The sun., 1903-12-08
rs THE GERMAN ARMY DECA.
DENTP
Alleged symptoms OF Dangerous Discon.
tent Among OmCers and Men.

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sir A French
paper. the Ga Bias. published on article the
other day on the greatness and dNadence OF
the German Army. expressing belief that
has been for some time gaining ground in
Europe. The writer deals with the subject
phlosophcally. without passion. He points
out the causes to which he traces the decay
of the military spirit among the German
people and the influences at work that will
render II dangerous to the internal tranquil
lity of Germany If the Government of that
country continues to he carried on in its
present spirit.
am led TO address you on the subject be-
cause the writer in ca Bias CorrOborates the
observations made by myself during trip
in Germany some few years ago. on frequent
occasions | had opportunities OF meeting
officers of the different branches OF the Ger
man Army, but more particularly OF the
Prussian service: and was surprised by the
spirit of discomfort prevailing. more espe-
cially among the younger officers in the from
tier garrisons, The root of it appeared TO be
exactly what the GA Bias, writer describes.
"the turbulent activity and the vigor of he
sometimes inopportnne Intervention OF is she
This senenGe bo9 9aroa9y oe sas
with some OF the officers of cavalry regiment
at friend IS house at one of the frontier gar
sons pbaf ptv S1pdf an war
popular alike with his officers and men, pu'
FOR some reason he had incurred the dis
pleasure Of the Emperor. expressed publicly
and In manner huniating to him personally
and professionally. The consequences was a
spirit of the most profound disafection In the
regiment, which was shared with other regi-
ments in the command
Among the older officers there was dis
content subdued by resignation to the inevit, !,
able but among the juniors there appeared
to be a general desire to escape the monotony
and drudgery of service without prospect OF
future benefit in any form. From those speak, ,
ing english. and they we're numerous. had
frequent inquiries as to possible openings
in the United States or the British colonies
the idea Of going out to any OF the German
colonies when suggested. being secuted
NV observations, which extended over
period of nearly two years. led me to the con-
clusion that the military policy OF the En-
peror would sooner or later end In producing
that dry rot which the French writer discerns
now in the German Army. As matter OF
fact 1t has been in existence Tor NUMBER OF
years, but has spread more rapidly since the
Arm but sympathetic hand OF Won Morke
was removed from the guidance of the great
machine that, under his direction. completed
the unihcation Of Germany.
What constitutes the dan ger OF German
Imperialism la that the dry rot is universal :;
il permeates the corps Of officers and the rank
and Ale alike and in the event OF over-taxa, +,
tion with financial pressure-both indicated
| in the opening. speech In the Rechstag the
| other day-briRging on commercial crisis
| and perhaps social upheaval. II Is not beyond
! possibility that the Emperor might find HIM
self where his grandfather was In ls4s.
NEW YORK. Dec. 7. SrRATiorEs.