THE JAP AS A SOLDIER.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1425, 22 June 1899, Page 15

THE JAP AS A SOLDIER.

ENTHUSIASTIC PRAISE FROM A BRITISH OFFICER. The high respect with which the Japanese soldier inspired European witnesses of the late war in China is shared by those who have watched his bearing in the bloodless operations of the manceuvers. Captain Berger, of tlie Hong Kong Regiment, was one of about fifty foreign officers (including the military attaches to the legations) to inspect the military manoeuvres at Osaka, which, were on a larger scale than any which had preceded them in Japan, about one-third of the Japanese military force being mobilised for the occasion. China and Corea specially sent officers of high rank to attend the manoeuvres, which were conducted by the Enipcior, assisted by Marshal Kawakami, of the general staff. I called upon Captain Berger the other day and asked him wliat he thought of the manoeuvres ancl of the Jap as a soldier. Said he : “Well, the manoeuvres appear to liave been arranged for the purpose of giving the Emperor and the 600 members of Parliament who were present an idea of the military power of Japan, and above all, to make an impression on the forty Chinese and Corean officers who were present- In consequence the manoeuvres were not of very great importance from a military point of view. “With regard to the soldiers, I was most favourably impressed by their physique and discipline. “The infantry was splendidly disciplined and in fine marching condition, being able without fatigue to doubffi distances which it would be impossible to expect from European troops. The companies and battalions were very steady in the ranks, and silence among the men was general. . “The artillery is also splendidly disciplined, and, as in the infantry, the greatest order and silence were maintained. “The gunners were thoroughly cirilled every small detail of the drill being carried out most methodically. . “The regiments of Pioneers were very numerous, and were always on the spot,

when wanted. They are so drilled that they can fight with infantry in the fighting line. “The Artillery right battery is undoubtedly the weakest branch ol the army. “The spirit which appeared to animate all ranks was excellent in the cxrmne. All took the greatest interest in the manoeuvres, being untiring, silent, willing and obedient. “What I was deeply impressed with was the discipline. It was a marvellous thing to see the discipline which obtained. The presence of the Emperor, however, upset everything, as orders had to be given to suit Court requirements, etc. “The Japanese Army,” added Captain Berger, “composed as it is of brave and active men, may be counted on to fight with any enemy provided the higher leaders are equal to their tasks.”