some 177,000,000 souls. In
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR 1 3
virtue of this position, it is his duty to offer each week a prayer for the
followers of Mohammed wherever they may be. This service — the
salemlik — I witnessed just after arriving at Constantinople. It im-
pressed me quite as much by its military as by its religious aspect.
The salemlik takes place every Friday, in a very beautiful mosque
not far from the Yildiz Palace, where the Sultan lives. As early as nine
o'clock in the morning all the approaches to the palace, as well as the
open spaces, are occupied by troops, particularly infantry and cavalry, and
all the space left by them is crowded by spectators. The regiments came
from different parts of the empire, some from the European provinces
and others from the Asiatic, and appeared to be well disciplined and
well instructed. As they marched to their positions, my attention was
attracted by the spirited music of some of the regimental bands. The
martial music was familiar and homelike, and I was both amused and
gratified to listen to the stirring notes of Sousa's marches, " El Capitan,"
" High-School Cadets," and others. This was but the prelude, indeed, to
what I was to listen to in other armies, for the American composer's music
1 subsequently found to be very popular in several European countries.
The cavalry were splendidly mounted on strong, hardy horses, well
equipped and handsomely caparisoned, were well armed, and in every
way presented a fine appearance. While the troops were moving into
position, the street or avenue leading from the palace to the mosque was
covered with fresh sand, and the steps of the mosque were covered with
a rich carpet, and when all was prepared, the gates of the palace were
thrown open. The palace guard first moved down the broad avenue,
lined on both sides by a living wall of troops with glistening bayonets,
and took position near the mosque ; then came the palace officials, and
next the princes at the head of their staff-officers. Among the princes
was a boy apparently fourteen years of age, in naval uniform. He was
accompanied by a group of officers, and took his position with them
at the head of the marines and sailors. This young officer presented
a very spirited, military appearance. Then came the carriages, contain-
14
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ing a few of the ladies of the palace, with attendants on foot. They
moved down to a position near the entrance to the mosque. The horses
were removed from the carriages, and the tongues taken out and put
under the carriages, and the latter remained in this position with their
occupants during the entire ceremony. Finally the Sultan appeared in
one of the carriages of state, drawn by two beautiful horses with gorgeous
equipment. As he appeared he was greeted by the strong voices of the
A Squadron of the First Battalion of the First Regiment of Infantry, Imperial
Turkish Guard.
thousands of troops massed in all the approaches to the palace, shouting
or crying, "Padishah Tchok Pasha" ("Long live the Sultan ! "). They
hailed him as the personal and spiritual godhead upon earth of all of
their faith.
The small, well- poised, silent man whom the multitude were saluting
was dressed in plain uniform, a simple red fez on his head. Pormerly
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IX TIME OF WAR 1 5
the sultans wore a diamond aigret on their heads in public, but this
Abdul-Hamid has discarded. The coachman was in most brilliant livery,
as well as the personal attendants and guards who marched on foot on
both sides of the carriage. Osman Pasha was the only occupant of the
carriage besides the sovereign, and he occupied a front seat facing the
Sultan. Following the heads of departments and high officials that were
immediately in rear of the Sultan, were led his two favorite chargers, one
a very handsome golden sorrel, the other a milk-white Arabian, beauti-
fully caparisoned.
After the ceremony the Sultan reappeared and took position in
another carriage, a very handsome mail-phaeton, richly ornamented and
drawn by two beautiful white horses, a present from the Emperor of
Austria. He took the reins and whip himself, and thus returned to the
palace, followed by the heads of the departments and high officials of the
government walking rapidly up the steep hill, apparentlv much to their
discomfort, but indicating the abject subordination of the highest officials
to the imperial sway,
The Sultan has occupied the throne of Turkey for twenty-two years.
Twenty-six years ago, Murad V., his brother, held the same position,
but, justly or unjustly, was removed on a charge of being of unsound
mind. There are many who claim that he desired to institute certain
reforms that were not popular with the pashas and influential men of the
empire. Be that as it may, he was removed to the beautiful palace of
Cheragan, on the right bank ot the Bosporus, and he is supposed to be
yet alive within its walls. A palace on the water is his winter home, and
one standing on the heights about a mile distant, and yet within the walls
of the great inclosure which surrounds the grounds, is also at times
supposed to be occupied by the dethroned Sultan,- his families and
attendants. On the outside of the walls are two great uarrisons of some
4000 troops, guarding every approach by land or water.
After the Sultan's return to the palace, I was notified by the Master
of Ceremonies that an audience would be granted me, and 1 was accom-
i6
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Therapia on the Bosporus.
panied by the United States Minister, the Hon. A. W. Terrill, to the
palace. We passed through several rooms occupied by guards and
palace officials to a large reception-room, there to await an opportunity
of being presented to the sovereign. It so happened that the Russian
ambassador was there waiting for the same purpose. He had come in
before us, and of course took precedence. While we were waiting, we
had a pleasant conversation, during which he informed our minister that
this was the first interview he had had with the sovereign for several
months, and that the object of his visit was simply to thank him for
granting the personal request of the Emperor of Russia to withhold the
onward march of the Turkish army in Greece until the situation had been
considered by the great powers of Europe. The armistice had been
declared only two days before, May 19th. He, in a very few moments,
passed into the Sultan's reception-room, and remained for some thirty
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR I J
minutes. Before going in he seemed to be somewhat exercised, and his
face indicated great anxiety. The importance of his mission seemed
to impress him much, and he manifested it by pacing the room and in-
dulging in earnest conversation with his secretary. On his return from
the reception his face wore so satisfied an expression and so pleasant a
smile that it prompted me to remark that his " interview must have been
satisfactory." He assured me that it was quite so. This was all the
information one could expect, under the circumstances, from an astute
and accomplished diplomat.
Alter the Russian ambassador came out, we were notified by the
Master of Ceremonies, an officer of high rank in the Imperial Palace,
that an audience would then be granted us, and we were escorted to the
reception-room of the Sultan. He was alone, with the exception of an
officer of rank, a large, fine-looking man in brilliant uniform, who an-
nounced us by name and acted as interpreter. The Sultan was standing
near the center of the room, and as we entered he approached us. He
was in lull uniform, with a dragoon sword by his side. On being pre-
sented, instead of making the usual military salute, we made the saluta-
tion customary for foreign officials who are presented at the Turkish
court, placing the right hand over the left breast, the left hand by the
side, and bowing to his Majesty. He received us very cordially, and
invited us to be seated. Coffee and cigarettes were served, and he led
the conversation toward military subjects. He manifested great interest
in military matters, and was thoroughly posted on the equipment of
armies, the use and effect of modern appliances of war, the use of heavy
machinery in the movements of the heaviest high-power guns, as well
as the most intricate mechanism of small arms, and the use and effect
of smokeless powder and high explosives. His small stature, sharp,
dark eyes, prominent nose, of the Roman type, full beard, were not
unlike the marked characteristics that I have noticed in some men of
our own country.
In speaking of the war in which he was then engaged. I remarked
i8
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andec. =h forces in
...
of his armies and army-corps, he s
•■ Yes : I have made them, and they have
fulfilled my expectations."
In regard to the war anc its ?ults.
he stated that his people did not des
war : that it had been forced upon them ;
that their territory had been invaded :
but that God. being on the side of the
rio-ht. had e^ven victory to his arm v. He
mitjht have added that twenty-seven mil-
lions aeainst two and a half million-
people : the resources of a strong nation
against a weak and impoverished one :
the abundant supplies of all munitio: -
war of the best rman manufacture,
from the high-power Krupp fortification
that the rapidity with which he had
mobilized a great army of 600.000
men. armed and equipped them, and
moved a portion successfully into a
foreign country, had somewhat sur-
prised military observers both in the
United States and in Europe. He
ted that he was obliged to move
a portion of his army from Asia, and
that he could have mobilized and
moved them with greater rapk
had the railroads furnished greater
facilities, or had they been better
equipped for war purposes. In re-
sponse to a remark of mine, that he
must have able generals in command
-ha, who commanded the Tm
it with Gr=
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IX TIME OF WAR It)
eun to the small arms and ammunition, and delicate surgical instruments;
and the assistance of several very able officers of the German army, had
also aided in bringing success, if not glory, to the banners of the Star
and Crescent.
Constantinople offers excellent opportunities for studying Turkish
garrison life. There are many barracks in and around the city, a num-
ber of which I visited. They are all permanent buildings of brick and
stone, and most ot them very comfortable. One of the most interesting
of them is on the opposite bank from the city, the great buildings which
were constructed for the accommodation of the sick and wounded of the
allied armies during the Crimean war. I was very much impressed in
my visits to the barracks with the order which prevailed. Everything
seemed ready for immediate movement. I asked the colonel of one large
regiment how long a time it would take him to summon his command
and have it fully equipped and ready to march to the railroad or steam-
ship for actual service in the field. He looked at his watch, and said
that he would need just fifteen minutes. One excellent feature. of all the
barracks is" their accommodation for bathing. _ It is quite as good as, if
not better than, any place in Europe. In fact, cleanliness is one of the
cardinal virtues of the Mohammedan religion.' In the principal barracks
that I visited the accommodations were so ample that at least forty men
could have enjoyed the luxury of a Turkish bath at the same time.
As a rule, the uniforms of the men were in good condition. It is
a uniform well suited for garrison or field service, consisting of a plain
blue tunic, blue trousers tucked into top-boots, and, in the infantry, the
familiar red fez. The cavalry wear a cap of sheepskin. The only
drawback to the costume is that, save the fez, there is nothing national
about it. The mass of the soldiers would no doubt prefer the short
jacket, the baggy trousers, and the red sash which they wore before
reform and reorganization made the Turkish army so largely Chris-
tian in appearance.
I was very much interested in watching the troops at mess. Their
M I 1. 1 T A K Y E UROP E
Inner view of the fortress of Roumeli Hissar, on the Bosporus, sometimes called the " Castle of Europe.
Reproduced from " Constantinople," by Professor Edwin A. Grosvenor.
food is very plain, but wholesome. It consists chiefly of a stew of rice and
mutton, which is served in a large copper basin, six or eight men sur-
rounding the dish, and all eating from it at the same time with wooden
spoons. Tea is served at meals, but no coffee or liquor. This is the only
army in Europe, I believe, in which no stimulants of any kind are allowed
the troops. In England the regular daily ration includes a half-gill of
rum ; in France the soldier is under certain circumstances allowed a
quarter of a liter of wine, half a liter of beer, half a liter of cider, and the
sixteenth of a liter of brandy ; in Italy he has a quarter of a liter of wine ;
in Austria brandy is furnished. The war ration in Austria includes also
smokintr-tobacco for the men and cigars for the officers.
There is nothing more interesting about Constantinople than its de-
fenses. The peculiar location of the city at the mouth of the Black Sea
WITH THE TURKISH A N D G R E E K ARMIES I N T [ME O F W A R 2 1
and on the direct route between Europe and Asia has made it for
centuries the key to the Orient, and has led from times immemorial to
its fortification. The system of defenses around the city is quite exten-
sive, and represents the work of every age, from walls such as the
Romans adopted for the protection of their cities, to modern forts
bristling with Krupp guns. The city is completely surrounded by walls,
which are broken at intervals by gates and towers. Of course these for-
tifications would be of little use to-day if the city were besieged, nor are
they kept up at all. Houses are built in many places close to them. At
some points they have been partially torn clown to furnish stone for other
and more pressing wants. They add, however, immensely to the pic-
turesqueness of the city, clad as they are with vines and plants, and their
presence keeps fresh, too, innumerable legends of crime and deeds of
courage.
The real defenses of Constantinople are not its walls, but the lines
of forts which guard the two sea approaches to the city and those which
ward off invaders by land.
The fortifications covering the approaches on the landward side are
twofold. The first is a quarter-circle of forts scattered from a point
about eight miles west of Constantinople on the Sea of Marmora, around
to a point on the Bosporus about the same distance north of the town.
Twenty-five miles west of the city, running north and south across the
peninsula, is the principal land defense, the Lines of Tchataklja. These
were built in i S 7 7 , at the time of the war with Russia, but they have been
greatly strengthened since.
