WAR NEWS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 4943, 17 September 1914, Page 7

WAR NEWS.

ATTACK IN MASSES. GERMAN METHODS CRITICISED Electric Telearanh —Press Association Copyright. Paris, East Night. Thei French Commander-in-Chief, General Joffre, is quoted as remarking that there were two methods of making war —one to employ troops in masses and the other to fight in extended order. The former was the German’s method, and was immensely costly in life. The Germans can afford to practise it for two reasons: First, their immense, superiority in numbers; second, the Germans are disciplined to snch a degree in animal unreasoning and mechanical obedience that they fight beet when close together under their officers’ personal command. On the other hand, to fight in extended order is the French way. In accordance with their temperament the French would not fight well wedged together like a brick wall. The Frenchman is never at his best unless allowed a little personal initiative. He becomes impatient under constant command and mechanical discipline. General Joffre emphasised tlie point that in order to' defeat troops of a mass with troos fighting in extended order he must fight on a battlefield limited by a strong fortress supporting the extended lines, and must limit his front. This is what he (General Joffre) had done. He led the Germans on his retreat from the Belgian frontier to a battle gi-ound of his own choosing. The enemy’s present retreat shows the success of his strategy.

TREACHEROUS GERMANS. London, Last Night. During the recent charge of the Twelfth Lancers and Scots Greys on a body of German infantry the latter threw down their rifles and held up their hands. The British cavalry were carried by the impetus of the charge beyond the lines, but checked themselves and were careful not to wound anyone. No sooner had they passed than the Germans picked up their rifles and fired at the backs of the Britishers, who turned and hacked the treacherous enemy to pieces. CONSIDERABLE BOOTY. Paris, Last Night. Twenty-one train loads of booty from the Marne have been brought to Vincennes. They include eleven guns, seven motor waggons full of aumnition, four mitrailleuses, three aeroplanes, and two lorries filled with helmets, rifles and swords. KAISER AT NANCY. WASTE OF HORSES. London, Last Night. An Army Order has been issued pro Riding for the continuous payment of British fighters taken prisoners unless the capture occurred through neglect or misconduct. Tu an affray near Ostend a German Red Cross man was captured after firing a rifle and revolver at the Belgians. German newspapers express disgust at unnatural women treating French and Russian prisoners with kindness. The Kaiser superintended the attack on Nancy, where it was stated the German losses were 20,000. Their losses at Lutfeville were IT.OOO. The waste of horses by the war in France has been appalling. French Dragoons return to Paris to re-horse, take trains to the front, and with the help of fresh horses capture whole sections of Germans who are helpless through want of sleep. Even sentries are asleep. All capable of do. ing so creep to barns to rest.