PRINCE FERDINAND'S ARMY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2546, 3 November 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRINCE FERDINAND'S ARMY.

A Times telegram from Sofia, dated 14th inst. and which has been delayed in transmission reports the proceeding* commemorative of Prince Fredinand's election. The correspondent says : —" Tho camp wherein the garrison is tented covers a vast quadrangular space on the plain south-west of Sofia, which stretches away till it meets the slopes at the foot of Mount Vitoscha, and the review which followed tho religious service took place on this plain, uuder a fierce huu. Including all arms, there were about 5,000 troops on tho field. There were threo companies of cadets of the military school, who show no colours, a» none have been bestowed upon them siuco there own were burnt to punish the school for its participation in the events of August 20, ISB6. The Ist Sofia Regiment, l'riuce Alexander's Own, was drawn up on the left of the cadets. Then came the Strum ski Regiment, now rcehristened Rilski—colourless, like tho cadets, and for the same reason. Beyond were two companies of dismounted are tillery, two squadrons of tho Prince's escort, the first regiment of cavalry, four batteries of artillery, and one battery of mountain guns. The Prince came on the field at ten o'clock, and the march-past at once began. The marching and general bearing and appearance of the infantry were excellent. The men look thoroughly serviceable, and are perfectly drilled. I cannot speak so well of the other arms. The artillery drill shows a want of finish, and the horsemanship is inferior. The artillery is fairly well horsed, but the cavalry mounts are of poor quality, and the men ride in a slovenly and uncouth fashion. Only tho escort is equipped with proper cavalry sabres ; the other mounted wear a weapon like a sailor's cutlass. It must, however, be remembered that the Russians bestowed all their attention on the infantry, and did nothing for the other arms.