Evening star., 1914-08-16
Statement by Maj. UIrich Won
Ritter of Imperial Army
General Staff.
ANSWERS THE CRITICISMS
OF MILITARY OPERATIONS
Publication Made to Offset the Be.
ports Censored by English and
French Governments.
Special Dispatch 10 The Star.

man-Amer1can Chamber OF Commerce
Of II Broadway made public this aft
ernoon what 1t termed an impartial
presentation of the German operations
and military tactics" since the present
European war began The author of the
review is Maj Ulrich Won Ritter Of the
general staff OF the German army, who
came to the United States about five
weeks ago to study American railway
systems from a military standpoint. Mai.
Ritter came at the suggestion Of the
kaiser and was concluding his investisa-
tions when Europe was plunged into
war.
In making public Maj. Ritter's review
the German American Chamber Of
Commerce said 1t was done "in view
OF the fact that all European war re-
portsoare subject to English and French
censorship. and that as news Of Ger
man caiamities is constantly being
given out, an impartial presentation Of
VIII doubtless be welcomed"
Maj. Ritter's review follows:
Text of the Review.
The severe criticism of German op-
eratfons, especially at the seat of war
In Belgium, on the part Of the Amer
lean newspapers Is based on the i'm
preston gained by people that have
not been trained in military matters.
The greatest astonishment was caused
by the report that German soldiers had
been killed wholesale because they fought
IN closed ranks. and from the statement
the deduction was made that the German
soldiers still adhere to the tactics of
frederick the Great and have not learn
ed anything in the meantime
1t would have been military suicide If
Germany. disregarding the neutrality of
the little Kingdom, had not opened opera
tions against the military forts immedi-
ately before the French could do So
Soldiers are now massed along the
entire line from Belfort practically to the
North sea and the two armies are facing
each other, but they are facing each
other not on German soil. but on Belgian
soil and in France, so that the great bat
ties will not be fought on German terri
tory.
Cited as Strengthening Claim.
"One point that has not been empha-
sized in any of the reports, reviews and
correspondence up to this time, but that
strengthens the argument of German
sentiment, that this was essentially war
of Asiatic barbarism against Teutonic
civilization, is that England has combined
her forces with those of the Slavs and
has endeavored to drag Japan, Mon
golian nation. into this affair, seemingly
with success. Japan appears to be tax
ing aggressive action against Germany in
her ASiatic possessions, which is the In
PRODUCTION of Japan to the present stage
OF European politics.
Even with German loss in stOrming
SO formidable fortified place as Lege,
as given out by reliable sources, Is estl-
mated at from 1000 to 5000, although
the enemy reported as high as $4,000.
1T is not strange that observers were
astonished at two reports written by
civilians that the Germans had at
tackled the Belgians at Liege in close
formation. These reports caused the
remark that Germany had learned noth-
ing and had not improved her tactics
since Frederick the Great. What actu-
ally happened was that in storming
fort soldiers were thrown in skirmish
line in circle Of 5000 yards. In ad-
vancing this circle narrowed down and
the line of the soldiers closed gradually
as they progressed until at 800 yards
they were in close formation. Hence, 1t
can easily be understood that ultimate
ly they had to fight in practically solid
line.
The besieging artillery arrived in
the meantime, and started effective op
erations against the fortifications, took
a greater part of them and now it Is
only matter of a few days until conf
plete German success is assured.
Gradual Progress Made.
1.-The army of the north today over
looks the Mas. and its vanguards con-
sist not only OF detachments of cavalry
and of field guns. but also of machine
guns. Gradual progress is being made all
along the line, but If a detachment finds
ment. 1t is not the business of the van
guard to fight, but to reconnoiter and to
inform the main army of the whereabouts
Of the enemy. These tactics have given
rise to the frequent reports of Be.gian
victories.
THE mobilization of the German army
was effected in the most precise manner.
Everywhere. from north to south. the
vanguard of the German army is meeting
the enemy, but on French soil.
IF the mobilization of the French
army were really SO excellent and effect
i've as depicted in the Partisan boule-
wards and in the New York newspapers
why are not the horrors of war carried
to German soil?
The outer forts Of Longwy have al
ready fallen. German vanguards are
near Montmedy. Pont-a-Mousson ana
Luneville.
structed by French engineers The
French acted as military instructors of
the Belgians in all important matters.
Would it not have been military suicide
for Germany to walt Tor the French to
occupy Belgium?
Conditions in Alsace.
Strong French detachments took
possession Of Alsace August 10. after
having successfully made their way
through the passage of the Vosges and
overpowering the German vanguard at
Muelhausen glance at the war map
will show that the defense of these
passes was Impossible. since Belfort, ac-
cording to the treaty of Frankfort. was
left in the hands Of the French.
'Muelhausen Is not Germanys strong
hold of the south. 1t Is in reality an un-
protected city, the German fortif1cations
being across the Rhine. After the French
had made themselves at home In Alsace
and the mourning that had hung on the