(three squadrons) of cavalry per division, eventual total, 39 squadrons, besides two independent brigades (probably 12 additional squadrons) in process of formation, with headquarters at Tōkyō. The artillery (field) consists of six batteries per division and two independent artillery brigades (probably 12 additional batteries) in process of formation, with headquarters at Tōkyō. Both artillery and infantry are armed with new weapons, the former with the "Arisaka" gun, of which large numbers have been made in France and Germany and some in Japan, the latter with what is called the "3Oth year" rifle.[1] This weapon is a modification of the "Murata" rifle. Its chief distinctive feature is that five cartridges are loaded simultaneously in a clip.
The programme here briefly summarised includes the expenditure of vast sums on the construction of forts, barracks, and arsenals. Quantities of fire-arms, ordnance, and ammunition are manufactured at Tōkyō and Ōsaka. Japanese uniforms follow European models in all essentials, except for the use of straw sandals on active service instead of boots, which the men dislike. In accordance with European precedents, the Emperor has assumed the supreme command. During the first China war, two of the Princes, his kinsmen, actually commanded in the field; others are now serving both with the army and with the navy. This steeping of the reigning family in militarism appeared quite revolutionary at the period when it was first decided on. As late as 1887, when Herr von Mohl, a high Prussian official, came over to help in the reorganisation of the Court on German lines, even a step apparently so natural as the appointment of aides-de-camp to His Imperial Majesty met with stout opposition. For the old Court life of Japan, its personnel, its ceremonial, and all its habits, were based on those of China, where, as is well-known, the soldiery have ever been regarded as a sort of pariah class, desperadoes, ne'er-do-weels, ranking nowhere because leading a life deemed
- ↑ So called from the 30th year of the Meiji period, that is, 1897 (see Article on Time). Arisaka and Murata are the names of Japanese officers, who invented the weapons called after them. The Murata rifle, now superseded, dates from 1873.
