BAYONETS CONDEMNED.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 3 July 1880, Page 2

BAYONETS CONDEMNED.

. A controversy arose in the UroiCod States two or three years ago re the expediency of retaining the bayonet as gart of; the armament of the foot-soldier ajnd the sabre as the weapon of the horseman, and the American military attache at the head-quarters of the Russian commander-in-chief in the "war with Turkey was desired to make a special study of the question. Hia report was distinctly adverse to the suggestion to abolish the bayonet and sabre ; citing, a' number of instances in which hand-to-hand fighting took place during thoRussian advance, and pointing out that; in many battles there will be a period—a. short one, it may be, but none the IeBS a. critical one—in which the armc blanche may still be used with decisive effect.. In consequence, it may be assumed, of: this report the' idea of abolishing the' bayonet and sabre was dropped; but it now appears that General Grant is an advocate for doing away with them. From the lately-published account of his journey round the world, we learn that the following are his views on the subject:—" Anything that adds to the burdens carried by the soldiers is a weakness to the army. Every ounce he carries should add to his efficiency. The bayonet is heavy, and if it were removed the army would be stronger. As for the bayonet as a. weapon, if soldiers came near enough to. use it they can do as much good with thei club-end of their muskets. The same isi true as to sabres. I would take away the) bayonet and give the soldiers pistols instead of sabres."