THE ITALIAN SOLDIER.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13277, 30 November 1911, Page 4

THE ITALIAN SOLDIER.

As Continental armies go, tho Italian army cannot be considered a fighting force equal to those of Germany or Austria-Hungary. Thcavalry, although very smart in mountain work, is sadly in need of remounts, and it is an open question as to whether the Italian Government could mount half the cavalrymen recalled to tho colours. The infantry, on which the brunt of the fighting would fall, although numbering owr a million men, as a fighting force arc considered by experts to bo comparatively inferior now that the wlnlo systoni of warfare has changed. Tln-y are armed with the Mannlicher riflo of tho old pattern, which is devoid of wind gnages and of less velocity than present-day weapons. Tho Italian conscript is called upon when ho has reached 20 years of age, and under the now Army Act has to put in a period of ono year and six monlli: with the colours. If ho has not mad;" himself efficient in that time a further six months has to be done. Tho Italian Government do nofc recognise class, but a conscript who can afford it may purchase his discharge after conipk'tir.^: 12 months with the colours. Hi? (•■■moot purchase fr.;:;: the reserve.'