Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-10-08

in the Prus,ian army, and has as
PRED to the hand of the daughter of
the Crown Prince, it is natural that
there should be such feeling. In
the early stages, the all important
question was "What position will
Bismark take?" BY the time Alex
ander had completed his triumphant
return to Sophia the question was
answered, somewhat to the disgust
of the radical element, in a way that
took most Of the wind from the sail
of the Prince-the Russian govern
ment was assured that Alexander
was not urged to return to his Capt.
tai by this government. Bismark is
not ready to engage in a war with
Russia that would in all probability
bring the French into German terri
tory, eager to avenge the humiliation
inflicted on them by Gen. Moltke
and his German legions in '70-7l.
Germany is prosperous, and as long
as an honorable peace can be main
tanned Blsmark will husband her re-
sources and prepare for the war that
all Germans assure you is coming,
sooner or later, which will involve.
all Europe in its terrible struggle.
The people say: Germany and Aus
tria must fight France and Russia,
and England will probably help u.s."
How true the prophecy, only the
future can reveal. If ever war does
come, Germany will not be unpre-
pared. 1t is n nation of soldiers.
Everything possible is done by the
Emperor and his government to pro-
woke interest in military affairs.
Reviews and inspection of some
parts of the army by the Emperor
are of almost daily occurrence. Only
a few days ago occurred the grand
parade In celebration of the Battle
of Sedan. For the first time En-
peror William rode in carriage as
his army slowly filed past, his adj
visors thinking it unsafe for him to
occupy saddle on account of his
extreme age. For ten days the river
Spree has been the seat of minia-
ture war, the troops in this vicinity
being at their annual maneuvrc.
This is series Of sham fights and
general campaign work. Bridges
are thrown across the river and for
tifications planned with all the pre-
cision of actual war. AT almost any
time squad of cavalry or infantry
may be seen marching along the
roads, their course marked by clouds
of dust, while from the distance the
boom of artillery or the rapid fire OF
infantry reaches the ear. This aft.
ernoon company of Lancers, hun.
dred strong, has been quartered up.
on this little village. During this
season every householder is com,
PEELED to furnish entertainment fol-
two or three soldiers for whatever
time they happen to be IN this vi
entity. With population Of
about forty millions Germany main
tains standing army of over -four
hundred thousand. Every German
citizen who is physically able is com
PEELED to serve either one or three
years in this army, and after thai
term is liable to be called out fol
two weeks training each year. There
are no exceptions to this rule on &C
count of social position or wealth
Within few days an instance of it,
strict application has come to my
notice. The son of one of the rich
est and most extensive manufactur
ers of wooden goods on the continent
had reached the military age, and il
spite of wealth and the important
} and responsible business position
which he held, he was obliged tc
enter the ranks for a year. The
length of the military term is fxet
by an educational standard. At is
if not done before, every youngmal
must present himself to the authori
ties to pass examinations or enteI
the army. If successful in his ex
animation he is relieved of two years
service, and can choose any of tn,
three succeeding years. If he fails
: three years of hard drilling follows
While the effect Of these require
| ments necessarily place the army a
+ a point as near perfection as possible
: the effect upon the subjects canno
be beneficial. War is not the hes
school for morals and other require
: ments of good citizenship. Ate