The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-13

ERLIN, April 1S.-(SpeciaD-Ge
many is increasing its army at
~ mad pace; $3.50. 100000 above the
usual amount spent annually on the
Kaser's mailed fist are about to be raised
to make it the most perfect instrument
of war in the history of the world: in
fantry, artillery, cavalry, communica-
tions, aeronautics, railwaYs-everything in
fact, will be improved out of all recogni-
tion, except the stomachs of the soldiers,
Seven times within the past 13 years the
reichstag passed resolutions asking that
something be done for the payment and
feeding of the nations defenders, But
the imperial government has always
pleaded the same excuse-lack of money.
The problem of the hungry legions' is
worse today than ever.
During the 30 years IN which everything
else in Europe has doubled in prices the
wages of the German warrior has re-
mained practically unchanged. The bill of
two years ago attempted TO remedy this
grievance, but did not go far. SO Ger
nany's soldiers remain worse paid than
any others, with perhaps the exception of
Russias.
The fun infantry private in line regi-
ment gets only 81 so Il month; the sergeant
gets S. and the highest paid man in the
non-commssioned ranks gets only 81
This is the sergeant major, or 'feldwebel"
The privileged services and a few PRIV
ieged guards regiments are little better
off The guards infantry private is rich
on 50; the guards cavalry man on $3.50;
but the foot, or fortress, artilleryman, and
the field artilleryn1an get only the mimi
mum, 81 So Men on the railways gets 50.
The highest wage in the ranks is s15.J
a month: and that can be reached only
after serving at least six years When
.1..f
mood it gives rewards" The reward
for being the best shot in guards chas-
seur regiment is 62 cents month.
Every 10 days the German private sol
der gets his wage of 30 cents On this
money he has partly TO feed and clothe
himself, as the thrifty state does not pro-
vide what is necessary for health. lie
has to pay for mis- washing bill, for hair
cutting and shaving, for soap and for
sewing materials. The state provides for
the washing of his bedclothes; but all
washing of his own clothing he must pro-
vide out of his monthly $3.50. 1t is es-
timated that on these necessary things
the soldiers spend at least So a month; so
that his wage of 81 so pays only for half
And nothing is left for amusement
The state compels the young German
TO serve; but does not even provide his
preliminary outfit.
When he is appointed to a regiment he
has to produce a whole stock of rela-
lively expensive things which ought to be
part Of his outfit. and which he cannot
do without. He has to bring warm jackets
10 wear under his uniform in cold wealth
er; five brushes of different kinds; leather
cloths for cleaning his rifle: cleaning pow
ders and socks. The least he can buy
these things for is s.. This is equal
10 three months wages. AS rule the
young worlsngman Of Ii OF IS has TO save
money in order to be able to enter the
army respectfully. If not, his parents
have to supply him. Often the money is
borrowed, and thousands of soldiers en-
Ter the army in debt to money lenders
who demand usurious interest. The young
soldier is in trouble during all his two
years service.
The state shows particular and ingen-
eous meanness in the way it deals with the
soldiers canteens. The rich officers are