The Bosporus, connecting the Sea of Marmora with the Black Sea,
is one of the water approaches to Constantinople. It is about twenty
miles long, and upon the precipitous banks of both the European and the
Asiatic shore are placed at intervals the forts which guard the city.
There are some seventeen of them. Not all are modern ; indeed, there
are forts on the Bosporus dating back to the fourteenth century. These,
of course, would be of little use if it were not for the modern works above
2 2 MILITARY EUROPE
and below them. The first of the Bosporus forts which one sees on
leaving Constantinople are perhaps the most interesting, and that on ac-
count of their location. They stand on opposite sides of the narrowest
portion of the channel — the point made famous by the crossing of Darius
and his 700,000 men. Xenophon and his 10,000 are said to have crossed
here, too, on their return to Europe.
The other seaward approach to Constantinople is by the Dardanelles
— a narrow strait thirty-three miles long, connecting the Sea of Marmora
with the yEgean. I had an excellent opportunity of observing the fortifi-
cations here, as I went from Constantinople to Greece by steamer. In
going out we passed close to the sea-walls, the ancient protection of
Constantinople, and then crossed the Sea of Marmora into the straits.
For several miles after entering the straits there are no forts, the channel
being broad and the banks high ; but about ten miles from the mouth
the stream narrows and there is a sharp bend. Here are the most
formidable works defending Constantinople, consisting ot ten forts
on the European side and five on the Asiatic. All of these works
have been modernized, and mount the heaviest of recent guns. This
bend in the Dardanelles, like the narrows in the Bosporus, has always
been a favorite passage for crossing. Xerxes, it is said, led over his
1,700,000 men here.
After passing this point of the Dardanelles, the straits widen again,
and there are no more fortifications until the mouth is reached. Here
again the banks bristle with guns. When we passed, the Turkish fleet
was discreetly hovering under their shelter.
It was the 27th of May when I reached Athens, and the contrast be-
tween that city and Constantinople was most striking. I had left behind
me a well-fortified city, the headquarters of a strong military administra-
tion, evidences of vast resources, both in disciplined men and system of
supplies, a people proud of victory, a government confident because of
success. I came to a city exposed on every hand, deficient in military
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR 2^
A manoeuver on board the Turkish imperial armored frigate " Mahmoudie."
Reproduced from " Le Monde Illustre. "
resources, its government dejected by defeat, its people dissatisfied with
their rulers and divided in their opinion of what had been done, or what
course should be pursued in the future. There was no evidence of dis-
order while I was in Athens, but on every hand there was great depres-
sion. The people were gathered in groups before the telegraph-offices
and news-depots, reading the bulletin-boards, or sitting together in the
streets and parks ; and everywhere they discussed the war. Some of
them evidently looked for the onward march of the Turkish army, and
dreaded the horrors which they believed would follow its occupancy
of the city. Many were defiant, and loudly argued for fighting to the
bitter end; others were hoping for an interposition of the powers, which,
24 MILITARY EUROPE
if it left the country humbled, still would prevent the Turks from appro-
priating" it altogether.
What they were suffering was the only possible result to be expected
from an unaided struggle of their army with such a highly organized
military power as Turkey. To begin with, Greece has a population of
only about 2,200,000. The age at which a young Greek becomes liable
to service is twenty-two — one year later than in Turkey. While in
Turkey 120,000 men are registered for service every year and fully
65,000 incorporated into the army, in Greece only about 22,000 are
liable to service and perhaps 12,000 are incorporated. The actual army
when the war broke out, that is, the army which was paid by the govern-
ment, was only about 23,000 men ; but it was believed that the war
footing was fully 200,000 men — nearly ten per cent, of the population,
it will be noted. This army was not well disciplined, and was poorly
equipped and poorly officered. There was only a limited amount of
ammunition on hand, and as for horses, every squadron was short, and in
many cases the animals used were too old to be serviceable.
When war actually broke out, and no European power came to the
aid of Greece, her weakness rapidly developed. The Turks overwhelmed
and outmanceuvered the little army, and only stopped their march at the
interposition of the Czar of Russia. The armistice granted at his request
had not expired when I reached Athens, and the Greek and Turkish
armies, which were facing each other near Lamia, the scene of the last
engagement of the war, were still under its conditions.
As soon as possible I made arrangements to go to the camp of the
Greek arm}- — a not difficult journey, as we were able to go up the eastern
coast by steamer to Santa Marina and thence by rail to Lamia, a dis-
tance of only eight miles. On arriving, I reported my presence to the
Crown Prince Constantine, who was in command of the Greek army.
I found him a very courtly, distinguished-looking officer, twenty-nine
years of age, tall, and of commanding presence, but somewhat depressed
on account of the result of his recent campaign. His great misfortunes
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR 25
had resulted largely from the fact that he had
been pitted against an overwhelming arm)', and
that he had not had the experience requisite
to organize, mobilize, discipline, and command
troops in battle. This can only be acquired by
actual experience in war; it cannot be learned
elsewhere. General Sherman uttered a posi-
tive truth when he asserted that " the best
school of war is war."
When we compare the Crown Prince in his
preparation for com-
manding an army
Constantine,
the Crown Prince of Greece
and Commander of the Greek army
in die recent war with Turkey.
King George of Greece.
with Edhem Pasha,
the leader of the Turks, we have a forcible les-
son in the value of experience. The name of
Edhem Pasha was almost unknown when he
was appointed commander of the Turkish army
in 1897. Yet he had really made himself a rep-
utation in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877. He
was only thirty-five
years old then, but he
fought with honor at
the side of Osman
Pasha throughout the terrible siege of Plevna ;
and when at last the city surrendered, he was
one of the last to leave. He carried away a
wound received the very day of the capitula-
tion. Since then he had filled several impor-
tant positions in Turkey. He was hardened
to service when he went against the Greeks
in 1897, and it was not long before his skill
in strategy attracted the attention of the world.
Prince George of Greece,
Commander of the Greek navy in the
recent war with Turkey.
2 6 .MILITARY EUROPE
I was kindly received by the Crown Prince, and was afforded every
opportunity of seeing the entire Greek army as it then lay camped in
three grand divisions — two practically in reserve, while the third occu-
pied the advance line. The last named was in order of battle, with its
main and advance lines and a line of skirmishers or vedettes. Along the
front line were posted flags of truce, at intervals of from two to five hun-
dred yards. Immediately in front of the Greek army lay the Turkish
army, drawn up in order of battle. In the advance was a strong line
of sentinels with picket supports and reserves in their order ; and a short
distance in the rear, their main line of battle. The distance between the
advance line of the Greek army and the picket-line of the Turkish army,
I should judge, was about four hundred yards. On the ground occupied
by the former force and between the lines were scattered the graves of
those who had fallen on both sides in the last encracjement of the cam-
paign, which had occurred on this spot, a short distance from the little
town of Lamia.
The Turks were apparently as unconcerned and defiant as it is only
possible for an army to be that has had a series of victories and has
successfully invaded the enemy's country — in this case a country that
their people had occupied up to as late as 1832. They were occupying
a very strong position, and they had every appearance of being capable
of holding the same. We could distinctly hear their bugle-calls, and see
the comfortable white tents in which they were sheltered, tents which had
formerly belonged to the Greek army and had been captured in the
recent campaign. The poor Greeks were without shelter, and exposed
to the rain and inclement weather. There was an independence and
bravado in the appearance of the Turks that indicated their readiness to
renew the conflict the moment the armistice should be suspended. I
could not but note the marked change in the circumstances of this
scene and one that occurred nearly twenty-five hundred years before in
sight of the ground now occupied by the two armies. We are told that
when the great Persian army under Xerxes confronted the heroic band
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN T I M E F W A R 2 J
under Leonidas, the Spartans laid down their spears and shields, and
moved out in front of their line, and went through their gymnastic
exercises to keep their joints supple, and decorated their long hair as if
preparing for a festival, thus taunting and defying their enemies to
combat. Now the conditions were entirely reversed and the invaders
impatient to renew hostilities.
The officers of the Greek army seemed to me an intelligent, patriotic
body of men ; but they were, naturally, much depressed at the result of
the campaign. Their hatred
of the Turks was as intense as
their pride of and love for their
own country. One accom-
plished officer, a colonel in
command of the advance divi-
sion of the Greek army, rode
over the ground with us and
along the line of the troops.
On returning to his headquar-
ters to take leave of him I in-
formed him that I would shortly
return to my own land, and
that I hoped sometime to have
a visit from him at Washing-
ton. He replied: "When you
get far away and back to your
own country, I hope you will have a kind memory for poor Greece."
He said this with such an expression of grief and sentiment that I was
deeply impressed.
The soldiers had endured their severe campaign and the disasters
which had befallen their cause with fortitude, but were greatly dis-
heartened, yet full of hope that something might occur to end hostilities.
While there was no outward appearance of a want of confidence or dis-
General Miles on the Greek picket-line, May 29, 1S97.
MILITARY EUROPE
affection, there was gloom in the general tone, manner, and appearance
of the troops. I have seen the same condition of affairs in our own army
after some serious disaster. The humiliation that follows defeat and retreat
is pictured upon the faces alike of the officers and men of every army.
There was a great want of proper equipment and supplies. Doubt-
less, whatever they may have had, had been seriously affected by disasters
in battle and the rapidity of the retreat of the army. Much of the dis-*
comfort resulted from the absence of proper shelter and from insufficient
food. The last has a very demoralizing influence upon any body of
troops. The sad condition of the Greek army was made more melan-
choly by the presence of great numbers of refugees, wandering about
from place to place, homeless and destitute. It was estimated that in and
around the army there were 50,000 of these people, who had abandoned
their homes, carrying away only what little substance and clothing they
could transport upon their backs, in carts, and upon a few pack-ani-
mals. Those that were best circumstanced had a few domestic animals
that they were driving, seeking any place of shelter for rest and refuge.
I have never seen a more desolate class of people or one which excited
more sympathy.
The humanitarians were active and beneficent in their efforts to
relieve the suffering of the unfortunate Greeks, especially of the wounded,
and many men and women were engaged in this humane enterprise.
The Society of the Red Cross was conspicuous in this work, and there
were a number of American representatives. One especially worthy of
note, whom I met later, was Mrs. Maud Howe Elliott, daughter of Julia
Ward Howe, the author of the "Battle-Hymn of the Republic," of
whose history and record we are justly proud. Mrs. Elliott was actively
interested and engaged in correspondence for the relief of the unfortunate
Greeks.
Before leaving the Greek army, I had opportunity to ride over the
historic ground of the Pass of Thermopylae, where the Spartans so hero-
ically fought and died. It is a singular formation: the high, precipitous
WITH THE TURKISH AND GREEK ARMIES IN TIME OF WAR 29
mountains come close to the sea, leaving a narrow strip of land between
impassable heights and the waters of the Bay of Lamia. The two thou-
sand years that have elapsed since Leonidas held the pass have made a
marked change in the topography of the place. The waters have re-
Kastraki, a village on the Greek frontier, in Thessaly, — a point of interest in the
recent war.
ceded, leaving the belt of table-land wider than it was at that eventful
time ; but it is easy to see where they were in former times, and that the
very narrow belt of land could have been defended by a few hundred
heroic, stalwart men against any body of assailants. We spent an entire
afternoon riding around the base of the mountain near the Pass of Ther-
mopylae and following the trail that was evidently taken by a portion of
Xerxes' army led by the Trachinian. This force, circumventing the
position held by the Spartans, succeeded in gaining their line of retreat,
and so caused the death of the heroic band. So rugged are these moun-
tains that there are only a few narrow trails by which they can be
M I L I T A R Y E U R O P E
crossed, a small force well placed being capable of defending' them
against any number of assailants.
This visit to the Pass of Thermopylae, recalling, as it did, one of the
most thrilling episodes in the history of Greece, rather intensified than
otherwise the painful impression of modern Greece which my observa-
tions in Athens and at the front had produced. I came away from the
country feeling that the glory of Greece had departed, that she is living
to-day on the past.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
AS SEEN AT THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE, JUNE, 1897
A \ /HEN I left the United States early in May, 1897, I had no antici-
V V pation of witnessing the Jubilee in honor of the sixtieth anniversary
of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne of Great Britain. While at
Constantinople, however, I received orders from Washington to represent
our country at that great ceremony. As soon as I had ended my obser-
vations of the Turkish and Greek armies, I started for London, arriving
there on June 15th. As the military representatives of our country, I
and my aide-de-camp, Captain Marion O. Maus, were guests of the
British government; and quarters were assigned us in the Buckingham
Palace Hotel, across the street from Buckingham Palace, a place which
had been taken for the time by the government for the purpose of enter-
taining foreign guests.
