“And the government pays these men?” asked Cobb.
“No; the pay proper and subsistence is paid by the State, but everything else is furnished by the government.”
“And their duties, what are they?”
“They are taught all the duties of a soldier; they make marches from point to point, and diffuse a military feeling among the people; they learn to ride, to use their arms, and to become able, if the time occurs, to impart this instruction to others. They are a guard against interior violence in the State, and their presence tends to keep alive that little spark of military ardor which should never be allowed to die, even in a country deemed ever so secure from foreign invasion.”
“A system both great and useful!” exclaimed Cobb. “But how are the artillery regiments kept full?”
“By enlistment only. The applications far exceed the demands. The majority come from the Inland Army, from those who are poor and from those who have taken a fancy to a military life.”
“And the officers—how are they appointed?”
“They are taken from the non-commissioned officers who have completed their three years’ service and are desirous of becoming officers. From the number of non-commissioned officers of each regiment competing, the five who lead in the examinations are sent to the United States military school and pursue a three years’ course of study. From this class, in the order of their standing, are filled the vacancies existing on New-Year’s-Day of each year, the remainder of the class being discharged.”
“Will you tell me what kind of arms are now used?” asked Cobb.