Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1914 — ALL BUSINESS IS ABANDONED. [ARTICLE]

ALL BUSINESS IS ABANDONED.

Orders to Mobilize Make Europe Big Camp. New York, Aug. 5.—A distinguished army officer stationed in New York described the process of mobilization in European countries. “Mobilization is really a simple thing,” he said. “It merely means getting fighting men to the place they are needed to fill the complements of regiments, divisions, corps or garrisons, as the case may be. In the Upited States there is no such thing as mobilization because we have no reserves to mobilize. In this country the process of gathering our forces is called concentration. For instance, we might assemble several army division in Houston, Tex. That would be concentration. ‘‘On the other hand, Germany, Russia, France and Austria have thousands upon thousands of men who have served in the army and are upon the reserve lists for further service when called upon. V hen the time arrives these troops and the reserves are mobilized. On the French border Germany, for instance, has her most powerful forces. The first line of 'roops, those nearest to the border, are nearly up to war strength. “When war comes the reservist drops his pen or his shovel or whatever tool he may be using and withuot more ado hastens to the front. He has served in the army before, is really a veteran. He has known during the days of peace just what regiment and in just what city or post he belongs. And he makes all possible speed for that post. I suppose that not more than forty-eight hours would be required to mobilize the entire French army. Germany is equally as fast, while Russia and Austria, in military circles, are not supposed to be so well trained.

“War is a business with the continental citizens, and everything gives way to preparations for it. When the reservists are called out nothing interferes with their progress to their stations. The railroads are theirs and private business and pleasure stop. The government simply takes possession of what it wants. The reservist starts at a minute’s notice, without gun, uniform cr equipment of any sort. On his arrival at the mobilization ca,mp a big bundle is thrown at him. It coritains everything he needs. He puts on his clothes, shoulders his rifle and presto. the civilian has disappeared and the trained soldier stands ready for war. Over here we have no conception of the celerity with which it is all done. “One of the most interesting parts of the operation is how the military authorities keep track of the eligible men. In every village, town and city lists are kept and the men who are on the reserve list must keep the J authorities informed of their addresses. Then when the call to colors comes thousands upon thousands of automobiles, horses, motorcycles and now even areoplanes, carry to each man the order to join his regiment. Sleeping villages are awakened as by a Paul Revere, horsemen passing through deserted streets shouting the word that the reservists are wanted for

duty. Before morning an army is on the move. “In all countires in the war zone where government ownership does not exist all public utilities are seized and converted to the use of the government. Every thing possible is done to speed the civilian-soldier on his way to the front. Reservists who leave the country are obliged to leave their adresses with the authorities and they are called back by means of cablegrams, telegrams and other means of communication, directed by consuls and military agents. “The outward aspects of mobilization are largely routine and the result of office work. The big problem of the war heads is to decide where to mobilize and what forces to call upon. Therefore the most important part of the mobilization problem is a military secret in each country. “Naturally France and Germany win mobilize on the frontier, which is- small and shut off on either end by Switzerland and Belgium, neutral nations. “On the north Germany has a great advantage over Russia in mobilizing, because it has three railroad lines which «nn be used to convey troops as against Russia’s one. If the Germans want to they can mobilize at the north and cut off Russia Poland and part of Galicia before the Russians know what is happening. “In this country, when we start to get troops together, we have to begin months in advance to arrange for transportation. Preparation for war in the United States outside of the army and navy is a joke. In Germany, France, Austria and Russia practically every citizen is liable to be called for war service, and as a result the whole nation takes the matter w’ith the utmost seriousness. It is no picnic when the reservists start for the front. “The reservists are divided into different classes, according to the number of years which have elapsed since they quit active service. In all cases the practice is to summon them back to the colors, with the latest to leave service first and the others in order.”