New-York tribune., 1891-04-25

N/N
COUNT Won MoLTKE.
The Moltl1e residence did not escape, and Helmuth
always remembered that startling episode in his
childhood. In 1911 no and bis brother were
placed under the care of private tutor, genial
pastor who lived at Hohenfelde 1t was here that
tie first evidence of the future strategist's Pc
culiar gifts was manifested Playing at war was
a favorite sport with the boys of the village, and
the Moltke brothers used to lead them, taking
opposite sides On one occasion Helmuth's party
appeared to be beaten, and his brother called on
him to surrender But the embryo strategist
refused to do so, and ralyng his followers, led
them to a little island in pond, accessible only
by plank drawbridge. Here he took refuge,
and drawing up the plank, defed his pursuers.
In later years the villagers took pride in telling
the story, and in pointing out to visitors the
scene of the boyish exploit which acquired so
much significance when viewed by the light OF
Koniggratz, Sedan and Paris.
LEAVING DANISH REGIMENT FOR THE PRUs-
SIAN ARMY.
The family affairs during these years were
embarrassed and rigid economy became necessary
The BOYS were now sent TO the military school a1
Copenhagen and the time passed ct that insttu-
ton seems to have been full of unhappy memories,
for the discipline severe, and the lads were
among strangers and foreigners Helmuth, how
ever. then, as always. studied hard and to the
best purpose. and in six years he passed at the
head of his class in the examination for actve
service In 1918 he was prepared for COM
mission but had to serve one year as royal page,
an occupaJion which probably seemed TO the born
soldier waste of time. Even at this age Moltke
sras noted for his reserve, though when on duty
he could be communicative enough. His comrades
~, pal "
conscientiousness not less remarkable. Having
fulfilled his probationary service, he was. in 1919.
commissioned lieutenant in Danish regiment.
Promotion in that service was almost hopeless
then for after the peace of 1915 the union OF
Norway TO Sweden had compelled Denmark to
reduce her army, and the staff of officers which
had been retained was far too large Tor tine
remnants of the military corps In these clrcum-
stances young Moltke turned to Prussia, ana, 60
ing to Berlin with high testimonials, passed a
brilliant examination and was at once gazetted
second lieutenant in the eth Infantry, then lying
at Frankfort-on-the-O Oder After year with the
colors he returned to Berlin and for the next six
wears studied hard at the military academy there.
IL was during this period that the foundations OF
his system of strategy were laid. Doubtless he
was right in insisting in later years that the
meth. Is used by him could not be taught, that
they we're peculiarly his own. History, mathe-
maties. Notifications, geography, physics, all
science and all art, can be impaired, but the way
70 apply this encyclopaedia knowledge SO as to
attain the greatest military results is a secret;
an operation whose processes Nature coaeeals re-
vealinq only their ultimate results, which men
call the effects of genius. Moltke worked hard
n, perlin and lived like an anchorite. He allowed
himself scarce any recreation, and prohaOly the
reticeuce which was temperamental with nm
grew at this time into the tacIturmy Ior WHICH
he was noted subsequently. In 1927 ne relolned
his regiment, and his standing was SO good Win
his supcrlors that he was given charge OF the
military academy, which he soon Drought 70 o.
high state Of efficiency.
1E AIDS THE TURKS TO REORGANIzE THE ARMY
This task completed, he was attached 10 the
geographical department OF the Oeheral ouah
under General Mufling. and studied tacucs' prac-
3;cal and theoretical He always 1elt thaI Ills
progress at this period was important. lie learned
above all to be clear compact, precise III al hiS
statements, and this instruction gave hlm inc
stvIe-a model Of its kind-whlch characterize'
oU his military dispatches. In 1858 ne was en-
rolled on the General Staff and received bis cap
+oincv Two wears later, feeling the need of rest
and change, and wishing TO travel he oDUaiheo
leave Of absence and set out on tour of Turkey
Fortunately ne tueH OoiAOoP"HNN A~NV
sister. Mrs Burt who had married an hnghsn
man and was settled in Holstein. These letters
have since been published, and show that MoItA'
u,os not silent because lie had nothing TO say
They are in fact, delightful letters, full OF keei
observation. wide knowledge, descriptive powel
and professional ability Mahmoud the Secon(
was then endeavoring to rehabilitate the ottoman
Empire. He heard Of Moltke's arrival inquired
about him, and then requested the Prussian OoV
ernment TO permit this officer to assist IN reor
canizing his army. Permission was granted, an'
Moltke abandoning his holiday anticipations
went TO work and drew up complete scheme
army reform and territorial defence which, hat
the Turks possessed the sense TO adopt, might hav
altered history. Toward the close Of his visit 1t
was sent with Hafn Pacha against Ali Pacha
the Egyptian rebel There he prevented one de
feat. though he could not effect much more agalns
the obstinate neglect and Incidence of the Turks
During his long stay in Turkey. however, III
travcrscd the Empire in every direction and oh
tained much valuable information.
In 1889 lie left Constantinople, Malmoud hav
ing recently died and been succeeded by an in
competent ruler, and rejoined the General Stall
soon afterward publishing narrative OF the Turk
ish campaign, with maps. In 1874 his constant in
dustry had begun TO tell Oh his health and h'
obtained another leave of absence, during wbcl
lie visited his married sister in Iostein and Their
net his wife, who was a sister of his brothcr-in
law, yosng English girl She had long know
and admired Moltke through his letters TO he
sistcr-in-law, and when they net the attraction
was mutual. They were married in 1912. ant