The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1916-06-10
RAILROADS AND PREPAREDNESS

of preparedness in mobilizing or rendering quickl
-ailab1e the country's railroad facilities in time of wa
mong other things, he says:
There is a degree of preparedness for national
defense the value of which appears to be recognized
by all except an eloquent minority. What the en-
lightened thought of the people has determined to
be essential is that the country should seek to Sc
cure itself in such position that IT emergency arise
it shall not be subjected to immediate defeat. But
some of those who clamor loudest for those out
ward and visible signs of readiness, a strong army
and navy. neglect consideration of equally essential
fundamental preparations.
An army and navy, unsupported by ample trans
portation facilities, is merely a transparent bluff.
The efficiency of a navy, though 1t were to out
number the floating equipment of any other nation,
is dependent upon a series of naval bases adequate
w maintained as to supplies. 1t is our BOAST
probably not we'll founded in fact-that we can
quickly provide an army equal to any requirement.
The preparation of a transportation system, upon
which much of the efficiency of an army, large or
small. depends, is certainly a work that requires
time.
There is perhaps reason for congratulation that
Our railroad system as a whole has had its founda-
tons so broadly laid. There is wanting, however,
a vast amount of development with a specific pur-
pose in view, before it could begin to fulfill its tunc-
tons as a part of a system of national defense.
Admittedly, Germany has reached the highest
point vet attained in military efficiency. 1t has for
years recognized the value of sufficient military
facilities. To serve as a part of its military or
ganization has been the prime consideration IN the
construction, equipment, organization and main
tenance of its railways. AS early as 1870 there
were at the disposal of the German military author
tiles altogether seven railway lines in northern
Germany and three in south Germany. Only one,
that from Berlin to Cologne, had double track.
Yet with these facilities it was possible to convey
10 army corps, an aggregate of 10000 men, to the
frontier in II days.
No less than IS double-line bridges were, at the
time of the beginning of the war, provided for the
crossing of the Rhine. Eight to ten cavalry divis-
ions can be conveyed from the Rhine westward 81
simultaneously.
For the transportation of troops from the west
en to the eastern front six double-track railways
were available. The distance from Maubeuge on
the west to Konigsberg, just short OF the Russian
frontier on the northeast, is OO4 miles. A military
train ordinarily makes about ESQ miles in "A hours.
This journey, then, occupied about four days. For
the transport of six army corps of 10000 men each
a week was generally allowed. The transportation
of this number Of men required I24 trains and two
or three DAYS were consumed in the necessary prep
aratiOn.
The limited amount of double trackage in this
country would make impossible any similar move
ments except in a few sections OF the country, for
distances which, though absolutely as great as can
be made within the whole German empire. would
be comparatively small when the extent of this
country is considered. Nor would double trackage
alone, even in Germany, have been sufficient TO
make the movement possible.
In the event of war, the transportation of
heavy guns is an important factor. The extent of
the special transportation facilities absolutely re-
quired is probably but little appreciated. The fac
tories where the guns are made and repaired must
be located at a distance from the place where their
use is required. They must be transported to the
firing line, The new 16-inch gun now being de-
veloped by the ordnance department of the United
States army is looked upon with special favor by
military authorities. 1t requires a special car for
its transportation. The government does not own
such a car. Because this class of equipment is spe-
cial, it should be the property of the government.
Such cars. in sufficient number to move the lare-
er guns to any distance and with any frequency
required, should be at the service of the govern
ment at the place where the guns are constructed
II ANhare they otter c0nctrr1ctinn hnNa hoat D1ncod