Standing Armies and What They Cost.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue II, 14 July 1900, Page 77

Standing Armies and What They Cost.

What does it cost to lie prepared to uphold the dignity of an Empire.

Some idea of the market value of a soldier may be obtained by looking' at the figures paid in times of peace to keep up a standing army.

The United States maintain a standing army of 67,587 men. This costs them 150,900,000 dols. a year, or about 2219 dols. a year for each man. In English money each soldier is worth £444.

The next most expensive army is that of Great Britain. Our army in time of peace numbers 231,851 officers and men. To support these £20.167.000 is allowed, so that each of the soldiers that we see about, the streets in time of peace is worth £B6 to the nation. In time of peace the German army only costs £43 js-r man. They number only 585.496 officers and men, and require 519,824,500 marks to house, clothe, and feed.

France keeps 616.475 men ready to fight Germany, ami they cost 663.369.671 f. to maintain, an amount which works out at 19761'. per man. of £43 a year of our money.

The Russian army on a peace footing is estimated to cost the Czar £37 a year for each of his 896.000 men.

The Austrian army on a peace footingconsists of 361.693 men, and for the support of these the Government allow 145,324,750 florins.

Taking the florin at. twelve to a pound, this is equal to £34 15/ per man for a year.

For cheapness the Italian army bears the palm. In times of peace they have only 301,602 men under arms, and these cost the country 264.445,283 lire. This amount is equal to £33 per man.