Kelly Miller's history of the world war for human right; being an intensely human and brilliant account of the world war and why and for what purpose America and the allies are fighting and the important part taken by the Negro, including the horrors and wonders of modern warfare, the new and strange devices, etc. ..

Front matter

KEI^Y MILDER, A. M., 1,1,. D.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington D. C.

KELLY MILLER'S HISTORY

Chapter I Introductory

CIVILIZATION AT ISSUE — THE GERMAN EMPIRE — CHARACTER OF WILLIAM II — TEE

Obeat Conspiracy — The War by Years — United States in the War — Two Hundred Fifty Miles of Battle — The Downfall of Turkey — The Democratic Close of tue War 17

CHAPTER II GEN. PERSHING'S OWN STORY Organization of His General Staff— Training in France— In the Aisne Offensive— At Chateau Thierry— The St. Mihiel Salient — Meuse-Argonne, First Phase — The Battle in the Forest — Summary 49

CHAPTER III PRESIDENT WILSON'S REVIEW OF THE WAR Troop Movement During the Year — Tribute to American Soldiers — Splen. id Spirit of the Nation — Resume the Work of Peace — Outline of Work in Paris — Support of Nation Urged 79

CHAPTER IV THE FLASH THAT SET THE WORLD AFLAME Teutons Find in a Murder the Excuse for War — Germany Inspired by Ambitions for World Control — The Struggle for Commercial Supremacy a Factor — The Underlying Motives 89

CHAPTER V WHY AMERICA ENTERED THE WAR The Iron Hand of Prussianism — The Arrogant Hohenzollern Attitude — Secretary Lane Tells Why We Fight — Broken Pledges — Laws Violated — Prussianism the Child of Barbarity — Germany's Plans for a World Empire 97

CHAPTER VI THE THINGS THAT MADE MEN MAD Germany's Barbarity — The Devastation of Belgium — Human Fiends — Firebrand and Torch — Rape and Pillage — The Sacking of Louvain — Wanton Destruction — Official Proof 113

CHAPTER VII THE SLINKING SUBMARINE A Voracious Sea Monster — The Ruthless Destructive Policy of Germany — Starvation of Nations the Goal — How the Submarines Operate — Some

Personal Experiences 136

ix

X

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VIII

Xets to Entangle the Sea Sharks of War— "Chasers" or "Skimming dish" Boats — "Blimps" and Seaplanes — Hunting the Submarine With "Lance," Bomb and Gun — A Sailor's Description 154

CHAPTER IX THE EYES OF BATTLE Aeroplanes and Airships — They Spy the Movements of Forces on Land or Sea — Lead Disastrous Bomb Attacks — Valuable in "Spotting" Submarines— The Bombardment at Messines Ridge 170

CHAPTER X WAR'S STRANGE DEVICES Chemistry a Demon of Destruction — Poison Gas Bombs — Gas Masks — Hand Grenades — Mortars — "Tanks" — Feudal "Battering Rams" — Steel Helmets— Strange Bullets — Motor Plows — Real Dogs of War 185

CHAPTER XI

The Terrible Rapid-fire Gun — Armored Automobiles and Automobile Artillery — Howitzers — Mounted Forts — Armored Trains — Observation Towers — Wireless Apparatus — The Army Pantry 205

CHAPTER XII

The Efficient German Organization — The Landwehr and Landsturm — General Forms of Military Organization — The Brave French Troops — The Picturesque Italian Soldiery — The Peace and War Strength — Available Fighting Men — Fortifications 224

CHAPTER XIII THE WORLD'S NAVIES Germany's Sea Strength — Great Britain's Immense War Fleet — Immense Fighting Craft — The United States' New Battle Cruisers — The Fastest and Biggest Ocean Fighting Ships — The Picturesque Marines: The Soldiers of the Sea 243

