diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:51:19 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:51:19 -0700 |
| commit | dd1e49d8e3e2660da483a1d014b938c2a3c0861a (patch) | |
| tree | cb34396dfd818224d9277864a43865309bcc7440 /17511-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '17511-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/17511-h.htm | 5141 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-002.jpg | bin | 0 -> 40032 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-003.jpg | bin | 0 -> 54194 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-004.jpg | bin | 0 -> 52042 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-018a.jpg | bin | 0 -> 25632 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-018b.jpg | bin | 0 -> 24960 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-028a.jpg | bin | 0 -> 18341 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-028b.jpg | bin | 0 -> 26272 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-060.jpg | bin | 0 -> 56234 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-142.jpg | bin | 0 -> 45475 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-148.jpg | bin | 0 -> 34490 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-160.jpg | bin | 0 -> 47854 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-174.jpg | bin | 0 -> 43751 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 17511-h/images/img-front.jpg | bin | 0 -> 41144 bytes |
14 files changed, 5141 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/17511-h/17511-h.htm b/17511-h/17511-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..863c8e2 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/17511-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5141 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Foch the Man, by Clara E. Laughlin + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> +BODY { color: Black; + background: White; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-size: medium; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + text-align: justify } + +P {text-indent: 4% } + +P.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +P.poem {text-indent: 0%; margin-left: 10%; font-size: small } + +P.letter {font-size: small } + + hr.full { width: 100%; + height: 5px; } + a:link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:#ff0000} + pre {font-size: 70%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h1> + The Project Gutenberg eBook, Foch the Man, by Clara E. Laughlin + </h1> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> + <p> + Title: Foch the Man + </p> + <p> + A Life of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies + </p> + <p> + Author: Clara E. Laughlin + </p> + <p> + Release Date: January 14, 2006 [eBook #17511] + </p> + <p> + Language: English + </p> + <p> + Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + </p> + <p> + ***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOCH THE MAN*** + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + E-text prepared by Al Haines + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="img-front"></a> <img src="images/img-front.jpg" + alt="Marshal Foch at the Peace Conference." width="350" height="591" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Frontispiece: Marshal Foch at the Peace Conference.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + FOCH THE MAN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + A Life of <br /> The Supreme Commander <br /> of the <br /> Allied Armies + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + BY + </h4> + <h3> + CLARA E. LAUGHLIN + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + WITH APPRECIATION BY + </h4> + <h3> + LIEUT.-COL. EDOUARD RÉQUIN + </h3> + <h4> + of the French High Commission to the United States + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + WITH ILLUSTRATIONS + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + NEW YORK ———— CHICAGO <br /><br /> Fleming H. Revell + Company <br /><br /> LONDON AND EDINBURGH + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h5> + Copyright, 1918, 1919, by <br /><br /> FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h5> + First Printing - November 11, 1918<br /> Second Printing - November 19, + 1918<br /> Third Printing - November 29, 1918<br /> Fourth Printing - + December 7, 1918<br /> Fifth Printing - January 9, 1919<br /> Sixth Printing + - May 1, 1919 + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + DEDICATION<br /> + </h3> + <h3> + TO THE MEN WHO HAVE FOUGHT UNDER GENERAL<br /> FOCH'S COMMAND. TO ALL Of + THEM, IN ALL<br /> GRATITUDE. BUT IN AN ESPECIAL WAY TO THE MEN<br /> OF THE + 42D DIVISION, THE SPLENDOR OF<br /> WHOSE CONDUCT ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1914,<br /> + NO PEN WILL EVER BE ABLE<br /> ADEQUATELY TO COMMEMORATE. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="img-002"></a> <img src="images/img-002.jpg" + alt="Hand-written letter from Foch." width="360" height="442" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Hand-written letter from Foch.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <a name="img-003"></a> <img src="images/img-003.jpg" + alt="Page 1 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. Réquin to Clara Laughlin.]" + width="357" height="546" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Page 1 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. Réquin to + Clara Laughlin.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <a name="img-004"></a> <img src="images/img-004.jpg" + alt="Page 2 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. Réquin to Clara Laughlin.]" + width="363" height="529" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Page 2 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. Réquin to + Clara Laughlin.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + [Transcriber's note: The letter in the second and third illustrations is + shown translated on the following page.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + Dear MADEMOISELLE LAUGHLIN: + </p> + <p> + I have read with the keenest interest your sketch of the life of Marshal + Foch. It is not yet history: we are too close to events to write it now, + but it is the story of a great leader of men on which I felicitate you + because of your real understanding of his character. + </p> + <p> + Christian, Frenchman, soldier, Foch will be held up as an example for + future generations as much for his high moral standard as for his military + genius. + </p> + <p> + It seems that in writing about him the style rises with the noble + sentiments which inspire him. + </p> + <p> + Thus in form of presentation as well as in substance you convey admirably + the great lesson which applies to each one of us from the life of Marshal + Foch. + </p> + <p> + Please accept, Mademoiselle, this expression of my respectful regards. + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + LT.-COLONEL E. RÉQUIN. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + "THEY SHALL NOT PASS!" + </h3> + <p class="poem"> + Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak<br /> And + gazed on a world of red,--<br /> Red with the blood of heroes,<br /> The + living and the dead;<br /> A mighty force of Evil strove<br /> With + freemen, mass on mass.<br /> Three Spirits stood on the mountain peak<br /> + And cried: "They shall not + pass!"<br /> + </p> + <p class="poem"> + The Spirits of Love and Sacrifice,<br /> The + Spirit of Freedom, too,--<br /> They called to the men they had dwelt among<br /> + Of the Old World and the + New!<br /> And the men came forth at the trumpet call,<br /> Yea, + every creed and class;<br /> And they stood with the Spirits who called to + them,<br /> And cried: + "They shall not pass!"<br /> + </p> + <p class="poem"> + Far down the road of the Future Day<br /> I + see the world of Tomorrow;<br /> Men and women at work and play,<br /> + In the midst of their joy + and sorrow.<br /> And every night by the red firelight,<br /> When + the children gather 'round<br /> They tell the tale of the men of old.<br /> + These noble ancestors, grim and bold,<br /> Who + bravely held their ground.<br /> In thrilling accents they often speak<br /> + Of the Spirits Three on the mountain peak.<br /> + </p> + <p class="poem"> + O + Freedom, Love and Sacrifice<br /> You + claimed our men, alas!<br /> Yet + everlasting peace is theirs<br /> Who + cried, "They shall not pass!"<br /> + </p> + <p class="poem"> + ARTHUR A. PENN.<br /> + </p> + <h5> + <i>Reprinted by permission of M. Witmark & Sons, N. Y.</i> <br /> <i>Publishers + of the musical setting to this poem.</i> + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + CONTENTS + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap00b"> FOREWORD TO REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION </a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap01"> I. WHERE HE WAS BORN </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Stirring traditions and historic scenes which surrounded him in childhood. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap02"> II. BOYHOOD SURROUNDINGS </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + The horsemarkets at Tarbes. The school. Foch at twelve a student of + Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap03"> III. A YOUNG SOLDIER OF A LOST CAUSE </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + What Foch suffered in the defeat of France by the Prussians. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap04"> IV. PARIS AFTER THE GERMANS LEFT </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Foch begins his military studies, determined to be ready when France + should again need defense. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap05"> V. LEARNING TO BE A ROUGH RIDER </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Begins to specialize in cavalry training. The school at Saumur. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap06"> VI. FIRST YEARS IN BRITTANY </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Seven years at Rennes as artillery captain and always student of war. + Called to Paris for further training. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap07"> VII. JOFFRE AND FOCH </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Parallels in their careers since their school days together. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap08"> VIII. THE SUPERIOR SCHOOL OF WAR </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Where Foch's great work as teacher prepared hundreds of officers for the + superb parts they have played in this war. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap09"> IX. THE GREAT TEACHER </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Some of the principles Foch taught. Why he is not only the greatest + strategist and tactician of all time, but the ideal leader and coordinator + of democracy. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap10"> X. A COLONEL AT FIFTY </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Clemenceau's part in giving Foch his opportunity. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap11"> XI. FORTIFYING FRANCE </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + How the Superior War Council prepared for the inevitable invasion of + France. Foch put in command at Nancy. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap12"> XII. ON THE EVE OF WAR </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + True to his belief that "the way to make war is to attack" Foch promptly + invaded Germany, but was obliged to retire and defend his own soil. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap13"> XIII. THE BATTLE OF LORRAINE </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + How the brilliant generalship there thwarted the German plan; and how + Joffre recognized it in reorganizing his army. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap14"> XIV. THE FIRST VICTORY AT THE MARNE </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + "The Miracle of the Marne" was Foch. How he turned defeat to victory. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap15"> XV. SENT NORTH TO SAVE CHANNEL PORTS </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + Foch's skill and diplomacy in that crisis show him a great coordinator. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap16"> XVI. THE SUPREME COMMANDER </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + How Foch stopped the German drive that nearly separated the French and + English armies. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap17"> XVII. BRINGING GERMANY TO ITS KNEES </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + The completest humiliation ever inflicted on a proud nation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#chap18"> XVIII. DURING THE ARMISTICE—AND AFTER </a> + </h3> + <p class="noindent"> + How Foch carries himself as victor. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + ILLUSTRATIONS + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + <a href="#img-front"> Marshal Foch at the Peace Conference . . . . . . + <i>Frontispiece</i> </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-002"> Hand-written letter from Foch. </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-003"> Page 1 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. + Réquin to Clara Laughlin. </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-004"> Page 2 of hand-written letter from Lt.-Colonel E. + Réquin to Clara Laughlin. </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-018a"> The room in which Ferdinand Foch was born </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-018b"> The house in Tarbes where Foch was born </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-028a"> Ferdinand Foch as a schoolboy of twelve </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-028b"> The school in Tarbes </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-060"> Marshall Joffre--General Foch </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-142"> General Pétain--Marshal Haig--General Foch--General + Pershing </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-148"> General Foch--General Pershing </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-160"> Marshal Foch, Executive head of the allied forces </a> + </h3> + <h3> + <a href="#img-174"> Ferdinand Foch, Marshal of France </a> + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap00b"></a> + </p> + <h3> + FOREWORD TO REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION + </h3> + <p> + When the Great War broke out, one military name "led all the rest" in + world-prominence: Kitchener. Millions of us were confident that the hero + of Kartoum would save the world. It was not so decreed. Almost immediately + another name flashed into the ken of every one, until even lisping + children said <i>Joffre</i> with reverence second only to that wherewith + they named Omnipotence. Then the weary years dragged on, and so many men + were incredibly brave and good that it seemed hard for anyone to become + pre-eminent. We began to say that in a war so vast, so far-flung, no one + man <i>could</i> dominate the scene. + </p> + <p> + But, after nearly four years of conflict, a name we had heard and seen + from the first, among many others, began to differentiate itself from the + rest; and presently the whole wide world was ringing with it: Foch! + </p> + <p> + He was commanding all the armies of civilization. Who was he? + </p> + <p> + Hardly anyone knew. + </p> + <p> + Up to the very moment when he had compassed the most momentous victory in + the history of mankind, little was known about him, outside of France, + beyond the fact that he had been a professor in the Superior School of + War. + </p> + <p> + Now and then, as the achievements of his generalship rocked the world, + someone essayed an account of him. They said he was a Lorrainer, born at + Metz; they said his birthday was August 4; they said he was too young to + serve in the Franco-Prussian war; and they said a great many other things + of which few happened to be true. + </p> + <p> + Then, as the summer of 1918 waned, there came to me from France, from + Intelligence officers of General Foch's staff, authoritative information + about him. + </p> + <p> + And also there came those, representing France and her interests in this + country, who said: + </p> + <p> + "Won't you put the facts about Foch before your people?" + </p> + <p> + If I could have fought for France with a sword (or gun) I should have been + at her service from the first of August, 1914, when I heard her tocsin + ring, saw her sons march away to fight and die on battlefields as familiar + to me as my home neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + Not being permitted that, I have yielded her such service as I could with + my pen. + </p> + <p> + And when asked to write, for my countrymen, about General Foch, I felt + honored in a supreme degree. + </p> + <p> + In due course we shall have many volumes about him: his life, his + teachings, his writings, his great deeds will be studied in minutest + details as long as that civilization endures which he did so much to + preserve to mankind. + </p> + <p> + But just now, while all hearts are overflowing with gratefulness to him, + it may be—I cannot help thinking—as valuable to us to know a + little about him as it will be for us to know a great deal about him later + on. + </p> + <p> + My sources of information are mainly French; and notable among them is a + work recently published in Paris: "Foch, His Life, His Principles, His + Work, as a Basis for Faith in Victory," by René Puaux, a French + soldier-author who has served under the supreme commander in a capacity + which enabled him to study the man as well as the General. + </p> + <p> + French, English and some few American periodicals have given me bits of + impression and some information. French military and other writers have + also helped. And noted war correspondents have contributed graphic + fragments. The happy fortune which permitted me to know France, her + history and her people, enabled me to "read into" these brief accounts + much which does not appear to the reader without that acquaintance. And + distinguished Frenchmen, scholars and soldiers, including several members + of the French High Commission to the United States, have helped me + greatly; most of them have not only close acquaintance with General Foch, + having served as staff officers under him, but are eminent writers as + well, with the highest powers of analysis and of expression. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant-Colonel Édouard Réquin of the French General Staff, who was at + General Foch's side from the day Foch was made commander of an army, has + been especially kind to me in this undertaking; I am indebted to him, not + only for many anecdotes and suggestions, but also for his patience in + reading my manuscript for verification (or correction) of its details and + its essential truthfulness. + </p> + <p> + And I want especially to record my gratefulness to M. Antonin Barthélemy, + French Consul at Chicago, the extent and quality of whose helpfulness, not + alone on this but on many occasions, I shall never be able to describe. + Through him the Spirit of France has been potent in our community. + </p> + <p> + Thus aided and encouraged, I have done what I could to set before my + countrymen a sketch of the great, dominant figure of the World War. + </p> + <p> + The thing about Foch that most impresses us as we come to know him is not + primarily his greatness as a military genius, but his greatness as a + spiritual force. + </p> + <p> + Those identical qualities in him which saved the world in war, will serve + it no less in peace—if we study them to good purpose. + </p> + <p> + As a leader of men, his principles need little, if any, adaptation to meet + the requirements of the re-born world from which, we hope, he has banished + the sword. + </p> + <p> + Not to those only who would or who must captain their fellows, but to + every individual soul fighting alone against weakness and despair and + other foes, his life-story brings a rising tide of new courage, new + strength, new faith. + </p> + <p> + For the young man or woman struggling with the principles of success; for + the man or woman of middle life, fearful that the time for great service + has gone by; to the preacher and the teacher and other moulders of ideals—to + these, and to many more, he speaks at least as thrillingly as to the + soldier. + </p> + <p> + This is what I have tried to make clear in my simple sketch here offered. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap01"></a> + </p> + <h3> + I + </h3> + <h3> + WHERE HE WAS BORN + </h3> + <p> + Ferdinand Foch was born at Tarbes on October 2, 1851. + </p> + <p> + His father, of good old Pyrenean stock and modest fortune, was a + provincial official whose office corresponded to that of secretary of + state for one of our commonwealths. So the family lived in Tarbes, the + capital of the department called the Upper Pyrénées. + </p> + <p> + The mother of Ferdinand was Sophie Dupré, born at Argèles, twenty miles + south of Tarbes, nearer the Spanish border. Her father had been made a + chevalier of the empire by Napoleon I for services in the war with Spain, + and the great Emperor's memory was piously venerated in Sophie Dupré's new + home as it had been in her old one. So her first-born son may be said to + have inherited that passion for Napoleon which has characterized his life + and played so great a part in making him what he is. + </p> + <p> + There was a little sister in the family which welcomed Ferdinand. And in + course of time two other boys came. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-018a"></a> <img src="images/img-018a.jpg" + alt="The Room in Which Ferdinand Foch was Born." width="352" height="305" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: The Room in Which Ferdinand Foch was Born.