The New York herald., 1921-02-13
New Book by Germanys kultur Advocate
Unequivocally Says Nation Is Helpless for
Years Gen Greene Reviews New Work

of the present situation in Germany so con-
cisely that lengthy extracts are justified.
"A large proportion of our magnificent
corps Of officers lies on the battlefelds:
another part has been compelled TO give up
the splendid profession by wounds or dis
ease; the rest has been trying to pick up a
precarious livelihood in other walks of life.
But that is not ALL There is no
longer a German army, for the few men we
are allowed TO keep after the peace treaty
cannot be considered as such. Our colonies
are thing of the past Our fleet is at the
bottom of the sea. 1t would be sheer mad
ness to think of preparing for war now, even
If only in theory; for it is utterly impos-
sible for us to make war 1t would be a
crime to banker after war now when peace
has just been concluded and 1t is the duty
of us all to work for the economic recovery
of our people. war on modern lines
is utterly unthinkable for Germany impov-
erished and broken. This book is to
meet the theoretical need and proclaim our
helplessness. II is. therefore. far from any
desire or intention to sharpen the sword of
vengeance. It's purpose Is only to show that
as things are we are no longer physically
able to do so: 1t will teach about the war
which we are no longer i'm position to
make"
Marshais Facts to Show
Unexpected Changes in Warfare
Having thus in large measure disposed at
the outset OF the present situation in Ger
many, he proceeds to marshal the facts Of
the war in a military sense and to show
what phenomenal and unexpected changes
took place In the business of war during the
eventful years from 1914 to 1918; and he
does this with a surprising skill. far exceed
ing that of any similar book within the
present writer's knowledge It is not book
solely or even essentially for military read
ers. II Is a book to be read by all persons
who desire to form definite conception OF
how war has changed and how this affects
the people OF every nation in the world.
Let us recall for moment the main facts
of Bernhardi's career. He was born at St.
Petersburg. where his father was secretary
OF the Prussian Legation on Nov. 22 1S49.
was educated at the gymnasia of Berlin and
HIrschberg. entered the army In 1859 served
with his cavalry regiment in the war against
France. receiving the Iron Cross (which was
then distributed much more sparingly than
In tho last war; for gallantry In the battles
around Metz. passed through every grade to
that of full general In command OF an army
corps, and was retired In 1909 at the age
of 60. He was four times detailed TO the
General STAFF. In all seven years, twice at
the Imperial General Staff in Berlin and
twice ar chtef OF starr OF q division or OF an
army corps. In 1915 at the age of G5 years,
he was recalled to active service and assigned
to the command OF Az army under Hinden-
burg and Ludendorff in the campaign of 1916.
which defeated the Russians under Bruslloff.
saved Lcmberg and all of Gaicia and finally
effected the complete conquest OF Rumania
However much we may condemn the moral
obllquity OF the man, we must agree w tn
Ludendorff, who after inspecting the sector
which he commanded on the Russian front.
said (vol. 1, p. Ply that Bernhard was
born soldier"
Cen Won Bernhard opens his present
book with discussion Of 'Nlasses"--the
vast and unprecedented size Of the armies
engaged--which, he states I'VE had never
expected In peace time, as certainly no one
in other countries had anticipated it,; and he
shows the consequences resulting from the
employment OF such enormous numbers OF
men i'm military operations First as TO