CHAPTER XIV THE NATIONS AT WAR Unexpected Developments — How TnE War Flames Spread — A Score of Countries Involved — TnE Points of Contact — Picturesque and Rugged Bulgaria, Roumania, Servia, Greece, Italy and Historic Southeast Europe 259

CONTENTS.

xi

CHAPTER XV

Individual Initiative as Against Mass Movements — Trench Warfare a Game of Hide and Seek — Rats and Disease — Surgery's Triumphs — Changed Tactics— Italian Mountain Fighting 281

CHAPTER XVI WOMAN AND THE WAR

She has Won "Her Place in the Sun" — Rich and Poor in the Munitions Factories — 'Nurse and Ambulance Driver — Khaki and Trousers — Organizer and Farmer — Heroes in the Stress of Circumstances — Dying Men's Work for Men — Even a "Bobbie" 298

CHAPTER XVII

A Nation of Men Destroyed — Millions in Shipping and Commerce Destroyed — World's Maps Changed — Billions in Money — Immense Debts — Nation's Wealth — The United States a Great Provider 316

CHAPTER XVIII

Woodrow Wilson, the Champion of Democracy — The Egotistical Kaiser — The German Crown Prince — Britain's Monarch — Constantine Who Quit Rather than Fight Germany — President Poincare — And Other National Heads 328

CHAPTER XIX THE WAR'S WHO'S WHO Striking Figures in the Conflict — Joffre, the Hero of Marne — Nivelle, the French Commander — Sir Douglas Haig — The Kaiser's Chancellor— Venizelos — "Black Jack" Pershing 344

CHAPTER XX CHEMISTRY IN THE WAR Substitutes for Cotton— Nitrates Produced from Air— Yeast a Real Substitute for Beef — Seaweed Made to Give up Potash— A Gangrene Preventittve — Soda Made Out of Salt Water — America Chemically Independent 3g]

CHAPTER XXI OUR NEIGHBORING ALLY Canada's Recruiting — Raise 33,000 Troops in Two Months— First Expeditionary Force to Cross Atlantic— Bravery at Ypres and Lens— Meeting Difficult Problems— Quebec Aroused by Conscription 371 xii

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXII THE HEROIC ANZAC Forces that Stirred the World in the Gallipoli Campaign — Famous as Sappers— The Blasting of Messines Ridge — Two Years Tunnelling — 30,000 Germans Blown to Atoms — 1,000,000 Pounds of Explosives Used — Troops that Were Transported 11,000 Miles 390

CHAPTER XXIII AMERICA STEPS IN President Wilson's Famous Message to Congress — The War Resolution — April 6, 1917, Sees the United States at War — Review of the Negotiations Between Germany and America — The U-Boat Restricted Zone Announcement of Germany — Premier Lloyd George on America in the Conflict 399

CHAPTER XXIV UNCLE SAM TAKES HOLD Makes World's Biggest War Loan — Seize German Ships — Intrigue Exposed — General Pershing and Staff in Europe — The Navy on Duty in North Sea — First United States Troops Reach France — Germany's Attempts to Sink Troop Ships Thwarted dy Navy's Guns 427

CHAPTER XXV A GERMAN CRISIS The Downfall of Bethmann-Hollweg — The Crown Prince in the Lime Light — Hollweg's Unique Career — Dr. Georg Michaelis Appointed Chancellor — The Kaiser and How He Gets His Immense Power 444

CHAPTER XXVI UNCLE SAM AND THE NEUTRALS President Wilson Puts Embargo on Food Shipments — Scandinavian Countries Furnishing Supplies to Germany Inspires Order — The Difficult Position of Norway, Denmark, Holland and Switzerland 452

CHAPTER XXVII THE ACTIONS OF THE WAR From Bosnia to Flanders — Marne the Turning Point of the Conflict — The Conquests of Servia and Rumania — The Fall of Bagdad — Russia's Women Soldiers — America's Conscripts 463

