The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1919-01-03
CHAPTER !.


am . German soldier. Naturally
at the time when the war started we
nd not know that there wsuld be such
Q war ~ 10 being waged today.
Daily We soldiers were told that
France and Russia wanted to attack
- and that the kaiser was doing ev-
srything possible for our protection.
Already on July 20 we were armed to
the teeth and prepared to march away.
During these preparations, which
showed - all that war had to come,
1S men Of my company deserted.
The government published. during
this time, bulletins almost hourly to
prepare the people for the war. a
subterfuge that succeeded perfectly.
Consequently two days before war was
declared, the people were overwhelm-
ingly for war. but they were certain
that 1t was only to be between Ger
many and France.
OF the Intervention Of Belgium,
Russia. England and Italy. the coun-
try had as little thought as 1t did Of
any participation Of the United States.
All thought only Of the promenade to
Paris. which, to the disappointment Of
the people, and also, surely to the
disappointment of the autocracy. has
been longer drawn out than had been
wished for.
In these days Of uncertainty the
soldiers. contrary to the cruel treat
ment which they had experienced be-
fore. were treated literally with great
quantities Of supplies, delicacies and
beer. 20 that most of the soldiers were
% drunk continuously that they were
unable to realize the seriousness OF
the situation.
And yet the majority Of the SOL
diers could not be enthused over the
war. They cheered and were enthu-
siastic because they knew 1t was the
orders. On July 81, 1914. one day be-
tore the declaration Of war. we left.
after being brought to war strength,
Tor our garrison at Mainz-am-Rheine
Where the enemy toward which we
were to point our bayonets was we
had not the slightest idea. All we did
know was that We had to be trAns-
ported somewhere to protect the bor-
Der.
There were stirring times a. We
started out. Tens Of Thousands Of
people threw flowers At rs and all
wanted to shake hands. All-even
soldiers-cried Many embraced their
wives or young brides. The bands
played farewell songs and people
laughed aud cried all At the same
time. Strangers embraced and kissed
each other. "A veritable witch's holi-
day" Of emotion was loosened and en-
gulfed the populacs like storm. No
one, not even the strongest, could fe-
sist its powers. Yet even this was
surpassed BY the lsave-taking at the
depot, where last farewells had to be
said. This scene will never leave mel
How desperately many women clung
10 their men Many had to be fOrcibly
removed.
But this was at last done and then
We were placed in cattle cars. Night
came and we had no lights. The train
went slowly toward the Rhine. It
went smoothly enough. Our company.
which had had days Of great excite
ment, welcomed the rest that the jour
ney afforded. Most Of the soldiers
alept with their knapsacks a. pillows.
Others looked dreamily into the fu-
ture. Still others secretly pulled pic
lures from their breastpockets and only
4 very few killed time by discussion
and comment on their possible dest-
nation.
sWhere are We goingT Yss.
wheref No one kBsw. Then after
endless hours. the tratn stopped. We
were In Dureo. What were We there
fort We did not know. The o@cers
only shrugged their shoalders at our
Queot1ons.