East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1914-08-06
UNITED STATES ARMY
MEN STUDY WAR MOVES
WASHINGTON MILITARY EN-
PERTS SPECULATE ON FIGHT
OF FLEETS.

WASHINGTON. Aug 6.-Military
authorities here assume with
out knowing the exact provisions os
the obligations that bind Russia,
France and England together. that the
triple Entente will fight as one ma
ton.
The first attempt of England.
France and Russia will be to drive
the German fleet from the seas, ac-
oording TO military authorities In
washington. after which with every
port sealed. the war will progress
through the land forces. while the
navies OF the three nations in the
Triple Entente will endeavor to take
possession OF every German province
which Is without due protection prob
ably aiming the first blows at the Teu-
tonic possessions in Africa.
The only doubt as to victory in a
sea fight comes from the tremendous
strength OF the German torpedo de-
stroyer squadron. which will. how
ever. be counterbalanced by the sub
marines which Great Britain and
France have brought to a stage of
near perfection.
German Infantry Unexcelled.
On land. 1t is generally acknowl-
edged here that the German infantry
VIII outclass anything OF its type in
europe, while a similar contrast is
found in favor of the French field ar
tillery. The French army has not
only perfected this branch OF its ser
vice through a type of gun which is
said to be far better than anything
in use in the other continental armies
but has made a rule OF placing its
oest men in this service The result
Is that the flower Of the French
army both physically and mentally.
Is found in its artillery sections.
In case of conflict. United States
army officers believe that this branch
OF the French service will be found
so effective that it will at least
counter balance her weakness in the
infantry, which is known to be decid- /
edly inferior to that of Germany.
In coast artillery it is said that Ger
many, England and Russia are all /
practically on a level, having com. |
short coast lines and de-
pending on their powerful navies
rather than upon the heavy guns
which are in use in this country.
OFFICERS high in the United States
service appear to take the view that
every move which has been made by
Austria in bringing about the present
situation. has been done with the full
knowledge of Germany and with the
belief that it would precipitate a gen.
eral war.
Germany Well Informed
FOR this reason they are doubtful as
TO the outcome of such conflict.
FEELING that Germany would never
hazard her position unless she was
aware Of weaknesses in the Triple En-
tente combination which would as
sure her of final victory In speaking
of this a retired officer, who reached
the highest position in the
nited States service, before taking
up private life. said:
Germany has a secret service
which is without doubt one Of the
best in the world She knows far
more about our army and navy than
We do of hers. In the same way she
knows the forces and strength of
Great Britain, Russia and France and
also knows where they are weak. II
she did not feel sure that she was in
a position to gain enormous adyan-
lages, even at the loss which is bound
70 come from a general war, would
5he dare to take the chance? Per-
'onaIIy l believe that she would have I
stepped in and stopped Austria's quar-
rel with Servla II she had not felt
sure Of the outcome of the conflict !
For this feeling she would rely almost
entirely upon her knowledge Of her
own strength and of the weakness of
Ter opponents"