CHAPTER XXVIIT AMERICAN FORCES BECOME FACTOR United Sttes Soldiers Tnsptred Allied Troops — Russian Government Collapses- Italian Army Fails — Allied War Council Formed — Foch Commands Allied Armies — Pershinq Offers American Troops — Under Fire — U-Boat Bases Raided by British 473

CONTENTS. xiii

CHAPTER XXIX AMERICANS TURN WAR'S TIDE Brilliant American Fighting Stops Hun Advance — French and British Inspired— Famous Marines Lead in Picturesque Attack — Halt Germans at Chatteau-Thierry — Used Open Style Fighting — Thousands of Germans Slain — United States Troops in Siberia — Mew Conscription Bill Passed — Allied Successes on All Fronts , . . . , 489

CHAPTER XXX VICTORY— PEACE

The German Empire Collapses — Foch's Strategy Wins — American Inspiration a Big Factor — Bulgaria, Turkey and Ausrtia Quit War — Monarch s Fall — Kaiser Abdicates and Flees Germany — Armistice Signed — November 11, Peace 497

I

ONE OP THE WOUNDED AND HIS MOTHER.

A member of the famous 369th Colored Infantry, who was wounded in) the fighting, and his proud mother. He sacrificed a leg for the cause of righteousness and World Peace.

CHEERFULLY DOING THE WORK REQUIRED.

Transporting tan bark, to be used in connection with tanning leather. No slackers. The colored women did willingly and efficiently their part in helping win the war.

►si

H «

H ^ g

g,fl h ^

o 5 o .S

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Q ^ tn H « fa

Photo Press 111. Serv.

• ENTERTAINING CONVALESCENT AMERICAN SOLDIERS AT AUTHEIL. Negro musicians were in great demand in France. This picture shows Lieut. Europe's

noted colored band.

• © Press 111. Serv.

THE BAND IN LaBOURBOULE, FRANCE.

The arrival of the- colored musicians created great excitement. This band heralded

the coming of soldiers to rest up.

Photo Press 111. Serv.

A SNIPER AT WORK.

This papier-mache camouflage, made to imitate a dead horse, furnished good protection

for the sharpshooter.

Photo Press 111. Serv.

SENEGALIANS ON THE SOMME FRONT.

These men were In the thick of the fighting. Ever ready and always anxious to do

their Dart.

© Press 111. Serv.

FRENCH ZOUAVES TAKEN PRISONERS BY GERMANS. They were formerly artists in a Paris cafe-concert.

Photo Press 111. Serv.

WOUNDED COLORED SOLDIERS ON THE MACEDONIAN FRONT. They were with the ambulance X. A., and the major surgeon is distributing- cigarettes.

Private Henry Johnson \

Private Needham Roberts

Of the New York National Guards (now the 369th), who ^^^nJ^^l the French for routing 24 Germans and preventing the- f**V** gj* * aonWthe developed plan to assail one of the most ^P^VJoi? bv the French General American front. They have been awarded the War Cross by the *rencn ^re of the division under whom they are serving.

Copyrighted by Committee on Public Information, COLORED SOLDIERS BUILDING ROADS "OVER THERE."

Copyrighted by Committee on Public Information. COLORED SOLDIERS IN THE TRENCHES "OVER THERE." (Note the tin hats.)

Copyrighted by Committee on Public Information. HOTEL BOOKER T. WASHINGTON "OVER THERE." The Negro Soldiers are surely fighting for Democracy. It is coming to them

by leaps and bounds.

Copyrighted by Committee on Public Information. COLORED SOLDIERS LEAVING AN AMERICAN PORT FOR "OVER THERE." ( See them dancing on the right. )

The Late Major Walker, of the First Colored Battalion, District of Columbia National Guard

THE late Major James E. Walker was born in Virginia, September 7, 1874. He was educated in the public schools of Washington, D. C, and was graduated from the M Street High School in 1893, and the Miner Normal School in 1894. For twenty-four years he was in the public school service, and since 1899 was supervising principal. In 1896 he was made Lieutenant in the First Separate Battalion of the National Guard of the District of Columbia. In 1909 he was made Captain and in 1912, through competitive examination, was commissioned Major. His command was called out to guard the White House, and while on this duty Major Walker's health became impaired. He was sent to the U. S. Hospital at Fort Bayard, New Mexico, for treatment, where he died April 4, 1918.

