Laying aside the question of these Irregular troops, we cannot deny that Russia possesses a well-disciplined Army, and one which is prepared for war. It is a mistaken idea to imagine the Russian soldier to be half a barbarian and a foe to higher culture. Frederick the Great learnt to respect Russia as a powerful adversary, and in the beginning of this century she brought a heavy weight to bear in favour of Austria and Prussia, and fought valiantly as their ally against the power of Napoleon I. Since that period Russia has made important progress, not only in her culture, but in the organisation and arming of her Army; universal conscription has also acted as a powerful assistant to universal education. Whether Russia will fight Germany in the near or in the distant future is a matter that does not concern us here; we will leave the discussion of the probabilities pro and con to the newspapers. The time may come, but all we need know about the matter is that Germany is fully prepared and, though respecting her possible adversary, is not afraid of her.

ADDENDUM TO RUSSIA.

[P. 53]. The Russian Infantry now numbers—

10Regiments of the Guard,
18Regiments of Grenadiers,
164Regiments of the Line,
20Regiments of Rifles (2 battalions each),
4Rifle Battalions of the Guard,
38Rifle Battalions of the Line.

[Pp. 56–58]. The Cossacks form altogether—

32Regiments Regular Cavalry,
136Squadrons Irregular Cavalry,
7Battalions of Infantry,
12Batteries of Artillery.

DENMARK.