Evening star., 1914-08-11
WAR IS NOT CONFINED
TO THEEUROPEAN ZONE
Fierce Battle" Between French"
and German" Forces in
D. S. Capital.

The war now raging between France
and Germany has spread to this country,
for wherever the uniforms Of these two
belligeFents are. found the wearers are
filled with an unquenchable desire to fly
at each others throats for the honor of
their respective beloved fatherlands.
Heavy fighting between considerable
forces of the troops of President Poincare
and Emperor William occurred early this
morning on a quiet shaded block of Q
street northwest and, as if to Offset the
recent capture by the French Of the
Alsatian village of Altkirch, the forces
of his imperial majesty were victorious
all along the line.
The stronghold for which the two ar
mics contended so valiantly bore
startling resemblance to a treebox, but 1t
probably had strategic possibilities Of
which the casual passerby was, Of course,
unaware. Anyhow. the kaiser's forces
were ready to do or die in the attempt
to get possession thereof, and at latest
reports the German standard foated over
it in triumph.
Va1or of Defenders.
The fortress was defended by con-
siderable body of French infantry and
artillery to the number of three heavy
guns. one of which, particularly de-
structive engine of war, hurled marbles
the force, so that sorties were imprac-
ticable but Of the attacking German
force probably one-half were mounted
This army had no artillery, however. and
unsupported infantry and cavalry charges
were the order of the day. There were
visible no signs of the new field-gray
service uniforms recently adopted by the
two nations.
Probably the time has not been suffi-
cient to Issue this garb to these brave
men, anyhow. they fought in the bright
uniforms so distinctly associated with the
two armies in the past. The bright scar
let trousers of the French infantrymen
cleaned through the palings of their for
titled position, and the dark coats and
spiked helmets Of the German footmen
and the white tunics Of their dragons
formed a picture Of combat that would
have delighted a Meissonier.
Armies Composed Of Veterans"
Both bodies of troops were evidently
veterans Of many hard-fought campaigns,
for facings. stripes and shoulder-knots
were more or less tarnished and faces
were distinctly weatherbeaten.
The heavy fighting ragged from about
7:3O until $50 am. and three distinct as
saults on the part Of the kaisers troops
were without avail Just as the task
seemed hopeless, however, strong REIN
forcements in the shape Of what appeared
to be a detachment of the Alexandrine
Grenadier Regiment of the German I'm
perial Guard were rushed forward in
red box and these fresh troops, spick and
span in their parade uniforms of black
and white. turned the tide of battle.
The bravery of the German officer who
was second in command was exceptional.
Although struck squarely in the chest by
a heavy marble. he retained both his seat
in the saddle and the field direction of
affairs 1t has been rumored since the
battle that, knowing he would be target
for the enemy's fire, he had himself glued
in his saddle. This rumor. however can
not at present be confirmed.
Amiability Follows Battle.
The greatest consideration was shown
the French forces by their conquerng foe.
and men of both armies fraternized freely
after the engagement 1t is announced,
also, that the two generals who We're di
recting genuses of the engagement dis
cussed friendly cup of coffee in the
residence of a citizen whose house ad
joins the field of battle.
1t is not known exactly when military
operations will be resumed in this sec
ton, but other battles will undoubtedly
occur, nor is it to be expected that the
Germans will be uniformly victorious. It
is rumored that a heavy force of Rus
slams, including detachment Of the
famous Cossack cavalry is in the neigh
borhood, not more than two squares
away, and a junction between them and
the French troops may be expected at an
early date. No British forces have as
vet appeared but it is not impossible that
they may come upon the scene, and when
they do titanic conflict may confidently
be expected