CHAPTER I.

Introductory.

Civilization at Issue- -The German Empire — Character of William II — The Great Conspiracy — The War by Years — United States in the War — Two Hundred Fifty Miles of Battle — Tee Downfall of Turkey — The Democratic Close of the War.

HE World War, terminated by the signing of the more far-reaching changes than any war known to history, and is destined to so profoundly influence civilization that we see in it the beginning of a new age. Somewhat similar wars in the past were the campaigns of Alexander; the wars that overthrew the Roman Empire and the Napoleonic wars of a previous century; but this one war surpasses them all, measured by any scale that can be applied to military operations. It was truly a World War, thus in a class by itself. Beginning in Central Europe, twenty-eight natiops— nearly all of the important nations of the world— with a total population of about 1,600,000,000— or eleven-twelfths of the human racebecame involved. It cost 10,000,000 human lives, 17,000,000 more suffered bodily injury; the money cost was about $200,000,000,000, but who can measure the cost in untold suffering caused by ruined homes and wrecked lives that attended it? Or who can measure the property loss, considering that the fairest provinces of Europe were swept with the bezom of destruction?

Rightly to judge the real significance of such a world struggle, we must consider conditions that made it possible; study the issue involved stripped of all misleading statements ; review its course and weigh the nature of the profound changes— geographical, political and economic—

1918, was attended with

INTRODUCTORY.

that resulted. We shall find that this war was the culmination of century-old causes; that two rival theories of government— impossible to longer co-exist— met in deadly conflict; and that civilization itself was the stake at issue. We shall see that beyond the wreck of empires and troubled days of reconstruction now upon us— through it all approaches a wonderful new age. Autocracy has crumbled; a higher form of democracy will arise and in peaceful days to come the nations of the world will rapidly advance in all that constitutes national well-being.

THE GERMAN STATES.

The early history of Germany is a confused panorama of a thousand years, during which time Central Europe was a country of numerous separate states, many of them at times coming together as a more or less closely knit confederacy under the lead of a powerful state, only to fall apart into a mass of confused units at a later date. It is interesting to learn that among the Teutonic knights of that early time, none was more noted than Count Thassilo Von Zollern who founded the house of Hohenzollern, that played such an ambitious role in European history, the house wThose downfall was one of the dramatic results of the war.

THE RISE OF PRUSSIA.

At its height the German Empire consisted of a union of twenty-five Germanic states of various grades and the Reichland of Alsace-Lorraine under the leadership of Prussia, by far the most important state of the Empire. The foundation of Prussia's greatness was laid by Frederick the Great in 1763 when he tore Silesia from Austria in an entirely unprovoked war. He wished to enlarge the bounds of Prussia, he coveted Silesia, so he took it. In that deed of spoliation we see manifested the spirit that

INTRODUCTORY.

has animated official Germany since that date. Not only is the House of Hohenzollern descended from the Robber Knights of old, but the same is true of the military caste of Germany generally. Recent centuries have cast only a thin veneer of modern thought over essentially medieval conceptions of national rights and duties.

THE DAYS OF BISMARCK.

For a century after the reign of Frederick, Prussia remained the most prominent Germanic state in Europe. Then we come to the days of Bismarck. He is regarded as a remarkable statesman. He himself delighted to be known as the man of " Blood and Iron." Judging from his acts his one motive in life was to advance the power and influence of Prussia. In the decade 1860-1870 he instigated three wars,— with Denmark in 1864, with Austria in 1866, with France in 1870,— not one of which was justifiable. The war with France was occasioned by deliberately changing the wording of a telegram— in itself friendly— from the King of Prussia to Napoleon III, knowing it would result in war. All were short wars, all resulted in victory for Prussia and consequent increase in territory. Under the glamour of the great victory over France in 1871 came the formation of the German Empire.

