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is
the regimental officers of our army should as a body be so inferior to those of the artillery and engineers, and of the navy? That we should see them when quartered with their regiments, in general making mere amusement their most serious pursuit; with rare exceptions little given to reading or any useful or improving occupation, but endeavouring to kill the time that hangs heavy upon their hands, at best by unprofitable sports, and too often by vicious indulgence; leading a life of which the whole, except that small portion which during peace occupied by their military duties, is spent alto- gether idly and uselessly? That this is not an over-charged statement of the result of the existing system, ample proof could if necessary be adduced; nor do I think we have any right to blame the officers of our army, because this is the case. On the contrary, considering how totally they are without any encouragement to do so,
I am surprised that there should be so many who are exceptions to the general rule, and who do take pains to improve themselves. That there should be these exceptions is I
think a great encouragement to attempt the introduction of a better system.
B
With this view I should propose that system of examination should be introduced for officers of the army. That no young man should be allowed to obtain even a first com- mission without going through a preliminary examination, to ascertain that he had received the education of a gentleman; that he knew and could speak at least one European language in addition to his own, and had acquired the elements of military drawing. Before an officer should be eligible for the rank of Captain, there should be a second examination to be passed, of
a higher kind, in which the candidate for pro- motion should be compelled to prove that he had at least a moderate knowledge of the theory and science of his profession, as well as of its practical duties; and every year a certain number of promotions should be given away as rewards to those officers who should have
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carried their studies further than should be absolutely required, and who should most have distinguished themselves in these examinations. The introduction of this system would supply that motive for endeavouring to improve them- selves, which with officers of our army is now altogether wanting; and they would further find a useful occupation and an opportunity of displaying intelligence and activity in superin- tending the labour of the soldiers under their command, employed, as has been suggested, upon public works.
In conclusion, I must most strongly express my opinion that not only the interest, but the safety of the empire requires the adoption of effective measures for the increase and improve- ment of our military force. That there is a great deficiency in the number of trained and disciplined soldiers whose services we could command at short notice upon the occurrence of an unexpected emergency, seems to be universally admitted; and I fear, though it is less known, that the efficiency of the troops we have is also very far below what it once was, and what it ought to be; and that the natural effects of a long peace are now beginning to be felt.
Hence the necessity of endeavouring to im- prove the character of our army, as well as to increase the number of men whose services we can command; a necessity which is the more bvious, on account of the evident tendency of ublic opinion towards the abolition of the power of corporal punishment as applied to our troops. There can I think be no doubt that this power will not be much longer main tained; and the feeling which exists upon this subject, coupled with the other considerations already adverted to, would seem to render this
a very fitting opportunity for bringing forward
a large measure of military reform, founded upon the principles which I have endeavoured
to enforce.
October 17, 1846.
GREY.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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