SUBALTERN OFFICERS. 
607 
We are told, and most rightly told, that the exercise of responsibility 
begets self-reliance. Of course it does, the only question is as to that 
necessity—a limit. Lieut. Murray wants more space ; some of us are 
content with our present domain, and think it large enough. Their 
training has doubtless done much for the Germans, but, in 1870, it 
appeared fco lead them into most perilous positions; where they were 
at least within measurable distance of disaster and often suffered 
fearful slaughter, and whence they escaped owing much to the mistakes 
of their enemies. 
8. I must most emphatically protest against the description, (given 
in this paragraph of the original paper), of the state of organisation 
in our own regiment being taken as one in any way fair. Such a state of 
things could only be produced by the violation of regimental orders, 
and by a disregard for the regimental system; and, whatever may 
have been the author's intention, cannot but reflect injuriously on the 
officers who have produced it. If the “ Proceedings" were only read 
by ourselves, the whole statement might be allowed to pass without 
comment, but they are read by many others, to whom this picture, 
drawn by one of ourselves, is likely to give a very poor idea as to the 
regiment's efficiency. The batteries, indeed, are so scattered over the 
world, that one cannot deny with certainty that there may exist a few, 
in which the subalterns have been reduced to the position, we are told 
is occupied by the great majority; still, I will venture to say that they 
are the few exceptions, and that much may be attributed either to the 
vue, et par suite, c’est a lui regler comme il 1’entend ces exercices tant des recrues et des volontaires 
que des autres soldats.” 
“ Le premier lieutenant de la batterie fait aux sons-officiers un cours sur les devoirs de leur 
grade, le service du chef de piece et la maniere de conduire le tir des bouches a feu.” 
“ Tous les hommes de recrue d’une batterie sont confies a un officier experimente.” 
“L’instruction a cheval est donnee par les plus anciens lieutenants a la classe modele et par les 
plus jeunes a toutes les antres.” 
“On charge du dressage (des chevaux) les-meilleurs cavaliers de la batterie sous la surveillance 
d’un officier experimente, habituellement le plus anciens.” 
Translation from Col. Xaulbars , in the “ Bulletin de la Reunion des Officiers,” 11th Aug . 1877. 
X <c Le capitaine a toute latitude pour choisir son mode d’instruction, pourvu qu’il atteigne le 
but propose; il determine la progression, rdpartit les travaux, ordonne l’emploi du temps, comme 
bon lui semble. Il est seconde par ses officiers charges, le lieutenant ordinairement, mais non d’une 
fagon absolue, des sous-officiers et des anciens artilleurs; le sous-lieutenant le plus ancien en grade, 
des hommes ajant plus d’une annee de service, et l’autre sous-lieutenant des recrues. Le capitaine 
dirige, surveille, et corrige, tout en laissant une certaine latitude a ses officiers.” 
Translation in the <( Bulletin de la Reunion des Officiers,” 5th March, 1881. 