THE GERMAN EMPIRE.

Thus there suddenly arose in Central Europe, in the place of the weak confederation of earlier years, one empire of great actual strength, generously endowed as regards territory, and at the head of that empire was a state that alone of modern states most resembles Rome of early centuries, that ruled the Mediterranean world, imposing on the conquered people of that section her language, her laws and her customs. Like her great prototype, we now know tnat official Prussia regarded all she

INTRODUCTORY.

had accomplished to the formation of the empire as simply a station reached in a career of progress which was to end in a World empire as greatly surpassing that of Rome in her palmy days as the world of the twentieth century surpasses the known world of Roman times.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMPIRE.

The empire enjoyed a brief span of national life. In less than fifty years it ceased to exist, a republic of an uncertain nature takes its place. To outward appearances the development of the empire was a brilliant one. A colonial empire wras established— mostly in Africa— nearly five times as great in area as the home empire; she had large possessions in the Pacific and had gained a foothold in China. The rich potash and iron deposits of Alsace increased her wealth and marvelously built up her industries and she became one of the greatest manufacturing nations of modern times. Her population doubled, her foreign trade increased four fold, her shipping grew by leaps and bounds. Her army became so perfected that it was acknowledged to be the greatest military machine the world had ever seen; she was building a navy that threatened the supremacy of England on the sea.

BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF SAND.

In spite of this brilliant development,, the empire rested on a foundation of sand. You will never understand the World War unless you grasp this thought and its justification. The government was autocratic, though under the form of a constitutional government. The entire military class in Germany held to theories of government, of national rights and wrongs that belonged to the middle ages. Theories of state-craft which the world long since outgrew were proclaimed and taught, and enforced by every means at command of the government, the military

INTRODUCTORY.

class, the professors, scientists and theologians of Germany. Education and religion were state controlled. As a consequence, every German child from his cradle to his grave was under the influence of state officials and never allowed to forget reverence for the kaiser, the glorious military record of Germany, German supremacy in every department of culture. Such a government was hopelessly behind modern ideas.

WILLIAM II.

William II was the third emperor of Germany,— also the last. His reign began, in pomp and ceremony, June 15, 1888, it ended in the darkness and gloom of night, shortly before the signing of the armistice, November 11, 1918. Other reigns have been longer in duration ; none surpassed his in deeds. When his reign began he said he wculd lead his people to 6 ' shining days." He did so; but " shining days" ended in despairing night.

Personally, William II was an able man, but he was not well balanced. In the early days of his reign, Bismarck confided to a friend that it would some day be necessary for Germany to confine William II in an insane asylum. We must remember his lineage, his long line of ancestors dating back to the Eobber Knights of the Middle Ages, all used to the exercise of autocratic power. Medieval conceptions were his by inheritance. He believed he was divinely commissioned to rule Germany; he said so in his speeches. He believed he was a man of destiny who was to advance Germany to the zenith of earthly greatness; he himself, not someone else, asserted this. He asserted that while Napoleon failed in his great scheme of conquest, he, by God's help, would succeed. Every prominent military leader in Germany applauded such beliefs. He said that when he contemplated the paintings of his

INTRODUCTORY.

ancestors, and the military chiefs of Germany, who advanced the insignificant Mark of Brandenbury to the rank of the most powerful state in Europe, they seemed to reproach him for not being active in similar work. But we now know that he was not idle.

ACTIVITIES IN WHICH HE WAS INTERESTED.

One year after the accession of William II he paid a spectacular visit to "his friend" (as he called him) Abdul Hamid, Sultan of Turkey, the head of one of the most cruel, licentious, incompetent, blood-thirsty governments that ever cursed the world ; greeted him with a kiss, put on a Turkish uniform (fez and all), and assured the Mohammedan world that he was henceforth their friend. The ignorant Turks actually supposed he had become a Mohammedan and native papers spoke of him as "His Islamic Holiness." In the light of history, the meaning of all this is so clear that he who runs may read, and the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. This visit was repeated in 1898. For more than twenty years every effort was made to extend German influence in Turkey, because that country with its minerals, its oils, its wonderfully strong strategical location was vital to the success of a vast scheme of conquest official Germany with William II as leader was contemplating.

