That of Spain, however much it costs, and however much they increase it, comes under the latter classification." "And if it is only this," said the cadet, "is it not something?
We keep peace at home, and we watch over the tranquillity of our country." "Yes, but that could be done by fewer people and for less money.
Besides, how about glory?
Will you youths, full of illusions, overflowing with aggressiveness and energy for new undertakings, resign yourselves to this profession of watchmen and caretakers to a country?
Your future will be as monotonous as that of a priest in his cathedral.

Every day the same--to drill men to move this or that way, to play at dominoes or billiards in a cafe, to walk about in uniform or take a nap in the guard-room.

There can be nothing for you beyond a small disturbance at the tax on provisions, a strike, a closing of shops to protest against the taxes, and then to fire on a mob armed with sticks and stones.

If at any time in your life you are ordered to fire, you may be sure it will be on Spaniards.

The Government do not wish for an army as they know it is useless for the exterior defence of the nation; besides, the national finances do not admit of its maintenance, and they are consequently satisfied with an embryonic organisation which is always insubordinate, distracted by incessant and contradictory reforms, copying foreign improvements as a poor girl copies the robes of a great lady.