The sun., 1891-06-14
FRANCIS Forts
Her Uspreeesestea frepsretsess discussed
By Fre.ehneu and Germans Beth.

Her UnpreceGeetedF Frepsreuens gVsevSsee
By Fre.eh.ea and Germans beth.
A series OF articles by Fronch and German
military authorities, concerning the French
tortincatious on the cas- ern border has d.
rected general attention to this wonderful
chain Of forts, which. although pronounced
practically impregnable by Sir Charles Dixie
ive years ago. were not regarded as complete
iii shortly before President Carnots visit to
south France last 8, ring.
German oficers. in discussing the subject OF
the possible invasion OF France connne their
attention to the french boundary line
an they all assume that. In case OF war. the
neutrality OF Belgium and Switzerland would
be respected. Tho combined strength OF tho
troops prepared constantly 10 defend at n few
hours notice this eastern frontier is 96 bnttnl-
ions, 23 cavalry regiments, 50 batteries
o4n..s Eisa ga sfRasa FSs rns ,ors ss''i'
:ss :,; ys A S.';iSss
ssa sna stsse ss@Dahs'
rsiairs l @ aSoai @ Sos1SS troops These foiiinsa:
tions dot the whole frontier. aud sonsis. Of
fs. asrsss n
cent. LGcsy. Villey, ie see. dArehes. Re;
mir.mont and Giromasny-hnye added
Every frontier fort or intrenchcd camp is
xi.h ths osSsrs Sy IeissraOh and InKeis :
the other memDers OF the chain by oonble
ss F.. L ss S as: rnsa sa
the forts al the positions commanding ap-
bsr for each 6esws.n swx ~ % and 81. Some how
Of s. ssd !. h'ss r. ssS H nso s
Of provisions. The quarters OF the meu and
are s saa ,S. a% ahs sn.
mined With .orp % does that the stand or Of an AZ
sre e impos.iSs s The duties ana diseip d the
ssn.s ., di Ss IL
Infantry ReRiment and the Sixty.third Terri
torial Reeimspt: kecSnnoitring, a tho ap.
rssis;rstion oi the dist tancss 10 the nsiEhbor.
ing villages hill. woods. and Gullies. as the
euIies and woods: preparations Tor shooting
by night, snch as razing Of nearby cover. paint-
nf G
ing villages as to signals in case OF the enemy's
APPROACH. and the use. when possible. oi a
nades which, strike there and const! Of
the men. as we'll as for the circ ,laiinG of
ammunition: eonstruction Of two ttanches on
Column ana .ep on
Sehind ior she men when the enemy sends in
The fort moreover. was directed to fire day
and nieht on all corers and raviues in which
the enemy takes pos;tsp. a. long as the enc.
the bombardmsnt. the fort should cerse firing
preserve Itself from the. UNEQUAL conflict
batteries, During the 6ombardment only the
wounded and I'll should remain in tho fort
proper: the active combatants should be kept
Tor safety In the narrow deep tre nches already
mentioned. and should be occupied with blling
sand bags
ron further recommends the burial near the
surface Of grenades In case the torpedoes are
exhausted. before and on the flanks of the
fort At night wires with tslls attached to
them arc tn be strung arross ali approach.
ea. and fires are to he lighted At obscure
points. not only to reveal An advancing PARTY.
but also TO mislead the enemy's Rrtfllerists.
Every evening the damage to the Notifications
70 to bO repaired By filling tho holes with sand
baga As soon az the firing OF the euemy's
artillery shall cease the fort Is to resume Its
Whom the fort shall have been reduced to
extremities BY the hoetile fire or BY lack OF
food, the garrison shall at once nrepare to
destroy the armament and the walls. before
negotiations shall be opened with the enemy
40 that only. Q ruin shall! fall into tho hostile
hands. Special care In the destruction OF tha
railway leading to the fort Il recommended
nlSo by Gen. PerrOr.