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <a name="img-018b"></a> <img src="images/img-018b.jpg" + alt="The House in Tarbes Where Foch was Born." width="352" height="309" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: The House in Tarbes Where Foch was Born.] + </h4> + <p> + These four children led the ordinary life of happy young folks in France. + But there was much in their surroundings that was richly colorful, + romantic. Probably they took it all for granted, the way children (and + many who are not children) take their near and intimate world. But even if + they did, it must have had its deep effect upon them. + </p> + <p> + To begin with, there was Tarbes. + </p> + <p> + Tarbes is a very ancient city. It is twenty-five miles southeast of Pau, + where Henry of Navarre made his dramatic entry upon a highly dramatic + career, and just half that distance northeast of Lourdes, whose famous + pilgrimages began when Ferdinand Foch was a little boy of seven. + </p> + <p> + He must have heard many soul-stirring tales about little Bernadette, the + peasant girl to whom the grotto's miraculous qualities were revealed by + the Virgin, and whose stories were weighed by the Bishop of Tarbes before + the Catholic Church sponsored them. The procession of sufferers through + Tarbes on their way to Lourdes, and the joyful return of many, must have + been part of the background of Ferdinand Foch's young days. + </p> + <p> + Many important highways converge at Tarbes, which lies in a rich, elevated + plain on the left bank of the River Adour. + </p> + <p> + The town now has some 30,000 inhabitants, but when Ferdinand Foch was a + little boy it had fewer than half that many. + </p> + <p> + For many centuries of eventful history it has consisted principally of one + very long street, running east and west over so wide a stretch of + territory that the town was called Tarbes-the-Long. Here and there this + "main street" is crossed by little streets running north and south and + giving glimpses of mountains, green fields and orchards; and many of these + are threaded by tiny waterways—small, meandering children of the + Adour, which take themselves where they will, like the chickens in France, + and nobody minds having to step over or around them, or building his house + to humor their vagaries. + </p> + <p> + Tarbes was a prominent city of Gaul under the Romans. They, who could + always be trusted to make the most of anything of the nature of baths, + seem to have been duly appreciative of the hot springs in which that + region abounds. + </p> + <p> + But nothing of stirring importance happened at or near Tarbes until after + the battle of Poitiers (732), when the Saracens were falling back after + the terrible defeat dealt them by Charles Martel. + </p> + <p> + Sullen and vengeful, they were pillaging and destroying as they went, and + probably none of the communities through which they passed felt able to + offer resistance to their depredations—until they got to Tarbes. And + there a valiant priest named Missolin hastily assembled some of the men of + the vicinity and gave the infidels a good drubbing—killing many and + hastening the flight, over the mountains, of the rest. + </p> + <p> + This encounter took place on a plain a little to the south of Tarbes which + is still called the Heath of the Moors. + </p> + <p> + When Ferdinand Foch was a little boy, more than eleven hundred years after + that battle, it was not uncommon for the spade or plowshare of some + husbandman on the heath to uncover bones of Christian or infidel slain in + what was probably the last conflict fought on French soil to preserve + France against the Saracens. And there may still have been living some + old, old men or women who could tell Ferdinand stories of the 24th of May + (anniversary of the battle) as it was observed each year until the + Revolution of 1789. At the southern extremity of the battlefield there + stood for many generations a gigantic equestrian statue, of wood, + representing the holy warrior, Missolin, rallying his flock to rout the + unbelievers. And in the presence of a great concourse singing songs of + grateful praise to Missolin, his statue was crowned with garlands by young + maidens wearing the picturesque gala dress of that vicinity. + </p> + <p> + Some forty-odd years after Missolin's victory, Charlemagne went with his + twelve knights and his great army through Tarbes on his way to Spain to + fight the Moors. And when that ill-starred expedition was defeated and its + warriors bold were fleeing back to France, Roland—so the story goes—finding + no pass in the Pyrénées where he needed one desperately, cleaved one with + his sword Durandal. + </p> + <p> + High up among the clouds (almost 10,000 feet) is that Breach of Roland—200 + feet wide, 330 feet deep, and 165 feet long. A good slice-out for a single + stroke! And when Roland had cut it, he dashed through it and across the + chasm, his horse making a clean jump to the French side of the mountains. + That no one might ever doubt this, the horse thoughtfully left the mark of + one iron-shod hoof clearly imprinted in the rock just where he cleared it, + and where it is still shown to the curious and the stout of wind. + </p> + <p> + It is a pity to remember that, in spite of such prowess of knight and + devotion of beast. Roland perished on his flight from Spain. + </p> + <p> + But, like all brave warriors, he became mightier in death even than he had + been in life, and furnished an ideal of valor which animated the most + chivalrous youth of all Europe, throughout many centuries. + </p> + <p> + With such traditions is the country round about Tarbes impregnated. + </p> + <p> + It has been suggested that the name Foch (which, by the way, is pronounced + as if it rhymed with "hush") is derived from Foix—a town some sixty + miles east of St. Gaudens, near which was the ancestral home of the Foch + family. + </p> + <p> + Whatever the relatives of Ferdinand may have thought of this as a + probability, it is certain that Ferdinand was well nurtured in the history + of Foix and especially in those phases of it that Froissart relates. + </p> + <p> + Froissart, the genial gossip who first courted the favor of kings and + princes and then was gently entreated by them so that his writing of them + might be to their renown, was on his way to Blois when he heard of the + magnificence of Gaston Phoebus, Count of Foix. Whereupon the chronicler + turned him about and jogged on his way to Foix. Gaston Phoebus was not + there, but at Orthez—150 miles west and north—and, nothing + daunted, to Orthez went Froissart, by way of Tarbes, traveling in company + with a knight named Espaing de Lyon, who was a graphic and charmful + raconteur thoroughly acquainted with the country through which they were + journeying. A fine, "that-reminds-me" gentleman was Espaing, and every + turn of the road brought to his mind some stirring tale or doughty legend. + </p> + <p> + "Sainte Marie!" Froissart cried. "How pleasant are your tales, and how + much do they profit me while you relate them. They shall all be set down + in the history I am writing." + </p> + <p> + So they were! And of all Froissart's incomparable recitals, none are more + fascinating than those of the countryside Ferdinand Foch grew up in. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap02"></a> + </p> + <h3> + II + </h3> + <h3> + BOYHOOD SURROUNDINGS + </h3> + <p> + The country round about Tarbes has long been famed for its horses of an + Arabian breed especially suitable for cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Practically all the farmers of the region raised these fine, fleet + animals. There was a great stud-farm on the outskirts of town, and the + business of breeding mounts for France's soldiers was one of the first + that little Ferdinand Foch heard a great deal about. + </p> + <p> + He learned to ride, as a matter of course, when he was very young. And all + his life he has been an ardent and intrepid horseman. + </p> + <p> + A community devoted to the raising of fine saddle horses is all but + certain to be a community devotedly fond of horse racing. + </p> + <p> + Love of racing is almost a universal trait in France; and in Tarbes it was + a feature of the town life in which business went hand-in-hand with + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + In an old French book published before Ferdinand Foch was born, I have + found the following description of the crowds which flocked into Tarbes on + the days of the horse markets and races: + </p> + <p> + "On these days all the streets and public squares are flooded with streams + of curious people come from all corners of the Pyrénées and exhibiting in + their infinite variety of type and costume all the races of the southern + provinces and the mountains. + </p> + <p> + "There one sees the folk of Provence, irascible, hot-headed, of vigorous + proportions and lusty voice, passionately declaiming about something or + other, in the midst of small groups of listeners. + </p> + <p> + "There are men of the Basque province—small, muscular and proud, + agile of movement and with bodies beautifully trained; plain of speech and + childlike in deed. + </p> + <p> + "There are the men of the Béarnais, mostly from towns of size and + circumstance—educated men, of self-command, tempering the southern + warmth which burns in their eyes by the calm intelligence born of + experience in life and also by a natural languor like that of their + Spanish neighbors. + </p> + <p> + "There are the old Catalonians, whose features are of savage strength + under the thick brush of white hair falling about their leather-colored + faces; the men of Navarre, with braided hair and other evidences of + primitiveness—vigorous of build and handsome of feature, but withal + a little subnormal in expression. + </p> + <p> + "Then, in the midst of all these characteristic types, moving about in a + pell-mell fashion, making a constantly changing mosaic of vivid hues, + there are the inhabitants of the innumerable valleys around Tarbes itself, + each of them with its own peculiarities of costume, manners, speech, which + make them easily distinguishable one from another." + </p> + <p> + It was a remarkable crowd for a little boy to wander in. + </p> + <p> + If Ferdinand Foch had been destined to be a painter or a writer, the + impressions made upon his childish mind by that medley of strange folk + might have been passed on to us long ago on brilliant canvas or on glowing + page. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-028a"></a> <img src="images/img-028a.jpg" + alt="Ferdinand Foch (center) as a Schoolboy." width="353" height="298" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Ferdinand Foch (center) as a Schoolboy.] + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <a name="img-028b"></a> <img src="images/img-028b.jpg" + alt="The School in Tarbes Where Foch Prepared for the Military Academy." + width="350" height="323" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: The School in Tarbes Where Foch Prepared for the Military + Academy.] + </h4> + <p> + But that was not the way it served him. + </p> + <p> + I want you who are interested to comprehend Ferdinand Foch, to think of + those old horsefairs and race meets of his Gascony childhood, and the + crowds of strange types they brought to Tarbes, when we come to the great + days of his life that began in 1914—the days when his comprehension + of many types of men, his ability to "get on with" them and harmonize them + with one another, meant almost as much to the world as his military + genius. + </p> + <p> + Tarbes had suffered so much in civil and religious wars, for many + centuries, that not many of her ancient buildings were left. The old + castle, with its associations with the Black Prince and other renowned + warriors, was a ramshackle prison in Ferdinand Foch's youth. The old + palace of the bishops was used as the prefecture, where Ferdinand's father + had his office. + </p> + <p> + There were two old churches, much restored and of no great beauty, but + very dear to the people of Tarbes nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinand and his brothers and sister were very piously reared, and at an + early age learned to love the church and to seek it for exaltation and + consolation. + </p> + <p> + Later on in these chapters we shall see that phase of a little French + boy's training in its due relation to a maréchal of France, directing the + greatest army the world has ever seen. + </p> + <p> + The college of Tarbes, where Ferdinand began his school days, was in a + venerable building over whose portal there was, in Latin, an inscription + recording the builder's prayer: + </p> + <p> + "May this house remain standing until the ant has drunk all the waves of + the sea and the tortoise has crawled round the world." + </p> + <p> + Ferdinand was a hard student, serious beyond his years, but not + conspicuous except for his earnestness and diligence. + </p> + <p> + When he was twelve years old, his fervor for Napoleon led him to read + Thiers' "History of the Consulate and the Empire." And about this time his + professor of mathematics remarked of him that "he has the stuff of a + polytechnician." + </p> + <p> + The vacations of the Foch children were passed at the home of their + paternal grandparents in Valentine, a large village about two miles from + the town of St. Gaudens in the foothills of the Pyrénées. There they had + the country pleasures of children of good circumstances, in a big, + substantial house and a vicinity rich in tranquil beauty and outdoor + opportunities. And there, as in the children's own home at Tarbes, one was + ashamed not to be a very excellent child, and, so, worthy to be descended + from a chevalier of the great Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + In the mid-sixties the family moved from Tarbes to Rodez—almost two + hundred miles northeast of their old locality in which both parents had + been born and where their ancestors had long lived. + </p> + <p> + It was quite an uprooting—due to the father's appointment as + paymaster of the treasury at Rodez—and took the Foch family into an + atmosphere very different from that of their old Gascon home, but one + which also helped to vivify that history which was Ferdinand's passion. + </p> + <p> + There Ferdinand continued his studies, as also at Saint-Étienne, near + Lyons, whither the family moved in 1867 when the father was appointed tax + collector there. + </p> + <p> + And in 1869 he was sent to Metz, to the Jesuit College of Saint Clément, + to which students flocked from all parts of Europe. + </p> + <p> + He had been there a year and had been given, by unanimous vote of his + fellow students, the grand prize for scholarly qualities, when the + Franco-Prussian war began. + </p> + <p> + Immediately Ferdinand Foch enlisted for the duration of the war. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap03"></a> + </p> + <h3> + III + </h3> + <h3> + A YOUNG SOLDIER OF A LOST CAUSE + </h3> + <p> + There is nothing to record of Ferdinand Foch's first soldiering except + that from the dépôt of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, in his home city + of Saint-Étienne, he was sent to Chalon-sur-Saône, and there was + discharged in January, 1871, after the capitulation of Paris. + </p> + <p> + He did not distinguish himself in any way. He was just one of a multitude + of youths who rushed to the colors when France called, and did what they + could in a time of sad confusion, when a weak government had paralyzed the + effectiveness of the army—of the nation! + </p> + <p> + Whatever blows Ferdinand Foch struck in 1870 were without weight in + helping to avert France's catastrophe. But he was like hundreds of + thousands of other young Frenchmen similarly powerless in this: In the + anguish he suffered because of what he could not do to save France from + humiliation were laid the foundations of all that he has contributed to + the glory of new France. + </p> + <p> + At the time when his Fall term should have been beginning at Saint + Clément's College, Metz was under siege by the German army, and its + garrison and inhabitants were suffering horribly from hunger and disease; + Paris was surrounded; the German headquarters were at Versailles; and the + imperial standards so dear to young Foch because of the great Napoleon + were forever lowered when the white flag was hoisted at Sedan and an + Emperor with a whole army passed into captivity. + </p> + <p> + How much the young soldier-student of the Saône comprehended then of the + needlessness of the shame and surrender of those inglorious days we do not + know. He cannot have been sufficiently versed in military understanding to + realize how much of the defeat France suffered was due to her failure to + fight on, at this juncture and that, when a stiffer resistance would have + turned the course of events. + </p> + <p> + But if he did not know then, he certainly knew later. And as soon as he + got where he could impress his convictions upon other soldiers of the new + France he began training them in his great maxim: "A battle is lost when + you admit defeat." + </p> + <p> + What his devotion to Saint Clément's College was we may know from the fact + of his return there to resume his interrupted studies under the same + teachers, but in sadly different circumstances. + </p> + <p> + He found German troops quartered in parts of the college, and as he went + to and from his classes the young man who had just laid off the uniform of + a French soldier was obliged to pass and repass men of the victorious army + of occupation. + </p> + <p> + The memory of his shame and suffering on those occasions has never faded. + How much France and her allies owe to it we shall never be able to + estimate. + </p> + <p> + For the effect on Foch was one of the first acid tests in which were + revealed the quality of his mind and soul. Instead of offering himself a + prey to sullen anger and resentment, or of flaring into fury when one time + for fury was past and another had not yet come, he used his sorrow as a + goad to study, and bent his energies to the discovery of why France had + failed and why Prussia had won. His analysis of those reasons, and his + application of what that analysis taught him, is what has put him where he + is to-day—and <i>us</i> where <i>we</i> are! + </p> + <p> + From Metz, Foch went to Nancy to take his examination for the Polytechnic + at Paris. + </p> + <p> + Just why this should have been deemed necessary I have not seen explained. + But it was, like a good many other things of apparent inconsequence in + this young man's life, destined to leave in him an impress which had much + to do with what he was to perform. + </p> + <p> + I have seldom, if ever, studied a life in which events "link up" so + marvelously and the present is so remarkably an extension of the past. + </p> + <p> + Nancy had been chosen by General Manteuffel, commander of the First German + Army Corps, as headquarters, pending the withdrawal of the victors on the + payment of the last sou in the billion-dollar indemnity they exacted of + France along with the ceding of Alsace-Lorraine. (For three years France + had to endure the insolent victors upon her soil.) + </p> + <p> + And with the fine feeling and magnanimity in which the German was then as + now peculiarly gifted General Manteuffel delighted in ordering his + military bands to play the "Retreat"—to taunt the sad inhabitants + with this reminder of their army's shame. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinand Foch listened and thought and wrote his examinations for the + school of war. + </p> + <p> + Forty-two years later—in August, 1913—a new commandant came to + Nancy to take control of the Twentieth Army Corps, whose position there, + guarding France's Eastern frontier, was considered one of the most + important—if not <i>the</i> most important—to the safety of + the nation. + </p> + <p> + The first order he gave was one that brought out the full band strength of + six regiments quartered in the town. They were to play the "March + Lorraine" and the "Sambre and Meuse." They were to fill Nancy with these + stirring sounds. The clarion notes carrying these martial airs were to + reach every cranny of the old town. It was a veritable tidal wave of + triumphant sound that he wanted—for it had much to efface. + </p> + <p> + Nancy will never forget that night! It was Saturday, the 23d of August, + 1913. And the new commandant's name was Ferdinand Foch! + </p> + <p> + Less than a year later he was fighting to save Nancy, and what lay beyond, + from the Germans. + </p> + <p> + And <i>this</i> time there was to be a different story! Ferdinand Foch was + foremost of those who assured it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap04"></a> + </p> + <h3> + IV + </h3> + <h3> + PARIS AFTER THE GERMANS LEFT + </h3> + <p> + Ferdinand Foch entered the Polytechnic School at Paris on the 1st of + November, 1871, just after he had completed his twentieth year. + </p> + <p> + This school, founded in 1794, is for the technical education of military + and naval engineers, artillery officers, civil engineers in government + employ, and telegraphists—not mere operators, of course, but + telegraph engineers and other specialists in electric communication. It is + conducted by a general, on military principles, and its students are + soldiers on their way to becoming officers. + </p> + <p> + Its buildings cover a considerable space in the heart of the great school + quarter of Parts. The Sorbonne, with its traditions harking back to St. + Louis (more than six centuries) and its swarming thousands of students, is + hard by the Polytechnic. So is the College de France, founded by Francis + I. And, indeed, whichever way one turns, there are schools, schools, + schools—of fine arts and applied arts; of medicine in all its + branches; of mining and engineering; of war; of theology; of languages; of + commerce in its higher developments; of pedagogy; and what-not. + </p> + <p> + Nowhere else in the world is there possible to the young student, come to + advance himself in his chosen field of knowledge, quite such a thrill as + that which must be his when he matriculates at one of the scores of + educational institutions in that quarter of Paris to which the ardent, + aspiring youth of all the western world have been directing their eager + feet from time immemorial. + </p> + <p> + Cloistral, scholastic atmosphere, with its grave beauty, as at Oxford and + Cambridge, he will not find in the Paris Latin Quarter. + </p> + <p> + Paris does not segregate her students. Conceiving them to be studying for + life, she aids them to do it in the midst of life marvelously abundant. + They do not go out of the world—so to speak—to learn to live + and work in the world. They go, rather, into a life of extraordinary + variety and fullness, out of which—it is expected—they will + discover how to choose whatever is most needful to their success and + well-being. + </p> + <p> + There is no feeling of being shut in to a term of study. There is, rather, + the feeling of being "turned loose" in a place of vast opportunity of + which one may make as much use as he is able. + </p> + <p> + To a young man of Ferdinand Foch's naturally serious mind, deeply + impressed by his country's tragedy, the Latin Quarter of Paris in those + Fall days of 1871 was a sober place indeed. + </p> + <p> + Beautiful Paris, that Napoleon III had done so much to make splendid, was + scarred and seared on every hand by the German bombardment and the fury of + the communards, who had destroyed nearly two hundred and fifty public and + other buildings. The government of France had deserted the capital and + moved to Versailles—just evacuated by the Germans. + </p> + <p> + The blight of defeat lay on everything. + </p> + <p> + In May, preceding Foch's advent, the communards—led by a miserable + little shoemaker who talked about shooting all the world—took + possession of the buildings belonging to the Polytechnic, and were + dislodged only after severe fighting by Marshal MacMahon's Versailles + troops. + </p> + <p> + The cannon of the communards, set on the heights of Pére-Lachaise (the + great city of the dead where the slumber of so many of earth's most + illustrious imposed no respect upon the "Bolsheviki" of that cataclysm) + aimed at the Pantheon, shot short and struck the Polytechnic. One shell + burst in the midst of an improvised hospital there, gravely wounding a + nurse. + </p> + <p> + At last, on May 24, the Polytechnic was taken from the revolutionists by + assault, and many of the communards were seized. + </p> + <p> + In the days following, the great recreation court of the school was the + scene of innumerable executions, as the wretched revolutionists paid the + penalty of their crimes before the firing squad. And the students' + billiard room was turned into a temporary morgue, filled with bodies of + those who had sought to destroy Paris from within. + </p> + <p> + The number of Parisians slain in those days after the second siege of + Paris has been variously estimated at from twenty thousand to thirty-six + thousand. And all the while, encamped upon the heights round about Paris, + were victorious German troops squatting like Semitic creditors in Russia, + refusing to budge till their account was settled to the last farthing of + extortion. + </p> + <p> + The most sacred spot in Paris to young Foch, in all the depression he + found there, was undoubtedly the great Dôme des Invalides, where, bathed + in an unearthly radiance and surrounded by faded battle flags, lies the + great porphyry sarcophagus of Napoleon I. + </p> + <p> + With what bitter reflections must the young man who had been nurtured in + the adoration of Bonaparte have returned from that majestic tomb to the + Polytechnic School for Warriors—to which, on the day after his + coronation as Emperor, Napoleon had given the following motto: + </p> + <p> + "Science and glory—all for country." + </p> + <p> + But, also, what must have been the young southerner's thought as he lifted + his gaze on entering the Polytechnic and read there that self-same wish + which was inscribed over the door of his first school in Tarbes: + </p> + <p> + "May this house remain standing until the ant has drunk all the waves of + the sea and the tortoise has crawled round the world." + </p> + <p> + The edifice in which part of the Polytechnic was housed was the ancient + College of Navarre, and a Navarrias poet of lang syne had given to the + Paris school for his countrymen this quaint wish, repeated from the + inscription he knew at Tarbes. + </p> + <p> + France had had twelve different governments in fourscore years when + Ferdinand Foch came to study in that old building which had once been the + college of Navarre. Houses of cards rather than houses of permanence + seemed to characterize her. + </p> + <p> + Yet she has always had her quota—a larger one, too, than that of any + other country—of those who look toward far to-morrows and seek to + build substantially and beautifully for them. + </p> + <p> + That forward-looking prayer of old Navarre, and recollection of the + centuries during which it had prevailed against destroying forces, was + undoubtedly an aid and comfort to the heavy-hearted youth who then and + there set himself to the study of that art of war wherewith he was to + serve France. + </p> + <p> + Among the two hundred and odd fellow-students of Foch at the Polytechnic + was another young man from the south—almost a neighbor of his and + his junior by just three months—Jacques Joseph Césaire Joffre, who + had entered the school in 1869, interrupted his studies to go to war, and + resumed them shortly before Ferdinand Foch entered the Polytechnic. + </p> + <p> + Joffre graduated from the Polytechnic on September 21, 1872, and went + thence to the School of Applied Artillery at Fontainebleau. + </p> + <p> + Foch left the Polytechnic about six months later, and also went to + Fontainebleau for the same special training that Joffre was taking. + </p> + <p> + Both young men were hard students and tremendously in earnest. Both were + heavy-hearted for France. Both hoped the day would come when they might + serve her and help to restore to her that of which she had been despoiled. + </p> + <p> + But if any one, indulging in the fantastic extravagancies of youth, had + ventured to forecast, then, even a tithe of what they have been called to + do for France, he would have been set down as madder than March hares know + how to be. