New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-12
Kaiser'S Soldiers Give Up
When Told They Will
Not Be Killed.
THEIR PRISONER
MARCHES THEM OFF
Germans Lack Initiative and
Follow Their Officers
Like Sheep.
BY MME. JEAN ALCIDE PICARD.

Especial Correspondent OF Tho Tribune
Paris, Sept. Confirmation comes
from all sources that the superiority
of the Germans exists only in numbers.
General Sir John French, in his official
report, asserts that individually the
allies far excel the German soldiers. In
every encounter in which the numbers
have been about equal on each side
the Germans are defeated. When
the Germans are superior in numbers
they advance, but their losses are so
great as to be entirely out OF proper
ton to those of the British.
do not want 10 underrate the cour-
age and endurance of the German SOL
diers. They surely show the posses
sion Of these qualities. But only it
would seem so long as they are able to
follow their chiefs like sheep are they
capable of efficient work. They are
quite unable TO take any initiative.
French Wits Are Quicker.
The French soldier is more intelli-
gent and more quick witted. Left to
themselves they viii still try and will
accomplish good results. The Germans
cannot do that.
The Germans exhaust all their efforts
in fighting savagely and stubbornly, but
when they reach the limit of their
strength and endurance they surrender
passively without shame or remorse
The French, with their lively temper
ament and highly strung nervous sys-
tenn, are abe, even when their physical
force gives out, to keep on, sustained
only by their will, nerve and pride.
A fantastic adventure, which IS per-
fcctly authentic, since it has been Dn-
cally confirmed, strengthens this argu-
ment.
Near a little village in Lorraine
German lieutenant, who first told the
story, was effectively using his art!l-
lery on the French. A HusSar had been
taken a prisoner 20 the village, which
was defended by 800 Germans. Under
cover Of their own artillery fire the
French infantry advanced lrreslstlbly
German Asked Advice.
The German officer, who saw that he
could not hold out, asked the Hussar's
advice OF course, the French soldier
answered: "If you resist, you're all
dead YES" says the German, "but II
we surrender, still we will all be shot.
The Hussar assured him that France
respects the laws of war, that prison
ers, are well treated and every one Of
them would be safe. The German Of
ficer quickly resolved to stop his re-
sistance.
Then the brave little French Hus-
sar, with the German officer beside him
and followed by 800 pointed helmets,
marched to the first French officer and
handed over his prisoners.
To-day a French officer attached to
the General Staff, coming back from
the front, told me that during the
fight on the River OUrcq the retreat
ing Germans abandoned a number Of
French prisoners. who returned to their
regiments with great rejoicings.
Last night a thrill Of satisfaction
went through a Partisan crowd when
the flag Of the 9th Regiment Of Pom
eranians passed on its way to take its
place with four others at the Invalides.
A crowd was watching all day near
the Government Mjlitaire at the In
valides on the chance of seeing and
cheering General Gallicni when going
on his daily round in his automobile.
General Gallieni is a great favOrlte and
inspires complete confidence.