The vast concourse of people who were to take part in the celebra-
tion had already commenced to assemble. All the principal governments
of the world had been invited to send representatives, who were to be for
ten days the guests of the British government. The different colonies
of Great Britain in every quarter of the globe had also been invited to
send bodies of troops or citizens. The result was that the streets of
London were thronged by the most picturesque and cosmopolitan assem
blage that ever was gathered in any city of the earth. Not even the
triumphal march of a Roman emperor could have equaled it. Among the
MILITARY E V R O P E
Jubilee guests were representatives
from four countries of Asia not under
English rule — Corea, Japan, China,
and Siam ; from two countries of
Africa — Liberia and Egypt ; and
seven ot South America — Argentine
Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Para-,
guay, Peru, and Uruguay. The coun-
triesof Europe sent theircrown princes,
grand dukes, distinguished generals
and admirals, hereditary princes, and
pashas. All of these personages were
attended by suites, so that the number
of Jubilee guests, representing all cor-
Field-Marshal Viscount Lord Wolseley,
Commander-in-chief of the British Army.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic
Company.
ners of the earth, was very great. Of -
course they wore the costumes peculiar
to their countries — a fact which con-
tributed no little to the brilliancy of
London. The contrasts one saw fre-
quently in the throngs about Bucking-
ham Palace, in Hyde Park, and along
Piccadilly were most striking.
The ceremonies of the Diamond
Jubilee began on June 20th, the real
accession day, that is, the sixtieth an-
niversary of the Queen's coronation.
As it fell on Sunday, it was made a
day of national thanksgiving, special
Lord Roberts ("Roberts of Kandahar "),
Commander of the British forces in Ireland.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic
Company.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND 35
services being held all over the kingdom. For ten days following June
20th the celebration continued. The most brilliant of the functions dur-
ing this period were the reception by the Queen to representatives of
foreign governments, held at Buckingham Palace on June 21st, the Jubi-
lee procession on June 22d, the review of the colonial troops on June 23d,
the gala night at the opera, the lord mayor's lunch on June 25th, the great
naval review on June 26th, and on July 1st the review of British troops
at Aldershot.
The representatives of the United States, the Hon. Whitelaw Reid,
Admiral Miller, U. S. N., with his aide, Commander Emory, and myself,
with my aide, Captain Maus, were presented to her Majesty at the
reception held at Buckingham Palace on the evening of June 21st.
On being presented to the Queen, I was graciously received, and the
Prince of Wales, who stood near her Majesty, came forward and greeted
me cordially, referring to his visit to our country many years ago. I had
not seen the Prince since, as a young man, he reviewed the troops on
Boston Common, Massachusetts, in 1859. He seemed to recall his visit
to our country, and the cordial manner in which he was received and
entertained by our people, with great pleasure.
The most interesting feature of the reception was the presentation
of the colonial premiers and the Indian princes. Eleven of the premiers
had accepted the invitation of her Majesty's government to join in the
Jubilee celebration. They were a body of as fine and sturdy-looking
men as one often sees. Several of them were natives of the colonies
at the head of which they stood, though the greater number were born
in England and had removed in youth to the colonies. They had risen
to their positions by a variety of roads. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, of Canada;
Sir William Whiteway, of Newfoundland ; the Rt. Hon. George Houston
Reid, of New South- Wales, and the Rt. Hon. Charles Cameron Kingston,
of South Australia, entered politics by way of the bar. The Premier
of Queensland, Sir Hugh Muir Nelson, was for thirty years a farmer on
a large scale before he turned his attention to politics. Sir Edward
36 MILITARY EUROPE
Braddon, Premier of Tasmania, did not go to that country until 1878, and
that after thirty years of exciting life in India, where he was engaged in
the construction of the East India Railway, serving against the rebel
sepoys, winning a Mutiny medal, and later holding other high positions
in the Indian service. Sir John Forrest, of Western Australia, has led a
particularly active life. Born in that colony when it was still only a con-
vict station, he became, while yet a boy, interested in exploration. When
only twenty-three years old he headed an expedition to search for the
remains of an explorer lost in the wilds of Australia. He proved himself
so skilful in this undertaking that he was asked to conduct other expedi-
tions into unknown portions of the country. He became surveyor-gen-
eral of the colony, and later commissioner of crown lands. His services
were of the greatest value in opening the island, and he was liberally
rewarded for them by the government. When, in 1890, Western Australia
was given a constitution, Forrest was by general consent called to be
premier, a position he has held ever since.
The loyalty and devotion of the colonies to the British government
were amply proved by the presence at the Jubilee of these men. Indeed,
in one case, the desire that the colony be represented at the Jubilee was
so strong that political action was temporarily suspended in order that
the premier might feel free to go. This was in Victoria. Sir George
Turner, of Victoria, felt, when he received his invitation to the Jubilee,
that he could not leave because Parliament meets there in June. The
opposition, however, promised to suspend hostilities during his absence
if he would accept.
The presentation to the Queen of the Indian princes was an especially
interesting incident. They were usually tall, slender, erect men, as active
and supple as panthers, and quite military in appearance. They wore
the most gorgeous uniforms, glistening with rare and brilliant jewels. As
they bowed their heads almost to the floor and presented their swords in
token of loyalty to their acknowledged sovereign, Victoria graciously
greeted them with a few words of recognition, spoken in their own Ian-
The Prince of Wales, as he appeared in the Jubilee procession.
From copyrighted photograph by Gregory & Co., London.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND 39
guage, and, placing her hand upon the hilts of their swords as the)- were
presented one after the other, indicated her acceptance of their assurances
of devotion and loyalty in a most gracious manner.
Several of the princes spoke excellent English, and one of them, Sir
Bhagvat Sinh Jee, was a graduate of Edinburgh University and had re-
ceived honors from other English institutions of learning'. The most
popular man among them seemed to be the Maharaja Pertab Sing, of
fodhpur. He is prime minister and regent of a state as large as Scot-
land, with a population of 2,000,000. He is considered one of the most
loyal and able of the native princes, and is a great favorite with the
English authorities in India. He is said to be a superb horseman, and is
fond of all kinds of sports. Lord Roberts, in his " Forty-one Years in
India," tells a very good story of the bravery of the maharaja. In 1893,
before leaving India, Lord Roberts visited Jodhpur, and was given oppor-
tunity there to indulge himself in what he considers the chief of sports —
pig-sticking.
"I had wounded a fine boar," writes Lord Roberts, "and on his
making for some rocky ground where I could hardly have followed him on
horseback, I shouted to Sir Pertab to get between him and the rocks and
turn him in my direction. The maharaja promptly responded, but just
as he came face to face with the boar, his horse put his foot into a hole and
fell. The infuriated animal rushed on the fallen rider, and, before the latter
could extricate himself, gave him a severe wound in the leg with his for-
midable tushes. On croing to his assistance, I found Sir Pertab bleeding
profusely, but standing erect, facing the boar, and holding the creature
(which was upright on its hind legs) at arm's length by its mouth. The
spear, without the impetus given by the horse at full speed, is not a very
effective weapon against the tough hide of a boar's back, and on realizing
that mine did not make much impression, Pertab Sing, letting go his hold
of the boar's mouth, quickly seized his hind legs, and turned him over
on his back, crying: ' Maro, sahib, maro ! ' ('Strike, sir, strike!') which
I instantly did, and killed him. Any one who is able to realize the
40 M 1 L I T A R V EUR O P E
strength and weight of a wild boar will appreciate the pluck and presence
of mind of Sir Pertab Sing in this performance. Fortunately my wife and
daughter, who had been following the pig-stickers in a light cart, were
close at hand, and we were able to drive my friend home at once. The
wound was found to be rather a bad one, but it did not prevent Sir Pertab
from attending some tent-pegging and other amusements in the after-
noon, though he had to be carried to the scene."
When we consider that most of the vast territory which these men at
the Queen's reception represented has been added to the British Empire
since she ascended the throne, we begin to understand why the English
glory in her reign. In 1837, when Victoria was crowned, the entire white
colonial population was only 1,250,000. To-day it is over 10,000,000.
At that time India was not yet a direct dependency of the crown, but was
still under the rule of the East India Company. Hong-Kong had not
been added as a military outpost, nor was nearly so large a part of the
Malay Peninsula under British control. In all Australasia, in 1837, there
were only about 100,000 British colonists, — scattered in Tasmania, New
Zealand, and South Australia, — and most of these were supposed to be
lelons and convicts. The interior of Australia was entirely unexplored;
its resources were unknown, its future undreamed. To-day Australasia
is made up of seven rich provinces, and has a population of 4.000,000, as
loyal, intelligent, and progressive British subjects as exist on the globe.
In South Africa, sixty years ago, the English domain was confined to the
southern point of the continent ; to-day it extends, with only one impor-
tant break, from the Cape to the sources of the Nile. When Victoria
ascended the throne, the British in North America were nearly all
gathered in Ontario and Quebec, and the Hudson Bay Company occu-
pied all the central and western provinces of what is now known as the
Canadian Dominion. British Columbia was an unknown waste, only to
be reached by a terrible sea-voyage around Cape Horn. Yet to-day the
Imperial Government is in force over all this vast territory. London is
now only ten days from Vancouver, and every year is seeing the devel-
The Jubilee procession in King William Street.
Heading the procession is the Queen's carriage, followed by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, and officers of the
Life Guards.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
43
opment of new resources in a territory once believed to be useless save
as a fur-producing country.
Although the presentation of the foreign representatives to the Queen
suggested the territorial extent of the empire, it was from the Jubilee
Colonial premiers in attendance at the Queen's Jubilee and the heads of the
Colonial Office.
The persons shown in the group are : I. Sir John Bramston, Assistant Under-Secretary of State for the
Colonies ; 2. Mr. E. Wingfield, Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies ; 3. Sir H. M. Nel-
son, Premier of Queensland ; 4. Mr. J, Anderson, an under-secreiary in the Colonial Office^ 5. Mr C.
C. Kingston, Premier of South Australia; 6. The Earl of Selborne, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of
State for the Colonies: 7. Sir J. Forrest, Premier of Western Australia; 8. Mr. H. Escombe, Premier of
Natal; p. Mr. R.J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand ; 10. Sir E. N. C. Brnddon. Premier of Tasmania ;
n. Sir W Laurier, Premier of Canada; 12. Sir G. Turner, Premier of Victoria; 13. The Rt. Hon.
Joseph k Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies; 14. Mr.G. H. Reid, Premier of New South Wales ;
15. Sir W. V. Whiteway, Premier of Newfoundland; 16. birj. Gordon Sprigg, Premier of Cape Colony.
From copyrighted photograph by Elliott &: Fry, London.
procession, on June 2 2(1, that I received my deepest impression of the
vastness, the variety, and the power of the English domain. The Jubilee
procession was a military display of wonderful splendor and impressive-
ness. In it were represented not only all the varied military forces ot
the British Islands, but those of at least twenty-five of the colonics.
44
MILITARY EUROPE
These colonial troops came from the most distant points of the empire —
from Canada, New South Wales, Hong-Kong, Cape Colony, Jamaica.
Headed by Lord Roberts, they formed the first portion of the proces-
sion, of which the line of progress was from Buckingham Palace over
a great circle described through the center of London.
Types of soldiers in the British army.
Starting at the left the types shown are : Sikh infantryman, New South Wales hussar, Manitoba dragoon;
West Indian infantryman, Victoria mounted rifleman, New South Wales lancer, member of the Hong-Kong
police, and member of the North Borneo police.
From copyrighted photograph by Elliott & Fry, London.
