ON BOARD A GERMAN BATTLESHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12450, 5 September 1902, Page 6

ON BOARD A GERMAN BATTLESHIP.

-G> The personnel of a German warship differs from that of a British ship. The German sailor is contented with lees than the British sailor, lie grumbles less. But, on the other hand, the capacity of the British able- seaman for prolonged exertion is greater than that of his German colleague. The coaling averages of the German battleship;, approach those of the British Channel fleet during tire first or second hours of the operation. The neatness and smartness of the German sailors and marines when at divisions is equal to that of the British. The seamen bring ciother, brushes in their hands on deck, and ars engaged in brushing each other until a few seconds before the order is given to come to attention. The brashes are then hidden on the iron stanchions in places allotted for the purpose. Inspection then begins, and woe betide the Teuton " matlo " whose broad collar, jacket, or trousers show the slightest speck of dust. The drill of the German sailors is remarkable for military precision. The German navy is Prussianised like the German Empire. Everything is done to inspire them, with a sense of their country's greatness. Large black--boards are suspended in different parts of the ship, inscribed " Vaterlandische Gedenktage," literally, " Fatherlandish think daya,' or anniversaries. Every seaman and marine is required not only to know these anniversaries, but to have an intelligent appreciation of their meaning. The contrast is remarkable' between the sedulous care taken by the German authorities to acquaint the people with the great events of German history and tho comparative indifference with which the English schoolboy or young seaman is allowed to remain ignorant of his country's history. German naval officers differ but little from our own. They are, perhaps, more carefully educated in general knowledge. Their comfort is attended to by their Government to an extent which would seem luxurious to English lieutenants. Steam-heating in the wardroom and cabins, hot and cold water in the bathrooms** freezing apparatus,, and a cool chamber, are luxuries which would be highly appreciated in the , Channel and Mediterranean squadrons, not to speak of the Persian Gidf. The marriages of German naval officers are supervised by the Government, and mesalliances are consequently never-heard of. German r.aval officers are not allowed to spend more than a moderate amount, on wine. If a rich young sub-lieutenant ordered a bottle of champagne, he would hear of it from his captain. These sumptuary rules wbvk well. The spirit of cheerfulness and, content seems to reign throughout the whole ship. There is no grumbling, and orders are carried out with alacrity. The men-run to the officers' orders, and under the iron discipline goodwill seems to subsist between offioers and men. One thing is remarkable in the German na.vy. William II is regarded with a devotion by officers and men that nearly touches the domain of religion. The Emperor is personally acquainted with evory, na;val officer in his service. •He bestows hundreds of his portraits on the men, and is regarded by them, as father as well as Emperor and Admiral. His spirit imbues all ranks with passionate devotion to duty, and he himself works so hard that the standard of efficiency exacted by .his Majesty from others is accepted as "right and natural.