GERMAN SOLDIERS' MARCHING CAPACITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 277, 22 November 1899, Page 3

GERMAN SOLDIERS' MARCHING CAPACITY.

The most striking feature of the German army manoeuvres this year has been, without doubt, the marching capacity displayed by the infantry. The usual distance in the German ■army for a mixed column is from fourteen to twenty miles daily, with a whole day's rest every fourth day. In cases of emergency the rest, on the fourth day is abandoned; and the march increased to thirty miles. During forced marches they must cover forty miles in twenty-eight hours, including five hours' rest. Some regiments marched for five days running no less than thirty-five miles a day, from two in the morning until eight in the evening, through burning sunshine, and afterwards incessant rain, without losing many men.

Great attention is paid in the German army to the condition of the soldiers' feet. The German infantry soldier wears no stockings. He rubs his feet with kuiolin or vasoline, which is rendered antiseptic by the presence of a little admixture of salicylic carbolic acid, or camphor, and then envelopes them in a piece of flannel. This lessens the friction between boot and foot considerably, and thus prevents the formation of boils.

There was a- widespread feeling of relief when all was over. Some of the men looked terribly fatigued and worn out. On Wednesday, 13th, after the conclusion of the movements, they were lying about like logs of wood at some of the stations waiting for the trains to convey them 'home. I observed some who were actually holloweyed and tliin in the face from the exertions they had undergone. Only a strong natural constitution and careful training enable these men to do what is sometimesi required of them.

The infantry soldier, be it remembered, has a heavy load to carry, no less than sixty pounds, including rifle and ammunition.

At present, experiments are being made with regard to the value of sugar as a food during the march. The results up to the, present, have been fairly satisfactory. Indulgence in strong liquor is strictly forbidden during marching. Even the national beverage, beer, is looked upon with suspicion. The division which crossed the Black Forest carried large barrels of water, many Of which had to be abandoned on the deep ascent.—London "Daily Mail."