The Canadians were at the front of the colonials — a band of mounted
troops from the Royal Dragoons, that form part of the permanent corps
maintained in the dominion. Canada has a large and well-organized
militia corps, and this now forms practically her only defense, the im-
perial troops which formerly guarded the country having been reduced to
about 2000 men, at the fortress of Halifax. The whole male population
between eighteen and sixty may be called upon to serve in one or
another class of this militia force. About 45,000 men are drilled for
sixteen days each year in what is known as the reserve militia, while the
Arrival of the Queen's carriage at St. Paul's.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
47
active militia, numbering about 35,000, serves three years. The perma-
nent corps, represented at the Jubilee, is small, but the men are of a fine,
hardy type. Toward the end of the colonial troops in the procession was
another band of Canadians that interested me much- — -the mounted
A group of colonial officers in attendance .-it the Queen's Jubilee.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
police, who have for many years done such good work in keeping order
in British Columbia, and, recently, in protecting and aiding the gold-
miners of the Klondike.
There were several bands of troops from the provinces of Australasia
in the colonial contingent. They attracted great attention, perhaps as
much by the contrast between their plain, serviceable uniforms and the
dazzling ones of other British soldiers in the town, as by their fine bearing
and excellent horsemanship. These uniforms were, as a rule, light brown
or drab in color, simply made, with little or no ornamentation. High
48 MILITARY EUROPE
boots, or leggings, were worn, and a broad-brimmed, soft hat of the same
color as the uniform, turned up on the side. In some cases feathers were
fastened to the side of the hat, which was turned up. There was a dash
of the Texan ranger or frontiersman about the uniform, which harmo-
nized perfectly with the stalwart forms and martial bearing of the men
themselves.
The armies which these fine troops represented are small, but in every
way sufficient. Thus in New South Wales the whole defense force, in-
cluding the navy, is less than 7500 men ; in New Zealand it is but little
larger ; in South Australia it is less than 2000 men. All of the Canadian
and Australasian troops were fine, well-developed men — larger and more
stalwart than the average English soldier. No doubt this is the result
of the freer life in the colonies.
Many of the finest regiments in the procession were not Englishmen
at all, however, nor even white men. They were the black, yellow, or
bronzed representatives of the various native troops which help in keep-
ing order and in defending the dependencies of the nation. They were
splendid illustrations of the- way in which England makes men from the
indolent and superstitious races of the four quarters of the globe. Per-
haps of these colored soldiers the ones of which her Majesty had most
reason to be proud were those forming the contingent from the imperial
service troops of India. The arm}- in India is made up of European and
native troops, the former numbering about 75,000, the latter 145,000 men.
Before the Mutiny, the European force was only 40,000, while the native
was 215,000. Ten years ago, in 1887, on the occasion of the Queen's
Jubilee, the Indian princes offered a large body of men to her Majesty for
imperial defense. Since that time these troops, which at the start were
undisciplined and more or less disaffected, have become the finest in India.
The native princes maintain them at their own expense, and take the
greatest pride in their efficiency and equipment. There were no more
distinguished-looking soldiers in the procession than the members of this
contingent. Their uniforms were handsome. The only detail in which
Indian native cavalry Guard of Honor.
From photograph by Gregory & Co., London: by permission of the publishers of " The Navy ami Army Illustrated.'
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY UF ENGLAND
they differed radically from European uniforms was the head-gear ; the
men all wore turbans of gay colors, which were most effective above their
bronzed faces.
A great variety of native troops from the smaller dependencies were
represented. Among them the Cypriote Zaphites were conspicuous by
a half-Turkish costume which
was not at all popular with the
crowd, who seemed to believe
that the men must be Turks.
The fez was worn also by some
of the Africans, but there was
no possibility of mistaking
them for Turks. In the bands
of native troops one of the
most conspicuous was the
Hong-Kong police. They
wore a peculiar head-gear, not
unlike a shallow basket turned
upside down, and a thoroughly
Chinese costume. There were
numerous bands of native po-
lice, for in the tropical regions
in Africa and Asia it is found
difficult to secure white men
for the service. The results
in training the natives have
been good, it is claimed : in
North Borneo the English
have even succeeded in mak-
ing a good force of the Dy-
aks, the aborigines of the island. There were men of the North
Borneo police sent to London who had been originally savages of the
The Hon. Maurice Gifford and Captain Ames,
favorites in the Jubilee procession.
From copyrighted photograph by Gregory & Co., London.
5 2
MILITARY EUROPE
purest type, even to the degree of enjoying head-hunting ; one of them
was said to have taken in his day some thirteen heads as proofs of his
courage. They looked tame enough as they appeared in London, clad in
brown-holland uniforms, with bright-red caps, and going through their
evolutions with exactness and ease.
The reception given the visiting troops by the crowd was very
hearty, though they saved their warmest cheering for certain celebrities
Soldiers of the empire.
From photograph by Gregory & Co., London ; by permission of the publishers of " The Navy and Army Illustrated."
in the procession. Unquestionably it was the Queen who received the
most affectionate welcome from the populace. No one could hear the
greetings she received without realizing something of the love the Eng-
lish people have for her. The whole line of march was an intense, en-
thusiastic demonstration of devotion for the sovereign. Many times
the Queen was moved to tears by the signs of loyal affection. But the
English people owe the Queen all the affection they give. She has been
rightly said to be " the most queenly woman and most womanly queen "
Jubilee manceuvers at AMershot.
From copyrighted photograph by the London Stereoscopic Company.
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND 55
that has graced a home and throne ; and her reign, considering the his-
tory of the past sixty years, — the important political events that have
occurred, the progress made by the whole world, the large part that
Great Britain has played in that progress, and the influence its sov-
ereign has constantly exercised upon the affairs of the world, — is the
most remarkable in the history of an)' country.
After the Queen, there is no doubt that the Princess of Wales is the
most popular woman in England. I saw many signs of this during Jubilee
week. One of the most striking was at the lord mayor's luncheon on
June 25th. The toasts customary on such occasions — to the Queen, the
royal family, the royal guests — had been given and replied to, when the
lord mayor rose and said that he wanted to forget precedent this time
and propose a toast to that princess whom all England loved and honored
— the Princess of Wales. The toast was received with the warmest ap-
probation by all present. The evening alter the Jubilee procession came
a state performance at the opera at Covent Garden, which was attended
by almost ever)- royal personage who had taken part in the Jubilee cele-
bration, except her Majesty, as well as by all t lit- colonial premiers and
foreign ambassadors. The marked attention and the respect paid to the
Princess of Wales on this occasion were noticeable to all present.
It is a combination of beauty, good taste, conscientiousness, and good-
ness that makes the Princess so much beloved of Englishwomen. Her
bearing is queenly in its dignity — the grace of her figure and gracious-
ness of her manner give her all the charm of a youthful princess; no
woman was ever more conscientious in the discharge of the duties of her
position, ami her goodness to the poor and the suffering is endless.
For example, her chief contribution to the Jubilee was inaugurating a
dinner to 300,000 of the poor of London. Almost the entire day before
the state- performance at the opera she had spent in visiting buildings in
the East End of the city where these dinners were being served.
Among the officers in the procession there were several evident favor-
ites. There was Captain Ames, of the Second Life Guards, who is the
56 MILITARY EUROPE
tallest officer in the British army, and rode at the head of the royal pro-
cession. He was put there evidently as the British ideal of a soldier, and
was warmly applauded. Maurice Gifford, of the Rhodesian Horse, was
another favorite; but here it was the man's record which touched the
crowd. Gifford lost an arm in the late war with the Matabeles, and the
empty sleeve pinned to his heart awakened murmurs of sympathy and
admiration wherever he went.
'I here was a great deal of applause for Lord Wolseley, the Com-
mander-in-Chief of the British Army. He is a fine type of the English
soldier, and his record is one of distinction. Lord Wolseley is now a man
about sixty live years of age. He has served in many exciting cam-
paigns — in Burma, in the Crimea, at Lucknow, and in China; he
suppressed the Manitoba rebellion in 1 S 6 7 ; he was the commander of the
forces in the Ashantee war of 1873, and later in Cape Colon) 1 and the
Transvaal. 1 lis last campaign was in Egypt, where he won the victory
of Tel-el-Kebir. For this lu- was gazetted a full general and made a
peer. He succeeded the Duke of Cambridge as Commander-in-Chief of
the British Army in 1895. ■
Lord Roberts appeared to hold a high place in the affections of the
people, and as he rode along cries of " Bobs," the Britisher's popular
name for him, were heard on every side. Lord Roberts is about Lord
Wolseley's age. For fortyone years he served almost continuously in
India, gradually working his way to the rank of Commander-in-Chief
of the Indian Army, one of the highest positions England gives to her
military men. Lord Roberts left India in 1893, and is now in command
of the British forces in Ireland. His career in the East was full of
dramatic deeds. He first went into service there in 185 1, joining his
lather, General Sir Abraham Roberts. The Mutiny began soon after
young Roberts reached the army, and he took an active part in the whole
terrible tragedy. He was an officer in the force which for weeks besieged
Delhi, and he was present in the awful final storming of the city. As
soon as Delhi had fallen, Roberts joined the column which went to the
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
57
relief of Lucknow, where he was one of the first to enter the city. He
served in several subsequent engagements of the Mutiny. The cam-
paigns which brought him greatest glory were those in 1878-80 against
the Afghans. It was there that for the first time he was given command
of a field force. He made the memorable advance on Kabul, an achieve-
1 Galatea.'
'Australia."
First-class battle-ships.
Ships in line at the Jubilee review of the British navy.
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
ment which he himself considers greater than the famous march from
Kabul to Kandahar, for which the English give him particular honor,
even the title of " Roberts of Kandahar." In his "Forty-one Years in
India," Lord Roberts says that his only explanation for the fact that
the world regards the latter exploit as greater than the first is the
glamour of romance thrown around the Kandahar expedition by the tact
58
MILITARY EUROPE
that an arm)- of 10,000 men were lost to view for nearly a month. While
the number of victories to his credit in the Eastern wars is very large, he
has accomplished with the army results which are quite as much to his
credit. It is he who has carried out largely the scheme of frontier
defense by which England hopes to protect her Indian boundaries against
Russian aggression. He did in his time, too, a great deal to improve
Type of the English battle-ship in the Jubilee review — the " Prince George."
Displacement, 15,140 tons. Length, 390 feet. Beam, 75 feet. Speed, 18.2 knots. Armor — rbelt, 9 inches; deck, 4 inches:
barbettes, 18 inches; turrets, 14 inches. Guns — four 12-inch (42-ton), twelve 6-inch rapid-fire, sixteen 12-ponnders, twelve
3-pounders, eight mitrailleuse. Torpedo-tubes, 5.
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
the condition of all the soldiers in India, and to work the native popu-
lation into effective troops.
To one who rode in the Jubilee procession it was the crowd of spec-
tators, not only lining the sidewalks but filling every window and root,
which was the wonder of the day. It was estimated that five million
people witnessed the procession. They were as orderly, quiet, and good-
natured as any I ever saw assembled. In fact, I did not observe a single
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
59
case of disorder or an arrest made by the police. When we realize that
this great mass of humanity finds occupation in London, supporting- itself
in fairly prosperous condition, being apparently well clad and well housed,
we realize what a great center of commerce the city is. Yet this great
manufacturing community, which has absorbed cheap labor from the
masses of other European countries, does not present the best type of the
The cruiser " Brooklyn," the representative of the United States at the Jubilee naval review.
Displacement, 9215 tons. Length, 400 feet. Beam, 64 feet. Speed, 21 knots. Armor — belt, 3 inches; deck, 3 to 6 inches:
barbettes. 8 inches; turrets, $\< inches. Guns — main battery: eight 8-inch, twelve 5-inch rapid-fire; secondary battery: twelve
6-polinders, four i-pounders, four Colts, two field-guns. Torpedo-tubes, 4.
From copyrighted photograph by West o: Son, Southsea, England.
English people. The crowd in London on Jubilee day appeared to me, as
a class, short of stature, lacking in appearance as compared with the stal-
wart soldiers and sturdy yeomanry that we find in the English, Irish, and
Scotch country districts.
Along the entire line of march our national colors mingled with the
bright colors of other nations. The Stars and Stripes waved in every
6o M I L I T A K V E U R O P E
block, and there was no more hearty cheering' than that which came from
the tens of thousands of American citizens as an expression of their re-
spect for the gracious sovereign, and as a token of their appreciation of
the fact that throughout her long reign peace and friendship have existed
between our two nations. Friendly sentiments were heard from Ameri-
cans on every hand. Possibly the best expression of the general feeling
is found in the letter sent by President McKinley to her Majesty :
To Her Majesty, Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India.
