Ivi BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH. 



acquaintance with those institutions, are you inclined to think that they have a tendency to 

 give a higher scientific tone to the officers of foreign armies than that which is possessed by our 

 own officers I — I certainly think so, because they teach much we do not teach. 



6359. At our last meeting we had the evidence of a witness who had opportunities of 

 observing the conduct and character of Prussian oflBcers, and he seemed very much impressed 

 with that fact. He seemed to consider that a Prussian line officer knew more of his profession, 

 or at all events of the more technical subjects of his profession, than an ordinary English officer ; 

 would you be inclined to agree with that opinion "? — .Yes, I should say that he did. 



6360. That of course is an advantage ] — A great advantage. In Prussia it is a much more 

 purely military life ; an officer is never out of his uniform ; he is always a soldier at every 

 minute of the day. 



6361. I suppose that as far as physical training is concerned, and what would be called 

 practical military qualities as distinguished from technical instruction, our officers are perhaps 

 superior to other officers ? — Yes, I think so. 



6362. In that respect a lad joining the army from a school would perhaps even physically 

 be superior to a cadet from a foreign military college 1 — Yes ; but in the Prussian army they 

 have more practice ; every officer has practice in manoeuvres and camps. 



6363. The facilities which are thus held out to an officer you would attach great import- 

 ance ? — A very great importance. 



6364. {Lord Northhrook.) Have you directed your attention to the way in which these 

 examinations should be carried on, if they were instituted ? — I should like to see the present 

 system of regimental examinations altogether abolished, and district boards of examiners 

 appointed, composed of the general of the district, and his stafi", and any one else it might be 

 thought right to appoint, an engineer officer, and an artillery officer. 



6365. How would you apply the system where regiments were detached 1— Officers might 

 go up to be examined to the head quarters of the district. 



6366. Suppose a regiment to be ordered to the Mauritius, or to the Cape \ — Even there a 

 general officer, a stafi" officer, an engineer officer, or an artillery officer would be found. 



6367. I presume that you would let an officer go up for examination at any time ■? — Yes ; 

 say four times a year. 



6368. He might qualify whenever he was fit'? — Yes, and 1 should let the decision of the 

 general be final, if in favour of the officer. But against him, and if the officer complained, 

 I would allow him an appeal to a higher tribunal if there was one, such as the Council of 

 Military Education. I would send his papers to them, and would let them decide. In drill 

 and the other practical parts of his profession the decision of the District Board should be final. 



