THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9458, 9 June 1898, Page 3

THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA.

Increasing the Navy. The Russian army has been almost doubled since the last Turkish war, while the general staff has been increased by more than two-thirds. The Berlin correspondent of the Standard says the three Western frontier districts, Vilna, Kieff and Warsaw, now, have 584 battalions, 396 squadrons, and 282 batterieß with 2070 guns, all on a war footing, or about six-sevenths of all the infantry and fivesixths of all the cavalry and infantry which Germany keeps up in time of peace. Russia is attaching more and more to cavalry, and has already 22 divisions, whereas Germany has only one cavalry division of the Guards in time of peace. Except the two cavalry divisions of the Guards, which stil have Hussars, Cuirassiers and Uhlans, it consists almost entirely of Cossacks and Dragoons, who receive an excellent training as infantry as well, to enable them to advance as rapidly, independently, and vigorously as possible. Some of them have even been supplied with bayonets as an experiment. The Russian frontier guard of 30,000 men includes 10,000 horse soldiers. Both men and horses are excellent, and admirably trained. On the other hand, it is a distinct disadvantage that the Cossacks and some of the other cavalry regiments can only ride at a quick trot.

The Russian Navy Budget for 1898 allots 671,000,000 roubles for general expenses,l9s,ooo,ooo(includingthe9o,ooo,ooo recently assigned) for new ships, 11-2 millions for puttingships into commission.and 5-5 millions for tho improvement of th c harbour at Libau. The Pacific squadron is to have nine cruisers.two torpedo cruisers, and seven sea-going gunboats; the Mediterranean squadron, three large ironclads, one torpedo cruiser, two sea-going gunboats and two torpedo boats ; the Black Sea squad . - on, six ironclads, one cruiser, three torpedo cruisers, six torpedo boats, three training ships, and three transports ; the Baltic squadron, four large and eight coast ironclads, six cruisers, three gunboats, and 47 torpedo boats. The Czar's yachts and several other vessels for special purposes are not included. The new Russian iroi.clad type is a compromise between an ironclad and armour-plated cruiser. The length will be 4261 ft, beam 71£, aud draught 26. The vessel will have triple screws, 14,500 horse power, a speed of 18 knots, four 10 inch and 11 6-inch guns, I(J3-incliguna, and 28 smaller quick-firers Thirty-two new torpedo boats for tho Baltic and Pacific fleets are building in Russia.

Mr Colemau Phillips will contest the Wairarapa seat next election. The long-delayed plans and specifications for the Waugaehu Bridga have at length been received by the Wanganui Conntv Council, and tenders will at once be called for the erection of the structure.