Great and Good Friend: In the name and behalf of the people of the United States,
I present their sincere felicitations upon the sixtieth anniversary of Your Majesty's accession
to the crown of Great Britain.
I express the sentiments of my fellow-citizens in wishing for your people the prolongation
of a reign illustrious and marked by advance in science, arts, and popular well-being.
On behalf of my countrymen, I wish particularly to recognize your friendship for the
United States, and your love of peace, exemplified upon important occasions.
It is pleasing to acknowledge the debt of gratitude and respect due to your personal vir-
tues. May your life be prolonged and peace, honor and prosperity bless the people over
whom you have been called to rule. May liberty flourish throughout your empire, under just
and equal laws and your government continue strong in the affections of all who live
under it.
And I pray God to have Your Majesty in His holy keeping.
Done at Washington, this 28th day of May, a. d. 1897.
Your Good Friend,
By the President: Wm. McKinley.
John Sherman,
Secretary of State.
The Jubilee ceremonies offered an especially fine opportunity for
studying the British army, bully 50,000 men were gathered in London
for the procession, and they were conspicuous at every ceremony of the
ten days' celebration which followed. These men all belonged to English,
Irish, and Scotch regiments of the regular army, so that their concentra-
tion in London was a comparatively simple matter. England keeps at
home about 100,000 soldiers at present, of which number some 25,000
form the Irish army. About 5000 men are usually in Egypt, and other
colonies absorb some 33,000 more. This makes up the regular British
army, exclusive of the 75,000 troops in the Indian service. The force at
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
61
home is stationed in military districts in England, Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, and the Channel Islands.
Men go into the army by voluntary enlistment, but once there, they
must stay for a full term of service, unless they are willing to buy a dis-
charge. This costs ninety dollars, and in case of men who have served
over three months it is easy to secure, save in special instances. There
The cruiser " Amira! Pothuan," the representative of France at the Jubilee naval review.
Displacement, 5365 tons. Length. 360 feet. Beam, 49 feet. Speed, 19.2 knots. Armor — belt, 2.3 inches; deck, 3.3 inches;
turrets, 7 inches. Guns — two 7.5-inch, ten 5.5-inch rapid-fire, ten 1.8-inch rapid-fire, eight 1.4-inch. Torpedo-tubes, 5.
From copyrighted photograph by West 6; Son, Southsea, England.
are two terms of service — one of twelve years with the colors and with
no reserve afterward, and one of seven years with the army and five with
the reserve. Recruits are not difficult to secure, from 35,000 to 40,000
being approved yearly for both the regular army and the militia. The
regular army was finely represented in the Jubilee by picked men from the
Life and Dragoon Guards and from the Royal Artillery and Engineers.
The most imposing military display, however, was the 40,000 soldiers
b2
MILITARY EUROPE
who lined both sides of the route of the procession — a distance of seven
miles. They were marched into line by nine o'clock of Jubilee day, and
remained in place until the procession had ended. At certain points
where the crowd was very great, as about Trafalgar Square and around
St. Paul's, the lines were doubled. The greater number of the troops be-
The cruiser " Rossia," the representative of Russia at the Jubilee naval review.
Displacement, 12,195 tons. Length. 475 feet. Beam, 86 feet. Speed. 22 knots. Armor — belt. 9.8 inches; deck, 3 inches.
Guns — four 8-inch, sixteen 5.9-inch, six 4.7-inch rapid-fire, twenty-six 1.8-inch and 1.4-inch. Torpedo-tubes, 5.
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
longed to the army, although they were varied by detachments from the
naval brigade. The blue-jackets were one of the smartest bodies ot men
out, and received great attention from the crowd, to whom evidently they
were not nearly so familiar as the red-jackets.
Besides her regular army, Great Britain has a reserve force of militia
volunteers and yeoman cavalry sufficient, in time of need, to bring her
force up to something like 725,000 men, including the white troops of
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND 63
India. The reserve troops were represented at the Jubilee by fine
regiments from various parts of the British Islands.
The annual cost of this army is, of course, great. In 1896-97 it
amounted to some $90,000,000. This appropriation covered not only
the cost of the regular troops, but of the reserve force ; it included also
The battle-ship " Worth," the representative of Germany at the Jubilee naval review.
Displacement. 10,200 tons. Length, 380 feet. Beam, 68 feet. Speed, 17 = knots Armor— belt, 15.7 inches; deck, 3 inches;
turrets, n. 8 inches. Guns — six 11-inch, six 4.1-inch rapid-fire, eight 3.4-inch, two small calibre, ten mitrailleuse. Torpedo-tubes, 7.
From copyrighted photograph by West 8: Son, Southsea, England.
military education, gratuities, pensions, rewards — everything, in short,
pertaining to the army.
Of the general efficiency of the training of the troops I had an excel-
lent opportunity to judge at a review given on July ist in the presence
of the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Crown Prince
and Princess of Italy, the Duke and Duchess of York, Lord Wolseley,
and other high officials of the British and other governments. This re-
view was held at Aldershot, a small town about fortv miles southwest
64 MILITARY EUROPE
of London, where there are a permanent camp and barracks. On account
of its proximity to London, Aldershot is a favorite point for reviews and
manoeuvers.
Fortunately, July rst was a bright, beautiful day. The field where
the review took place was not large, but it was covered with a strong,
green English turf, and, with the forests and rolling hills in the back-
ground, made a perfect place for a display of troops. About 28,000 men
assembled for the review, of whom fully 1000 were colonials. The scene
was one of indescribable brilliancy, because of the great variety of uni-
forms and the splendid equipment and discipline of the troops. I was
very much impressed by the strong colors of the British uniform, now that
I saw them massed. On a single soldier one does not notice them par-
ticularly ; but in large bodies the black, green, scarlet, and blue are won-
derfully bright and effective. To the beauty of the clay and brilliancy of
the troops was added the best and most inspiring music I heard in
Europe. The pipes of the Highlanders and the splendid military bands
of the English and Irish regiments were equal to any I have ever heard.
Mingled with the national airs, such as " British Grenadiers," the notes
of some of Sousa's best marches greeted my ears again as they had done
in Constantinople.
The colonials were given the place of honor in the review, that is,
they were the first to march before her Majesty. As on the day of the
Jubilee procession, they were commanded by Lord Roberts. They formed
a picturesque sight as they passed rapidly across the field at Aldershot
and wheeled into position at the left of her Majesty. As soon as they
had taken their places, the regular troops marched past in divisions.
They were then massed and moved past in line of brigades; then the
cavalry and artillery charged past at a gallop ; and at the close, the entire
army of 28,000 men formed on the opposite side of the field from her
Majesty's carriage, and moved in one solid body across the field, and
halted in perfect line within a hundred yards of the carriage. All the
bands then struck up " God Save the Queen," and the entire body
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
65
shouted, " Long live Victoria ! " Thousands manifested their enthusiasm
by placing their hats upon their bayonets and swords and waving them in
the air, making it one of the most remarkable scenes I have ever wit-
nessed, and one of the greatest demonstrations of loyalty and devotion
that could possibly be made by an army toward a sovereign. The Queen
The Spanish armored cruiser "Vizcaya."
Displacement, 7000 tons. Length, 400 feet. Beam, 65 feet. Speed, 21 knots. Armor — belt, 12 inches; deck, 3 inches;
turrets, 10 inches. Guns — two 9.5-inch (21-ton), ten 5. 5-inch, two 2.7-inch, seven 2.2-inch rapid-fire, eight 1.4-inch, seven mitrail-
leuse. Torpedo-tubes, 8.
From copyrighted photograph by West & Son, Southsea, England.
was so moved by it that her face was bedewed with tears of gratitude, and
thousands and tens of thousands of the British people looked on with
moistened eyes.
Imposing as is England's army in numbers, efficient as it is in every
way, much as its varied services, now in Africa, now in China, now in the
Pacific, appeal to our admiration, yet England's real defense is her navy.
66
MILITARY EUROPE
For more than two thousand years the nation that has controlled the
seas has to a great extent dictated the politics of the world. This was
true of Rome and Spain, and has been true of England. For a short
time the United States navy was the most powerful, in fact the only
IlIllllIP!?' .ill!
Her Majesty the Queen.
modern navy of its kind afloat; but the prominence it occupied in 1865
remained with us but a few years. The sea power of England is to-day
the bulwark and salvation of the British Empire. By that power it is
enabled to hold its own provinces and to exert the most powerful influ-
ence in the politics of the world. The English are not only proud of
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
6 7
their present sea power, but they glory in the events of the past, and
they justly felt that a review of their fleet would be one of the significant
and splendid features of the Jubilee ceremonies. To carry out their
plans they assembled off Spithead, in the English Channel, one hundred
and sixty-eight vessels of the Brit-
ish navy, manned by 38,000 men,
the most powerful and effective fleet
that ever floated upon the waters of
the earth.
They were not mistaken in their
belief that the pageant would be im-
posing. No man on the special train
which took the royal party and the
Jubilee guests down from London
to Portsmouth on June 26, 1897, na d
ever seen such a sight. We reached
Portsmouth about noon, and were
assigned places on the royal yachts
which were to pass the fleet in re-
view. At two o'clock a salute was
fired, and the Victoria and Albert,
the yacht having the Prince of
Wales on board, started from the
harbor of Portsmouth, followed by a line of vessels bearing the guests.
To understand the manner in which the review was conducted one
should examine the bird's-eye view of the fleet as it lay at anchor, repro-
duced on page 69. That view shows how the 168 battle-ships and
cruisers which formed the fleet were arranged in lines running from
east to west, 30 in the first line, 30 in the second, 38 in the third, 48 in
the fourth. South of them were arranged first a line of visiting- battle-
ships, and beyond that a row of merchant vessels. To the north were
some twenty torpedo-boats. By this arrangement great water avenues
The Princess of Wales.
68 MILITARY EUROPE
were formed, and it was up and down these that the reviewing vessels
passed.
Every ship in the fleet was gaily decorated with hundreds of flags
and pennants, and the yards were manned by seamen. As the Prince of
Wales passed, the band of each ship played " God Save the Queen " and
other national airs, and the great batteries thundered their salutes. In
the line of foreign vessels was a single war-ship of the United States, the
Brooklyn. She was the only vessel in the line painted white, and the
irreverent tars called her the "cement factory." Her decks were crowded
with a good company of enthusiastic Americans. The review occupied
some two hours, and after it was over the vessels returned to Portsmouth,
where the Prince of Wales signaled to the admiral who commanded the
fleet, Sir Nowell Salmon, his satisfaction with the display. That evening
the fleet was illuminated — a surpassingly beautiful spectacle. An excel-
lent description of this illumination was given by Mr. Steevens, and is
here quoted :
Out on the sea front you could see the lights of the fleet like glow-worms in the dark.
Then suddenly there sounded a gun ; and as I moved along Southsea Common there appeared
in the line a ship of fire: a ship all made of fire — hull and funnels and military masts with fight-
ing-tops. And then another, and another, and another. The fleet revealed itself from behind
the castle, ship after ship traced in fire against the blackness. From the head of Southsea
they still came on — fresh wonders of grace and light and splendor, stretching away, still end-
lessly, as in the daytime, till they became a confused glimmer six miles away. It was the
fleet, and yet not the fleet. You could recognize almost any ship by her lines and rig, — just
as if it had been in day, — only transmuted from steel and paint into living gold.
For three hours this miracle of brightness shone vvondrously at Spithead. At half-past
eleven or so the Prince returned the second time as before, and the golden fleet sent a
thunder of salute after him. Then, as I stood on the high roof of the Central Hotel, the clock
struck twelve, and before my eyes the golden fleet vanished — vanished clean away in a
moment. You could just see it go. Here half a ship broken off, there masts and funnels
hanging an instant in the air; it all vanished, and nothing at all was left except the rigging
lights, trembling faintly once more on the dark sea.
