THE KOYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
485 
guard of a fraction as large as has hitherto been laid down, would be 
obviously a mistake. In fighting against a semi-civilised enemy, again, the 
rules of tactics require considerable modifications—variations, to be deter¬ 
mined by local circumstances. It may be assumed, on the whole, that 
advanced guards, in the warfare usually carried on by English troops, will 
be, as heretofore, simply bodies affording the same security to an army on 
the march that outposts do a stationary one. Cavalry will probably be 
employed far more boldly as a scouting and reconnoitring force, but the role 
of artillery in advanced bodies continue to be comparatively unimportant. 
The consideration of a European army has alone been dealt with, and the 
deductions are meant to apply solely to British troops when engaged in 
continental warfare. 1 
It may be argued that the teaching of the German school has been too 
much adhered to. Without assuming that everything is good that emanates 
from the Prussian Bureau, it cannot be denied that Germany initiated the 
modem reforms in tactics, and still preserves the lead. The close study of 
war requirements which has led to the astounding victories of the North 
German Confederation, cannot be ignored. There are several mooted ques¬ 
tions in tactical detail which are still open to discussion, and of which future 
experience must sift the value; but the main principles it has been the 
subject of this essay to elucidate must, for the present, be deemed reliable. 
The German school has certainly been followed; but where else is instruction 
to be gained ? Continental nations are in every instance following its steps, 
and England must perforce do the same; taking care to recognise that, 
under the peculiar circumstances of her national position, a modification of 
continental forms of warfare will be, in general, necessary. 
30th March, 1874. 
1 The English army is calculated, at present, on the supposition that a subsidiary foi’ce, com¬ 
pletely equipped, of 60,000 men, should be, on emergency, available for continental service. 
