74 
THE FRENCH MANOEUVRES OF 1891 . 
advanced-guard was soon checked, by coming under the fire of the main 
position. The batteries attached to the advanced-guard were at once 
brought forward and opened fire on whatever portions of the enemy's 
position could be distinguished. The defender's position was so well 
selected that it was difficult to pick out any well defined target, until 
the fire, which they directed on the guns, somewhat exposed their 
position; but even then, the smokeless powder gave a very indistinct 
clue to the exact spot at which to aim. 
As the fight developed a very strong Artillery fire was directed 
against the main defensive localities in the position, large masses of 
batteries were employed together, as many as twelve being in one line, 
with their fire concentrated on the front, against which the portion of 
the attack opposite to it was being directed. To enable these batteries 
to be brought into action at an early stage of the fight, the Artillery 
marched well towards the head of the advanced-guard or main- 
body, as the case might be, following directly behind the leading 
battalion. Fire was opened at a range not exceeding 2500 yards, and 
all through the engagement excessively long range firing was avoided. 
The Artillery of the main-body was rapidly moved forward into line 
with the advanced-guard batteries, and under the support of their com¬ 
bined fire the Infantry advanced to the attack. Both flanks of the 
position were gradually enveloped by the attacking force, the Artillery 
moving forward to closer ranges as the Infantry advanced in the 
successive stages of the battle. The final phase of the attack was a 
charge made in great strength by the Cavalry Division of the Army of 
the West against the enemy's left flank; this was considered the 
finishing blow, and the “ cease firing" then sounded. The day had 
been a long one, as many of the troops began marching at 4 a.m. for 
the positions assigned to them in the line of attack; the actual fighting 
commenced at 9 a.m., but a great deal of hard marching had been 
done before that hour. The day was excessively hot, warmer than 
anything to be experienced out of India; there were no stragglers, 
and very few men fell out except those thoroughly exhausted ; there 
were, however, numerous cases of sunstroke. 
All the foreign Military Attaches were present. They arrived at the 
Chavanges Station about 9 a.m., having travelled by special train from 
St. Dizier, where they lived during the latter part of the manoeuvres. 
The arrangements made for their seeing the work of the army would 
appear to have been satisfactory, notwithstanding that one heard 
reports to the contrary. The horses were supplied from the Ecole 
Militaire. at Paris, and were sent daily from place to place, according 
to whichever railway station was the most central for the day's opera¬ 
tions, while the Attaches travelled by train. The Military Attaches 
were the only foreign officers who attended the manoeuvres in uniform, 
or as guests of the French Government. 
The manoeuvres were of a most interesting nature, and it was some¬ 
thing in itself to see 120,000 men assembled together, and to witness 
the arrangements necessary for the feeding and maintaining in the 
field of such an immense host. Unless one was officially accredited, 
or had a personal acquaintance with French officers, it was difficult to 