One of the most significant things of the day to me was that within
view of this great fleet of modern war-ships lay that link which binds the
glories of the past with the grandeur and power of the present — the small
THE MILITARY AND NAVAL GLORY OF ENGLAND
6 9
battle-ship Victory, the flag-ship of Nelson, who contributed so much to
the perpetuity and fame of the British navy. It is still preserved with
great care, and the place on the deck where Nelson stood when he re-
V
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NAVAL REVIEW/ -T^U^K
at SPITHEAD
JUNE 26 1897.
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One hundred and sixty-eight vessels of the British navy, manned by 38,000 men, the most powerful and
effective fleet that ever floated upon the waters of the earth."
ceived his mortal wound, and the little cabin where he died amid the
storm, the horror, and the gleam of victory of the great battle of
Trafalgar.
The most wonderful fact about the review was that not a single vessel
from the Mediterranean, Asiatic, or Pacific squadrons was drawn to make
up this powerful body of war-ships. The review fleet was but a minor
part of the great naval force which Great Britain has scattered in all parts
of the globe. The British fleet entire — which at the time of the review
was manned by 100,000 men and had cost upward of $400,000,000 —
consisted of 467 ships of all classes, with 64 building. Of this number
28 were first-class battle- ships, 34 first-class cruisers, 125 first-class tor-
7° MILITARY EUROPE
pedo craft. When we remember that England must keep vessels in all
quarters of the globe — in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, off the
coast of North America and in the West Indies, at the Cape of Good
Hope and in the Pacific, as well as a great number for general service
the need of this vast armament is apparent. It is the one effective safe-
guard not only of England but of her world-wide colonies.
MILITARY MANCEUVERS
MILITARY MANCEUVERS
THE autumn manoeuvers of Europe, which take place annually, are of
deep and important interest to military students. Each year officers
from all of the principal countries of the world are sent by their govern-
ments to witness these manceuvers and to make reports upon them. In
late years they have been very extensive in some countries, especi-
ally in Germany, Erance, and Russia. Many important lessons, re-
garding not only tactical formations of troops, but also all kinds of
equipments, the quickest and safest means of transportation, and the
food best adapted for troops while in actual service, have been learned
from observations made by military men during these manceuvers. Many
of the modern appliances of war are tested in these campaigns, and their
use exemplified. All of these things aside, however, the benefit derived
from the athletic training of men and the discipline would, perhaps, be
a sufficient reward for the time, money, and energy spent in organizing
and carrying out these manoeuvers. I was especially fortunate, during
my travels in Europe in 1897, in having occasion to witness the ma-
nceuvers held at Krasnoe-Selo, near St. Petersburg, Russia, the grand
manceuvers in Germany, and part of those in the north of France.
The first of these took place in Russia, where I arrived on August
15th. I had previously communicated with our representative, the Hon.
Clifton R. Breckinridge, whom I had known very pleasantly for a num-
ber of years as a distinguished member of Congress from Arkansas, and
74
M I L I T A R V EUROPE
who had represented our government with such marked ability at the
Russian court. He had already made known to the Russian government
my wishes to witness their manceuvers and to see such other military
exercises as it might please them to permit me. I was duly introduced
by Mr. Breckinridge to the ministers of war and of foreign affairs, who
received me in a most courteous and friendly way, showing their desire
Officers of the Russian gendarmerie preceding an imperial train.
to extend every civility. A very accomplished and experienced officer
of the Chevalier Garde, Lieutenant Tsertzkoff, was detailed to report to
me for duty during my stay, and two of the royal carriages were placed
at my disposal, while the Emperor entertained me and my party as
guests.
I had been but two days at St. Petersburg when I received an invi-
tation, which amounted to a command, to visit Peterhof, undoubtedly
n A Miles and his aide, Lieutenant-Colonel Maus, viewing the maneuvers of the Russian
Geneial Nelson A. IVLue^ ^ ^ pe ' tersburg> in honor of the President of France.
M I L I T A K V MANCEUVERS
77
the most attractive summer palace in the world at the present time,
occupied by the Emperor and Empress as their summer home. At the
palace I was granted an interview by his Majesty, and was received with
marked cordiality. The Emperor's manner is frank and unostentatious,
and there is nothing in his speech or deportment to impress one with the
large power possessed by this young man
of thirty-three years. He speaks English
perfectly, is thoroughly well informed on all
military matters, and in general appearance
is as much a student as a soldier. He de-
votes much attention to civil affairs, and is
especially interested in the internal im-
provements, developments, and commercial
welfare of Russia.
The conversation related chiefly to mili-
tary matters, and then drifted to the subject
which appeared to be nearest the Emper-
or's heart — that of the great Siberian Rail-
way, which is of vast commercial, political,
and military importance to Russia. He him-
self passed over the zone that this great rail-
way will penetrate before he ascended the
throne, and he is now president of the company which is rapidly construct-
ing this great work. It is one of the most important enterprises now under
process of construction in the world; it will be a powerful factor in develop-
ing a country the resources of which are little known, and will have great
effect upon the destinies of mankind. In speaking of this enterprise I re-
ferred to the great change that had been wrought in our own country by
the construction of the transcontinental railroads, first definitely projected
during our terrible civil war, for the purpose of holding the two sections
of our country in closer union and more loyal sentiment. I declared that
these railroads have transformed that vast area of wild territory and moun-
Prince KhilkofT,
Russian Minister of Public Works.
From a photograph liy Levitsky, St. Petersburg.
78
MILITARY EUROPE
tain waste into settled, civilized, thriving, progressive communities in the
space of a single generation, and I said that I presumed a similar result
would follow the opening of the great avenue of communication and
commerce now being constructed across the enormous area of the
Russian Empire. I asked if the land would be divided into subdivisions
in a way similar to what we had adopted in our own country and found
A group of commanders in the Russian army at the grand review at Krasnoe-Selo.
On the left, distinguishable by his white beard, is General Bilderlung, in conversation with the Grand Duke Vladimir, in the center.
Facing them, on the right, is General Obrontcheff, recently retired from the command of the army.
so beneficial. The Emperor said that that was his purpose and design,
and he hoped for gratifying results. I remarked that we had found, by
dividing our public land into small sections and parceling them out to
colonists, that they had become our most intelligent, loyal citizens ; that
we found they were wedded and anchored to the soil, and that a
man who possessed a quarter-section of land was a more loyal citizen
than one who simply owned a knife. The use of the last word seemed
to cause his Majesty an unhappy thought, as I judged from his expres-
MILITARY M AN CEUVERS 79
sion ; yet he instantly resumed his pleasant mood, talked upon the
subject of the development of that great section of his empire with much
interest, and expressed hope that the completion of the enterprise would
contribute to the welfare and benefit of the people of Russia.
The construction of the Siberian Railway is under the supervision
of one of the most remarkable men of Europe. Prince Khilkoff, some
twenty years ago, had a misunderstanding with his father, and declared
that he would not receive any assistance from his estate. He came to
America and sought occupation. He found a humble position in a
machine-shop in Philadelphia, and was first set to making bolts in a
car factory. By his devotion to his work, and by his intelligence and
acquired skill, he passed through all the phases of that industry until
he became superintendent of the establishment. He at one time ran
a locomotive on the Pennsylvania Central, and in time acquired a thor-
ough knowledge not only of the construction of the material pertaining
to railroad appliances, but the mode of constructing and managing such
systems of transportation. He at length returned to Russia, obtained
a similar position in one of the great establishments of that country,
and finally worked his way up to the responsible position of Minister
of Transportation for the Russian Empire, which position he now holds.
Under his direction is being constructed perhaps the greatest civil en-
terprise now going on in any part of the world, one which will have
great influence not only on the future destinies of Russia, but on the
people of India, China, and Japan. Prince Khilkoff speaks English per-
fectly, looks like an American, and is one of the brightest and strongest
men I met during my journey. Two years ago he passed over the line
of the road, crossing from Japan to San Francisco, thence across our
country to New York, on his return to St. Petersburg.
It was just after my visit to Peterhof that I went to Krasnoe-Selo
to see the manceuvers of the Russian army. Krasnoe-Selo, or, as the
translation of the word means, " Red Village," is situated about fifteen
or twenty miles distant from St. Petersburg. Here annually a large
8o MILITARY EUROPE
camp is formed, and manoeuvers are carried out. In other sections of
Russia there are more extended manceuvers, but those, I understand,
are never witnessed by foreigners ; for example, they occur on a very
extensive scale each year in Poland. Krasnoe-Selo is a very pretty
village which was purchased by the government as a field for manceuvers
sixty years ago, and has gradually been improved until now it is ad-
mirably adapted for the purpose. There are barracks for the soldiers,
hospitals for the sick, buildings for the officers, a special pavilion for
the Emperor, with other suitable buildings for the imperial family, a
building in which the Emperor's mess is established, and quarters for
the entertainment of guests who witness annually the evolutions of the
army. This camp is not occupied all the year round, as at Aldershot,
the English camp, but after the exercises have been completed the troops
retire to their stations.
My first visit to Krasnoe-Selo was on August iSth, three days be-
fore the grand manceuvers began. The occasion was the fete d'c'glisc,
or church fete, of some of the regiments, which was to be followed by a
review of the troops by the Emperor.
Each regiment in the Russian army has a patron saint, and on the
day of that saint yearly a religious ceremony is held by the regiment.
It is always an interesting ceremony, and on the occasion at Krasnoe-
Selo was one of great brilliancy.
Accompanied by Captain Maus and Lieutenant Tsertzkoffi, I left St.
Petersburg on a special train ordered for the guests at nine o'clock on the
mornine of the 18th, and arrived in time to witness all of the ceremonies.
The railroad along the line from St. Petersburg to camp was guarded
by troops.
The Emperor, the Empress, grand-dukes and duchesses, — in fact, a
large number of the royal family, — came to the camp about eleven o'clock.
Their coming was announced by long-continued blasts of trumpets and
the sounds of drums. A handsome tent had been arranged for their con-
venience, where seats were placed on rich rugs. The high priests of the
Nicholas II., Emperor of Russia.
Nicholas II. succeeded to the Russian throne October 20, 1894. This portrait was taken while he was still Grand Duke.
From a photograph by De Jongh Frt-res. Paris.
MILITARY MANCEUVERS 83
church, in their brilliant robes, were especially impressive. The Emperor
first proceeded down the lines of the troops, who had been formed in a
hollow square, and as he passed each organization he addressed the men
in words which, I was informed, meant, " Good morning, my braves," or
"men." The long line of men, with their eyes fixed upon the Emperor,
replied as in one voice, saying, "We thank your Majesty; we wish you
much happiness." As each organization was passed the same words were
said. There was a good feeling in all this ; there was a hearty sound
to the voice of the men in recognition of their Emperor, far different from
the harsh way we have been taught to believe that the Russian soldiers
look upon the officials of Russia.
The religious part of the ceremony consisted of prayer and blessing
of the flags by the priests, who pass along the lines in so doing. During
the prayers the Emperor stood before the cosmopolitans bareheaded, in
a reverential way crossing himself several times. After the religions
part of the ceremony was over the troops marched by. The march-
ing was excellent, the men appearing especially well in every wa^\ As
each battalion passed, the Emperor would express his approval by say-
ing, "Well done," while a thousand voices in unison replied, "We thank
your Majesty; we are glad to please you." On other occasions I
noticed that the Emperor spoke to his men, and that replies were given
in words the meaning of which was the same.
After the review we passed through the camps, which were well organ-
ized, the sanitary conditions being especially good. They were clean and
pleasant-looking. On this occasion the men had an extra good din-
ner, and appeared to be contented and to enjoy what was provided for
them. The ladies of the party seemed to take great interest in the men's
mess. We then proceeded to the Emperor's pavilion, where we had
lunch. It was a very pleasant occasion, and a large number of officers
were present. It being the birthday of the Emperor of Austria, the
Russian Emperor drank to his health, to which the Austrian ambassador
replied in a happy manner.
8 4
MILITARY EUROPE
The manceuvers which followed the lunch were divisional. An attack
on Krasnoe-Selo was attempted by one division, while another division
defended it. It was conducted in a very spirited way. the Emperor, the
Empress, and others being present and witnessing it. A theater is pro-
vided at the camp, and in the evening we attended the performance, Mme.
judic performing. The theater is owned by the government, and re-
* H<\i> B
^VHHBinBKi.
