BAYONETS CONDEMNED.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2275, 2 July 1880, Page 2

BAYONETS CONDEMNED.

A controversy arose in the United States two or three years ago re the expediency of retaining the bayonet as part of the armament of the foot-soldier and the sabre as the weapon of the horseman, and the American military attache at the headquarters of the Bns.siau eoimiiandcr-iu-ehicf in the war with Turkey was desired to make a special study of the question. llis report was distinctly adverse to the suggestion to abolish the bayonet and sabre ; citing a number of instances in which hani-to-lumd lighting took place during the Pussian advance, and pointing out that in many battles there will be a period—a short one, it may be, but none the less a critical one—in which then-ram blancho 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 heav3 r , and if it were removed the army would he stronger. As for the bayonet as a weapon, if soldiers came near enough to use it they can do as much good with, the club-end of their muskets. The Same is true as to sabres. I would take away the bayonet and give the soldiers pistols instead of sabre's.”