THE EOYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
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Lastly, that what there is of our army is splendid material, needing only 
a little more organisation and a few such manoeuvres as we shall undoubtedly 
have now, to put to silence all the ignorant talkers who have said that 
England's power of making her voice respected is over. We may well ask, 
what nation would think lightly of a British contingent of 100,000 men, 
with the whole country, its wealth and energy, behind them P Bead every 
day in the papers the astonished utterances of foreigners, who find the entire 
nation, Bepublicans and all, gathered in heart round the bedside of their 
Prince, watching the ebb and flow of life, or clamouring at the gates of 
heaven in prayer for the recovery of the heir to the throne. Henceforth we 
may be certain that the nation can pull together, both in peace and in war. 
The suggestions which I would venture to put forth for discussion by 
those wiser than myself are :— 
1st. That future manoeuvres should only be the completion and crown of a 
systematic plan of drills and instruction in minor tactics carried on through 
the year, commencing with mere parade work, and gradually ascending 
through perfect drill of units; then combination of the three arms in small 
bodies, commanded by comparatively junior officers, under the eye of the 
generals; then brigade drills, where possible, before concentration into 
divisions—the divisions themselves to be drilled and manoeuvred before 
acting against each other; outpost duties to be performed as often as 
possible. Such a plan as this would free the hands of the generals very 
much, everything being prepared for them when autumn comes, instead of 
many things having to be taught. 
2nd. The system of transport and supply should be placed on a more 
comprehensive basis, and an attempt made to assimilate the supply of the 
troops throughout the year with that of an army in the field. Never again 
should we be put to such shifts as hiring the crazy vehicles, with their 
miserable horses and undisciplined drivers, which checked every provision 
column in September, and made freedom of manoeuvre quite impossible. 
3rd. To practice the supply departments fairly, a division should march 
100 miles supplied from its base of operations, and the march should be not 
too near London. 
4th. Every general commanding a division should have a chief of the 
staff, who should be charged with the responsibility that all orders are 
properly carried out. 
5th. The infantry must learn that their place is not alongside of rifled 
field guns/ but that the latter may often be advantageously placed as much 
as 1000 yds. distant. The foot soldiers must show more audacity in pressing 
forward, and less readiness to retire. Brave they would be in real battle, 
but the force of habit is almost irresistible. Consider how a month or two 
in the trenches before a fortress spoils soldiers for the field. 
6th. Mobility being of the greatest value, some modification at least of 
the stiff British line is imperative. Men must change with circumstances. 
7th. Cavalry should have more systematic practice of outpost and patrol 
duties; officers and men being constantly required to bring in information. 
8th. Since so much responsibility has been lately given to artillerymen, 
tactical studies are absolutely necessary. All the minor operations of war 
should be practised throughout the year, so that there may be proficiency in 
