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SUBALTERN OFFICERS. 
serve to strengthen their hands. No cause has contributed so much 
in the past to the efficiency of the German army as the existence of a 
strong, healthy public opinion extending through all ranks of that army, 
which; without forcing the hands of the government; has ever been 
instrumental in indicating the direction which Reform should take. In 
this way the vigorous growth of German military institutions has been 
constantly promoted in a strictly conservative manner. From time to 
time improvements have been made which have brought those 
institutions into harmony with the spirit of modern warfare, and have 
thus obviated the necessity for sudden and radical change. Did not 
France on the contrary owe her misfortunes in 1870 to the absence of 
that public opinion which had acted so helpfully in the case of her 
adversary ? Under the Empire discussion was invariably stifled; and 
criticism sternly suppressed. The language of flattery and self- 
congratulation could alone gain a hearing. If a S toff el or a Trochu 
ventured to utter words of warning they were allowed to pass unheeded. 
“Nous nous sommes endormis/' 5 wrote the latter in 1867 “dans la 
satisfaction de nous-memes; nous nous sommes detournes du travail, 
negligeant les efforts, les recherches, les comparaisons, qui creent le 
progres.” This was the literal truth, and if the penalty France paid 
was almost more than she was able to bear, it was only what all 
nations must expect when they surround themselves with a halo of 
invincibility, and trust to the traditions of the past while they neglect 
to make fresh efforts for future struggles. 
14. There are not wanting signs that public opinion is becoming 
thoroughly aroused in the British Army, and is striving in various 
ways to make its influence felt. Questions are arising which cannot be 
satisfactorily settled except with the active and hearty co-operation 
of all ranks of the Army. What is most to be deprecated is 
that the discussion of. these questions shall be left entirely to the 
Press, where, under the cover of anonymous authorship, reckless 
assertions are made, and false impressions created, which tend to 
mislead the public mind. In these pages all must have the courage of 
their convictions, and write with the full knowledge that if their 
statements are found to be inaccurate or exaggerated they will 
certainly be challenged. In conclusion, I beg to submit that freedom 
of discussion is quite compatible with the exercise of the strictest 
discipline; and it is because I believe the committee will share this 
opinion, that I have ventured to forward this paper for their consideration, 
hoping they will extend to it their kind forbearance, and trusting that 
it has been written with due respect and with proper modesty. 
Aldershot, 
October, 1880. 