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap05"></a> + </p> + <h3> + V + </h3> + <h3> + LEARNING TO BE A ROUGH RIDER + </h3> + <p> + When Ferdinand Foch graduated, third in his class, from the artillery + school at Fontainebleau, instead of seeking to use what influence he might + have commanded to get an appointment in some garrison where the town life + or social life was gay for young officers, he asked to be sent back to + Tarbes. + </p> + <p> + No one, to my knowledge, has advanced an explanation for this move. + </p> + <p> + To so earnest and ambitious a student of military art (Foch will not + permit us to speak of it as "military science") sentimental reasons alone + would never have been allowed to control so important a choice. + </p> + <p> + That he always ardently loved the Pyrenean country, we know. But to a + young officer of such indomitable purpose as his was, even then, it would + have been inconceivable that he should elect to spend his first years out + of school in any other place than that one where he saw the maximum + opportunity for development. + </p> + <p> + "Development," mind you—not just "advancement." For Foch is, and + ever has been, the kind of man who would most abhor being advanced faster + than he developed. + </p> + <p> + He would infinitely rather be prepared for a promotion and fail to get it + than get a promotion for which he was not thoroughly prepared. + </p> + <p> + Nor is he the sort of individual who can comfortably deceive himself about + his fitness. He sustains himself by no illusions of the variety: "If I had + so-and-so to do, I'd probably get through as well as nine-tenths of + commanders would." + </p> + <p> + He is much more concerned to satisfy himself that his thoroughness is as + complete as he could possibly have made it, than he is to "get by" and + satisfy the powers that be! + </p> + <p> + So we know that it wasn't any mere longing for the scenes of his happy + childhood which directed his choice of Tarbes garrison when he left the + enchanting region of Fontainebleau, with its fairy forest, its delightful + old town, and its many memories of Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + His mind seems to have been fixed upon a course involving more cavalry + skill than was his on graduating. And after two years at Tarbes, with much + riding of the fine horses of Arabian breed which are the specialty of that + region, he went to the Cavalry School at Saumur, on the Loire. + </p> + <p> + King René of Anjou, whose chronic poverty does not seem to have interfered + with his taste for having innumerable castles, had one at Saumur, and it + still dominates the town and lends it an air of medievalism. + </p> + <p> + Toward the end of the sixteenth century Saumur was one of the chief + strongholds of Protestantism in France and the seat of a Protestant + university. + </p> + <p> + But the revocation of the Edict of Nantes granting tolerance to the + Huguenots, brought great reverses upon Saumur, whose inhabitants were + driven into exile. And thereupon (1685) the town fell into a decline which + was not arrested until Louis XV, in the latter part of his reign, caused + this cavalry school to be established there. + </p> + <p> + It is a large school, with about four hundred soldiers always in training + as cavalry officers and army riding masters. And the riding exhibitions + which used to be given there in the latter part of August were brilliant + affairs, worth going many miles to see. + </p> + <p> + There Ferdinand Foch studied cavalry tactics, practiced "rough riding" and—by + no means least important—learned to know another type of Frenchman, + the men of old Anjou. + </p> + <p> + In our own country of magnificent distances and myriad racial strains we + are apt to think of French people as a single race: "French is French." + </p> + <p> + This is very wide of the truth. French they all are, in sooth, with an + intense national unity surpassed nowhere on earth if, indeed, it is + anywhere equaled. But almost every one of them is intensely a provincial, + too, and very "set" in the ways of his own section of country—which, + usually, has been that of his forbears from time immemorial. + </p> + <p> + In the description I quoted in the second chapter, showing some of the + types from the vicinity of Tarbes which frequent its horse market, one may + get some idea of the extraordinary differences in the men of a single + small region which is bordered by many little "pockets" wherein people go + on and on, age after age, perpetuating their special traits without much + admixture of other strains. + </p> + <p> + Not every part of France has so much variety in such small compass. But + every province has its distinctive human qualities. And between the Norman + and the Gascon, the Breton and the Provençal, the man of Picardy and the + man of Languedoc, there are greater temperamental differences than one can + find anywhere else on earth in an equal number of square miles—except + in some of our American cities. + </p> + <p> + To the commander of General Foch's type (and as we begin to study his + principles we shall, I believe, see that they apply to command in civil no + less than in military life) knowledge of different men's minds and the way + they work is absolutely fundamental to success. + </p> + <p> + And his preparation for this mastery was remarkably thorough. + </p> + <p> + At Saumur he learned not only to direct cavalry operations, but to know + the Angevin characteristics. + </p> + <p> + In each school he attended, beginning with Metz, he had close class + association with men from many provinces, men of many types. And this was + valuable to him in preparing him to command under-officers in whom a + rigorous uniformity of training could not obliterate bred-in-the-bone + differences. + </p> + <p> + Many another young officer bent on "getting on" in the army would have + felt that what he learned among his fellow officers of the provincial + characteristics was enough. + </p> + <p> + But not so Ferdinand Foch. + </p> + <p> + Almost his entire comprehension of war is based upon men and the way they + act under certain stress—not the way they might be expected to act, + but the way they actually do act, and the way they can be led to act under + certain stimulus <i>of soul</i>. + </p> + <p> + For Ferdinand Foch wins victories with men's souls—not just with + their flesh and blood, nor even with their brains. + </p> + <p> + And to command men's souls it is necessary to understand them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap06"></a> + </p> + <h3> + VI + </h3> + <h3> + FIRST YEARS IN BRITTANY + </h3> + <p> + Upon leaving the cavalry school at Saumur, in 1878, Ferdinand Foch went, + with the rank of captain of the Tenth Regiment of Artillery, to Rennes, + the ancient capital of Brittany and the headquarters of France's tenth + army corps. + </p> + <p> + He stayed at Rennes, as an artillery captain, for seven years. + </p> + <p> + It is not a particularly interesting city from some points of view, but it + is a very "livable" one, and for a student like Foch it had many + advantages. The library is one of the best in provincial France and has + many valuable manuscripts. There is also an archaeological museum of + antiquities found in that vicinity, many of them relating to prehistoric + warfare. Some good scientific collections are also treasured there. + </p> + <p> + What is now known as the University of Rennes was styled merely the + "college" in the days of Foch's residence there. But it did substantially + the same work then as now, and among its faculty Foch undoubtedly found + many who could give him able aid in his perpetual study of the past. + </p> + <p> + Rennes especially cherishes the memory of Bertrand du Guesclin, the great + constable of France under King Charles V and the victorious adversary of + Edward III. This brilliant warrior, who drove the English, with their + claims on French sovereignty, out of France, was a native of that + vicinity. And we may be sure that whatever special opportunity Rennes + afforded of studying documents relating to his campaigns was fully + improved by Captain Foch. + </p> + <p> + In that time, also, Foch had ample occasion to know the Bretons, who are, + in some respects, the least French of all French provincials—being + much more Celtic still than Gallic, although it is a matter of some + fifteen hundred years since their ancestors, driven out of Britain by the + Teutonic invasions, came over and settled "Little Britain," or Brittany. + </p> + <p> + The Bretons maintained their independence of France for a thousand years, + and only became united with it through the marriage of their last + sovereign, Duchess Anne, with Charles VIII, in 1491 and—after his + death—with his successor, Louis XII. + </p> + <p> + And even to-day, after more than four centuries of political union, the + people of Brittany are French in name and in spirit rather than in speech, + customs, or temperament. Many of them do not speak or understand the + French language. Few of them, outside of the cities, have conformed + appreciably to French customs. Quaint, sturdy, picturesque folk they are—simple, + for the most part, superstitious, tenacious of the old, suspicious of the + new, and governable only by those who understand them. + </p> + <p> + Foch must have learned, in those seven years, not only to know the + Bretons, but to like them and their rugged country very well. For he has + had, these many years past, his summer home near Morlaix on the north + coast of Brittany. It was from there that he was summoned into the great + war on July 26, 1914. + </p> + <p> + In 1885 Captain Foch was called to Paris and entered the Superior School + of War. + </p> + <p> + This institution, wherein he was destined to play in after years a part + that profoundly affected the world's destiny, was founded only in 1878 as + a training school for officers, connected with the military school which + Louis XV established in 1751 to "educate five hundred young gentlemen in + all the sciences necessary and useful to an officer." + </p> + <p> + One of the "young gentlemen" who profited by this instruction was the + little Corsican whom Ferdinand Foch so ardently venerated. + </p> + <p> + The building covers an area of twenty-six acres and faces the vast + Champ-de-Mars, which was laid out about 1770 for the military school's use + as a field for maneuvers. + </p> + <p> + This field is eleven hundred yards long and just half that wide. It + occupies all the ground between the school buildings and the river. + </p> + <p> + Across the river is the height called the Trocadéro, on which Napoleon + hoped to build a great palace for the little King of Rome; but whereon, + many years after he and his son had ceased to need mansions made by hands, + the French republic built a magnificent palace for the French people. This + vast building, with its majestic gardens, was the principal feature of the + French national exhibition of 1878, which, like its predecessor of 1867 + and its successors of 1889 and 1900, was held on the Champ-de-Mars. + </p> + <p> + Facing the Trocadéro Palace, on the Champ-de-Mars, is the Eiffel Tower + (nearly a thousand feet high) which was erected for the exposition of + 1889, and has served, since, then-unimaginable purposes during the stress + and strain of war as a wireless station. The "Ferris" wheel put up for the + exposition of 1900 is close by. And a stone's throw from the military + school are the Hôtel des Invalides, Napoleon's tomb, and the magnificent + Esplanade des Invalides down which one looks straightway to the glinting + Seine and over the superb Alexander III bridge toward the tree-embowered + palaces of arts on the Champs-Élysées. + </p> + <p> + On the other side of the Hôtel des Invalides from that occupied by the + military school and Champ-de-Mars is the principal diplomatic and + departmental district of Paris, with many embassies (not ours, however, + nor the British—which are across the river) and many administrative + offices of the French nation. + </p> + <p> + Soldiers and government officials and foreign diplomats dominate the + quarter—and homes of the old French aristocracy. + </p> + <p> + The Hotel des Invalides, founded by Louis XIV and designed to accommodate, + as an old soldiers' home, some seven thousand veterans of his unending + wars, has latterly served as headquarters for the military governor of + Paris, and also—principally—as a war museum. + </p> + <p> + Here are housed collections of priceless worth and transcendent interest. + The museum of artillery contains ten thousand specimens of weapons and + armor of all kinds, ancient and modern. The historical museum, across the + court of honor, was—in the years when I spent many fascinating hours + there—extraordinarily rich in personal souvenirs of scores of + illustrious personages. + </p> + <p> + What it must be now, after the tragic years of a world war, and what it + will become as a treasure house for the years to come, is beyond my + imagination. + </p> + <p> + It was into this enormously rich atmosphere, pregnant with everything that + conserves France's most glorious military traditions, that Captain + Ferdinand Foch was called in 1885 for two years of intensive training and + study. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap07"></a> + </p> + <h3> + VII + </h3> + <h3> + JOFFRE AND FOCH + </h3> + <p> + After quitting the School of War in 1887 (he graduated fourth in his + class, as he had at Saumur; he was third at Fontainebleau), Ferdinand Foch + was sent to Montpellier as a probationer for the position of staff + officer. + </p> + <p> + He remained at Montpellier for four years—first as a probationer and + later as a staff officer in the Sixteenth Army Corps, whose headquarters + are there. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-060"></a> <img src="images/img-060.jpg" + alt="Marshall Joffre, General Foch" width="357" height="599" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Marshall Joffre, General Foch] + </h4> + <p> + It is a coincidence—without special significance, but interesting—that + Captain Joseph Joffre had spent several years at the School of Engineering + in Montpellier; he left there in 1884, after the death of his young wife, + to bury himself and his grief in Indo-China; so the two men did not meet + in the southern city.[1] + </p> + <p> + Joffre returned from Indo-China in 1888, while Foch was at Montpellier, + and after some time in the military railway service, and a promotion in + rank (he was captain for thirteen years), received an appointment as + professor of fortifications at Fontainebleau. + </p> + <p> + Some persons who claim to have known Joffre at Montpellier have manifested + surprise at the greatness to which he attained thirty years later; he did + not impress them as a man of destiny. That is quite as likely to be their + fault as his. And also it is possible that Captain Joseph Joffre had not + then begun to develop in himself those qualities which made him ready for + greatness when the opportunity came. + </p> + <p> + If, however, any one has ever expressed surprise at Ferdinand Foch's + attainment, I have not heard of it. He seems always to have impressed + people with whom he came in contact as a man of tremendous energy, + application, and thoroughness. + </p> + <p> + The opportunities for study at Montpellier are excellent, and the region + is one of extraordinary richness for the lover of history. The splendor of + the cities of Transalpine Gaul in this vicinity is attested by remains + more numerous and in better preservation than Italy affords save in a very + few places. And awe-inspiring evidences of medievalism's power flank one + at every step and turn. Without doubt, Foch made the most of them. + </p> + <p> + Needless to remark, the commander-in-chief of the allied armies has not + confided to me what were his favorite excursions during these four years + at Montpellier. But I am quite sure that Aigues-Mortes was one of them. + And I like to think of him, as we know he looked then, pacing those + battlements and pondering the warfare of those militant ages when this + vast fortress in the wide salt marshes was one of the most formidable in + the world. What fullness of detail there must have been in the mental + pictures he was able to conjure of St. Louis embarking here on his two + crusades? What particularity in his appreciation of those defenses! + </p> + <p> + The place is, to-day, the very epitome of desolation—much more so + than if the fortifications were not so perfectly preserved. For they look + as if yesterday they might have been bristling with men-at-arms—whereas + not in centuries has their melancholy majesty served any other purpose + than that of raising reflections in those to whom the past speaks through + her monuments. + </p> + <p> + From Montpellier, Ferdinand Foch returned to Paris, in February, 1891, as + major on the general army staff. + </p> + <p> + He and Joffre had now the same rank. Joffre became lieutenant colonel in + 1894 and colonel in 1897; similar promotions came to Foch in 1896 and + 1903. He was six years later than Joffre in attaining a colonelcy, and + exactly that much later in becoming a general. + </p> + <p> + Neither man had a quick rise but Foch's was (as measurable in grades and + pay) specially slow. + </p> + <p> + About the time that Major Joffre went to the Soudan, to superintend the + building of a railway in the Sahara desert, Major Foch went to Vincennes + as commander of the mounted group of the Thirteenth Artillery. + </p> + <p> + Vincennes is on the southeastern skirts of Paris, close by the confluence + of the Seine and the Marne; about four miles or so from the Bastille, + which was the city's southeastern gate for three hundred years or + thereabouts, until the fortified inclosure on that side of the city was + enlarged under Louis XIV. + </p> + <p> + The fort of Vincennes was founded in the twelfth century to guard the + approach to Paris from the Marne valley. And on account of its pleasant + situation—close to good hunting and also to their capital—the + castle of Vincennes was a favorite residence of many early French kings. + </p> + <p> + It was there that St. Louis is said to have held his famous open-air court + of justice, which he established so that his subjects might come direct to + him with their troubles and he, besides settling them, might learn at + first hand what reforms were needed. + </p> + <p> + Five Kings of France died there (among them Charles VI, the mad king, and + Charles IX, haunted by the horrors of the massacre on St. Bartholomew's + eve), and one King of England, Harry Hotspur. King Charles V was born + there. + </p> + <p> + From the days of Louis XI the castle has been used as a state prison. + Henry of Navarre was once a prisoner there, and so was the Grand Condé, + and Diderot, and Mirabeau, and it was there that the young Duc d'Enghien + was shot by Napoleon's orders and to Napoleon's everlasting regret. + </p> + <p> + The castle is now (and has been for many years) an arsenal and school of + musketry, artillery, and other military services. Before its firing squad + perish many traitors to France, whose last glimpse of the country they + have betrayed is in the courtyard of this ancient castle. + </p> + <p> + The vicinity is very lovely. The Bois de Vincennes, on the edge of which + the castle stands, is scarcely inferior to the Bois de Boulogne in charm. + We used to go out there, not infrequently, for luncheon, which we ate in a + rustic summerhouse close to the edge of the lake, with many sociable ducks + and swans bearing us company and clamoring for bits of bread. + </p> + <p> + It would be hard to imagine anything more idyllic, more sylvan, on the + edge of a great city—anything more peaceful, restful, anywhere. + </p> + <p> + Yet the whole locality was, even then, a veritable camp of Mars—forts, + barracks, fields for maneuvers and for artillery practice, infantry butts, + rifle ranges, school of explosives; and what not. + </p> + <p> + France knew her need of protection—and none of us can ever be + sufficiently grateful that she did! + </p> + <p> + But she did not obtrude her defensive measures. She seldom made one + conscious of her military affairs. + </p> + <p> + In Germany, for many years before this war, remembrance of the army and + reverence to the army was exacted of everyone almost at every breath. + Forever and forever and forever you were being made to bow down before the + God of War. + </p> + <p> + In France, on the contrary, it was difficult to think about war—even + in the very midst of a place like Vincennes—unless you were actually + engaged in organizing and preparing the country's defenses. + </p> + <p> + After three years at Vincennes, Ferdinand Foch was recalled to the army + staff in Paris. And on the 31st of October, 1895, he was made associate + professor of military history, strategy, and applied tactics, at the + Superior School of War. + </p> + <p> + He had then just entered upon his forty-fifth year; and the thoroughness + of his training was beginning to make itself felt at military + headquarters. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + [1] I have found it interesting to compare the careers of Joffre and Foch + from the time they were at school together, and I daresay that others will + like to know what steps forward he was taking who is not the subject of + these chapters but inseparably bound up with him in many events and + forever linked with him in glory. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap08"></a> + </p> + <h3> + VIII + </h3> + <h3> + THE SUPERIOR SCHOOL OF WAR + </h3> + <p> + After a year's service as associate professor of military history, + strategy, and applied tactics at the Superior School of War in Paris, + Ferdinand Foch was advanced to head professorship in those branches and at + the same time he was made lieutenant-colonel. This was in 1896. He was + forty-five years old and had been for exactly a quarter of a century a + student of the art of warfare. + </p> + <p> + His old schoolfellow, Joseph Joffre, was then building fortifications in + northern Madagascar; and his army rank was the same as that of Foch. + </p> + <p> + It was just twenty years after Foch entered upon his full-fledged + professorship at the Superior School of War that Marshal Joffre, speaking + at a dinner assembling the principal leaders of the government and of the + army, declared that without the Superior School of War the victory of the + Marne would have been impossible. + </p> + <p> + All the world knows this now, almost as well as Marshal Joffre knew it + then. And all the world knows now as not even Marshal Joffre could have + known then, how enormous far, far beyond the check of barbarism at the + first battle of the Marne—is our debt and that of all posterity to + the Superior School of War and, chiefly, to Ferdinand Foch. + </p> + <p> + It cannot have been prescience that called him there. It was just + Providence, nothing less! + </p> + <p> + For that was a time when men like Ferdinand Foch (whose whole heart was in + the army, making it such that nothing like the downfall of 1870 could ever + again happen to France), were laboring under extreme difficulties. The + army was unpopular in France. + </p> + <p> + This was due, partly to the disclosures of the Dreyfus case; partly to a + wave of internationalism and pacifism; partly to jealousy of the army + among civil officials. + </p> + <p> + An unwarranted sense of security was also to blame. France had worked so + hard to recoup her fortunes after the disaster of 1870 that her people—delighted + with their ability as money makers, blinded by the glitter of great + prosperity—grudged the expanse of keeping up a large army, grudged + the time that compulsory military training took out of a young man's life. + And this preoccupation with success and the arts and pleasures of + prosperous peace made them incline their ears to the apostles of + "Brotherhood" and "Federation" and "Arbitration instead of Armament." + </p> + <p> + Little by little legislation went against the army. The period of + compulsory service was reduced from three years to two; that cut down the + size of the army by one-third. The supreme command of the army was vested + not in a general, but in a politician—the Minister of War. The + generals in the highest commands not only had to yield precedence to the + prefects of the provinces (like our governors of states), but were subject + to removal if the prefects did not like their politics and the Minister of + War wished the support of the prefects. + </p> + <p> + Even the superior war council of the nation might be politically made up, + to pay the War Minister's scores rather than to protect the country. + </p> + <p> + All this can happen to a people lulled by a false sense of security—even + to a people which has had to defend itself against the savage rapacity of + its neighbors across the Rhine for two thousand years! + </p> + <p> + It was against these currents of popular opinion and of government + opposition that Ferdinand Foch took up his work in the Superior School of + War—that work which was to make possible the first victory of the + Marne, to save England from invasion by holding Calais, and to do various + other things vital to civilization, including the prodigious achievements + of the days that have since followed. + </p> + <p> + Foch foresaw that these things would have to be done and, with absolute + consecration to his task, he set himself not only to train officers for + France when she should need them, but to inspire them with a unity of + action which has saved the world. + </p> + <p> + I have various word-pictures of him as he then appeared to, and impressed, + his students. + </p> + <p> + One is by a military writer who uses the pseudonym of "Miles." + </p> + <p> + "The officers who succeeded one another at the school of war between 1896 + and 1901," he says, referring to the first term of Foch as instructor + there, "will never forget the impressions made upon them by their + professor of strategy and of general tactics. It was this course that was + looked forward to with the keenest curiosity as the foundational + instruction given by the school. It enjoyed the prestige given it by the + eminent authorities who had held it; and the eighty officers who came to + the school at each promotion, intensely desirous of developing their skill + and judgment, were always impatient to see and hear the man who was to + instruct them in these branches. + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant-Colonel Foch did not disappoint their expectations. Thin, + elegant, of distinguished bearing, he at once struck the beholder with his + expression—full of energy, of calm, of rectitude. + </p> + <p> + "His forehead was high, his nose straight and prominent, his gray-blue + eyes looked one full in the face. He spoke without gestures, with an air + of authority and conviction; his voice serious, harsh, a little + monotonous; amplifying his phrases to press home in every possible way a + rigorous reasoning; provoking discussion; always appealing to the logic of + his hearers; sometimes difficult to follow, because his discourse was so + rich in ideas; but always holding attention by the penetration of his + surveys as well as by his tone of sincerity. + </p> + <p> + "The most profound and the most original of the professors at the school + of war, which at that time counted in its teaching corps many very + distinguished minds and brilliant lecturers: such Lieutenant-Colonel Foch + seemed to his students, all eager from the first to give themselves up to + the enjoyment of his lessons and the acceptance of his inspiration." + </p> + <p> + Colonel E. Réquin of the French general staff, who has fought under Foch + in some of the latter's greatest engagements, says: + </p> + <p> + "Foch has been for forty years the incarnation of the French military + spirit." For forty years! That means ever since he left the cavalry school + at Saumur and went, as captain of the Tenth regiment of artillery, to + Rennes. "Through his teachings and his example," Colonel Réquin goes on to + say, in a 1918 number of the <i>World's Work</i>, "he was the moral + director of the French general staff before becoming the supreme chief of + the allied armies. Upon each one of us he has imprinted his strong mark. + We owe to him in time of peace that unity of doctrine which was our + strength. Since the war we owe to him the highest lessons of intellectual + discipline and moral energy. + </p> + <p> + "As a professor he applied the method which consists in taking as the base + of all strategical and tactical instruction the study of history completed + by the study of military history—that is to say, field operations, + orders given, actions, results, and criticisms to be made and the + instructions to be drawn from them. He also used concrete cases—that + is to say, problems laid by the director on the map or on the actual + ground. + </p> + <p> + "By this intellectual training he accustomed the officers to solving all + problems, not by giving them ready-made solutions, but by making them find + the logical solution to each individual case. + </p> + <p> + "His mind was trained through so many years of study that no war situation + could disturb him. In the most difficult ones, he quickly pointed out the + goal to be reached and the means to employ, and each one of us felt that + it must be right." + </p> + <p> + But best of all the things said about Foch in that period of his life, I + like this, by Charles Dawbarn, in the <i>Fortnightly Review</i>: + </p> + <p> + "Such was"—in spite of many disappointments—"<i>his fine + confidence in life, that he communicated to others not his grievances, but + his secret satisfactions</i>." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap09"></a> + </p> + <h3> + IX + </h3> + <h3> + THE GREAT TEACHER + </h3> + <p> + Foch made the men who sat under him love their work for the work's sake + and not for its rewards. He fired them with an ardor for military art + which made them feel that in all the world there is nothing so + fascinating, so worth while, as knowing how to defend one's country when + she needs defense. + </p> + <p> + He was able, in peace times when the military spirit was little applauded + and much decried, to give his students an enthusiasm for "preparedness" + which flamed as high and burned as pure as that which ordinarily is + lighted only by a great national rush to arms to save the country from + ravage. + </p> + <p> + It was tremendously, incalculably important for France and for all of us + that Ferdinand Foch was eager and able to impart this enthusiasm for + military skill. + </p> + <p> + But also it is immensely important, to-day, when the war is won, and in + all days and all walks of life, that there be those who can kindle and + keep alight the enthusiasm of their fellows; who can overlook the failure + of their own ardor and faithfulness to win its fair reward, and convey to + others only the alluring glow of their "secret satisfactions." + </p> + <p> + In the five years, 1895-1901 (his work at the school was interrupted by + politics in 1901), "many hundreds of officers," as René Puaux says, "the + very elite of the general staffs of our army, followed his teaching and + were imbued with it; and as they practically all, at the beginning of the + war, occupied high positions of command, one may estimate as he can the + profound and far reaching influence of this one grand spirit." + </p> + <p> + Let us try to get some idea of the sort of thing that Foch taught those + hundreds of French army officers, not only about war but about life. + </p> + <p> + From all his study, he repeatedly declared, one dominant conviction has + evolved: Force that is not dominated by spirit is vain force. + </p> + <p> + Victory, in his belief, goes to those who merit it by the greatest + strength of will and intelligence. + </p> + <p> + It was his endeavor, always, to develop in the hundreds of officers who + were his students, that dual strength in which it seemed to him that + victory could only lie: moral and intellectual ability to perceive what + ought to be done, and intellectual and moral ability to do it. + </p> + <p> + In his mind, it is impossible to be intelligent with the brain alone. The + Germans do not comprehend this, and therein, to Ferdinand Foch, lies the + key to all their failures. + </p> + <p> + He believes that each of us must think with our soul's aid—that is + to say, with our imagination, our emotions, our aspiration—and + employ our intelligence to direct our feeling. + </p> + <p> + And he asks this combination not from higher officers alone, but from all + their men down to the humblest in the ranks. + </p> + <p> + He believes in the invincibility of men fighting for a principle dearer to + them than life—but he knows that ardor without leadership means a + lost cause; that men must know how to fight for their ideals, their + principles; but that their officers are charged with the sacred + responsibility of making the men's ardor and valor count. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of his celebrated course of lectures on tactics he always + admonished his students thus: + </p> + <p> + "You will be called on later to be the brain of an army. So I say to you + to-day: Learn to think." + </p> + <p> + By this he was far from meaning that officers were to confine thinking to + themselves, but that they were to teach themselves to think so that they + might the better hand on intelligence and stimulate their men to obey not + blindly but comprehendingly. + </p> + <p> + It was a maxim of Napoleon's, of which Foch is very fond, that "as a + general rule, the commander-in-chief ought only to indicate the direction, + determine the ends to be attained; the means of getting there ought to be + left to the free choice of the mediums of execution, without whom success + is impossible." + </p> + <p> + This leaves a great responsibility to officers, but it is the secret of + that flexibility which makes the French army so effective. + </p> + <p> + For Foch carries his belief in individual judgment far beyond the officers + commanding units; he carries it to the privates in the ranks. + </p> + <p> + An able officer, in Foch's opinion, is one who can take a general command + to get his men such-and-such a place and accomplish such-and-such a thing, + and so interpret that command to his men that each and every one of them + will, while acting in strict obedience to orders, use the largest possible + amount of personal intelligence in accomplishing the thing he was told to + do. + </p> + <p> + It is said that there was probably never before in history a battle fought + in which every man was a general—so to speak—as at the battle + of Château Thierry, in July, 1918. That is to say, there was probably + never before a battle in which so many men comprehended as clearly as if + they had been generals what it was all about, and acted as if they had + been generals to attain their objectives. + </p> + <p> + It was an intelligent democracy, acting under superb leadership that + vanquished the forces of autocracy. + </p> + <p> + Foch has worked with a free hand to test the worth of his lifelong + principles. And the hundreds of men he trained in those principles were + ready to carry them out for him. + </p> + <p> + No wonder his first injunction was: Learn to think! + </p> + <p> + To him, the leadership of units is not a simple question of organization, + of careful plans, of strategic and tactical intelligence, but a problem + involving enormous adaptability. + </p> + <p> + Battles are not won at headquarters, he contends; they are won in the + field; and the conditions that may arise in the field cannot be foreseen + or forestalled—they must be met when they present themselves. In + large part they are made by the behavior of men in unexpected + circumstances; therefore, the more a commander knows about human nature + and its spiritual depressions and exaltations, the better able he is to + change his plans as new conditions arise. + </p> + <p> + German power in war, Foch taught his students, lay in the great masses of + their effective troops and their perfect organization for moving men and + supplies. German weakness was in the absolute autocracy of great + headquarters, building its plans as an architect builds a house and unable + to modify them if something happens to make a change necessary. + </p> + <p> + This he deduced from his study of their methods in previous wars, + especially in that of 1870. + </p> + <p> + And with this in mind he labored so that when Germany made her next + assault upon France, France might be equipped with hundreds of officers + cognizant of Germany's weakness and prepared to turn it to her defeat. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap10"></a> + </p> + <h3> + X + </h3> + <h3> + A COLONEL AT FIFTY + </h3> + <p> + "It was not," Napoleon wrote, "the Roman legions which conquered Gaul, but + Caesar. It was not the Carthaginian soldiers who made Rome tremble, but + Hannibal. It was not the Macedonian phalanx which penetrated India, but + Alexander. It was not the French army which reached the Weser and the Inn, + but Turenne. It was not the Prussian soldiers who defended their country + for seven years against the three most formidable powers in Europe; it was + Frederick the Great." + </p> + <p> + And already it has been suggested that historians will write of this war: + "It was not the allied armies, struggling hopelessly for four years, that + finally drove the Germans across the Rhine, but Ferdinand Foch." + </p> + <p> + But I am sure that Foch would not wish this said of him in the same sense + that Napoleon said it of earlier generals. + </p> + <p> + For Foch has a greater vision of generalship than was possible to any + commander of long ago. + </p> + <p> + His strategy is based upon a close study of theirs; for he says that + though the forms of making war evolve, the directing principles do not + change, and there is need for every officer to make analyses of Xenophon + and Caesar and Hannibal as close as those he makes of Frederick and + Napoleon. + </p> + <p> + But his conception of military leadership is permeated with the ideals of + democracy and justice for which he fights. + </p> + <p> + One of his great lectures to student-officers was that in which he made + them realize what, besides the route of the Prussians, happened at Valmy + in September, 1792. + </p> + <p> + On his big military map of that region (it is on the western edge of the + Argonne) Foch would show his students how the Prussians, Hessians and some + Austrian troops; under the Duke of Brunswick, crossed the French frontier + on August 19 and came swaggering toward Paris, braggartly announcing their + intentions of "celebrating" in Paris in September. + </p> + <p> + Brunswick and his fellow generals were to banquet with the King of Prussia + at the Tuileries. And the soldiers were bent upon the cafés of the Palais + Royal. + </p> + <p> + Foch showed his classes how Dumouriez, who had been training his raw + troops of disorganized France at Valenciennes, dashed with them into the + Argonne to intercept Brunswick; how this and that happened which I will + not repeat here because it is merely technical; and then how the soldiers + of the republic, rallied by the cry, "The country is in danger," and + thrilled by "The Marseillaise" (written only five months before, but + already it had changed the beat of nearly every heart in France), made + such a stand that it not only halted Prussia and her allies, but so + completely broke their conquering spirit that without firing another shot + they took themselves off beyond the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + "We," Foch used to tell his students, "are the successors of the + revolution and the empire, the inheritors of the art, new-born upon the + field of Valmy to astonish the old Europe, to surprise in particular the + Duke of Brunswick, the pupil of Frederick the Great, and to tear from + Goethe, before the immensity of a fresh horizon, this profound cry: 'I + tell you, from this place and this day comes a new era in the history of + the world!'" + </p> + <p> + It is that new era which Foch typifies—that new era which his + adversaries, deaf to Goethe's cry and blind to Goethe's vision, have not + yet realized. + </p> + <p> + It was "the old Europe" against which Foch fought—the old Europe + which learned nothing at Valmy and had learned nothing since; the old + Europe that fought as Frederick the Great fought and that had not yet seen + the dawn of that new day which our nation and the French nation greeted + with glad hails much more than a century ago. + </p> + <p> + In 1792 Prussia measured her military skill and her masses of trained men + against France's disorganization—and overlooked "The Marseillaise." + </p> + <p> + In 1914 she weighed her might against what she knew of the might of France—and + omitted to weigh certain spiritual differences which she could not + comprehend, but which she felt at the first battle of the Marne, has been + feeling ever since, and before which she had to retire, beaten but still + blind. + </p> + <p> + In 1918 she estimated the probable force of those "raw recruits" whom we + were sending overseas—and laughed. She based her calculations on our + lack of military tradition, our hastily trained officers, our "soft," + ease-loving men uneducated in those ideals of blood and iron wherein she + has reared her youth always. She overlooked that spiritual force which the + "new era" develops and which made our men so responsive to the command of + Foch at Château Thierry and later. + </p> + <p> + "The immensity of a fresh horizon" whereon Goethe saw the new era dawning, + is still veiled from the vision of his countrymen. But across its roseate + reaches unending columns of marching men passed, under the leadership of + Ferdinand Foch, to liberate the captives the blind brute has made and to + strike down the strongholds of "old Europe" forever. + </p> + <p> + For nearly six years Foch taught such principles as these and others which + I shall recall in connection with great events which they made possible + later on. + </p> + <p> + Then came the anti-clerical wave in French politics, and on its crest a + new commandant to the School of War—a man elevated by the + anti-clericals and eager to keep his elevation by pleasing those who put + him there. + </p> + <p> + Foch adheres devoutly to the religious practices in which he was reared, + and one of his brothers belongs to the Jesuit order. + </p> + <p> + These conditions made his continuance at the school under its new head + impossible. Whether he resigned because he realized this, or was + superseded, I do not know. But he left his post and went as + lieutenant-colonel to the Twenty-ninth artillery, at Laon. + </p> + <p> + He was there two years and undoubtedly made a thorough study of the + country round Laon—which was for more than four years to be the key + to the German tenure in that part of France. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinand Foch, with his brilliant knowledge and high ideals of + soldiering, was now past fifty and not yet a colonel. + </p> + <p> + Strong though his spirit was, sustained by faith in God and rewarded by + those "secret satisfactions" which come to the man who loves his work and + is conscious of having given it his best, he must have had hours, days, + when he drank deep of the cup of bitterness. There are, though, bitters + that shrivel and bitters that tone and invigorate. Or perhaps they are the + same and the difference is in us. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, Foch was not poisoned at the cup of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + And when the armies under his command encircled the great rock whereon + Laon is perched high above the surrounding plains I hope Foch was with + them—in memory of the days when he was "dumped" there, so to speak, + far away from his sphere of influence at the School of War. + </p> + <p> + In 1903 he was made colonel and sent to the Thirty-fifth artillery at + Vannes, in Brittany. + </p> + <p> + Only two years later he was called to Orleans as chief of staff of the + Fifth army corps. + </p> + <p> + On June 20, 1907, he was made Brigadier General and passed to the general + staff of the French army at Paris. Soon afterwards, Georges Clemenceau + became Minister of War, and was seeking a new head for the Staff College. + Everyone whose advice he sought said: Foch. So the redoubtable old radical + and anti-clerical summoned General Foch. + </p> + <p> + "I offer you command of the School of War." + </p> + <p> + "I thank you," Foch replied, "but you are doubtless unaware that one of my + brothers is a Jesuit." + </p> + <p> + "I know it very well," was Clemenceau's answer. "But you make good + officers, and that is the only thing which counts." + </p> + <p> + Thus was foreshadowed, in these two great men, that spirit of "all for + France" which, under the civil leadership of one and the military + leadership of the other, was to save the country and the world. + </p> + <p> + In 1911 Foch, at 60, was given command of the Thirteenth division at + Chaumont, just above the source of the Marne. On December 17, 1912, he was + placed at the head of the Eighth Army Corps, at Bourges. And on August 23, + 1913, he took command of the Twentieth corps at Nancy. + </p> + <p> + "When," says Marcel Knecht, "we in Nancy heard that Foch had been chosen + to command the best troops in France, the Twentieth Army Corps, pride of + our capital, everybody went wild with enthusiasm." + </p> + <p> + It is M. Knecht who tells us about the visit to General Foch at Nancy, in + the spring of 1914, of three British generals whose presence there Foch + utilized for two purposes: He showed them what he was doing to strengthen + Nancy's defensibility, and thereby urged upon them France's conviction + that an attack by Germany was imminent and unavoidable; and he utilized + the occasion to show the Lorrainers his warm friendliness for England—which + Lorraine was inclined still to blame for the death of Joan of Arc. Foch + knew that German propagandists were continually fanning this resentment + against England. And he made it part of his business to overcome that + prejudice by showing the honor in which he held Great Britain's eminent + soldiers. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap11"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XI + </h3> + <h3> + FORTIFYING FRANCE WITH GREAT PRINCIPLES + </h3> + <p> + So much has been said about France's unreadiness for the war that it is + easy for those who do not know what the real situation was to suppose that + the French were something akin to fools. For twenty centuries the Germans + had been swarming over the Rhine in preying, ravaging hordes, and France + had been beating them back to save her national life. That they would + swarm again, more insolent and more rapacious than ever after their + triumph of 1870, was not to be doubted. Everyone in France who had the + slightest knowledge of the spirit that has animated the Hohenzollern + empire knew its envy of France, its cupidity of France's wealth, its + hatred of France's attractions for all the world. Everyone who came in + contact with the Germans felt the bullet-headed belligerence of their + attitude which they were never at any pains to conceal. + </p> + <p> + The military men of France knew that Germany had for years been preparing + for aggression on a large scale. They knew that she would strike when she + felt that she was readiest and her opponents of the Triple Entente were + least ready. + </p> + <p> + The state of mind of the civilians—busy, prosperous, peace-loving, + concerned with conversational warfare about a multitude of petty internal + affairs—is difficult to describe. But I think it may not be + impertinent to say of it that it was something like the state of mind of a + congregation, well fed, comfortable, conscious of many pleasant virtues + and few corroding sins, before whom a preacher holds up the last judgment. + None of them hopes to escape it, none of them can tell at what moment he + may be called to his account, none of them would wish to go in just his + present state, and yet none of them does anything when he leaves church to + put himself more definitely in readiness for that great decision which is + to determine where he shall spend eternity. + </p> + <p> + In 1911 it seemed for a brief while that the irruption from the east was + at hand. But Germany did not feel quite ready; she "dickered"; and things + went on seemingly as before. + </p> + <p> + France seemed to forget. But she was not so completely abandoned to + hopefulness as was England—England, who turned her deafest ear to + Lord Roberts' impassioned pleas for preparedness. + </p> + <p> + France has an institution called the Superior War Council. It is the + supreme organ of military authority and the center of national defense; it + consists of eleven members supposed to be the ablest commanding generals + in the nation. The president of this council is the Minister of War; the + vice president is known as the generalissimo of the French army. + </p> + <p> + In 1910 General Joseph Joffre became a member of the Superior War Council, + and in 1911 he became generalissimo. + </p> + <p> + It was because the Council felt the imminence of war with Germany that + General Pau—to whom the vice presidency should have gone by right of + his priority and also of his eminent fitness—patriotically waived + the honor, because in two years he would be sixty-five and would have to + retire; he felt that the defense of the country needed a younger man who + could remain more years in service. So Joffre was chosen and almost + immediately he began to justify the choice. + </p> + <p> + Joffre and his associates of the council not only foresaw the war, but + they quite clearly previsioned its extent and something of its character. + In 1912 Joffre declared "the fighting front will extend from four hundred + to five hundred miles." He talked little, but he worked prodigiously; and + always his insistence was: "We must be prepared!" + </p> + <p> + "With whole nations," he said, "engaged in a mortal combat, disaster is + certain for those who in time of peace failed to prepare for war." And "To + be ready means, to-day, to have mustered in advance all the resources of + the country, all the intelligence of its citizens, all their moral energy, + for the purpose of attaining this one aim—victory. Getting ready is + a duty that devolves not only upon the army, but upon all public + officials, upon all organizations, upon all societies, upon all families, + upon all citizens." + </p> + <p> + This complete readiness was beyond his power to effect. But in his + province—the army—he achieved marvels that were almost + miracles. + </p> + <p> + It was France's good fortune (and that of her allies) that in all he + undertook for the purification and strengthening of the army Joffre had, + from January, 1912, the complete co-operation of the Minister of War, M. + Millerand. Together, these two men, brilliantly supported by some of + Joffre's colleagues in the Superior Council—notably Pau and + Castelnau—achieved results that have been pronounced "unparalleled + in the history of the Third Republic." They freed the army from the worst + effects of political influence, made it once more a popular institution, + and organized it into an effectiveness which needs, now, no comment. + </p> + <p> + When Foch was put in command of the Twentieth army corps at Nancy it was + in the expectation that Nancy would sustain the first shock of the German + invasion when it came. The opinion prevailed that Nancy could not be held. + Whether Joffre was of this opinion or not, I do not know. If he was, he + probably felt that Foch would give it up only after harder fighting than + any other general. But Foch believed that Nancy could be defended, and so + did his immediate superior, the gallant General Castelnau, in command of + the Second Army of Lorraine. + </p> + <p> + For nearly a year following upon his appointment to Nancy, Foch labored + mightily to strengthen Nancy against the attack which was impending. He + seems never to have doubted that Germany would make her first aggression + there, only seventeen miles from her own border, and with Metz and + Strassburg to back the invading army. + </p> + <p> + But that there were other opinions, even at Nancy, I happen to know. For, + one day while the war was still new, I chanced in rooting in an old + bookstall in Paris, to find a book which was written by an officer of the + Twentieth Corps, in 1911.[1] + </p> + <p> + The officer was, if I mistake not, of the artillery, and he wrote this + "forecast" to entertain the members of his mess or battery. + </p> + <p> + He predicted with amazing accuracy the successive events which happened + nearly three years later, only he "guessed" the order for mobilization in + France to fall on August 14, instead of August 1; and all his subsequent + dates were just about two weeks later than the actualities. But he + "foresaw" the invasion of Belgium, the resistance at Liége and Namur, the + fall of Brussels, the invasion of France by her northeastern portals. + Almost—at the time I read this book—it might have served as + history instead of prophecy. I would that I had it now! But I clearly + remember that it located the final battle of the war in Westphalia, + describing the location exactly. And that it said the Emperor would perish + in that downfall of his empire. And it cited two prophecies current in + Germany—the long-standing one to the effect that Germany's greatest + disaster would come to her under an Emperor with a withered arm, and one + made in Strassburg in 1870, declaring that the new empire would dissolve + under its third Emperor. + </p> + <p> + The book was published in January, 1912, if I remember rightly, and was + almost immediately translated into German. And I was told that one hundred + thousand copies were sold in Germany in a very short time, and it was made + the subject of editorials in nearly every prominent German paper. + </p> + <p> + Probably Foch read it. He may even have discussed it with the author. But + he held to the belief that when the attack came it would come through + Nancy. + </p> + <p> + He was not, however, expecting it when it came. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="noindent"> + [1] The reason I cannot give his name, nor quote directly from his book, + is that a fellow-traveler borrowed the book from me and I have never seen + it since. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap12"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XII + </h3> + <h3> + ON THE EVE OF WAR + </h3> + <p> + In the first days of July, 1914, divisional maneuvers were held as usual + in Lorraine. Castelnau and Foch reviewed the troops, known throughout the + army as "the division of iron." + </p> + <p> + A young captain, recently assigned from the School of War to a regiment of + Hussars forming part of the Twentieth army corps, wrote to his parents on + July 5 an account of the maneuvers in which he had just taken part. He + said that "the presence of these two eminent men gave a great interest" to + the events he described. And the impression made upon him by Foch is so + remarkable that his letter is likely to become one of the small classics + of the war—endlessly reproduced whenever the story of Foch is told. + </p> + <p> + "General Foch," he reminds his parents, "is a former commander of the + School of War, where he played, on account of his great fitness, a very + remarkable role. + </p> + <p> + "He is a man still young [he was almost 63!], slender and supple, and + rather frail; his powerful head seems like a flower too heavy for a stem + too slight. + </p> + <p> + "What first strikes one about him is his clear gaze, penetrating, + intellectual, but above all and in spite of his tremendous energy, + luminous. This light in his eyes spiritualizes a countenance which + otherwise would be brutal, with its big mustache bristling above a very + prominent, dominant jaw. + </p> + <p> + "When he speaks, pointing lessons from the maneuver, he becomes animated + to the extent of impassionedness, but never expressing himself otherwise + than with simplicity and purity. + </p> + <p> + "His speech is sober, direct; he affirms principles, condemns faults, + appeals to our energies in a brief but comprehensive style. + </p> + <p> + "He is a priest, who judges, condemns, and instructs in the name of the + faith which illumines him and to which he has consecrated all the powers + of his mind and his heart. General Foch is a prophet whom his God + transports." + </p> + <p> + The young officer who wrote thus to his parents was Captain André Dubarle; + and he later laid down his life for his country on the field of honor + commanded by General Foch. + </p> + <p> + The letter seems to me as treasurable for what it conveys to us of the + sort of young man Foch found among his officers and soldiers (there were + many such!) as for what it tells us of the impression Foch created even in + those days before men's souls were set on fire with fervor for France. + </p> + <p> + On July 18 General Foch asked and obtained a leave of absence for fifteen + days, so that he might join the family group gathered at his home near + Morlaix in Brittany. His two sons-in-law, Captain Fournier and Captain + Becourt, also obtained leave. The former was attached to the general army + staff at Paris, and was granted seventeen days. The latter was in command + of a company of the Twenty-sixth battalion of Foot Chasseurs at + Pont-à-Mousson. He was given twenty-five days' leave. The wives and + children of both were at Morlaix with Madame Foch. + </p> + <p> + So little expectation of immediate war had France on July 18 that she + granted a fortnight's absence to the commander of those troops which were + expected to bear the first shock of German aggression when it came. + </p> + <p> + But I happen to know of a French family reunion held at Nancy on July 14 + and the days following, which was incomplete. One of the women of this + family was married to a German official at Metz whose job it was to be + caretaker for three thousand locomotives belonging to the imperial + government and kept at Metz for "emergencies." On July 12 (as it + afterwards transpired) he was ordered to have fires lighted and steam got + up in those three thousand engines, and to keep them, night and day, ready + for use at a moment's notice. + </p> + <p> + Those smoking iron horses in Metz are a small sample of what was going on + all over Germany while France's frontier-defenders were being given + permission to visit Brittany. + </p> + <p> + But for that matter German war-preparations were going on much nearer to + Nancy than in Metz, while Foch was playing with his grandchildren at + Morlaix. + </p> + <p> + Beginning about July 21 and ending about the 25th, twelve thousand Germans + left Nancy for "points east," and six thousand others left the remainder + of French Lorraine. + </p> + <p> + The pretexts they gave were various—vacations, urgent business + matters, "cures" at German watering places. They all knew, when they left, + that Germany was mobilizing for attack upon France. They had known it for + some time before they left. + </p> + <p> + Since the beginning of July they had been working in Nancy to aid the + German attack. They had visited the principal buildings, public and + private, and especially the highest ones, with plans for the installation + of wireless at the modest price of $34. "It is so interesting," they said, + "to get the exact time, every day, from the Eiffel Tower!" + </p> + <p> + They had also some amazingly inexpensive contrivances for heating houses, + or regulating the heating already installed, or for home refrigeration—things + which took them into cellars in Nancy—and before they left to join + their regiments they were exceedingly busy demonstrating those things. + </p> + <p> + They were all gone when General Foch was recalled, on July 26. + </p> + <p> + On July 30 German under-officers crossed the frontier. + </p> + <p> + On August 3 Uhlans and infantrymen on motorcycles were shooting and + pillaging on the French side of the border, although it was not until 6:45 + P.M. that day that Germany declared war on France. + </p> + <p> + That which France had been unable to suppose even Germany capable of, + happened: The treaty with Belgium became a scrap of paper and the main + attack upon France was made by way of the north. + </p> + <p> + But the expectation that Nancy would be one of the first objectives of the + Hun-rampant was not without fulfillment. For the hordes advanced in five + armies; and the fifth, the German left wing under Crown Prince Rupprecht + of Bavaria, was ordered to swarm into France south of that of the Imperial + Crown Prince, spread itself across country behind the French armies facing + northward, join with Von Kluck's right wing somewhere west of Paris, and + "bag" the French—armies, capital and all—"on or about" + September 1. + </p> + <p> + It was all perfectly practicable—on paper. The only difficulty was + that there were so many things the German staff had omitted from its + careful calculations—omitted, perforce, because it had never guessed + their existence. And that spoiled their reckoning. + </p> + <p> + Foch had, for years, been teaching that fighting demands supreme + flexibility, adaptability; that war is full of surprises which must be met + as they arise; that morale, the spiritual force of an army, is subject to + fluctuations caused by dozens of conditions which cannot be foreseen and + must be overcome. The phrase oftenest on his lips was: "What have we to do + here?" For, as he conceived warfare, officers and even privates must + constantly be asking themselves that. One plan goes awry. Very well! we'll + find a better. + </p> + <p> + But Foch had not trained the German general staff. They made war + otherwise. And well he knew it! Well he knew what happened to them when + their "blue prints" would not fit unexpected conditions. + </p> + <p> + He knew that they expected to take Nancy easily, that they were looking + for some effort to defend it, but not for a French attack. + </p> + <p> + They did not know his maxim: "The best means of defense is to attack." + </p> + <p> + He attacked. His Twentieth corps fought its way through the center of the + Bavarian army, into German Lorraine. Then something happened. Just what it + was is not clear—but doubtless will be some day. The offensive had + to be abandoned and the French troops had to withdraw from German soil to + defend their own. + </p> + <p> + How bitter was the disappointment to Foch we may guess but shall never + know. But remaking plans in his genius. + </p> + <p> + "What have we to do here?" he asked himself. + </p> + <p> + Then, "in the twinkling of an eye," says one military historian, "General + Foch found the solution to the defense problem wherewith he was so + suddenly confronted when his offensive failed of support." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap13"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XIII + </h3> + <h3> + THE BATTLE OF LORRAINE + </h3> + <p> + What is known as the battle of Lorraine began at the declaration of war + and lasted till August 26—though the major part of it was fought in + the last six of those days. + </p> + <p> + I shall not go into details about it here, except to recall that it was in + this fighting that General Castelnau lost his oldest son, stricken almost + at the father's side. + </p> + <p> + A German military telegram intercepted on August 27 said: + </p> + <p> + "On no account make known to our armies of the west [that is to say, the + right wing, in Belgium] the checks sustained by our armies of the east + [the left wing, in Lorraine]." + </p> + <p> + So much depended on those plans which Castelnau and Dubail and Foch—and + very particularly Foch!—had frustrated. + </p> + <p> + Joffre realized what had been achieved. And on August 27 he issued the + following "order of the day": + </p> + <p> + "The First and Second armies are at this moment giving an example of + tenacity and of courage which the commander-in-chief is happy to bring to + the knowledge of the troops under his orders. + </p> + <p> + "These two armies undertook a general offensive and met with brilliant + success, until they hurled themselves at a barrier fortified and defended + by very superior forces. + </p> + <p> + "After a retreat in perfect order, the two armies resumed the offensive + and, combining their efforts, retook a great part of the territory they + had given up. + </p> + <p> + "The enemy bent before them and his recoil enabled us to establish + undeniably the very serious losses he had suffered. + </p> + <p> + "These armies have fought for fourteen days without a moment's respite, + and with an unshakable confidence in victory as the reward of their + tenacity. + </p> + <p> + "The general-in-chief knows that the other armies will be moved to follow + the example of the First and Second armies." + </p> + <p> + Now, where were those other armies? And what were they doing? + </p> + <p> + France had then eight armies in the field, and was soon to have a ninth—commanded + by General Foch. + </p> + <p> + There was the First army, under General Dubail; the Second, under General + Castelnau; the Third, under General Sarrail; the Fourth, under General + Langle de Cary; the Fifth, under General Franchet d'Espérey; the Sixth, + under General Manoury; the Seventh and Eighth armies are not mentioned in + the Battle of the Marne, and I have not been able to find out where they + were in service. + </p> + <p> + The First and Second armies, fighting in Lorraine, we know about. They + developed, in that battle, more than one great commander of whose + abilities Joffre hastened to avail himself. On the day he issued that + order commending the First and Second armies, the generalissimo called + Manoury from the Lorraine front, where he had shown conspicuous + leadership, and put him in command of the newly-created Sixth army, which + was to play the leading part in routing Von Kluck. And on the next day + (August 28) Joffre called Foch from Lorraine to head the new Ninth army, + which was to hold the center at the Battle of the Marne and deal the + smashing, decisive blow. + </p> + <p> + In two days, while his troops were retreating before an apparently + irresistible force, Joffre created two new armies, put at the head of each + a man of magnificent leadership, and intrusted to those two armies and + their leaders the most vital positions in the great battle he was + planning. + </p> + <p> + The German soldiers facing Joffre were acting on general orders printed + for them eight years before, and under specific orders which had been + worked out by their high command with the particularity of machine + specifications. And all their presumptions were based on the French doing + what Teutons would do in the same circumstances. Their + extra-suspender-button efficiency and preparedness were pitted against the + flexible genius of a man who could assemble his two "shock" armies in two + days and put them under the command of men picked not from the top of his + list of available commanders, but practically from the bottom. + </p> + <p> + The Third, Fourth and Fifth armies of Joffre were those which had + sustained the terrific onslaught in the north and had been fighting in + retreat, practically since the beginning. + </p> + <p> + On August 25 Joffre declared; "We have escaped envelopment"—thanks + largely to the action in Lorraine, holding back the Bavarians—and, + clearly seeing that he could not hope for favorable results from a great + battle fought in the north, he gave the order for retreat which meant the + abandonment of north-eastern France to the Hunnish hordes. + </p> + <p> + What anguish that order caused him we shall never know. He realized to the + full what the people of that great, prosperous part of France would have + to suffer. He was aware what the loss of those resources would mean to the + French, and also what their gain would mean to the Germans. He understood + the effect of retreat upon the morale of his men. And he must have been + aware of the panic his order would create throughout the yet-uninvaded + parts of France where no one could know at what point the invasion would + be checked. He knew that the nation's faith in him would be severely + shaken, and that even his army's faith in him would be put to a supreme + test. + </p> + <p> + But when a man trains himself to be a commander of men, he trains himself + to go through, heroically and at any cost, what he believes must be done. + To sacrifice one's self comes comparatively easy—given compelling + circumstances and an obedient soul. But to sacrifice others never becomes + easy to a man who respects the rights of others. And we shall never begin + to comprehend men like Joffre and Foch until we shake ourselves free from + any notion we may have that military expediency makes it easy for them to + order great mental and physical suffering. + </p> + <p> + General Foch detached himself, on August 29, from his beloved Twentieth + corps and betook himself to the little village of Machault, about twenty + miles northeast of Châlons-sur-Marne, where he found assembled for his + command an army made up of units from other armies. They were all more or + less strange to one another and to him. + </p> + <p> + There was the Ninth army corps, from Tours, made up of Angevins (men such + as Foch had learned to know when he was at Saumur) and Vendeans (the + Bretons' south neighbors). Some of these men had been fighting without + respite for nine days as they fell back, with the Fourth army, from the + Belgian border. With them, since August 22, had been the remarkable + Moroccan division under General Humbert. + </p> + <p> + Then there was the Eleventh corps of Bretons and Vendeans, which had been + through the same terrible retreat. + </p> + <p> + And—not to enumerate too far—there was that Forty-second + division of infantry which was destined to play one of the most dramatic, + thrilling, forever-memorable parts in all warfare. It had been in the + Ardennes, and had fallen back, fighting fiercely as it came. + </p> + <p> + To help him command these weary men whose hearts were heavy with + forebodings for France, Foch had, as he himself has said, "a general staff + of five or six officers, gathered in haste to start with, little or no + working material, our note books and a few maps." + </p> + <p> + "Those who lived through these tragic hours near him," says René Puaux, + "recall the chief questioning the liaison officers who did not know + exactly where the different units were, punctuating his questions with: + 'You don't know? Very well, then go and find out!'; putting together in + his head the mosaic of which there were still so many pieces missing; + gradually visioning a plan for bringing them together; calculating his + effectives; estimating approximately his reserves of ammunition; + discovering his bases of food supply." + </p> + <p> + And through all this stress he had the personal anguish of being unable to + get word of his only son, Germain Foch, or of his son-in-law, Captain + Becourt, both of whom had been fighting on the Belgian front. + </p> + <p> + "It was not, however," M. Puaux says, "the time for personal emotions. The + father effaced himself before the soldier. There was nothing to be thought + of save the country." + </p> + <p> + Thus we see Ferdinand Foch, on the eve of the first Battle of the Marne. