I have now finished with the ungrateful task of criticizing, and I proceed to propose a system which it is hoped will be as severely criticized by others. It is only candid to state that its pretensions are high, that it contains two distinct novelties, the Manchette System and the Reverse or Back-cut; and, finally, that it aspires to be the first Treatise in which the broadsword is scientifically taken in hand.
Section I.
PREPARATORY INSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE SWORD.
§ 1. Preliminary.
Nothing will here be said concerning the “goose step of the sword,” the “Balance Motions,” and the “Extension Motions,” of the official ‘Infantry Sword Exercise.’ They are essentially a part of ‘Squad and Setting-up Drill,’ and as such they have been treated in several good manuals, especially by Serjeant-Major S. Bertram Brown: A ‘Practical Guide to Squad and Setting-up Drill, in accordance with the Principles laid down in Part I., Field Exercise of the Army.’ Adapted for the use of Recruits, Rifle Volunteers, Militia, Police Force, Schools, and Families: Illustrated with sixty-eight figures, representing each Stick and Club Exercise, Extension Motions, and Sword Exercise Positions. London: Allen and Co., 1871. 2nd Edition.[6] Considered in a wider sense they belong to the Branch of Science so thoroughly developed in ‘A Military System of Gymnastic Exercises for the Use of Instructors: Adjutant-General’s Office, Horse Guards, 1862; Physical Education,’ Clarendon Press Series, Oxford, 1869; and in ‘Training in Theory and Practice’ (London, Macmillan, 1874), by Archibald MacLaren,[7] whose excellent code for the army, and whose influence with successive war ministers, as some one truly said, have aided largely in introducing that admirable training which is transforming the stiff, slow-moving grenadier of past times into the vigorous, rapid, and enduring soldier of the present day.
Squad drill is not likely to make a good swordsman, yet economy of time renders it a necessity. It must be practised first without, then with, weapons, after which those who show unusual capabilities should be taken individually in hand by the master. The latest French system (Manuel, etc.) divides the four lessons into two degrees: 1. Preparatory Movements; moulinets and simple attacks and parries. 2. Compound attacks and parries.
The formation of the squad is in the usual line, with open order at arm’s length from the right or left. The men are then taught the three positions as follows:—
First Position. Second Position. Third Position.
In two movements. In two movements. In two movements.