GERMAN MANOEUVRES. 
29 
conditions of it will never be the same in any two cases; but a careful 
study of that, which should be done under nominal conditions, is the 
•ground work which will enable a leader to shape his plans and adapt 
them to any circumstances which may arise. This was the keystone of 
the German successes in 1870 and they have improved on it ever since. 
Supply of ammunition .—The artillery and infantry Ammunition 
Columns were imaginary, but their supposed position was always stated. 
Every company of infantry has a two-horse company ammunition 
wagon, which carries 9000 rounds. None of these were out with their 
companies. Each infantry soldier carries 150 rounds, weighing 11 lbs. 
(the total weight he carries is 63 lbs.) 
Smokeless powder was used by the artillery only at the Corps 
Manoeuvres, in the others, for economy’s sake, black powder was fired. 
Uniform .—The new equipment, which included a loose Norfolk 
jacket and a valise equipment, somewhat like ours, and which was tried 
two years ago, was pronounced to be a failure, and the same tunic 
(Waffen-rock) which was introduced about 1849 and the cowskin knap¬ 
sack are still worn. The officers wear a serge patrol jacket (Litifka) 
in billets on the line of march or manoeuvres, but never in garrison or 
on parade. 
I have had a good many opportunities of seeing portions of the 
German Army since the year 1880, and I cannot but come to the con¬ 
clusion that, in spite of the two years period of service, it has steadily 
improved year after year, and that it is as perfect a machine for war, as 
ability on the part of leaders, devotion to duty on that of the officers 
generally, with perfect discipline and docility on the side of the men, 
has ever produced. 
I cannot conclude without bearing testimony to the kindness and 
cordial reception which I received, not only from every German officer 
with whom I camo into contact, from the General commanding the 
Army Corps down, but also from the inhabitants in whose houses I was 
quartered. One and all vied in showing attention to an English officer 
and a stranger in the land. 