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap14"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XIV + </h3> + <h3> + THE FIRST VICTORY AT THE MARNE + </h3> + <p> + It was Saturday, August 29, 1914, when General Foch went to Machault to + take command of the various units he was to weld into the Ninth army. + </p> + <p> + On the Tuesday following (September 1) Joffre was quartered with his + general staff at the little old town of Bar-sur-Aube, fifty miles south of + Châlons, and he had then determined the limits to which he would permit + the retreat of his armies. + </p> + <p> + If a stand could be taken and an offensive launched further north than the + Aube River, it should be done; but in no event would the withdrawal go + beyond the Seine, the Aube and the region north of Bar-le-Duc. + </p> + <p> + He then placed his armies in the field in the relation in which he deemed + they would be most effective: the First army, under General Dubail, was in + the Vosges, and the Second army, under General Castelnau, was round about + Nancy; the Third army, under General Sarrail, east and south of the + Argonne in a kind of "elbow," joining the Fourth army, under General de + Langle de Cary; then the Ninth army, under General Foch; then the Fifth + army, under General Franchet d'Espérey; then the little British army of + three corps, under General Sir John French; and then the new Sixth army, + under General Manoury. + </p> + <p> + So Foch, on the third day of organizing his new command, received orders—at + once terrible and immensely flattering—that he was to occupy the + center of Joffre's battle line and to sustain the onslaught of Von Buelow + and the famous Prussian Guards. + </p> + <p> + In the morning of Saturday, September 5, all commanders received from + Joffre the now historic message: + </p> + <p> + "The moment has come for the army to advance at all costs and allow itself + to be slain where it stands rather than give way." + </p> + <p> + The men to whom this order was relayed by their commanders had, + five-sixths of them, been ceaselessly engaged, without one single day's + rest of any kind and much of the time without night rest either, for + fourteen days, fighting as they fell back, and falling back as they + fought; the skin was all worn from the soles of their feet, and what shoes + they had left were stuck to their feet with blood. + </p> + <p> + "They had marched under a torrid sky," says Louis Madelin, "on scorching + roads, parched and suffocated with dust. In reality they moved with their + hearts rather than with their legs. According to Pierre Lasserre's happy + expression, 'Our bodies had beaten a retreat, but not our hearts,' … + But when, worn out with fatigue, faces black with powder, blinded by the + chalk of Champagne, almost dying, they learned Joffre's order announcing + the offensive, then the faces of our troops from Paris to Verdun beamed + with joy. They fought with tired limbs, and yet no army ever showed such + strength, for their hearts were filled with faith and hope." + </p> + <p> + At daybreak on Sunday, the 6th, Foch pitched his headquarters in a modern + château near the little village of Pleurs, which you probably will not + find on any map except a military one, but it is some six miles southeast + of Sézanne. And the front assigned to Foch ran from Sézanne to the Camp de + Mailly, twenty-five miles east by a little south. The Marne was + twenty-five miles to north of him. Between him and its south bank were + many towns and villages; the clay pocket (ten miles long) called the + Marshes of St. Gond, but far from marshy in that parching heat; and north + of that the forest of Epernay. His vanguards were north of the marshes. + But as that Sunday wore on, the Prussian Guards drove Foch's Angevins and + Vendeans of the Ninth Corps back and occupied the marshes. The Bretons on + the east of Foch's line were obliged to dislodge, and the Moroccans and + Forty-second Division had to yield on Foch's left. + </p> + <p> + Thus, at nightfall of the first day's fighting, Foch's new army had given + ground practically everywhere. + </p> + <p> + The next day the German attack became fiercer, and it seemed that more + ground must be yielded. + </p> + <p> + That was the day when Foch made his memorable deduction: "They are trying + to throw us back with such fury I am sure that means things are going + badly for them elsewhere and they are seeking compensation." + </p> + <p> + He was right! Von Kluck was retiring in a northeasterly direction under + Manoury's blows; and even Von Buelow (whom Foch faced) was withdrawing + parts of his troops from the line at Foch's left. + </p> + <p> + But the attempt to break through the center Foch held, waxed fiercer as + the Germans realized the strength opposing them on their right. + </p> + <p> + And on Tuesday, the 8th, Foch was unable to hold—save at certain + points—and had to move his headquarters eleven miles south, to + Plancy. + </p> + <p> + He had now reached the Aube, beyond which Joffre had decreed that he must + not retire. On its north bank his gallant army must, if it could not do + otherwise, "allow itself to be slain where it stands rather than give + way." + </p> + <p> + On that evening he sent Major Réquin to the Forty-second Division with + orders for the morrow. The most incredible orders! + </p> + <p> + The enemy had found his point of least resistance—on his right wing. + He ought to strengthen that wing, but he could not. All the reserves were + engaged—and the enemy knew it as well as he did. And it is a fixed + principle of war not to withdraw active troops from one part of the line + to strengthen another. + </p> + <p> + Only one part of his army had had any success that day: Toward evening the + Forty-second Division and the Moroccans had made an irresistible lunge + forward and driven the enemy to the north edge of the marshes. + </p> + <p> + They were weary—those splendid troops—but they were exalted; + they had advanced! + </p> + <p> + Foch believes in the power of the spirit. He appealed to the Forty-second + to do an extraordinary thing—to march, weary as it was, from left to + right of his long line and brace the weak spot. And to cover up the gap + their withdrawal would make he asked General Franchet d'Espérey to stretch + out the front covered by his right wing and adjoining Foch's left. + </p> + <p> + In a letter to me, Lieutenant-Colonel (then Major) Réquin gives some + graphic bits descriptive of that historic errand. He was a sort of liaison + officer between General Grossetti, commanding the Forty-second Division, + and the latter's chief, General Foch, his special duty being to carry + General Foch's orders to General Grossetti and to keep the army chief + informed, each evening, how his commands were being carried out. + </p> + <p> + "It was 10 P.M.," he writes, "when I roused General Grossetti from his + sleep in the straw, in the miserable little shell-riddled farm of Chapton. + </p> + <p> + "The order astonished him; but like a disciplined leader, he started to + execute it with all the energy of which this legendary soldier was + capable." + </p> + <p> + The Forty-second came! While they were marching to the rescue the Prussian + Guard in a colossal effort smashed through Foch's right. They were wild + with joy. The French line was pierced. They at once began celebrating, at + La Fère-Champenoise. + </p> + <p> + When this was announced to Foch he telegraphed to general headquarters: + </p> + <p> + "My center gives way, my right recedes; the situation is excellent. I + shall attack." + </p> + <p> + For this, we must remember, is the man who says: "A battle won is a battle + in which one is not able to believe one's self vanquished." + </p> + <p> + He gave the order to attack. Everything that he cared about in this world + was at stake. This desperate maneuver would save it all—or it would + not. He gave the order to attack—and then he went for a walk on the + outskirts of the little village of Plancy. His companion was one of his + staff officers, Lieutenant Ferasson of the artillery; and as they walked + they discussed metallurgy and economics. + </p> + <p> + There could be nothing more typically French or more diametrically opposed + to the conceptions of French character which prevailed in other countries + before this war. And I hope that if Lieutenant Ferasson survives, he will + accurately designate (if he can) exactly where Foch walked on that + Wednesday afternoon, September 9, when, his center having given way, his + right wing receded, he pronounced the "situation excellent," gave the + order for attack, and went out to discuss metallurgy. + </p> + <p> + Toward six o'clock on that evening the Germans, celebrating their certain + victory, saw themselves confronted by a "new" French army pouring into the + gap they had thought their road to Paris. + </p> + <p> + The Forty-second Division (more than half dead of fatigue, but their eyes + blazing with such immensity and intensity of purpose it has been said the + Germans fled, as before spirits, when they saw these men) had not only + blocked the roundabout road to Paris; they had broken the morale of Von + Buelow's crack troops. Without this brilliant maneuver and superb + execution the successes of all the other armies must have gone for naught. + </p> + <p> + "To be victorious," said Napoleon, "it is necessary only to be stronger + than your enemy at a given point and at a given moment." + </p> + <p> + Foch's preferred way to take advantage of that given point and moment is + with reserves, which he called the reservoirs of force. "The art of war + consists in having them when the enemy has none." + </p> + <p> + But as there were no reserves available at that first Battle of the Marne, + he exemplified his other principle that conditions must be met as they + arise. + </p> + <p> + "I still seem," says René Puaux, "to hear General Foch telling us, one + evening after dinner at Cassel several months later, about that maneuver + of September 9. + </p> + <p> + "He had put matches on the tablecloth"—some red matches which + Colonel Réquin treasures as a souvenir—"and he illustrated with them + the disposition of the troops engaged. For the Forty-second Division he + had only half a match, which he moved here and there with his quick, deft + fingers as he talked. + </p> + <p> + "The match representing the Twelfth German Corps (which with the Prussian + Guard was cutting the gap in Foch's weak spot) was about to make a + half-turn which would bring it in the rear of the French armies. + </p> + <p> + "The general, laying down the half-match that was the Forty-second + Division, made an eloquent gesture with his hand, indicating the move that + the Forty-second made. + </p> + <p> + "'It might succeed,' he said, laconically, 'or it might fail. It + succeeded. Those men were exhausted; they won, nevertheless.'" + </p> + <p> + At nine o'clock the next morning (September 10) the Forty-second entered + La Fère-Champenoise, where they found officers of the Prussian Guard + lying, dead drunk, on the floors in the cantonments, surrounded by + innumerable bottles of stolen champagne wherewith they had been + celebrating their victory. + </p> + <p> + Two days later Foch was at Châlons, to direct in person the crossing of + the Marne by his army in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. + </p> + <p> + "The cavalry, the artillery, the unending lines of supply wagons," says + Colonel Réquin, "the infantry in two columns on either side of the road; + all this in close formation descending like a torrent to resume its place + of battle above the passage on the other side of the river; was an + unforgettable sight and one that gave all who witnessed it an impression + of the tremendous energy General Foch has for the command of enormous + material difficulties." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap15"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XV + </h3> + <h3> + SENT NORTH TO SAVE THE CHANNEL PORTS + </h3> + <p> + Germany's plan to enter France by the east gate, in Lorraine, was + frustrated with the aid of Foch. + </p> + <p> + Her plan to smash through the center of the armies on the Marne was + frustrated, with the very special aid of Foch. + </p> + <p> + Blocked in both these moves, there was just one other for Germany to make, + then, on the western front. + </p> + <p> + And on September 14, Joffre, instead of celebrating the victory on the + Marne, was deep in plans to forestall an advance upon the Channel ports, + and began issuing orders for the transfer of his main fighting bodies to + the north. + </p> + <p> + All this, of course, had to be done so as to leave no vulnerable spot in + all that long battle line from Belfort to Calais. + </p> + <p> + Joffre had clearly foreseen the length of that line. He predicted it, as + we have seen, in 1912. Doubtless he had foreseen also that it would be too + long a line to direct from one viewpoint, from one general headquarters. + What he was too wise to try to foresee before the war began was, which one + of France's trained fighting men he would call to his aid as his second in + command. He waited, and watched, before deciding that. + </p> + <p> + And late in the afternoon of October 4 he telegraphed to General Foch at + Châlons, telling him that he was appointed first in command under the + generalissimo, and asking him to leave at once for the north, there to + coordinate the French, English and Belgian forces that were opposing the + German march to the sea. + </p> + <p> + Five weeks previously Foch had been called to the vicinity of Châlons to + assemble an army just coming into existence. Now he was called to leave + Châlons and that army he had come to know—that army of which he must + have been so very, very proud—and go far away to another task of + unknown factors. + </p> + <p> + But in a few hours he had his affairs in order and was ready to leave. + </p> + <p> + It was ten o'clock that Sunday night when he got into his automobile to be + whirled from the Marne to the Somme. + </p> + <p> + At four in the morning he was at Breteuil, where General Castelnau had the + headquarters of his new army, created on September 20 and designated to + service on Manoury's left. General Castelnau had not yet heard of the + generalissimo's new order. He was sound asleep when the big gray car came + to a stop at the door of his headquarters after its + one-hundred-and-fifty-mile dash through silent towns and dark, + war-invested country. + </p> + <p> + Six weeks ago Foch had been his subordinate. Then they became equals in + command. Now the magnificent hero of Lorraine who, before the war, had + done so much on the Superior War Council to aid Joffre in reorganizing the + army, rose from his bed in the chill of a fall morning not yet dawned, to + greet his superior officer. + </p> + <p> + Some black coffee was heated for them, and for two hours they discussed + the problems of this new front—Castelnau as eager to serve under + Foch, for France, as, eight weeks ago, Foch had been to serve under + Castelnau. If the sublime unselfishness of such men could have + communicated itself to some of the minor figures of this war, how much + more inspiring might be the stories of these civilian commanders! + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock Foch was under way again—to Amiens, Doullens, St. + Pol, and then, at nine, to Aubigny, where General Maud'huy had the + headquarters of his army, holding the line north of Castelnau's. + </p> + <p> + The difficulties of Foch's new undertaking were not military alone, but + diplomatic. He had to take account of the English and Belgian armies, each + under independent command, and each small. It was the fitness of Foch for + the diplomacy needed here, as well as his fitness for the great military + task of barring the enemy from the Channel ports, that determined Joffre + in nominating him to the place. + </p> + <p> + In 1912 General Foch had been the head of the French military commission + sent to witness the British army maneuvers at Cambridge. + </p> + <p> + He speaks no English; and not many British generals at that time spoke + much French. Yet he somehow managed to get on, with the aid of + interpreters, so that his relations with the British officers were not + only cordial, in a superficial social way, but important in their results + of deepened understanding on his part and of respect on theirs. + </p> + <p> + His study of what seemed to him the military strength and weakness of + France's great neighbor and ally was minute and comprehensive. + </p> + <p> + In his opinion, the soldiers of Britain were excellent; but he was fearful + that their commanders lacked seasoned skill to direct them effectively. + This lack he laid to that apparent inability to believe in the imminence + of war, which was even more prevalent in Britain, with her centuries of + inviolate security, than in France. + </p> + <p> + Two years before the long-suspended sword fell, Foch foresaw clearly what + would be the difficulties in the way of England when she should gird + herself for land conflict. Doubtless he had resolved in his mind plans for + helping her to meet and to overcome them. + </p> + <p> + Now he was placed where he could render aid—where he <i>must</i> + render aid. + </p> + <p> + After the Battle of the Marne Sir John French wanted his army moved up + north, nearer to its channel communications—that is to say, to its + source of supplies. And on October 1 Joffre began to facilitate this + movement. It was just well under way when Foch arrived in the north. + </p> + <p> + And on October 9 the gallant Belgian army withdrew from Antwerp and made + its way to the Yser under cover of French and British troops. + </p> + <p> + Foch soon saw that an allied offensive would not be possible then; that + the most they could hope to do was to hold back the invading forces. + </p> + <p> + Until October 24 he remained at Doullens, twenty miles north of Amiens. + Then he removed his headquarters to the ancient town of Cassel, about + eighteen miles west and a little south of Ypres. + </p> + <p> + From there he was able to reach in a few hours' time any strategic part of + the north front and from this actual watch-tower (Cassel is on an isolated + hill more than 500 feet high, and commands views of portions of France, + Belgium, and even—on a clear day—of the chalky cliffs of + England; St. Omer, Dunkirk, Ypres, and Ostend are all visible from its + heights), he was to direct movements affecting the destinies of all three + nations. + </p> + <p> + The Belgians, whose sublime stand had thwarted Germany's murderous plan + against an unready world, were a sad little army when they reached the + Yser about mid October. It was not what they had endured that contributed + most to break their spirit; but what they had been unable to prevent. + </p> + <p> + To those heroic men who had left their beautiful country to the + arch-fiends of destruction, their parents and wives and children to + savages who befoul the name of beasts; who no longer had any possessions, + nor munitions wherewith to make another stand on Belgian soil; to them + Foch took fresh inspiration with his calm and tremendous personality; to + them he sent his splendid Forty-second Division to swell their ranks so + frightfully depleted in Honor's cause; to them he gave the suggestion of + opening their sluices and drowning out of their last little corner of + Belgium the enemy they could not otherwise dislodge. + </p> + <p> + This done, the next problem of Foch was to establish relations with Sir + John French whereby the most cordial and complete cooperation might be + insured between the British Field Marshal and the French commander of the + armies in the north. + </p> + <p> + There are several graphic accounts of interviews which took place between + these generals. + </p> + <p> + It was on October 28 that Foch saw the success of the opened sluices and + the consequent salvation to the heroic Belgians of a corner of their own + earth whereon to maintain their sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + On the 30th the English suffered severe reverses in spite of the aid lent + them by eight battalions of French soldiers and artillery reinforcements. + In consequence, they had had to cede considerable ground, their line was + pierced, and the flank of General Dubois' army, adjoining theirs, was + menaced. + </p> + <p> + When word of this disaster reached Foch that night he at once set out from + Cassel for French's headquarters at Saint Omer. + </p> + <p> + It was 1 A.M. when he arrived. Marshal French was asleep. He was waked to + receive his visitor. + </p> + <p> + "Marshal," said Foch, "your line is cracked?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Have you any resources?" + </p> + <p> + "I have none." + </p> + <p> + "Then I give you mine; the gap must be stopped at once; if we allow our + lines to be pierced at a single point we are lost, because of the masses + our enemy has to pour through it. I have eight battalions of the + Thirty-second Division that General Joffre has sent me. Take them and go + forward!" + </p> + <p> + The offer was most gratefully received. At two o'clock the orders were + given; the gap was stopped. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the British despaired of their ability to hold. Marshal + French had no reserves, and decided to fall back. + </p> + <p> + A liaison officer hastened to notify General Dubois that the British were + about to retire, and General Dubois betook himself in all speed to + Vlamertinghe, the Belgian headquarters, to notify their commanding + general. Foch happened to be with the Belgian general. And while these + three were conferring, the liaison officer (Jamet) saw the automobile of + Marshal French pass by. + </p> + <p> + Realizing the importance of the British commander's presence at that + interview, Jamet ventured to stop him and suggest his attendance. + </p> + <p> + Foch implored French to prevent retreat. French declared there was nothing + else for him to do—his men were exhausted, he had no reserves. Foch + pointed out to him the incalculable consequences of yielding. + </p> + <p> + "It is necessary to hold in spite of everything!" he cried; "to hold until + death. What you propose would mean a catastrophe. Hold on! I'll help you." + </p> + <p> + And as he talked he wrote his suggestions on a piece of paper he found on + the table before him, and passed it to the British commander. + </p> + <p> + Marshal French read what was written, at once added to it, "execute the + order of General Foch," signed it, and gave it to one of his staff + officers. + </p> + <p> + And the Channel ports were saved. + </p> + <p> + But a greater thing even than that was foreshadowed: Foch had begun to + demonstrate what was in him before which not only the men of his command + must bow but the generals of other nations also. + </p> + <p> + One of the staff officers of General Foch who was closely associated with + him there in the north in that time of great anxiety, has given us a + pen-picture of the chief as his aides often saw him then. Doubtless it is + a good picture also, except for differences in trifling details, of the + great commander as he has been on many and many a night since, while the + destinies of millions hung in the balance of his decisions. + </p> + <p> + "All is silence. The little town of Cassel is early asleep. On the rough + pavement of the Grande Place, occasional footsteps break the stillness. + Now they are those of a staff officer on his way to his billet. Now it is + the sentry moving about to warm himself up a bit. Then silence again. + </p> + <p> + "In a little office of the Hotel de Ville, a man is seated at a table. His + elbows are on a big military map. A telephone is at his hand. He waits—to + hear the results of orders he has given. And while he waits he chews an + unlighted cigar and divides his attention between the map and the clock—an + old Louis XVI timepiece with marble columns, which ticks off the minutes + almost soundlessly. How slowly its hands go round! How interminable seems + the wait for news! + </p> + <p> + "Someone knocks, and Colonel Weygand, chief of staff, enters; he has a + paper in his hand: 'Telephoned from the Ninth army at 1.15 A.M.' … + </p> + <p> + "The general has raised his head; his eyes are shining. + </p> + <p> + "'Good! good!' + </p> + <p> + "His plans are working out successfully; the reinforcements he sent for + have arrived in time. There is nothing more he can do now; so he will go + to bed. + </p> + <p> + "A last look at the map. Then his eye-glasses, at the end of their string, + are tucked away in the upper pocket of his coat. The general puts on his + black topcoat and his cap. + </p> + <p> + "In the hall, the gendarme on guard duty gets up, quickly, from the chair + wherein he is dozing. + </p> + <p> + "The general salutes him with a brisk gesture, but with it he seems to + say: 'Sleep on, my good fellow; I'm sorry to have disturbed you.' + </p> + <p> + "At the foot of the grand staircase, the sentry presents arms; and one of + the staff officers joins the commander, to accompany him to the house of + the notary who is extending him hospitality. + </p> + <p> + "A few hours later, very early in the morning, the general is back again + at his office." + </p> + <p> + Thus he was at Cassel, as he directed those operations on the Yser by + which he checked the German attempt to reach Calais and Dunkirk, and + revealed to the military world a new strategist of the first order. + </p> + <p> + By November 15 (six weeks after arriving in the north) Foch had the high + command of the German army as completely thwarted in its design as it had + been at the Marne. It had fallen to Foch to defeat the German plan on the + east (Lorraine), in the center (Marne) and on the west (Ypres). And the + consequences of this frustration that he dealt them in Flanders were + calculated to be "at least equal to the victory of the Marne." Colonel + Réquin calls that Battle of the Yser "like a preface to the great victory + of 1918." + </p> + <p> + In the spring of 1915 Foch left Cassel and took up headquarters at + Frévent, between Amiens and Doullens, whence he directed those engagements + in Artois which demonstrated that though trench warfare was not the + warfare he had studied and prepared for, and nearly all its problems were + new, he was master of it not less than he would have been of a cavalry + warfare. