The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-09-18
CHAPTER XVII.
WITH THE FOREIGN LEGION.

The Kaiser awaited the French attack at
Gravelotte. The centre Of his great army lay
across the main road to Metz. Its southern
wing filled the defles that debouch on the vii
lage of Mars la Tour. and Kreuznach's force
was strongly posted on the famous ridge be-
tween Gravelotte and Contains.
Each hour OF delay on the part ofthe French
meant a vastly increased degree Of efficiency
for the Germans. The splendid organization
of the invaders was most valuable in pre-
' cisely such a situation as that which now pre-
sented itself. With no fear OF unexpected at
tack on the lines of communication. the mag
nificent German organization progressed
each moment with the accuracy OF a we'll
regulated clock. Reserve troors and sup
plies constantly reached the localities where
they we're most needed: there was neither
hesitancy nor doubt. naught but decision and
certainty. The contrast between the two
armies was never so marked as at this mo-
ment when they were inactive on the field.
True. Vansittart's reforming hand had
achieved much already. 1t was a bold thing to
suddenly remodel the whole system OF COM
missariat and ammunition transport almost
under the eyes OF the enemy. Few men would
dafe to undertake such a responsibility. But
, Jerome dared do anything. and in the result he
was justified. A complicated and utterly in
efficient method was replaced by one that al
LSduy BdNo SdIlSldcIlOn anu WOulu surely WOTk
with remarkable ease when officers and men
were thoroughly accustomed to it.
The commanding officer Of each regiment
was made responsible for his own commits
Bariat and transport: the General OF each bril-
gade was responsible for the feeding OF the
regiments; officers OF divisional rank were re-
sponsible for the procuring of stores In bulk
and their proper distribution.
Yet the advantage in time lay with the Ger
mans ana me dominant intellects OF the two
The millionaire did not shirk the issue. Will
liam II. must be attacked again and soundly
\ bReeaten; His strong position must be, forced.
INTO the interior and his main body compelled
to fSSll back upon the protection ofMetz;
q War that met In the chateau at Troyon on
the second evening after the fierce combat
the Mouse.
The American Droceedod 70 n,.u ,,.
theory in detail. There would be, no hurry
and no G @StIp sifer The battle would rot com:
eVentaat ad' as Ihr he des 2iredk Il Would 19d not I as ssinSs
serious proportions until noon.
AZ first barely q tenth Of the French forces
tack depended upon the weather. II was their
first duty to see thar each soldier under their
and method q the work intrusted to him.
But the millionaire, with his acute knowl-
was convinced that the Emperor William
would insepsibly follow the tactics which
prOuRHb sucn Conspicuous success to his grand
father and Won Moltke.
In, other words. II tempted sufficiently, he
would, throw forward. his troops tn attack the
French. instead OF holding the lmpregnable
position no now occupied.
This shrewd empire build or believed more
In human, nature than In tactics. How far he
vas justified In his confidence the impending
battle would reveal.
At 3 O'Clock on the morning OF June IS the
foEo:gn legion OF the French Army quilted the
NilaRe OF fresnes To Il lively accompaniment
OF bugles fnd drums.
This crack brigade. 5000 strong. is the last
Iepresentatlve IN European armies Of the mer-
eenaries OF the fifteenth and sixteenth CEN
turtles. Hope and fear have long. deserted
each man IN that contingent. To forget the
past and 70 die lighting y his creed. He is an
ontcaSt q society. In the ranks OF the for
americans Italians. ,Spaniards. Danes. Rus
SLAMS; men from nearly, every civilized nation.
thd. IN the majority OF cases men who have
teHen from the upper walks Of life by reason
But they can fight,
shat Gen, Beaum9rchals led so confidently
hh0rViIie. but eight regiments OF stern soldiers.
Y the torgetfulness of battle than In the
sAought-laden hours OF barrack room exist
Thy were followed, In quick succession,
e three brgades Of infantry. Once clear 81
Stefnes the music Stopped and the Leading
Se4aosAt a4VaAoo4 u 0EteAdsA oEdSks ooYeE-