Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1893-09-23
THE GERMAN F00T-RAG.
A CLEVER DEVICE THAT SAVES
THE FEET OF THE SOLDIERS.

The Foot-Rag Is an Acknowledged In
stitution-SoIdiers Can Endure Long
Marches When SO Protected Few
StraggIers Ever Seen.
In those anxious days of July in 1870,
when the members of the French Corps
Legislatif were debating the question
of declaring war against Prussia, Mar
shall De Boeuf who was then Minister
Of War, was asked the question whether
the French army was ready.
Drawing up his portly form in the
tribune and emphasizing his words with
theatrical sweep of his hand, he an
swered: Ready! The army is ready
there is not gaiter button missing"
This statement was patriotic, perhaps,
but it was mendaciouS. The missing
gaiter button was In measure one OF
the causes Of the defeat Of the French.
If the German Minister of War Of to-
day should be asked under relative con-
ditions a similar question, he might an
swer with corresponding appreciation
of the value of details: There is not a
foot-rag missing!" The gaiter button
of lie Boeuf has become historic as an
illustration Of over-confidence; the foot
rag Of the German soldier may become
equally historic as proof of the per-
leCtlOu VI Tic ueTlldu SySlcIu
The marching ability and endurance
of body Of troops are as important as
its discipline and accuracy of fire. The
German authorities have realized this
to the utmost and, understanding that
the ability to support physical fatigue
is dependent on the physical condition
of the body, have made the matter Of
army hygiene one of special scientific
study. There is in Berlin a museum
devoted to this subject, and its director
Is the celebrated Prof. Koch. All mat
tiers Of food, sanitary arrangements,
sleeping accommodations and dress are
studied from the scientific point of
view.
A feature Of the field operations of
the German army is the eXcellency of
its marching. The distance covered,
the speed maintained, the weight car
ried, and, above all, the almost nominal
percentage Of stragglers are such that
all foreign observers are lost in aston
ishment
The matter Of foot-gear, on which in
a great degree this marching efficiency
depends, has been most carefully stud
led. Boots and shoes of all styles have
received the test of practical use. The
conclusion has been reached that
half way to the knee and with a sole
very broad at the toes, allowing for the
full expansion of the foot, is, all things
considered, the most satisfactory ar
ticle of foot covering. This boot is a
regulation article. So is the suit Of
woollen underwear furnished the sol
1ier, and which includes pair of stock
ingS. But the wearing of the stockings
is optional. In lieu of this conventional
article the soldiers are recommended
to wear bandage of a certain char
acter. The bandage generally worn is
Il narrow strip Of linen-cotton is some
times used, but rarely, as it lacks the
quality of coolness-about an inch wide
and Of sufficient length to be wound
around the foot and passed between
the toes. This bandage is plentifully
smeared with what the Germans call
"Hirschtalg' stag tallow). 1t is sup
posed to be a grease made from the fat
OF the deer, but as a matter of fact it
is ordinary animal grease.
When the bandage has been prepared
the feet are first thoroughly rubbed
with the grease, and then the bandage
is applied. 1t requires some little prac-
tice so to bind the bandage that 1t will
remain in place, but the method once
learned the job Is an easy one Dressed
in this manner, the feet are saved from
becoming chafed or callous
When the boot Is taken off the band
age Is easily washed. The question of
its drying Is unimportant, as it is al
ways worn in semi-humid condition.
A number Of these bandages may be
carried rolled up in a small space in
the knapsack. Any one who has lived
In Germany has heard of this character
Of foot covering, and there are many
Americans who make 1t habit of u.s.
ing it in an amended form when the
weather is warm or when long walks
are to be undertaken, by rubbing the
feet with cold cream or perfumed NUT
ton tallow and, without drying them,
putting on their stockings. Any one
whose feet are affected by heat and
fatigue and who has tried this remedy
will never again omit the operation.