Believe me, there is nothing pleasant in living such a narrowed and monotonous life, with no other chance of glory but that of shooting a workman who protests or a people who complain." "But, how about liberty?
How about political progress ?" inquired the cadet.

"I have heard it said by a captain at the academy that if the Liberal party exists in Spain it is through the army." "There is a great deal in that," said Gabriel.

"It is indubitably the most important service the army has rendered to the State; without it, who knows where the civil wars would have ended in this country, so stationary and so timid about all reforms! I repeat it, I do not ignore this service, but, believe me, that civil wars between liberty and political absolutism will never be repeated, neither could the guerilla warfare of the Independence with any definite issue.

The means of communication and military progress have put an end to mountain warfare.

The Mauser, which is the arm of the day, requires well-provided parks of ammunition to follow it, cartridge magazines at its back, and all this is incompatible with party fighting." "But you will admit that we are of some use, and that we render the nation good service." "I admit it in the actual state of things, but I should admit it more fully if you were fewer.