202 
GERMAN MANCEUVRES. 
two columns united, and prepared for a stubborn defence. General 
Yon Grone then advanced to attack the place doing so in front with all 
his artillery and left brigade, while his right brigade marched to the 
North round Muggensturm to threaten the enemy's line of com¬ 
munications and retreat; the guns took up a position on the left of the 
Wood and between the roads leading from Muggensturm to Bisch- 
weier and Kuppenheim, while the left brigade were massed in the 
Wood. After a preparatory cannonade and when the right brigade was 
reported to have approached the road from Muggensturm to Neumalsch, 
a frontal attack in two lines was made by the left brigade on the 
Kapelle, which formed an advanced post and Muggensturm ; and when 
the assault was about to take place cease fire sounded, and the 
manoeuvres of the 28th Division came to an end. The next day, 
September 19th, I joined the 29th division at Mulheim ; for the last 
two days of its work. 
I have given in detail the manoeuvres of the 28th division, to show 
the work which a division acting by itself in the German Army, 
performs. 
I have given the general and special ideas and the orders in extenso 
as they were remarkably good throughout and form a useful study. 
General Observations. 
Infantry. 
I had the opportunity of seeing one of the new regiments lately 
formed oubof the fourth battalion, and I am able to say that there was 
no perceptible difference between it and the other regiments. In what¬ 
ever part of Germany one goes to see the troops, one finds in one 
place, as it were, counterparts of units, which one sees in others. 
The system is so perfect and the inspections so admirable and like 
clock-work, that although the freest possible hand is given to all Com¬ 
manders of Units as to the manner in which their training is con¬ 
ducted, the result is required to be and is identical. 
There is no centralisation, red tape, nor unnecessary interference 
with subordinate commanders, no piles of returns nor huge amount of 
correspondence. 
The marching powers of the men, with their burdens of 63 lbs. are 
all that a commander could desire. In fact the infantry are trained 
pedestrians, which is accomplished, not by occasionally subjecting them 
to long marches, but a steady progressive system, as progressive as a 
course of gymnastics. Their boots, Wellingtons, into which their 
trousers are inserted for marching and drills, are most carefully fitted 
and constantly inspected as are their feet. They are allowed to wear 
either stockings or pieces of linen (Fusslappen) rolled round the foot 
but the vast majority prefer the former. 
I saw no men fall out, which the coolness of the weather no doubt 
partially accounted for. Some of the marches were very long, twenty 
miles and more, and this added to a day's manoeuvring, formed a good 
test of the fitness of the men. 
The stature of the Baden troops is good, the standard is only 