PAN-GERMANISM.

Two years after his accession, there was organized the Pan-Germanic League. This League soon attracted to its ranks, the entire class of Prussian Junkers, virtually all the military class, and a galaxy of writers and speakers. The purpose of the league was to foster in the minds of German people the idea that it was their privilege, right and duty to extend the power, influence and political dominance of Germany to all parts of the world, peacefully if

INTRODUCTORY.

possible, otherwise by the sword. This doctrine was taught openly and boldly in Germany in books and pamphlets and by means of lectures with such frankness and fullness of details that the world at large laughed at it as an exuberant dream of fanatics. Intellectual, military, and official Germany was in earnest. Her generals wrote books illustrated with maps showing the stages of world conquest; her professors patiently explained how necessary all this was to Germany's future; while her theologians pointed out it was God's will. But the world at large, • except uneasy France, slept on.

OUTWORKINGS OF THE PLOT.

It was this vision that fired the imagination of William II. He was to be the Augustus of this greater Roman Empire; over virtually all the earth the House of Hohenzollern was to exercise despotic sway. Then began preparation for the World's War. With characteristic German thoroughness and patience the plans were laid. Thoroughness, since they embraced every conceivable means that would enhance their prospect of victory, her military leaders, scientists and statesmen were all busy. Patience, since they realized there was much to do. Many years were needed and Germany refused to be hurried. She carefully attended to every means calculated to increase the commerce and industry of the empire, but with it all— underlying it all— were activities devoted to preparation for world conquest. Building for world empire, Germany could afford to take time.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED.

Time was needed to solve the military problems involved. A nation aspiring to territory extending from Hamburg to Bagdad must firmly control the Balkan States. That meant that Austria must become, in effect,

INTRODUCTORY.

a German province; Serbia must be crushed; Bulgaria must become an ally; and Turkey must be brought under control. In 1913, two of these desired results were attained. Turkey was to a surprising degree under the military and economic control of Germany. Austria had become such a close ally that she might almost be styled a vassal of Germany. She faithfully carried out the wishes of Germany in 1908 when she annexed the Serbian states of Bosnia and Herzegovnia, a step she felt safe in taking since (the Kaiser's own words) behind her was the " shining sword of Germany." It were tedious to enlarge on this point. Let it suffice to say that in 1914 Germany felt herself ready for the conflict. Enormous supplies of guns, of a caliber before unthought of, and apparently inexhaustible supplies of ammunition had been prepared; strategic railroads had been built by which armies and supplies could be hurried to desired points; the Kiel Canal had been completed; her navy had assumed threatening proportions;, her army, greatly enlarged, was in perfect readiness.

THE REAL CAUSES OF THE WAR.

The real cause of the war is now disclosed. It is not necessary to discuss other possible causes. The pistol shot at Serajevo was the occasion, not the cause of the war. The simple fact is that on one pretext or another war would have come anyway, simply because Germany was ready. In 1913 the speakers of the Pan-German League were going to and fro in Germany making public speeches on all possible occasions, warning the people to be ready, telling them "There was the smell of blood in the air," that the wrath of God was about to be visited upon the nations that would hem Germany in. We now know from official sources that Germany was eager for war in the fateful days of July 1914, when France and England were almost beg-

INTRODUCTORY.

ging for peace. All this is made exceedingly clear in the secret memoirs of Prince Lichnowski, German ambassador to England, the published statements of the premier of Bavaria, also those of the Prince of Monaco, and the records of the Potsdam council over which the Kaiser presided, secretly convened one week after the murder of the Prince. There were present the generals, diplomats and bankers of Germany.

