soldiers. And he says that, in his judgment, the American army is the best in the world. But Lord Wolseley is of opinion that the wages of the United States soldiers are a big factor in the total sum of qualities that determine his superiority. The liberal wages are a highly commendable feature of our military system, but it is doubtful if they contribute as much to the eminence, or excellence of the American army as Lord Wolseley thinks they do. It was gratifying to the volunteer soldiers to receive a big roll of money when paid off and discharged at the end of the month but that was not the object of his enlistment and service. He went to war on the reputation of his country. That was at stake, and he defended it.

This government pays its private soldiers $13 a month, and it paid those engaged in the Spanish American war 20 per cent additional. It gives a major general $7,500 a year and adds to this amount, up to a certain time, 10 per cent after each five years of service. Between the major general and the second lieutenant the pay ranges down to $1,400. That is not extravagant, but it is liberal and is enough. The officer, we see, has the best of it, though in the increase for the war he received only 10 per cent, half the share of a private. A premium is put on his skill and he is recompensed for his arduous course at West Point. So much money will stimulate the best faculties and command the finest energies, but go above a certain mark of economy and it loses its force. It then becomes an object. With the rank of the American army it certainly is not an object. And what Lord Wolseley says in this respect has some weight on the theory that a man should have enough. But, after all, it is a small way of dealing with a big matter. That the army of this republic is the best is no ordinary declaration. It is, indeed, a wonderful saying. For the fact confronts us that we are not equipped like the nations of Europe. What is it, then, that gives us such renown in a military way? It is a little difficult to attribute it to the pay of soldiers. That is all right in serving its purpose, but its purpose is not the achievement of military eminence. That is a great thing and is the expression of some great silent activites. It invites inquiry as to whether true principles prevail in the formation and regulation of armies.

Vol. 9-11