GERMAN DISCIPLINE IN JAPAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 287, 5 December 1871, Page 4

GERMAN DISCIPLINE IN JAPAN.

A letter from a naval officer on board the Prussian ship Hertha, cruising in the Japanese waters gives, says the Pall Mall Gazette, an interesting account of a small army which had been found in Ivishu, one of* the vasal provinces, on the Prussian system. So quietly has the organisation been made, that even the Japanese in other provinces, knew little about it, and the Government of Jeddo has only quite recently explained itself, on the character and extent of the force. Knowing what bad soldiers the Japanese- make as a rule, the lieutenant of the Hertha treated the Prince of Kishu's invitation to inspect his troops as a joke, but on seeing the soldiers he was so well pleased with their excellent training that he took three days' leave in order to observe them "closely in their drill and barrack life. It appears than the Prince of Kishu, who is an almost independent sovereign, on hearing of the marvellous successes of the Prussian system and the needle-gun, some years ago, conceived a desire to mod el' his own army on the same plan. He negotiated with the Government of Buckeburg for a number of needleguns, and, having purchased them; asked, as a favor, that a mau conversant with their use should be sent over to instruct his men. The terms being liberal, a retired Buckeburg sergeant was prevailed upon to undertake the task. At his recommendation compulsory service has been introduced into the province, each mau to serve three years. The contingent thus formed comprises eight battalions of 660 men each, 150 cavalry, and some battalions of light artillery. The barracks are built on the Prussian plan. Food, dress, drill, is all European. Beds, otherwise unknown to the Japanese, have found their way into the sleeping rooms, and are appreciated, and the soldiers eat heel and wear boots like so many Germans. The uniform is made of cheap material, the color being blue for the privates and black for the officers, while braid decorations denote the wearer's rank. The sergeant has proved a regular genius, for he has taught the Japanese to make their own uniforms, saddles, bugles, gunpowder, cartridges, &c— everything, in fact, belonging to the military establishment. He put his small army through all their paces before his countrymen, and in every one they give complete satisfaction. There is also a military school, in which sixty eusigus are now undergoing scientific training, and they, as well as the higher officers, have" proved wonderfully docile. The Prince has anuounced his intention shortly to go in himself for his cram, and, if he finds himself capable of commanding his own army, he means to dismiss his master laden with presents."