This Code de la Conscription admits of no relaxation, its enactments are severe, and its mandates are inexora ble. With such tremendous authority as this law con veys, the government of France obtains an unbounded command over the whole population. The deficiences in the army, occasioned by fatigue, by war, and disease, are immediately filled up, and a most rigid system of discipline every where prevails. Unremitting activity hardens and prepares the recruit for the duties of the campaign ; and in the mechanism of subordination, the severity of the Roman policy is adopted. In time of war the troops retained in France are raw recruits, col lected in numerous bodies ; and they arc made to under go a preparatory course of training that qualifies them for the endurance of every privation. Soldiers thus moulded, by austere discipline, and with minds broken to the yoke by habits of obedience, are fit for the most daring enterprizes ; and we have unhappily seen a ca reer of victory attend the French standing army unex ampled in the annals of the world.
The establishment of the French army in 1805, amount ed to 341,412 infantry of the line, 100,130 light infantry, 77,488 cavalry, 46,489 artillery, 5445 engineers, in all 650,964; but since that time there has been an augmen tation of at least 100,000. This immense force is divid ed into half brigades, each of which consists of three battalions, and each battalion of nine companies. A corn pang of artillery is attached to each half brigade, for the management of its field pieces. The hall brigades arc either of the line or light infantry ; and each battalion of those of the line has its company of grenadiers, and each battalion of light infantry a company of carabineers.
The army of Prussia, before the late war, was numerous and well appointed. Formed by the Great Frederick on the principles of strict subordination and exact mechan ism, they were deemed the best troops in Europe. Con stant occupation, rapid movement, and bold attack, cha racterised the military system of Frederick, who sur mounted difficulties, and overcame impending dangers, that would have overwhelmed a less enterprising genius. During a long life of warfare, he extended his dominions, regulated their civil polity, and increased the fame and reputation of his arms ; and Prussian discipline and ex ercise, manoeuvres, and tactics, were studied or imitated by all Europe. The Prussian army is said to be now no more than 70 or 80,000 strong.
The Austrian armies have always maintained a high character in the field, and they possess that system of betties which rests solely on science, discipline, and or der. Every thing is bound in uniformity by strict sub
ordination ; anti the steadiness of the troops, even in the moment of disaster, evinces their excellence. The Austrian artillery, hussars, and troops of the line, are not to be surpassed. Since the commencement of the late war, if we can believe the French reports, their army has been reduced one half, or to about 250,000 men.
The Russian s have adopted the Prussian discipline and tactics, to which they firmly adhere. The servile obe dience to which the Russian soldier is accustomed from his birth, prepares him for the severe discipline of the army. With natural courage, and the habit of implicit obedience, he is firm and immovable in the field, and will brave every danger. Unacquainted with motives or cau ses, he performs, from duty, all tl'at patriotism could ac complish, and his courage is proof against every ten or that would dismay the reflecting mind.
Formed on the equitable principles of our constitu tion and laws, the British army has acquired a reputa tion inferior to none ; and for intrepidity, bravery, and courage, has never been surpassed, either in ancient or in modern times. The battles of Cressy, Poictiers, and Agincourt, attest. the invincible courage of the English in the feudal ages. Marlborough, Wolf, and an hon ourable list of modern generals, have established, be yond all controversy, the distinguished character of the British standing army. Although, by the spirit of our 'free constitution, a soldier, in Britain, is more a citizen than in any other nation of Europe, yet, subordination and discipline are strictly observed ; and that necessary restraint, which forms and bends the citizen into the soldier, is neither oppressive nor burdensome. The British army is recruited by enlistment for a limited period, or for life ; and the enactments of Mr \Vyndam's bill, have amply provided for the soldier while in ser vice, or in retirement. The British soldier is encouraged by the liberality of his country, and the protection of definite laws, which, while they maintain discipline, se cure him against the discretionary tyranny of his com mander, and he no more imagines himself a slave than a coward. He knows his duty, and needs no terrors to enforce him to the performance of it. He fears no dangers but the frowns of his country, and courts no ap plause but the approbation of the people.