DECISION FOR WAR.

The matter of possible war was carefully considered. To the earnest question of the emperor, all present assured him that the interests they represented were ready, with the exception of the financiers who desired two weeks' time in which to make financial arrangements for the coming storm. This was given them, and the council adjourned. The emperor, to divert suspicion, hurried off on a yachting trip while the financiers immediately commenced disposing of their foreign securities. The stock markets of London, Paris, and New York during that interval of time bear eloquent testimony to the truth of these assertions. Two weeks and three days after the council adjourned, Austria sent her ultimatum to Serbia. The truth of these statements is vouched for by Henry Morgenthau, American ambassador to Turkey.

Thus were unleashed the dogs of war. For four long years they rioted in blood. To advance dynastic ambitions and national greed, millions of Armenian Christians were tortured, outraged and murdered; hapless Belgians were ravished and put to the sword, their cities made charnal heaps; millions of men— the fairest sons of many landsgave up their lives, and anguished hearts sobbed out their grief in desolated homes, while generations to come will feel the crushing financial burdens this struggle has entailed with its heritage of woe.

INTRODUCTORY.

THE WAR BY YEARS.

We must now gain a general view of the events of the war. Every well-informed man or woman feels the necessity of such outline knowledge. It was not only the greatest war in history, but it was our war. Our liberties were threatened. Rivers and hamlets of France are invested with new interest. There, our American boys are sleeping ; they died that our Republic might live. We may regard the annals of other wars with languid interest ; those of this war grip our hearts, our breath comes quicker as we read ; we experience a glow of patriotic pride. We shall let each year of the war tell its story. Of necessity we can only record the main events, the peaks of each year's achievements.

A state of war was declared to exist in Germany, July 31, 1914. Four days later Germany had mobilized five large armies with full supplies on the extended line from Metz northward along the eastern boundary of .France— a distance of about 130 miles. That mobilization was a wonderful exhibition of military efficiency. From Verdun to Paris, slightly southwest, is also about 130 miles.

The German plan of campaign may be crudely stated as follows: Regard that extended line as a flail ready to fall, hinged near Verdun, moved in a circle until the northern tip, under command of Von Kluck, should fall with all the energy Germany could put into the blow on Paris. In the meantime, the other armies would crush back, outflank, defeat, and capture the small British and hastily mobilized French armies that confronted them along the entire line. It was believed that a short campaign would crush France, over-awe Great Britain, and end the war in the West. It was thought that six weeks would be ample to accomplish this result.

INTRODUCTORY.

BELGIAN RESISTANCE.

Germany expected that at the most a day or so would see Belgian resistance broken and the dash on Paris begun. It was not safe to start such a forward rush with Belgium unconquered. This was the first of many, many mistakes made by Germany. It required two weeks to break down this resistance. Thus the northern end of the flail was held and movement along the entire line was slowed down or suspended. The unexpected delay saved France. Let us remember this when we read the story of Belgium's martyrdom, a story written in blood. Then began the fulfillment of the threat of William II to the Prince of Monaco 6 'the world will see what it never dreamed of." And truly the world never dreamed of the terrible scenes that attended the sack of Louvain (August 26). Not until after the situation in Belgium had been given a bloody setting did the first dash on Paris begin (August 23).

RETREAT TO THE MARNE.

We are now approaching the " Miracle of the Marne." The line of German armies along the eastern frontier of France were confronted by the forces of France, hastily mobilized during the delay occasioned by the heroic but pathetically futile resistance of Belgium. The first English army had also assumed a position before the menac- ' ing rush of the German forces. The only thing the Allies could do was to retreat. This movement, directed by General Joffre, was a remarkably able one. His plan was to give ground before the advance without risking a decisive battle until he could rearrange his forces and gain a favorable position. Only with difficulty was the retreat saved from becoming a great disaster when the British army was defeated at Mons-Charleroi (August 21-3). Apparently, the German forces were carrying everything