LEVIES EN MASSE.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 798, 6 April 1871, Page 3

LEVIES EN MASSE.

The Vienna " Presse " quotes from General Trochu's book of the French army, the following opinion on the military value of levies en masse : " There exists a prejudice, cherished by the multitude, which prevails especially amongst the French traditions, viz, the importance and value to be attached to that particular temper of an army which is called enthusiasm. AVhat tales have not been told of the enthusiasm of the first army which the Revolution collected and which under Dumouriez repulsed the Prussian and Austrian coalition which was attacking our territory 1 And what deeds have not been attributed to it in the pictures of those days as painted by history, with regard to the military success which vanquished the coalition! The truth, which the commander did not conceal from himself, and which Field-Marshal Gouvion St. Cyr, who took part in all the campaigns of the Rhine and Moselle, describes with great authority and many interesting details, was that the portion of the troops which particularly represent the enthusiasm of the army was always—at Velmy, Jemappes, and Neerwindeu—a hindrance, and an obstacle to the skilful operations of Dumouriez." After mentioning as futher illustrations the defeats of the Scotch Jacobites in 1715 and 1745 and of the Vendeans after the Revolution, General Trochu continues " The enthusiasm of armed masses generates what Field Marshal Bugeaud called the ' ardeur du depart,' a temporary fevour which is not able to withstand the heavy fatigues and the frequently overpowering influences of a change of climate and a long continued mental exertion, still less the influences of reverses. An unavoidable and dangerous reaction consequently ensues and lukewarmness, particularly with the impulsive and easily, influenced disposition of the French, assumes its place, which soon becomes pusillanimity, if the fortune of war takes an unfavourable turn."