'. .
?
M*
■
3
Manceuvers of Russian soldiers — the passage of a river.
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
served for the use of the military and guests. I had the pleasure ot
meeting on this occasion the Princess Bellokowski, who vvas a Miss
Whittier of Boston, an especially attractive woman and very popular
at the Russian court.
The grand manceuvers commenced on the 21st, the troops en-
gaged being those of the Gorde Corps, in all about 35,000 to 40,000
men. For the purpose the forces wire divided into two corps. One
corps, operating from the north, was slightly weaker than the other,
The royal party at the review of Russian troops, held in honor of the President of Fiance.
The Emperor Nicholas is seen standing at the door of the tent.
MILITARY MANCEUVERS 87
but expected reinforcements from the railroad by way of Finland.
The object of the southern force was to prevent the arrival of the rein-
forcements. It was a beautiful country for such a manceuver, and the
place where we were to rendezvous and where the Emperor was to
repair was on a high point from which one could see the country for miles
around, and this was the key of the position, for which a struggle was
made by the southern force.
The use of cavalry as practised in the Russian army was well shown
here, as a large force, with several horse batteries, was rapidly sent for-
ward to dismount and occupy this hill and to hold it until the infantry
forces from the north, coming down in two larye columns, should arrive.
The movement was well executed. The batteries had just been placed
in position when the advance of the southern force was seen approach-
ing, the forces proceeding in long columns covered by cavalry, while
away to the front patrols could be seen moving. The northern army
having occupied its line of battle, the cavalry moved off to its left.
Shortly afterward the cavalry of the south could be seen rapidly approach-
ing, when a charge was made, the two cavalry columns meeting. It was
exceedingly interesting, resulting, however, in the defeat of the north-
ern cavalry, which retired and reformed some distance to the rear.
Heavy artillery firing now commenced from the south. It was kept
up for a long time, and in actual war would have been very severe.
This was replied to, however, by a number of batteries well sta-
tioned along the line of defense. The attack was made by the south-
ern force in regular order, line after line advancing to the attack well
supported, according to the modern attack formation. The fire was very
intense. All along the line this fire was kept up for perhaps an hour,
until at last the northern force made a charge, each line passing through
the other, when the recall was sounded. The results of these manceu-
vers were not published, but in all probability the northern force would
have been successful in resisting the attack made upon it.
The Emperor, who is a most active and energetic man, evinced great
88
MILITARY EUROPE
personal interest in all the manceuvers and exercises of the troops dur-
ing the encampment, and made his headquarters at the camp during the
entire time. He was present each day, and witnessed carefully each
movement. Each day notifications were given as to the manner of dress,
the exact hour and point of rendezvous. The Grand Duke Vladimir
ordered the general plan of operations day by day, but great latitude was
The Fifty-second Regiment of Infantry of Vilna at Theodosia, in the Crimea.
Formation of a company of chasseurs, escalade movement.
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
left to commanding officers, and they were invited, as is the custom in
foreign armies, to show originality and energy in carrying out their
special movements ; and the successful handling of troops was a matter
of especial commendation by the Emperor, whose desire appeared to be
to give his officers that experience which would fit them tor command in
actual war.
MILITARY MAXCEUVEKS
8 9
The time is not entirely taken up at Krasnoe-Selo in military manceu-
vers. The camp life here is a matter of much interest to the visitor.
As soon as the day's work is done, soldiers are free to amuse themselves
as they wish, so that the entire camp becomes for the time a great play-
ground ; and the men appear to enjoy exceedingly this relaxation, while
at the same time they evince great interest and earnestness in military
M-
Review of hussars of the Emperor at Krasnoe-Selo, August, 1897.
The Grand Duke Vladimir, Commander of the Districts of St. Petersburg, is in the middle foreground ; Colonel Gregaria, waving
his sword, is at the right. The Signal Department is seen under the balloon.
work. Another interesting feature of the Krasnoe-Selo manceuvers is
the presenting here each year of the diplomas by the Emperor to the
cadets of the military schools. At the time of my visit on the completion
of the manceuvers about 800 cadets were made happy by the Emperor
commissioning them.
Just after the annual manceuvers of the army ended I had an oppor-
90 MILITARY EUROP E
tunity to see a most imposing review of the Russian troops held in honor
of President Faure, of the French Republic. The French President
reached Kronstadt, the harbor of St. Petersburg, on the morning of
August 23d. Here the Emperor and his suite met him and conducted
him to Peterhof, where in the evening a grand banquet was given. The
next day the entire company at Peterhof went to St. Petersburg, where a
most enthusiastic popular reception was accorded the distinguished visitor.
The most exacting Frenchman could not have demanded more. One
could not but contrast this wild demonstration over the visit of the French
President with the mission and reception of the great Corsican some
eighty-five years before, and marvel at the rapidity with which events ot
the past are forgotten when the interests of the present and the welfare
of the future are before a people or government.
This review took place at Krasnoe-Selo, the Emperor, Empress, and
the President and their guests going to the field by rail. The royal
party went at once, on arriving, to what was called the Tribune of Honor,
a great artificial mound built up at one side of the field and covered with
sod. On it was erected a tent for their convenience. From this stand
the President and Empress watched the review. The Emperor, with the
grand dukes and the military representatives of other powers, were ranged
in line at the base of the Tribune. The review was one of the finest
military displays I have ever witnessed.
The most dramatic incident of the review was the passing in front
of the Tribune of Honor of Prince Louis Napoleon at the head ol his
company of Russian troops, the Czar and the President both graciously
acknowledging his salute as he passed.
Every man in Russia is liable to military service from his twenty-first
year. Nearly 900,000 reach this age every year in the empire, and
of these about 275,000 are taken into the active army, and the rest
are placed in the reserve, which is of three classes. Those in the active
army serve five years, and those in the reserve one, three, and five, ac-
cording to the class. These latter drill six weeks twice a year. These
Arrival of President Faure at Kronstadt to visit the Emperor of Russia, August 23, 1897.
. . . i ri -J_._. „f t" --„ Tko fit-in A Ftllk-
beside the Emperor, leaning on his sword, is Admiral Tchikalcnetl.
MILITARY MANEUVERS 93
are the periods in European Russia; they differ somewhat in Asia and
Caucasia. The total peace footing of the armies of "all the Russias,"
that is, Russia in Europe, Siberia, Turkestan, and Finland, amounts,
according to the latest figures, to 33,529 officers, 835,143 men, and 155,-
478 horses. The actual war footing is more difficult to know, but, accord-
ing to the most conservative estimate, it is probable that Russia could, in
case of war, mobilize with tolerable ease in first line of battle an army
of at least 1,355,000 men, with a reserve of about 1,100,000; that is,
she would have at her command a force of 2,455,000, witli perhaps
55,000 officers and 500,000 horses. If one considers the efficiencv of
the troops and the officers, something of the military strength of the
empire is realized.
From the observations of the Russian army which I was able to make
at Krasnoe-Selo during the manceuvers and at the review, I concluded
that it is exceedingly well equipped, well disciplined, and well armed for
any purpose, and that its officers are skilled and accomplished. Most
of the officers belong to the aristocracy, and are highly educated ; they
are the best military linguists in Europe. The Grand Duke Vladimir
is an ideal field-marshal and a very able general, in whom evidently the
Emperor has great confidence. The Grand Duke Alexis is the head
of the navy department. In my conversation with him he referred with
great pleasure to his visit and entertainment in our country, and the
famous hunts in which he took part on the plains. He has grown
somewhat stout since his visit to our country, but has a very com-
manding presence.
The Russian army is, I think, capable of greater endurance in the
field than any other in Europe. The infantry and artillery are com-
posed of strong, hardy men, and the cavalry are unexcelled. The Cos-
sacks constitute perhaps the best of the mounted troops. The horses
are strong, hardy, and well fitted for the hardships and fatigues that
campaigns require. In fact, the Russian horses, I believe, are the best
in the world. The Russian people take better care of their horses than
y4 MILITARY EUROPE
any other people I have ever known. They are strong, well fed, and
full of spirit, and not mutilated in the cruel manner in which we find
them in our own country and other countries of Europe. In fact, in
Russia it is considered bad iorm for a driver to carry a whip, and
I never saw during my stay a horse that appeared to be ill treated or
ill fed.
From St. Petersburg I went to Berlin, where I had my first look at
the German troops, at a review by the Emperor and Empress of the Guard
Corps, undoubtedly the best corps of the German army. At the close
of the ceremony I was presented to the Emperor. His Majesty, drilled
from boyhood in military duties, is a thorough soldier and an intense
enthusiast in military matters. The Empress, mounted on a splendid
charger, presented a very beautiful appearance with her three-cornered
chapeau and the bright white uniform of her regiment. She seemed
to have the devotion and affection of the army quite as much, if not more
than, the sovereign.
While in Berlin I received a very cordial letter from Herr Krupp,
inviting me to visit his works at Essen with my aide-de-camp, Captain
Maus. I accepted the invitation and spent two days with him. I found
Herr Krupp living in a palatial residence surrounded by forests and
fields. He is a grandson of Krupp, the founder of the famous estab-
lishment. This latter started in a humble way, but he continued until
his establishment became the greatest of its class in the world. At pres-
ent there are some 33,000 men employed at Essen, and in addition to
the main works there are branch establishments located at other places.
Millions of dollars worth of war materials go out from these foundries.
Not only are war materials constructed, but machinery of the finest
type and for all sorts of purposes, great quantities even being sent to
this country. The Calumet and Hecla copper-mines on Lake Superior
are among Krupp's best customers, and have imported considerable quan-
tities of massive machinery from his works. It is singular to see how
real worth finds its natural level. Here at Krupp's foundry they are
MILITARY MANEUVERS 95
using intricate machinery invented by Americans, and at the same time
sending' machinery of their own construction to American markets.
The present head of the Krupp establishment lives like a prince. He
is highly educated, benevolent, progressive, and well informed on all
topics of the day. Like his father, he has declined all titles from the
German government. 1 [err Krupp entertains many distinguished guests.
While I was there he was anticipating a visit from the King of Siam, who
was coming with a suite of some twenty persons, and he was anxiously-
considering how he could best entertain him. He had made a program
for the three days the King was to remain. On the first the)- were to
visit his extensive establishment ; on the second, drive over the beautiful
country. The third da)' was Sunday, and Herr Krupp was at a loss to
know what to do with the distinguished pagan. He heard, however, of
a traveling circus company in the neighborhood, and decided to engage
it for the entire day, in order to give the King an entertainment which
would be amusing, it not instructive.
After visiting Krupp' s foundry I went to Homburg, where I had been
invited to witness the grand manoeuvers of the German arm)'. These ma-
neuvers took place near Homburg, the principal territory manceuvered
over being that to the east, in the vicinity ot Hanau and Franktort. The
Emperor had his headcpiarters at Homburg. This was the latter part of
the season, and while there were still a great many guests present, many
had departed. The Prince of Wales had not made his usual visit to
this place, but the Duke of Cambridge was there, and was present
at the great review of the Eleventh Army-Corps, which took place on the
4th of September, on which occasion the troops presented a most mag-
nificent appearance. In addition to the Emperor and Empress, the
Grand Duchess of Hesse, honorary colonel of one of the regiments,
and King Humbert and Queen Margarita of Italy were present at the
review.
This corps was about 33,000 strong, one of the largest in the German
army. It was interesting to see the King of Italy, who was honorary
9 6
MILITARY EUROPE
colonel of one of the regiments, take his place at the head of the regiment
and pass in review before the Emperor. The Grand Duchess of Hesse
also passed in review at the head of her regiment, while the Emperor left
the column twice, and taking command of regiments of which he was
honorary colonel, leaving the King of Italy at the reviewing-stand, passed
these regiments in review. Twice they passed, once in column of compa-
The First Regiment of Orenburg Cossacks at Kharkoff, performing exercises on horseback.
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
nies, batteries, and squadrons, again in line of battalions, the cavalry and
artillery at *a gallop, in perfect order, presenting a magnificent appear-
ance. That niq;ht, as well as after the review at Berlin, we were all
entertained by the Emperor at a state dinner. A speech was made by
Emperor William, full of kindly feeling for Italy, and a reply was made
by King Humbert, with equally friendly expressions, from which it was
evident that the Triple x^lliance was still in strong force.
