THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1906.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7965, 16 February 1906, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1906.

Reference has been made in the cablegrams recently of the new army which China is creating under what is considered to be] Japanese control. The London Times supplies some interesting particulars as to what is being done. The present army is comparatively small, but by the end of the year it is expected that it will consist of ten divisions of some 12,000 men each, with over 10,000 men in the reserve. An exteusive and apparenty a well-considered ho heme of organisation has drawn up for

the future, probably under competent Japanese advice. Under this scheme, we are told, it is proposed to increase the number of divisions to 36, j|and the Times seems to think that this may bo accomplished in ten years, or evan in five. Tbia would give China the truly formidable force of 432,000 men, with a reserve of a quarter of a million, and, if they are true to the sample at the recent manoeuvres, they wjil relieve the Powers very effectually of all further anxiety for the integrity and independence of the Chinese Empire. Not the least remarkable feature about the new oragnisation is that it is national and not provincial. The array, it is also worth noting, is recruited by voluntary enlistment, but, as the pay is high and regular and the soldiers enjoy certain exemptions from tbe land tax, there is no difficulty in filling the ranks, notwithstanding the high standards of character and physique wbiob are required foradmissiou. Great efforts are being made to dispel the traditional contempt for soldiering which is conspicuous in Chinese civilisation. The highest in tbe la>\d are taking an ajtivo interest in the creation of the national army; two Royal princes attended the manoeuvres, mounted and in uniform, and an Imperial decree has lately ordered all princes, nobles, Chinese and officials to nominate one or two of their sons for education In a military school for nobles, whioh js to be opened in the capital. Offioers are already being taught their profession, on Western lines in military colleges, while others are sent abroad to learn on the Continent or in Japan.