518 
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 
purposes of leave the garrison in Soul is divided into three detachments 
-one-third guarding the palace for three days ; one-third staying in 
barracks and drilling; one-third going home for three days. At the 
end of the month they are sent down the river in companies to fetch 
their rice from the junks. 
Two regiments, each having three battalions of four companies, are 
properly organised and drilled every few days by the instructors. A 
company consists of a captain, lieutenant, and *148 men. The whole 
regiment is thus about 1,740 strong. 
The lieutenants are usually men from the ranks, trained by the 
instructors. The higher officers are Corean gentlemen and noblemen, 
and practically useless, as they have no training, the military examina- 
tions being confined to archery and deportment. 
Drill is held in the mornings in the main street leading to the 
palace, and outside the north-east gate, where reviews and sham fights 
are sometimes held. ^ All orders are given in English, and the native 
non-commissioned officers’ pronunciation of words like “halt,” “dress,” 
“ march” leaves nothing to be desired. The marching in line, fours, 
&c., and wheeling is very good ; and the men seem to take an interest 
in their work. 
The two regiments have thirty Gatling guns, which they are able 
to work with some degree of proficiency. They have also a battery of 
Krupp field guns, but want of ammunition renders these latter useless. 
Cavalry have never played an important part in Corean warfare, 
owing, no doubt, to the mountainous nature of the country and the 
want of proper mounts. 
A Corean cavalryman still has a groom to lead his pony, and till 
quite lately many of them wore armour, and used to occasion much 
diversion to the crowd at reviews and processions by their frequent 
tumbles and efforts to keep their seats. A body of 500 men has now 
been taken in hand by one of the instructors, and is being drilled in 
foreign fashion. Their uniform is similar to that worn by the 
infantry, but they have sabres of German manufacture instead of 
guns. 
A few years ago a military academy was founded by the king 
for the purpose of supplying the army with trained officers. Eighty 
eadets were selected for instruction, and an American officer was 
appointed to take charge of the school. Like most other enlightened 
projects of the king, this was not a success ; the numbers gradually 
dwindled down, favouritism and interest killed competition amongst 
the cadets, and now but a remnant remain. These are still instructed 
in topography, military tactics, &c. ; and some of them have been put 
in command of troops. 
As regards the fighting qualities of the Corean soldier, the general 
opinion is (to quote Captain Cavendish — “ Corea,’ ’ p. 43) “ that he would 
be no good in the open, but would fight bravely behind cover, as was 
shown in the attempted French and American invasions of recent 
years.” 
From my own observation I may add that the Corean soldier 
seems even more peacably disposed than his civilian neighbour. I 
have never seen them brawling or fighting, although they are very 
often drunk. 
