The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1915-06-05
A TRANSLATION

From "Zu Kunft" issue of April
II. 1915:
Thirteen years ago Col. Feyler, one
Of the leading writers on the Revue
Militarie Suisse, wrote regarding the
nearly inert, or motionless trench
war Of today, that it would be re-
suit Of the newer technique of war
When numbers of men, arms and NOR
al force and stamina of the opposing
armies are nearly equal their tactics
viii also become so and the differ
ence between the opponents will more
and more disappear. Both armies
become so inmovable, as if one was
seeking to surround an intrenched
position, while the other endeavors to
defend it. Sortie and hand-charge re-
main possible under the protecting
fire of the fort guns; the center of
both opposing forces remains inert
and neutral. Thus will appear the de-
fensive battle of the future.
Two human walls; between a mar
row danger zone. Neither can 90
forward. One will seek to run around
the other, which in order to prevent
a success of such an undertaking, will
extend its front. Each will stretch as
far as its forces will permit; this neu-
trail emulation will only be restricted
by obstacles of nature, the sea, a
mountain chain, or a fortified point
on the border of a neutral country
Beyond such obstacles the opposing
lines cannot stretch out. Hence on a
battlefield, which never sees a battle
war need no necessarily ever come to
an end.
Then it becomes necessary to seek
for victory outside, and tactical ma
neuvers will resemble those in use al
sorties.
This double human chain, which re-
minds one more of set of bars than
wall, does not use its whole force
The power of the guns replaces OF
substitutes deficiencies in numbers
Yet, it becomes necessary to relieve
the men, provide food, bury the dead
can only be done in the dark; for this
reserves are required. Others, foI
preparation of lines of retreat and as
substitutes in unexpected cases and
incidents. What remains will be u.s.
ed by the more daring party to en-
danger the connecting lines of the en-
envy, to disturb the quiet of the gen.
eral staff and to entice it into foolish
actions and decisions.
The whole remains, on both sides
defensive war with changing sue
cess and failure, which are locally
limited and produce no deciding effect
A constant spying for favorable op-
portunity and the weakest points OF
the enemy, which can be over run
by the stronger; are the opposing
forces near alike strong, then there
is not much to be hoped for from
such dash. Probably in and before
fort, or an intrenchment or other
wise protected position, condition OF
breathlessly watchful inertia will
prevail, until one or other of the op-
posing forces is compelled through
external circumstances, such as bad
finances, political troubles at home
deficiency of food, war paraphernalia
weapons and munitions, through the
most paralizing consciousness that nc
progress is being made, and all sac
rifces of blood are in vain, is forced
to desist and give up the fight.
For, the coming fights will also re
quire much blood.
Without clear foresight, great
GOODNESS and daring those forces can
not be guided and directed. More
than ever will be necessary for the
men, the leaders, the people, the need
of patience strength and fortitude,
and the higher chiefs a perfect mas
terry of all the arts in their line.
With greater and greatest devotion
must he, who undertakes such a war,
prepare himself in advance for the
worse possible contingencies.
"This soudns to use like prophecy"
Remark by Macmillan Harden, ed
itor of "Zu Kunft" (Future) Berlin,
in its issue of April II, 1915.