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1915, Foch moved nearer to Amiens—to the village of + Dury in the immediate outskirts of the ancient capital of Picardy. For the + next chapter in his history was to be the campaign of the Somme including + the first great offensive of France in the war, which, together with the + Verdun defense, forced the Germans not only again to re-make their + calculations, but to withdraw to the Hindenburg line. + </p> + <p> + On September 30, 1916 (just before his sixty-fifth birthday, on which his + retirement from active service was due), he was "retained without age + limit" in the first section of the general staff of the French army. + </p> + <p> + Honors were beginning to crowd upon him as the debt of France and of her + allies to his genius began to be realized. Responsibility vested in him + became heavier and heavier as he demonstrated his ability to bear it. But + always, say those who were nearest him, "a great, religious serenity + pervaded and illumined his soul." + </p> + <p> + This is a serenity not of physical calm. Foch is intensely nervous, almost + ceaselessly active. His body is frail, racked with suffering, worn down by + the enormous strains imposed upon it. But the self-mastery <i>within</i> + is always apparent; and it inspires confidence, and renewed effort, in all + who come in contact with him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap16"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XVI + </h3> + <h3> + THE SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ALLIED ARMIES + </h3> + <p> + After his position in the first section of the General Staff had been made + independent of age limits, General Foch was relieved (for the autumn and + winter at least, during which time no operations of importance were + expected) of active command of a group of armies; and at once began the + organization of a bureau devoted to the study of great military questions + affecting not the French lines alone but those of France's allies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-142"></a> <img src="images/img-142.jpg" + alt="General Pétain--Marshal Haig--General Foch--General Pershing" + width="345" height="491" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: General Pétain--Marshal Haig--General Foch--General + Pershing] + </h4> + <p> + At first the headquarters of this bureau were at Senlis, near Paris. Then + they were moved close to France's eastern border where Foch and his + associates studied ways and means of meeting a possible attack through + Switzerland—if Germany resolved to add that crime to her category—or + across northern Italy. + </p> + <p> + So clearly had Foch foreseen what would happen in the Venetian plain, that + he had his plan of French reinforcement perfected long in advance, even to + the schedule for dispatching troop trains to the Piave front. + </p> + <p> + In January, 1917, Marshal Joffre reached the age of retirement (65). He + was venerated and loved throughout France as few men have ever been. + Gratitude for his great gifts and great character filled every heart to + overflowing. His country had no honor great enough to express its sense of + his service to France. Yet it was felt that for the operations of the + future, the interests of France and of her allies would be best furthered + with another strategist in command of the armies in the field. Joffre's + retirement was therefore effected. + </p> + <p> + Joffre is an engineer, a master-builder of fortifications, a great defense + soldier. But defense would not end the war. France must look to her + greatest offensive strategist. + </p> + <p> + There could be no question who that strategist was. No one knew it quite + so well as Marshal Joffre. And one of the most splendid things about that + mighty and noble man is the spirit in which he concurred in (if, indeed, + he did not suggest) the change which meant that another should lead the + armies of France to victory. + </p> + <p> + The appointment of General Foch as head of the General Staff was made on + May 15, 1917, while Marshal Joffre was in the United States to confer with + our officials regarding our part in the war. On the same date General + Philippe Pétain, the heroic defender of Verdun, who had been Chief of + Staff for a month, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of all French armies + operating on the French front. + </p> + <p> + General Foch installed himself at the Invalides, and addressed himself to + the study of all the allies' fronts, the assembling American army, and to + another task for which he was signally fitted: that of coordinating the + plans and purposes of the Generalissimo and the government. + </p> + <p> + Wherever General Foch goes, one finds him creating harmony and, through + harmony, doubling everyone's strength. + </p> + <p> + He "gets on" with everybody, but not in the way that sort of thing is too + generally done—not by methods which have come to be called + diplomatic and which involve a great deal of surface affability, of wordy + beating about the bush and concealing one's real purposes from persons who + see his hand and wonder if they are bluffing him about theirs. + </p> + <p> + Foch has no stomach for this sort of thing. His whole bent is toward + discovering the right thing to do and then making it so plain to others + that it is the right thing that they adopt it gladly and cooperate in it + with ardor. + </p> + <p> + In council he is still the great teacher striving always not merely to + make his principles remembered, but to have them shared. + </p> + <p> + The eminent French painter, Lucien Jonas, who has served in Artois, at + Verdun, on the Somme and in Italy, and has been appointed painter of the + Army Museum at Des Invalides, was commissioned to make a picture of + General Foch holding an allies' council of war at Versailles. + </p> + <p> + It was, of course, impossible for Jonas to be actually present at a + council meeting. But it was arranged that he should sit outside a glass + door through which he could see all, but hear nothing. + </p> + <p> + "General Foch," he tells us, "held his auditors in a sort of fascination. + One felt that in his explanations there was not a flaw, not a hesitancy. + All seemed clear, plain, irresistible." + </p> + <p> + This power was his in great degree in the years before the war. But now + men who listen to him know that his perceptions are not merely logical—they + are workable. His performances prove the worth of his theories. + </p> + <p> + On March 21, 1918, Ludendorff launched his great offensive against the + British army. The line bent; it cracked. Amiens seemed doomed; the British + in France were threatened with severance from their allies—with + envelopment! + </p> + <p> + After four days of onrushing disaster a conference was called to meet at + Doullens—a conference of representatives of the allied governments. + Something must be done to coordinate the various "fronts," to put them + under a supreme command. + </p> + <p> + Foch was hastily empowered to order whatever he deemed advisable to + prevent the separation of the English and French armies. It is apparent + that the wide powers thus hurriedly given to him were bestowed with the + approval of every member of the conference. In October, 1918, however, in + responding to a note of greeting from Lloyd-George on the occasion of his + sixty-seventh birthday, Foch recognized the weight of the British Prime + Minister's influence at the conference: + </p> + <p> + "I am greatly touched," he replied, "by your congratulations and thank you + sincerely. + </p> + <p> + "I do not forget that it was to your insistence that I owe the position + which I occupy to-day." + </p> + <p> + Foch's new responsibilities were laid upon him on March 26. By evening of + the 28th he had the situation so well in hand that he was able to hold in + check the German onslaught without even employing all the troops he had + brought up for that purpose. He had averted what threatened to be the + worst disaster of the war, and he had reserves in readiness against a new + and augmented attack. This in two days! + </p> + <p> + On the 30th an official announcement told all the world that the destinies + of the allied armies were by common consent confided to the general + direction of Ferdinand Foch. + </p> + <p> + On that same day there was made public, by the French war authorities, + something which had taken place and had contributed in a degree we are not + yet able to state, to the investment of Foch with supreme power. This was + a visit made by General Pershing to Foch. In the presence of Foch, Pétain, + Clemenceau and Loucheur (Minister of Munitions) Pershing made the + following declaration: + </p> + <p> + "I come to tell you that the American people would hold it a great honor + if our troops were engaged in the present battle. I ask you this in my + name and in theirs. At this moment there is nothing to be thought of but + combat. Infantry, artillery, aviation—all that we have is yours. Use + them as you will. There are more to come—as many more as shall be + needed. I am here solely to say to you that the American people will be + proud to be engaged in the greatest and most glorious battle in history." + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-148"></a> <img src="images/img-148.jpg" + alt="General Foch--General Pershing" width="358" height="511" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: General Foch--General Pershing] + </h4> + <p> + On April 5, a week after his appointment to the supreme command was + announced, Foch granted an interview to a group of war correspondents. + Their various accounts differ very slightly. Instead of quoting any one I + will make a digest of them. + </p> + <p> + They found the general installed in a provincial mansion, place not named. + The room he occupied was nearly bare; an old table, an armchair, a + telephone, a huge war map, no profusion of papers, no "air of importance." + </p> + <p> + Foch was writing in a notebook. He rose, when he had finished his entry + among those epoch-making memoranda, and received his visitors. He had but + a few minutes to give, yet he realized the importance of the occasion and + treated it accordingly. These men were to send to millions of people in + the great democracies of France, Britain and America their pen pictures of + the man just invested with the greatest military responsibility any man in + the world's history has ever borne. Battles must be fought, but also those + people had a right to such a sense of participation as only their press + could give them; it was their issue; their attitude toward it was the + foundation of their nation's morale. Foch has neither time nor taste for + talk about himself, but he is no war autocrat; he is, as he constantly + reiterates, a son of France, defending human liberties. He might not have + much time to give journalists, but it is not in him to minimize their + place in a world where the will of the majority prevails and the press + does much to shape that will. + </p> + <p> + His manner on that occasion was calm, unhurried, but very direct, to the + point. + </p> + <p> + "Well, gentlemen," said he, "our affairs are not going badly; are they? + The boche has been halted since March 27. He has, doubtless, encountered + some obstacle. We have stopped him. Now we shall endeavor to do better. I + do not see that there is anything more to say. + </p> + <p> + "But as to yourselves, keep at your task. It is a time when everyone ought + to work steadfastly. Work with your pens. We will go on working with our + arms." + </p> + <p> + "I regret," wrote Lieutenant d'Entraygues in the Paris <i>Temps</i>, "only + one thing: that all the people of France were not able to see and hear + this soldier as he spoke to us. They would know why it is not possible to + doubt our victory." + </p> + <p> + It was probably about that time that Major Darnley Stuart-Stephens wrote + of Foch, for the <i>English Review</i>. + </p> + <p> + "The man who has been consecrated by destiny to the saving from Moloch of + this globe's civilization, is he who will prove once more that in the + conflict between the finely tempered sword and the finely tempered brain, + it is the mental asset that will prevail." + </p> + <p> + Major Stuart-Stephens had studied the "mental assets" of Ferdinand Foch. + </p> + <p> + "Now and again at his lectures." he wrote, "I have noticed that far-away + look of the mystic in his eyes that I remember so well in those of that + other soldier-saint, Charles Gordon." + </p> + <p> + It was that spiritual greatness in Foch which everyone felt, on which + everyone brought into contact with him based his unfaltering faith in the + outcome. + </p> + <p> + "We do not know," says an editorial writer in the New York <i>Evening Sun</i>, + "what the judgments of the military critics will be when they have + carefully studied and sifted the evidence, but to a layman it looks as if + Foch was not merely a very great general but one of the greatest generals + of all recorded history … as great a general as Napoleon or + Caesar or Hannibal or Alexander." + </p> + <p> + But whether they put him, as a military man, on a par with Napoleon, or + come sapiently to the conclusion that he was no more than a very able + general fortunate in being in command at the time the Germanic morale was + breaking, it will never be possible to disprove that he was a supreme + leader of men in a great war of ideals—an incarnation of all those + qualities of faith and fervor, of self-mastery and dependence on the + Divine, of self-realization and with it devotion to the rights and + progress of others, which are embodied in the Christian democracy for + whose preservation millions have gladly died. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap17"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XVII + </h3> + <h3> + BRINGING GERMANY TO ITS KNEES + </h3> + <p> + Faith in the ability of Foch to lead us all to victory was, however, not + to endure without its grave tests. + </p> + <p> + The German drive of March 21 was checked by his co-ordination of Allied + forces. But checking the enemy just before he reached the key of the + Channel ports was not defeating him; preventing him from driving a wedge + between the British and French armies was only diverting him to another + point of attack. He was desperate—that enemy! He knew that he must + win a decisive victory soon, or see his own maladies destroy him. + </p> + <p> + He knew the genius of Foch; he knew the immense increase in strength that + the Allies had achieved in unifying their command. He may have + underestimated the worth in battle of our American fighters; but it is + scarcely probable that he underestimated the worth, behind the lines, of + our army of railroad builders, harbor constructors, supply handlers, and + the like. He knew that whether we could fight or not, we had money and men + and were pouring both into France to help win the war. + </p> + <p> + And he also knew that victory after victory which he had won had not only + failed to increase his might but had, somehow, weakened him; country after + country had fallen before his sword or before his poison-propaganda—or + both!—his plunder was vast, his accessions in fighting men available + for the Western front were formidable—yet something in his vitals + was wrong, terribly wrong; he must stop, soon, and look to his health, or + he would be too far-gone for recovery. But not now! not now! "They" must + be crushed now or never! + </p> + <p> + So he fought like a maddened beast whose usual cunning has given place to + frenzied desperation. + </p> + <p> + Again and again and again he lunged—now here, now there. And the + defenders of civilization fell back and back, before him. + </p> + <p> + Where was that calm, quiet man who had said: "Well, gentlemen, our affairs + are not going badly; are they?" + </p> + <p> + "The boche," he had said, "has been halted … now we shall + endeavor to do better." + </p> + <p> + What had happened? The boche was <i>not</i> halted! He was, in fact, + shelling Paris! + </p> + <p> + It was in those days that the "soldier-saint," as Major Stuart-Stephens + has called him, must have had need of all his faith and all his fortitude. + </p> + <p> + We don't know much, yet, except of a very superficial sort, about those + days. We know what happened in them insofar as army movements are + concerned, and the heartbreaking re-occupation of towns and villages where + French and American restoration squads were working to make habitable + those places the Huns had laid waste; and the continued shelling of Paris + by the "mystery gun"; and the great exodus of civilians from the capital + as the ravaging hordes drew nearer and always nearer. + </p> + <p> + These things we know; but not what Foch was thinking—except that he + was not thinking of defeat. + </p> + <p> + If there was a true heart in France that ever for a moment doubted the + outcome of the war, or dreamed of abandoning the conflict before it had + made the future safe, I have never heard of that one. + </p> + <p> + Certainly the man who was leading them never doubted. Nor was it on his + own skill that his faith was founded. He knew Who would give his cause the + victory. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In the fifth German drive of 1918 the enemy crossed the Marne! Paris was + almost in sight—Paris! where millions of French were celebrating the + fall of the Bastille and the birth of freedom as if the leering, jeering + enemies of all freemen were not so close to the gates of the Capital that + the gleam of their tusks might almost have been seen from the city's + outermost ramparts. Certainly the drunken fools within—drunk with + their deep draughts of liberty—could hear the snarling and snapping + of the approaching wolves, the baying of Big Bertha, the barking of her + smaller sisters! But it would be like those crazy French to dance and sing + and celebrate the overthrow of autocracy, while an autocracy the like of + which no French King had ever exercised was on the eve of engulfing them. + </p> + <p> + So the German General Staff said, sneering, as it laid its plans for the + final drive on Paris. They would start that drive on the night of July 14, + while the fools were celebrating, when they were least expecting an + attack. Probably most of them would be drunk. Oh, almost certainly! Their + resistance would be weak, And for all time thereafter it would make an + impressive tale for schoolbooks throughout the Pan-Germanized world, that + democracy was dispatched in her last orgy of exultation. + </p> + <p> + As clearly as if he were not only present in the councils of German + Headquarters, but present inside the thick round skulls about the council + table, this boche attitude and intent was comprehended by the small frail + man at Mormant, where his Headquarters then were. + </p> + <p> + On that night of July 14 he began the great offensive which never stopped + until the whining boche was east of the Rhine! + </p> + <p> + His Intelligence Department told him that the German drive would probably + begin at ten minutes past midnight. They might be quite wrong, but that + was their guess. Foch was all-but sure they were not wrong; that it was + not in German nature to reason other than as I have described. + </p> + <p> + An hour before midnight the Germans were (doubtless) surprised by some + lively action of French artillery. Strange! But it couldn't mean anything, + of course! So the boche came on. The behavior of the French was not quite + what he had expected; one thing after another happened that was not in his + calculations. But that did not argue aught against the calculations! It + was the exasperating habit of the French to do unexpected things. Most + annoying! But not able to affect the outcome, of course. + </p> + <p> + On July 18th they got "more unexpected still"—they and sundry + "green" troops from the flaccid, fatuous U. S. A.! Some "hounds of the + devil" were let loose upon the gray-clad armies of righteousness. It was + outrageous the way those sons of Satan fought! They rushed upon the + legions of the Lord's anointed as if killing Germans were the noblest work + a man could be about. + </p> + <p> + So many things happened that were not down on paper—in the plans of + the German General Headquarters! It became distressingly evident that + these Yanks knew as little, and cared as little, what was expected of them + as the stupid Britishers or the mercurial French or the suicidal Belgians. + They didn't know how to fight—they couldn't know—they had + never done any fighting, and whom had they had to teach them warfare? They + were absurd. They didn't know the simplest rules of war—they didn't + know enough to surrender when they were surrounded, cut off, outnumbered. + They fought on! They didn't know how to fight; but Lord! how they could + kill Germans. And then they were such fools that their medical corps came + out onto the battlefield and when they found a German who wasn't dead but + was suffering, their doctors bound up his wounds and gave him water to + quench his raging thirst, and left him for his own comrades to carry away + and nurse—that, instead of gouging his eyes out with a bayonet's end + or bashing in his skull with the butt of a gun! Strange people! They never + could become good slaves of Kultur; so the wounded Germans whose agonies + they had assuaged, rose up on their elbows and shot them dead. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In six hours the Allies, not only reinforced but recreated by this tide of + new life, new eagerness, re-took twice as much ground on the + Soissons-Rheims salient as the Germans had won in six days' desperate + advance. + </p> + <p> + When the word to fight came to the men of the American army, it was less + like a command to them than like a release, a long-desired permission. + Many, if not most, of them had for nearly four years been straining at the + leash which held them from the place where their sense of honor told them + they should be. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-160"></a> <img src="images/img-160.jpg" + alt="Marshal Foch, Executive Head of the Allied Forces" width="356" + height="541" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Marshal Foch, Executive Head of the Allied Forces] + </h4> + <p> + "They were superb," Marshal Foch has said, paying wholehearted tribute to + them. "There is no other word. Our armies were fatigued by years of + relentless struggle and the mantle of war lay heavily upon them. We were + magnificently comforted by the virility of the Americans. The youth of the + United States brought a renewal of the hope that hastened victory. Not + only was this moral factor of the highest importance, but also the + enormous material aid placed at our disposal. Nobody among us will ever + forget what America did." + </p> + <p> + Let us hope that neither will any among us ever forget for a single + instant how much was paid for us in blood and anguish by those who held + the beast at bay from us for long years before we put forth a stroke in + our own defense or in friendly help or in support of our ideals. + </p> + <p> + That our aid arrived in time to help turn the tide, that our men were + magnificent when their opportunity was given them, is cause not for + vaunting ourselves, but only for gratefulness that our honor remains to us—that + we have not had to accept life and liberty at other men's hands while our + hands stayed in our pockets. + </p> + <p> + Our fighting men redeemed us in our own eyes; they restored our souls' + dignity; for this we can never be grateful enough to them. But we can + never be braggart about it. It might so easily have come too late! