The costume of the mounted riflemen need not differ much from that of
the men on foot. The shooting-coat is as good on horseback as off; and
the only alteration we would recommend would be in the use of the stout
but supple black-jack hunting-boots now coming so much into fashion.
These admit of exercise on foot as well as in the saddle, and being
plain, quiet things, would be peculiarly suitable for the purpose
intended.
8thly, We are firmly persuaded that, if this experiment were tried in
any one county or district, it would be found to answer so well that
others would adopt and imitate it. The service it would render to
government might be most important in stirring times; and being a _bonâ
fide_ and really effective corps, it would revive the martial and manly
feelings of the people, now somewhat blunted by the long duration of
peace, and would diffuse a most wholesome spirit throughout the land.
From the sentiments of honour, and loyalty too, with which such a corps
would be animated, (for it would be composed of the very flower and
hope of the land,) it would, by its moral weight alone, keep in check
that crowd of discontented persons who always exist in our empire. The
loyal and honourable sentiments possessed by this corps would spread
themselves abroad among the people; the good example set would be
followed by the most respectable part of the nation, and a healthier
tone would be thereby given to society in general.
9thly, Taking into consideration the number of parishes, and the
population of Great Britain, (for we could not admit the Irish into our
loyal ranks) we should estimate the probable force that could thus be
raised and maintained at its own expense, at not less than 50,000 men,
of whom 10,000 would be effective light cavalry; and we should suppose
that at least 40,000 of this total number might be counted on for
active service, in any emergency.
The mere fact, if this calculation be not overrated, of our being
thereby able to add such a degree of strength to our regular army--or
that of our being able to replace such a number of our regular troops,
if called abroad suddenly for distant duty--or else, the knowledge that
there would always be such a numerous body of men in the country, armed
and arrayed in the support of the monarchy and the constitution; either
of these facts, taken separately, might justify the formation of such
a corps, but, taken conjointly, they seem to carry with them no small
weight.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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