New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-11-09
Kaiser's Patrols Strength
ened Along Boundary
Line of Holland
NEW TROOPS MADE
UP OF SCHOOLBOYS
German Lads Fight with Deter
mination, but Losses are
Terrific.

North Belgian frontier name Of
town censored), Nov. s.-Along the Bel
gian-Dutch frontier tho last three days
German patrols have been more numer-
Gus and energetic. besides being very
strict in their dealings with civilians
OF every nationality. On the Dutch side
the outposts have been strengthened,
and barriers, bristling with barbed
wire. are placed on the main roadways
which link Belgium and Holland. The
Dutch sentries are very civil and strict
ly impartial, but the Netherlands ter
rtory south of the Scheldt is under
military supervision and administra-
ton. and the taking of photographs
even, except with the express permits
sion of the military authorities, is an
offence.
Belgians living in their own towns
are forbidden by the government to
leave and persons riding bicycles, ex-
cept in the streets, have their ma
chimes coniiscated. The regulations are
most strict in the area between
Bruges and the coast. and Admiral Won
warning unauthorized persons that II
they attempt to approach the canals
on the line TO Zeebrugge, they may be
shot. Trenches nave been dug from
Heyst in a southeasterly direction, and
further back strong defensive posi-
tons are being constructed. Heavy
guns have been mounted behind the
sand dunes and strong batteries OF
field artillery are in reserve near the
coast.
The fact is no longer concealed by
the Germans that their original plans
for an advance on Calais have been
frustrated. At the same time there is
no evidence as yet Of general retire
ment, despite the fact that the German
headquarters have been twice moved
further toward the east during the
last fortnight. It is obviously the in
tention TO cling tenaciously to the en-
tire coast line running from Ostend 10
Knocke as long as possible. and within
the last few days further reinforce
ments have passed through Client in a
westerly and northwesterly direction.
The composition of these reinforce
ments suggests that the Germans are
nearing the limits Of their resources in
personnel.
Whole battalions are made up Of
youths Of from seventeen 10 nineteen
years. There are cyclist scouts less FIT
physically for active service than Eng
lish public school boys. If their du-
ties were confined to patrol work they
would. no doubt. be very efficient, but
many mere lads have been thrown reck-
lessly into the fGhtng line. where
they have come into conflict with sea-
soned troops Of the Allies.
These German boys fight with great
pluck and determination, and their
losses have been dreadful. Il Is es-
timated that in the fighting between
Lille and the sea the Germans have in
three weeks time employed about half
million men. The object Of rein
forcements is TO replace the losses, but
il is doubtful whether they have been
anything like adequate for the pur-
pose, as the losses have been and con-
tinue TO be appalling.
An English woman who arrived at
Flushing from Hamburg this evening
on her way to England says the Ger
man officials were concerned at her
desire to forsake the hospitality OF
Germany. you are safe here" they
said. "Why should you wish 10 go 70
London? Our Zeppelins and army will
be there very soon. London knows il
In London you will be in great danger
This was meant quite seriously. The
Hamburgers believe that at any mo-
ment they may receive news that the
war has been carried across the North
Sea to English soil