self-deception should be the end and object of all
our efforts.

It will, therefore, be necessary to calculate distance and the width
of areas to be swept over, with reference to modern conditions, and
not to work on the scale that sufficed us in France in 1870. The
telegraph must also be taken into account, and it must be strictly
insisted on that it is only to be used for such reports and in such
cases in which it would be available on service. It should, therefore,
be laid down beforehand which side is to be considered as in an
enemy's country. For the representation of following portions of the
Army, flag columns and peace garrisons may be employed, as this is of
the utmost importance for the systematic practice of the patrol
service.

The formation of territorial Cavalry Inspections and Sub-Inspections,
already advocated above, would give the necessary foundation for our
purposes. After finding the Divisional Cavalry necessary on a War
strength, the remaining regiments in their several districts could be
formed in Divisions and Corps of always varying composition in order
to carry out Independent Cavalry manoeuvres.

To practise the participation of the other Arms, corresponding
arrangements with the adjacent Corps Commanders could be made, so that
their annual manoeuvres could work in with the Cavalry scheme, but the
strategic side should have the preference. Operations would not always
culminate in a great Cavalry engagement, but a skilful conduct of the
manoeuvres in practical country would generally insure such encounters
without too great a charge for agricultural compensation.

I do not believe that such a scheme, though it would certainly mean a
complete break with established Routine, would materially increase the
cost of the manoeuvres. The damage, now disseminated by the many
regiments without any corresponding gain to their efficiency, would
now be concentrated on the same district, but the gain to the Arm
itself, as well as for the whole Army, would be both decisive and
epoch-making.

Great though the importance and necessity of such an arrangement seems
to me, yet, as circumstances at present exist, one could hardly count
on seeing it applied at once to the whole service, and meanwhile we
must search for expedients.

From this point of view, also, we must strive to extend the period
allotted for the training of the larger Cavalry bodies to such a
degree that Field-Service days can be interpose