The grand manceuvers which took place on September 6th and ended
■> m n 1
Emperor William of Germany, and Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria.
From a photograph by Strelisky, Budapest.
M I L I T A K V M ANOiUVEKS
99
on the ioth were the most extensive ever held in Germany in time of
peace. There were 117,000 men in all engaged in these manceuvers.
The labor of organizing, equipping, transporting, and supplying such an
army must have been immense. All of this had been worked out by the
general staff of Germany ; maps had been provided which were models in
themselves, by which from day to day the movements of the troops
King Humbert's Regiment of German Hussars, dismounted.
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
could be seen and followed with great ease. This force was about
lour times as great as that at Krasnoe-Selo, and about 50,000 more
than that of the French at the manceuvers of which I witnessed a part
later.
The problem in the German manceuvers was to bring a great army
into the field and to operate against an invading army which had crossed
IOO MILITARY EUROPE
the Rhine from the west. For the purpose the forces were divided
into two armies. The western or invading army was represented by
a portion of these troops under General Count von Haeseler, while
the eastern or army of defense was commanded by Prince Leopold of
Bavaria, the two armies being nearly equal in strength. The western
army was composed of Prussians, and represented the invading army
from the west, while Prince Leopold's army was composed of Bavarians,
and represented an eastern army assembled to resist it. We were pro-
vided with horses and orderlies, and proceeded each day by train near
the field of action, where, following the Emperor, we witnessed the ma-
nceuvers. Many miles were covered by these troops, and it was necessary
to ride long distances to see the action. The use of troops of all the
branches was exemplified. The various modes of attack and defense in
modern warfare were shown. Long and weary marches were made by
the troops in accomplishing all of this. Much of the time it rained, and
it was far from easy service. In fact, except for the danger of war,
perhaps the troops suffered as much hardship as they would in actual
campaign, and yet they seemed well supplied, and there were few acci-
dents. There were some losses ; several men were drowned in cross-
ing streams, in which the use of the pontoon-bridge was shown. Some
were taken sick, but comparatively few died, probably sixty in all out
of this immense army, which was indeed a remarkably small percent-
age under any circumstances.
On the last day of the manceuvers, September ioth, a new problem
was presented. The Emperor himself took direct command, in which
his army of defense was supposed to consist of six army-corps. These
were pitted against a force of supposed invaders of four army-corps.
One of the most brilliant spectacles was a charge by a force of about
12,000 cavalry, led by the Emperor.
I was much interested, while watching the combats at the German
manceuvers, in the effect of the smokeless powder. One heard the sound
of the cannon and the rattle of musketry, but saw nothing until the troops
The Emperors Francis Joseph of Austria and William of Germany.
From a photograph by Erdelyi, Budapest.
MILITARY MANCEU VERS IO3
advanced or retreated across the country within his line of vision. Thus
one formerly valuable means of judging of the whereabouts of an enemy
and of the progress of a battle is taken from a commanding officer by
the use of smokeless powder.
Extensive use was made of military balloons in the German manceu-
vers for observation purposes, and the opposing armies were provided
each with one or more constantly in use. The familiar pear-shaped
balloon was used, and in addition the "dragon" balloon. This is very
different in form, and is constructed to avoid the constant whirling and
spinning motion which is had with the ordinary shape. It is stated that
there is considerable steadiness in the new form, and consequently it
is better suited for observation. Telephone lines connect these balloons
with operators below, thus enabling the observers to communicate rap-
idly. The Russians used the balloon in their manceuvers, and one of
the features of their review in honor of President Faure was launching
a balloon bearing in mammoth letters the words " La France." The
familiar spherical or pear shaped balloon is, however, used by them.
I was very much impressed, at the manceuvers, with the excellent
training of the German soldiers. Young men in Germany are com-
pelled to enlist at twenty, and serve two years in the active army, and
then give a portion of the following five years to the reserve. In that
way the entire male population becomes trained soldiers, so that in
case of war they may be called into service and easily formed into
regiments ; and thus after one generation the whole male population of
Germany becomes a great military force. The severe drill and discipline
enforced in the German army makes thorough soldiers of the young men,
and in some respects is a good school of practice, either for war or peace.
It compels respect to superiors; it! enforces cleanliness, sobriety, simple
habits of life, and regularity in daily labor ; it lifts up the awkward, list-
less, and careless boy to the position of manhood ; it promotes physical
strength. Yet the rigid discipline appears to some extent distasteful, as
I noticed very few veterans in the ranks. The number of young men
104
MILITARY EUROPE
who are liable each year to service in the German army are about
400,000, and of these some 228,000 are incorporated. The present
peace footing of the army is 22,687 officers, 562,207 in the rank and file,
and 97,378 horses. The war footing of the German army is believed to
be fully 3,000,000 trained men. The armies of Austria and Italy — the
Detachment o! a German bicycle corps, numbering Soo men.
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
other two members of the Triple Alliance — are, of course, smaller than
Germany's, though both are large considering the size of the countries.
I did not have an opportunity to observe the manceuvers of either the
Italian or Austrian army, though I saw something of both in passing
through those countries. In leaving Greece in June to go to the English
Jubilee, I passed through both Italy and Austria. I spent several days
in Rome, where the Minister of War received me very cordially and gave
Emperor William of Germany, and King Humbert of Italy.
From a photograph by Jacobi, Metz.
MILITARY MANCEUVERS I07
me every opportunity of seeing the best of the Italian army, at the same
time pointing out the improvements which are making in the general
equipment of the troops. The Italian army is made up of 10,993 officers,
219,625 men, 34,038 horses and pack-animals, and 1242 guns. In some
respects it is better uniformed than any of the other armies of Europe.
The good taste, as well as the adaptation of the uniform for garrison or
field service, are particularly noticeable. The Italian army, although it
has not been as successful as some others in its campaigns during the
last fifty years, is in a very high order of discipline, instruction, and equip-
ment, and makes a creditable appearance both in field service and gar-
rison life. During my brief visit in Rome there was a review by the
King of Italy, accompanied by the King of Siam, of some 12,000 of the
best Italian troops. It would be hard to excel this body of troops
in uniform, equipment, military appearance, and general excellence of
condition.
At Vienna I received from the Minister of War courtesies similar
to those extended to me in Rome. A very accomplished Austrian
officer, Captain Nosek, was detailed as my aide-de-camp, and in his com-
pany I visited the military establishments around Vienna and saw the
troops stationed there. The Austrian army is composed of 18, 129 offi-
cers, 329,112 men, 60,369 horses, and 1984 guns. The army is as well
uniformed and equipped, and as commodiously and comfortably quartered
in barracks of modern construction, as any troops on the Continent.
Leaving Homburg, I hastened to Paris in order to arrive in time to
see as much as possible of the French manceuvers, which had com-
menced some days before. General Porter, our ambassador in Paris,
had already kindly arranged for permission for me to witness these
manceuvers. They were held at St.-Ouentin, about ninety miles from
Paris to the north, and they took place in the same country in which
the campaign of the north in the war of 1870-71 had been fought.
The general idea of these troops was to illustrate the methods that
would be taken to resist an invading army under circumstances similar
I08 MILITARY EUROPE
to those which obtained during this last war. St.-Ouentin was the
scene of the decisive battle that was fought in January, 1871, and
there again a conflict was now about to take place between the two
contending armies. In the war the French army was commanded by
General Faidherbe, the German army being under the command of
General von Goben. As history records, the French were badly de-
feated here. This destroyed the hope that the French army which
was then held in Paris might join with the army then operating in the
north. A successful battle here would have been of great importance
to the French people. The troops engaged in the manceuvers were about
the same in number — 75.000 — as those who took part in the battle.
General de France commanded the army of defense, while General
Kessler commanded that of invasion.
I was much impressed with the discipline of the French troops.
Their dispositions for attack and defense seemed to be characterized by
exceedingly good judgment and ability. There was much spirit and
earnestness shown by both officers and men, and the manceuvers must
have been of much benefit. Tents were not used at all by the French
army. The troops were all billeted in villages, which, being so numerous
in France, were sufficient to accommodate large numbers. A similar
arrangement is made in Germany, although the troops are supplied
with shelter-tents, which are made of pieces, as in our country, and
which can be put together ; but while our tents accommodate only two
men, each man carrying a half, in the German army a large number of
men can be supplied by putting together a number of pieces.
On the 14th of September a grand review of the entire force, some
70,000 men, was held by the President of the republic, accompanied by
the King of Siam and the heads of the departments of the French govern-
ment. Certainly the discipline and efficiency of the army, as displayed
in their reviews, are of the first order. The entire army passed the
tribune in less than two hours, and the cavalry charged past at a
gallop, followed by the infantry and artillery, together with the bicycle
Siege artillery at Algiers.
From a photograph by De Jongh Freres, Paris.
M I LITARY MANCEU \ 1 III
corps, transportation-, balloon-, carriage-, engineer-, and pontoon-trains.
While this was being done, the cavalry, numbering 12,000 men, massed
on the opposite side of the field, and at a given signal charged across
the field in one solid body, halting in perfect line within two hundred
yards of the President, showing the highest order of discipline, drill,
and efficiency. It was one of the most imposing sights I witnessed in
Europe.
The bicycle corps at this review attracted particular attention. It
was much used during the maneuvers of this, as well as in those of the
preceding year. Experiments and tests were made in order to deter-
mine its adaptability for war purposes. The strength of the company
was about 100 men. The men are provided with a folding wheel,
which can be placed upon the back and carried with ease. It is stated
that it takes only fifty seconds to put the wheel in place, and about thirty
seconds to unfold it for a mount. The military wheelman wears the
ordinary soldier's uniform, but is provided with a pair of leggings.
He carries the rifle, and in addition the usual repair-kit, etc. The roads
in France are ideal ones for the use of the bicycle. The French claim
that the experiments which they have made with the bicycle prove its
value, and the bicyclist would be very useful in operating with cavalry
and horse batteries, and for reconnoitering purposes. The rapidity and
silence of movements are important points in their favor. In the manceu
vers of 1896 it was noticed that cavalry advancing with the greatest
care could be heard and observed much sooner than wheelmen. The
company of bicyclists in the maneuvers of that year were termed
the " phantom company," because they so unexpectedly appeared before
the enemy.
I noticed bicyclists at all the reviews I saw, though not in so large a
body as in the French army. In the German army wheelmen are attached
to all the staffs as couriers, and in small numbers to almost every bat-
talion, where they are used as scouts, couriers, and patrols. The 1 ,■
mans declare that their experience with bicyclists in their recent
112 MILITARY EUROPE
manceuvers proves that they are of the greatest value even in a rough
country and in rainy weather.
In fact, the value of the wheel to an army is beginning to be recog-
nized everywhere. Whoever first places 25,000 or 50,000 men on bicycles
in the next war will have a decided advantage over his opponent, and
very likely compel him to resort to the same tactics.
Not the least interesting feature of my visit to St.-Ouentin was meet-
ing President Faure, whom, as I have already said, I had seen in Russia
on the occasion of the French fete. The French President is one of the
most courtly, dignified, and accomplished men that I met among- the
heads of any of the governments of Europe, and he was surrouru by
a very able cabinet of intelligent, progressive men. At no place tru. T
visited was there manifested a more cordial sentiment toward the Ameri-
can government and people than by the people of France. When we
recall the fact that they aided us in establishing our independence, that
they have, since the days of Lafayette, been our warm sympathizers,
friends, and allies, and have given expression to this sentiment in many
ways, not the least of which is that great monument that now adorns
the entrance to the harbor of our metropolis, we should certainly be
an ungrateful people if we did not in every way possible reciprocate their
friendship and generosity. Moreover, the French people are certainly
entitled to great consideration from Americans from the fact that they
have maintained in the heart of Europe a liberal government similar to
our own, against the prejudices of their surrounding neighbors. It would
be eminently fitting for our government, in making an appropriation for
the French Exposition of 1900, not only to provide for the buildings
and accommodation of the great exhibit that this country will make,
which will contribute greatly to the prosperity and wealth of our own
people, but to arrange for the erection of some permanent structure as
an indication of our gratitude for the benefits that we have received in
the past from the French people.
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