The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-10-31
THE GERMAN SOLDIERS UNI
FORM.

The German army, then. so far as
training is concerned enjoys peculiar
advantages. 1t can prepare for the
| business Of war on every variety or
ground. 1t is not debarred from practis-
| ing wood fighting the most difficult OF
all the infantry operations 1t has ac-
cess to the mountains. 1t can march
| over cultivation and skirmish through
orchards and enclosures. 1t Is fortu-
nate, too, as regards supply and trans
port. The vehicles generally used by the
manoeuvres are country carts driven by
civilians, and horsed by their owners.
But the whole Of the transport is under
the contr,l of the departments which
correspond with our Army Service
corps. So also is the supply of food
forage, and fuel, AS every army corps
has, even in peace, large establish
ment of departmental officers and en-
ployees, not only are the provisional
columns almost invariably up to time.
but supplies of all kinds down to the
straw for bedding in the bivouacs, are
always ample. ! may add that the
traction motors were used this year for
the provision columns, and although the
roads through the Black Forest are very
steep, and in places very bad, the ex-
pertinent was most successful. Several
different methods were tried I am I'M
able to say which of them won most fa~
vor, but I am informed that there were
exceedingly few accidents, and that the
motors as effecting great saving in
both men and horses, appear to be per-
aht1 Ivy n nj cd fn
by numerous roads.
In giving this comparatively novel
means or draught thorough trial, the
practical side of German soldering,
has had free play; and always when
ever a new invention, either man-kill-
ing or labor saving makes is appear
ance, no pains are spared to turn 1t to
account. When, however, it comes to
question of how the army is to be
dressed and equipped for war, the prac-
tical side seems to give way to senti-
ment, tempered by economy. 1t is need
less to describe the uniform of the Ger
infantryman; the smart but useless
pickelhaube; the long butcher boots,
with the trousers, tucked into them;
the cap that gives no shade to the
eyes; the rough hide knapsack holding
every drop of RAIN the great coat, so
fiimsy that it is never unfolded. Nor
shall I speak Of the dress of the5officers,
beyond saying that is the very last
dress which a man would choose for
work across countryIand the very worst
in which to face either sun or storm.
There are some points, however, about
the equipment Of the infantry which are
~. @4t ~ TtI.
aluminium "canteen,'' carried on the
top Of the knapsack, is clear and
commodious receptacle, capable of hold
ing the whole days rations, quite i'm
pervious to rough usage, and making a
capital cooking kettle. The knapsack,
too Is SO far convenient that, without
assistance. the soldier can slip it off or
on in few seconds; and it is by no
means an unimportant matter that. dur
ing the periodical halts of long march
the man should be able to relieve his
chest and spine This is effected by an
ingenious arrangement of hooks and
rings, very easily manipulated, and by
the water-kette, pouches, and
haversack to the belt instead of sling
ing them over the shoulders and thus
the number of straps and
buckles.
But when these advantages have been
the last word has been said
In favor Of the Infantry equipment. Nor
curious to say the least, that the Ger
man soldier should still be attired for
war as he was In the middle Of the |
His armament has gbeen |
changed not once but many times. The |
have not rested until they
have placed in his hand q tirst-rate rifle |
and by his side serviceable and we'll
tempered bayonet. But in war boots |
play as great a part as bullets; the |
health of the army Is more important
than the strength Of the bayoret; and |
when a man lies down to shoot It is
most essential that he, should be- able