Reorganization and the reform of the military code were matters requiring still more time. Radical changes had to be effected. Grave contradictions existed between the military code and the fundamental law of the nation, causing serious embarrassment to chiefs who had no escape from awkward dilemmas except by assuming heavy responsibilities. Antiquated Spanish ordinances incompatible with the existing institutions, especially in connection with the military judicial courts and the military privilege, had to be done away with, and the code to be reformed in many important particulars.
The reforms proposed were most important, and affected every branch of the service. The old pernicious system of compulsory recruiting — the cause of incessant desertion — was to be done away with, and the voluntary system adopted.
Accordingly, a new military judicial code was laid before congress in 1879,[1] and a reformed military ordinance was approved by Diaz in September 1880.
During his presidency, his aim was to elevate the army to a par with those of foreign nations, and he effected great improvements, not only in its discipline and armament, but also in its moral tone. His successor, Gonzalez, completed the work, and in June 1881 issued a decree establishing a complete and definite organization.[2]
On the close of the war with the United States, the Mexican government turned its attention to the
- ↑ Copy of it will be found in Diario Debates, 9th Cong., ii. 596–650; Id., 10th Cong., iii. 148, 283, 371, 556, 708.
- ↑ Mex., Ap. Mem. Guerra y Marin, 1881, p. 1 et seq.; Diario Ofic., Sept. 14-17, 1881. In 1882 and 1883 further important reforms were carried out. Id. 4 Jul., 11 Set., 1982; 2 and 3 Enero, 19 Set., 1883. Under the new organization, the army was composed of 20 battalions of infantry, numbering 12,900 officers and men; 20 skeleton battalions, 4,720 officers and men, designated by numbers from 1 to 40; 10 regiments of cavalry, 4,890 men; 10 skeleton cavalry regiments, 1,480, also designated by number; 3 battalions of artillery, 1,200 men; and an artillery battalion of reserves, 194 men; the battalion of supers, 617 men; the train squadron, 109 men; fixed batteries at the ports, 258 men; and the invalid corps, 263 men; in all, 26,651 men. The troops were armed with Remington rifles and carbines, and the dress uniform was dark blue.
