547 
ON THE EMPOYMENT OF ARTILLERY 
IN CUBA. 
BY 
LIEUT.-COLONEL J. C. DALTON, R.A. 
THERE is an interesting paper in the Spanish Memorial de Artilleria 
for last May, by hieut.-Colonel D. Gabriel Vidal y Ruby, under 
the above heading. ‘The author is a talented officer, who for many 
years was employed as a Professor in the Artillery Cadet Academy at 
Segovia, and who has, amongst other subjects, written on and studied 
that of rifled howitzers and mortars for general artillery use. 
The heading of this paper is perhaps at first sight somewhat mis- 
leading, because it might lead one to believe that it referred to the 
actual employment of artillery in the campaign which is now being 
undertaken by Spain in Cuba; and any account based on actual ex- 
perience of artillery in that campaign would be very acceptable and 
instructive. This paper, however, as Colonel Vidal is careful to explain, 
is entirely theoretical. It is the outcome of his study of the subject, 
and is in fact a treatise on the employment of artillery, according to 
his views, in a campaign of the peculiar nature of that now being carried 
on in Cuba. Unfortunately it does not appear from his article what 
nature of artillery the Spanish Government is employing in the field. 
I propose to do little more here than to give a brief outline of hig 
ideas which seem to be sound and practical. 
He begins by remarking, what everyone who has read the newspapers 
must have noticed, that the accounts published by the press are vague 
and contradictory. One day they will be of an optimist character and 
the next they will rush off to the other extreme. Colonel Vidal, while 
fully recognizing the formidable nature of the resistance which the 
rebels are offering, has no fears as to the ultimate result, and believes 
that peace and tranquillity will eventually be assured. 
It is a well-known rule that when an army has to be equipped and 
prepared for any definite purpose the following points have, amongst 
others, to be kept in view, viz.: the nature of the theatre of war, the 
numbers, valour and qualities of the enemy’s troops, the resources and 
armament which he has at his disposal, his special organization and 
method of fighting, and to be aware in advance, if possible, of the 
quality of the military genius of the enemy’sleaders. Knowing these 
points, it is then easy to settle on the composition of the force which is 
to be sent to oppose the enemy. 
Cavalry, infantry and artillery are the elements of every field force, 
and their relative strength must be regulated by the special circum- 
Dk, Win SSUES 