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On August 6, Foch was made Marshal of France. + </p> + <p> + And two days later, the British, on the Somme, launched the first really + successful offensive of the war—not stopping a drive, but + inaugurating one. + </p> + <p> + At last Foch was able to make war as he had for years contended that war + should be made: The way to make war is to attack. + </p> + <p> + It was his plan, now that he had the men to make this possible, to keep + the enemy busy by striking first at one point of the long line running + from Belgium to the Piave, and then at another. And by the first of + September the Allied line on the Western front was back where it ran in + the deadlock of 1915-16 while the attack on Verdun was raging. + </p> + <p> + "General Pershing," Foch has said, "wished to have his army concentrated, + as far as possible, in an American sector. The Argonne and the heights of + the Meuse were a sector hard to tackle. So I said to him: 'All right; your + men have the devil's own punch. They will get away with it. Go to it.'" + </p> + <p> + And they went! That was the famous St. Mihiel salient. The American + infantry started their advance there on September 26. They went forward + with a rush. On their left, the French advanced as rapidly, and on October + 1 re-took St. Quentin, which the Germans had held since the beginning of + the war. October 2 the British, operating on the left of the French, + reached Cambrai which also had been in German hands for more than four + years. + </p> + <p> + October 4 the Hohenzollern King of Bulgaria deserted his doomed allies and + his throne and began looking for a place of refuge. + </p> + <p> + And on that day the Hohenzollern government at Berlin had so little relish + for the situation on all fronts, that it besought the President of the + United States "to take in hand the restoration of peace, acquaint all the + belligerent states with this request and invite them to send + plenipotentiaries for the purpose of opening negotiations.… With a + view to avoiding further bloodshed, the German Government requests the + immediate conclusion of an armistice on land and water and in air." + </p> + <p> + October 10, Austria and Turkey joined Germany in appealing for peace + terms. Notes continued to pass between the Germanic capitals and + Washington, D. C. + </p> + <p> + But Foch fought on. + </p> + <p> + The Americans had cleared the last corner of the Argonne of German + machine-gun nests and gunners, and were widening their offensive on the + Meuse. The French had taken Laon, and were pushing on. The British had + taken Lens and Cambrai and were advancing on Douai and Lille. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd of October the President of the United States referred the + matter of the armistice to the Allies. On the 29th, the Allied War Council + met at Versailles to fix the armistice conditions. + </p> + <p> + (Foch meanwhile had launched an offensive against the Austrians on the + Piave.) + </p> + <p> + Now, an armistice is supposed to be a cessation of hostilities for an + agreed period, all combatants to remain as they were; if the parley for + peace is not successful, the struggle is to resume where it paused, + neither side having gained or lost, except as delay may or may not have + been favorable to them. + </p> + <p> + Foch had not the smallest intention of granting the hard-pushed enemy that + sort of an armistice—time to recuperate, to parley while Winter came + on and postponed the resumption of his offensive until Spring. To do that + meant to prolong the war probably another year, at enormous cost in lives, + suffering, materials. + </p> + <p> + What he would grant would be an armistice in which the enemy, so far from + keeping his positions would abandon them all and retire far behind the + Rhine; in which the Allies, so far from keeping their positions, would + follow the retreating enemy into his own country, and police it; in which + the enemy, so far from resting on his sword, would hand it over—his + swords, and his cannon, and his machine-guns, and his fleet and his + submarines and his aircraft and his locomotives; in which he would release + all Allied prisoners and not ask the release of any of his captured men. + </p> + <p> + The terms were the most ignominious ever imposed upon a prostrate enemy. + The sole reason for referring to them as "armistice terms" was that peace + terms are final and absolute, and these were not final—they would be + made much worse if the Germans failed to satisfy their conquerors on every + point. + </p> + <p> + When the Allied War Council had agreed with Foch on the armistice terms, + he said: + </p> + <p> + "Within ten days or a fortnight I can break the German army in three, + envelop a section of it, and take a million prisoners. Is there any + condition which, in the opinion of any of you, could be imposed upon the + enemy then, more conclusive than those of the armistice?" + </p> + <p> + No one could think of anything that might add a jot to the completeness of + Germany's subjugation. + </p> + <p> + "Then, gentlemen," answered the Commander-in-Chief, "we will proceed with + the armistice. When all is won that can be won for the safety and honor of + France and her Allies, I cannot for the sake of prestige or gratification + or personal glory, order action that would cost the life of any parents' + young son, any little child's father. I am a bereaved father. I think of + the fathers and mothers whom further fighting must bereave. The enveloping + advance which our armies could make in ten to fourteen days would cost us + thousands of lives, many maimed men. If those things must be to bring the + triumph of Right, we can bear them again as we have borne them these years + past. But not for any other reason!" + </p> + <p> + "The German high command," he said later, at Trèves, "was not ignorant of + the fact that it faced a colossal disaster. When it surrendered, + everything was prepared for an offensive in which it would infallibly have + succumbed. The Germans were lost. They capitulated. That is the whole + story." + </p> + <p> + The German plenipotentiaries arrived at the French front at nine o'clock + on the evening of November 7, and were escorted to the Château Francfort + to spend the night. The next morning they were taken to Rethondes in the + forest of Compiègne. There Foch (whose headquarters were at Semis, + twenty-two miles nearer Paris) awaited them in his special train. + </p> + <p> + I may be quite wrong about his reason for receiving the German envoys in a + railway carriage. But my surmise about it is that he did not want any + fixed place associated with Germany's humiliation until those empowered to + act for the defunct empire of William I came to the Gallery of Mirrors at + Versailles and there, where the German empire had been proclaimed, + witnessed the formal degradation before the representatives of all + civilization of their nation that was built on the principle that Might is + Right. + </p> + <p> + Next to this in poetic justice would have been to summon those + plenipotentiaries before him at Senlis where their troops had committed + such insensate horrors in September, 1914. But for reasons of his own + (which we may be sure had nothing to do with courtesy) Foch went part way + to meet them. + </p> + <p> + They complained, afterwards, that he received them coldly. If he was able + to keep his manner cold, it was only because his self-command is so great. + For no other man in the world knows so well as he the extent and the + enormity of the crimes those men and their masters and their minions are + guilty of. A primitive man, or any undisciplined modern man, would have + leaped at their throats. Instead, Foch treated them as if they were human + though not humane beings, and read to them slowly and in a loud voice, the + terms of the armistice for which they had asked. + </p> + <p> + Mathias Erzberger, their spokesman, requested a cessation of hostilities + whilst a courier carried the terms to German General Headquarters at Spa. + </p> + <p> + There the Kaiser, Hindenburg and others awaited particulars. + </p> + <p> + Foch declined to cease hostilities. He knew his enemy too well. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Kaiser learned what the terms were, he abdicated his throne + and fled his country. When the courier had returned, and the German + plenipotentiaries once more presented themselves before Foch (again in his + car) the "War Lord" of all the world was cowering in a Holland hiding + place, his blubbering heir was in another, and a Social Republic had been + declared in Berlin. + </p> + <p> + How the Hohenzollerns knew the terms of the armistice full twenty-four + hours before the courier's return to German Headquarters at Spa, I have + not seen explained or heard any one conjecture. + </p> + <p> + From Rethondes to Spa is a matter of some two hundred and fifty miles, by + road, and nearly forty-eight hours were consumed by the courier in + covering that distance; he did not reach German Headquarters until ten + o'clock Sunday morning, November 10. But the Kaiser abdicated and the + Crown Prince renounced his claims to the throne, in Spa on Saturday + morning, and they were both out of the country when the courier was + received, his papers were read, and he was sent back with word to the + plenipotentiaries to get amelioration of some conditions, if possible, but + in any event to sign. + </p> + <p> + If the press reports are not in error as to the time the courier arrived + at Spa, then the terms of the armistice must have been made known to the + Hohenzollerns by telegraph or other quick communication very early on + Saturday—probably as soon as the courier recrossed his own lines, + which he could have done not many hours after quitting Compiègne forest. + And Berlin seems to have known the terms at least as soon; for it was "the + receipt of an urgent telegram" from Berlin, which the Kaiser is reported + to have read with a shiver, that precipitated the abdication and flight. + </p> + <p> + These details are significant, even in so brief a sketch of Foch's life as + this is; for in their very confusion and obscurity they tell a great story + of what was either realized or feared in the German camps and in the + German capital. + </p> + <p> + The magnitude of that which Foch was ready (and was by his enemies known + to be ready) to do could not be better conveyed to us than by the panicky + haste of those who knew themselves doomed, to make any concessions but at + all costs to avert Foch's next move. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after midnight on Sunday, the German delegation (which had by + Foch's orders been scrupulously served in the matter of their creature + comforts) again presented itself before him in his railway car. Four hours + were spent discussing the possibility of performing some of the conditions + exacted, and modifications were made which in no degree altered the + completeness of Germany's subjugation. + </p> + <p> + Then the papers were signed. + </p> + <p> + The Germans were punctiliously escorted to their own lines. I have not + heard what Foch did; but it would not surprise me to learn that he went + back to bed, and to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, after giving orders for notifying his Government and her Allies, + he sent a message to Madame Foch. But I am quite sure that otherwise he + did not "celebrate," except that he gave God thanks for the victory. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a name="chap18"></a> + </p> + <h3> + XVIII + </h3> + <h3> + DURING THE ARMISTICE AND AFTER + </h3> + <p> + When the French army rode into Metz, Foch was not at its head. There may + or there may not be another man who could and would have foregone that + satisfaction; but certainly there are not many. + </p> + <p> + It does not seem probable that he avoided the occasion; although it would + be like him to take advantage of some good excuse for absence if he + thought there was one of his generals who specially deserved and desired + the honor of that triumphant entry into reclaimed Metz. + </p> + <p> + The attitude of Foch toward praise and plaudits and personal glory is, it + seems to me, one of the supremely great things about him. I cannot imagine + him "ducking" shyly away from any place where he knew he ought to for fear + of salvos of acclaim; it would be as unsoldierly to him to dodge cheers as + to flee from battle, if that way his duty lay. And, similarly, I cannot + imagine him going anywhere to gratify his personal feelings and collect + the praises due him, if there was an urgent reason for his being somewhere + else. + </p> + <p> + <a name="img-174"></a> <img src="images/img-174.jpg" + alt="Ferdinand Foch. Showing His Insignia as a Marshal of France, Consisting of Seven Stars on Each Sleeve and Four Rows of Oak Leaves on His Cap." + width="388" height="632" /> + </p> + <h4> + [Illustration: Ferdinand Foch. Showing His Insignia as a Marshal of + France, Consisting of Seven Stars on Each Sleeve and Four Rows of Oak + Leaves on His Cap.] + </h4> + <p> + The business, military and executive, of seeing that the armistice terms + were fulfilled, was tremendous. Much of it devolved upon him and made + inconceivably great requisitions on that genius he has "for the command of + enormous material difficulties"—a genius he first displayed in + getting the Ninth Army across the Marne in pursuit of the fleeing Germans, + in September, 1914; and which he further evidenced in every succeeding + phase, beginning with the reconstitution of all the forces fighting on the + Yser. + </p> + <p> + The armistice period was a period of extreme demands on him. In it there + was scant opportunity to go here or there with his triumphant armies. His + work in the field, as a commanding general, had practically ceased with + his removal from the Ninth Army after little more than a month of such + command. From the time he took up his headquarters on the hill at Cassel, + he became "a desk man"; it was no longer his function to execute orders; + thenceforth he had the far more trying duty of issuing orders—a + truly awful responsibility and one which demands much solitude, much + soul-searching as well as map-pondering and other weighing of the + ponderable which is so easily off-set by the imponderable, the + unguessable. + </p> + <p> + There are few situations possible in life in which a man could be set + apart with his soul and have so much demanded of his communings as was + demanded of Foch from October, 1914, on to October, 1918. Every decision + he made involved lives—hundreds and thousands or hundreds of + thousands of lives—and not one pang of what must be suffered for + each life laid down was strange to him; his only son was among the first + to die for France and human liberties; and one of his daughters was + widowed; the home he "left in the joyousness of a midsummer Sunday" was + desolate, and it stood forever to him as a symbol of the homes in France + and latterly, in the lands of all the Allies, with whose best-beloved he + made this or that move in the war to preserve civilization. Nor were the + lives he staked all that were involved; there were all that were + incidentally menaced if his strategy failed—all that must suffer + immediately and all that must suffer ultimately under the heel of the + brute if the brute were not destroyed. + </p> + <p> + A man who has lived thus for more than four years, sharing the awfulness + of his burden only with Almighty God, must needs have passed to a + spiritual plane whereon such self-considerations as still sway the rest of + us have ceased to obtrude themselves. + </p> + <p> + The quest of personal glory is as hard to associate with Ferdinand Foch as + with the little Maid of France. Both fought for God and for France and for + a Cause, as their Voices directed them; that he has one of the best brains + of modern or of all times, and that she did "not know her A, B, C," sets + them not so far apart as the materialist might imagine; for the thing that + made both invincible was the power of their faith to create an + unconquerable ardor in themselves and in their men. The churches in France + wherein Foch knelt seeking guidance, beseeching strength, are likely to be + doubly-consecrate, for ages, no less than those wherein Jeanne d'Arc + prayed. She is venerated not as a military leader (though she was that) + but as the one who awakened the soul of mediaeval, much-partitioned France + and made possible the nationalization of her country. He will be venerated + (by the great majority) not as "the first stategist of Europe," but as the + supreme incarnation of that spirit which makes modern France transcendent + among nations vowed to democracy. + </p> + <p> + It is Foch's "likeness" to the myriad soldiers of France that France + adores—not his difference from the rest. Her poilu is her beau ideal + of faith and courage, of patriotism and devotion to the principles of + human rights, of cheerfulness and hopefulness, of invincibility in that + his cause is just. France is too essentially democratic to esteem one set + of characteristics in the mass of men and another set in the leaders of + men. Foch and Joffre will live always in the hearts of their countrymen + because, like Jeanne d'Arc, they have so much to say to everyone—so + much that illumines every path in life wherever it is laid. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of December, 1918, Joffre took his seat among the Immortals of + the French Academy. The vacancy to which he had been elected was that made + by the death of Jules Claretie who, before his admission to the Academy + and before his absorption in the affairs of La Comédie Française, had + written several books about the leaders of the French Revolution. + </p> + <p> + It was Ernest Renan who delivered the address of welcome to Claretie (in + February, 1889) and he said that it was still too soon to know whether + those leaders of whom Claretie had written were supremely justified or + were not. + </p> + <p> + "You are young," Renan said to the new Immortal, "and you will see this + question solved, … some years hence it will be known; if in ten + or twenty years France is prosperous and free, faithful to right, strong + in the friendship of the free peoples of the world, then the cause of the + young Revolutionists is won; the world will enjoy the fruits of their + endeavor without having had to know their unripe bitterness." + </p> + <p> + Joffre quoted this part of Renan's address, in taking his seat. Claretie + had not lived quite long enough to see, save with the eye of faith, that + day Renan foretold; but Claretie's successor in the French Academy had + seen it! And it was like him to say: + </p> + <p> + "I think, gentlemen, that in doing me the honor of receiving me into your + august body, your desire is to pay homage to that glorious French army + which has proved that the soul of France is steadfast for the rights of + man, even unto death that men may be free." + </p> + <p> + Accepting the honor as paid through him to the men who had proved the + worth of that Liberty, Equality and Fraternity the Revolution declared and + decreed, Joffre asked permission to name those to whom, he deemed, the + gratitude of France and of France's Immortals was due. And first among + them he named Foch. + </p> + <p> + This was gracious; it was generous; but it was more than that. And though + Joffre went on to name many leaders, many armies, many moral forces + incarnate in many men as co-responsible for victory, no one could know + quite so well as he how completely the France of which Renan dreamed as a + glorious possibility, is realized and typified in the man whose name leads + all the rest as having saved not France only but the liberties of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte, although he was not French (save technically) and not a + democrat, captured the hearts of France in spite of all he cost them; + because he aggrandized France, made her supreme in many things besides + extent and power. It is instinctive in every Frenchman (or woman, or + child!) to revere anyone who does new credit to the name of France or + brings new glory to it; for the passionate love of country is the primary + religion of the French—they may or may not have another, but unless + they are totally renegade they have that faith, that devotion. + </p> + <p> + In Ferdinand Foch they have a great leader who is in no sense an + "accident" (as Bonaparte was), a sporadic development in their midst, a + spectacular growth on an exotic stem. They have, rather, a quintessential + Frenchman of to-day, even more widely representative of his countrymen + than Lincoln was of ours. + </p> + <p> + "The fame of one man," says Henri Bordeaux, "is nothing unless its + represents the obscure deeds of the anonymous multitude." + </p> + <p> + This is a typically modern idea, and typically French. France of to-day + would not deny the worth of any development because it was singular, + isolate; but what she is particularly interested in is the possibilities + of development along the lines that are followed by the many and are open + (broadly speaking) to all. Guynemer, for a shining instance, is the idol + of every schoolchild in France, not for his daring alone, nor for the + number of boche birds of prey he brought down; but because wealth and + influence were unavailing to get him an opportunity beyond what the + poorest, humblest youngster might have got in the same indomitable way; + and because frail health and puny strength could not debar him from the + sublimest exploits of daring for France. His circumstance—physical + and material—tended to bind him to the soft places of earth. His + desire to serve France gave him wings to fly far beyond the eagles. He has + no grave. He rides the empyrean for all time, to tell the youth of France + how surmountable is everything to one who loves his country and the rights + of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Foch is of less legendary sort, but he, too, epitomizes France; and he + will be increasingly potent as time goes on, irrespective of whether the + sword is or is not superseded in the affairs of men. + </p> + <p> + "The obscure deeds of the anonymous multitude" are much like his own + obscure deeds prior to the great day when France needed him and found him + ready. + </p> + <p> + Every black-smocked schoolboy in France loitering along historic highways + to his gray-stuccoed school, may feel in himself a Foch of to-morrow—and + quicken his steps so that he may make himself a little more ready for his + recitation. + </p> + <p> + Every youth entering upon his military training must find in Foch a + comrade whose influence is all toward thoroughness, "Learn to think," was + Foch's personal admonition for long years before he thus charged his + students. + </p> + <p> + Every teacher toiling to impart not knowledge alone but the thirst for + knowledge, the zeal to use it nobly, has in Foch such a fellow as the + annals of that great profession do not duplicate. Other teachers may have + influenced more pupils; but no human teacher ever saw such a demonstration + of his principles—to the saving of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Every good father in France may see himself in Foch—and especially + every father who gave his son for France and her ideals. + </p> + <p> + Every man whose work in life calls him to lead other men, in peace or in + war, has supreme need of Foch; because Foch embodies those principles of + leadership to which men are now responsive, those ideals toward which they + are striving. Particularly as a coordinator is Foch great—and potent + for the future. There is, probably, no other kind of service so important + to the world's welfare, now, as that of bringing men together; making them + see that fundamentally they are all, if they are right-minded, fighting + for the same thing; and that in union there is strength. + </p> + <p> + As a scholar, Foch is brilliant besides being profound. As a man, he is + simple—and France admires simplicity; he is elegant—and France + loves the elegance that is the expression of fine thinking, fine feeling; + he is modest of his own attainments, and proud of France's glory. + </p> + <p> + For nearly every great commander, victory in arms has led to power in the + state. + </p> + <p> + Foch is a statesman as preëminently as he is a warrior. His counsel was as + weighty in the peace settlement as his strategy was in winning the war. + </p> + <p> + But one cannot conceive him using his prestige, military or diplomatic, to + increase his personal power. + </p> + <p> + He has served God and man; he has served his country and his conviction of + right. He is content therewith—just as he hopes millions of men are + content who have done the same according to their best ability. + </p> + <p> + "I approach the twilight of my life," he wrote not long ago, "with the + consciousness of a good servant who will rest in the peace of his Lord. + Faith in eternal life, in a good and merciful God, has sustained me in the + hardest hours. Prayer has illumined my soul." + </p> + <p> + In presenting to Foch the baton of a Marshal of France, President Poincaré + recalled certain definitions he had often heard Foch reiterate: "War is + the department of moral force; battle, the struggle between two wills; + victory, the moral superiority of the conqueror, the moral depression of + the conquered." + </p> + <p> + "This moral superiority," said the President of the French Republic to the + new Marshal of France, "you have tended like a sacred flame." + </p> + <p> + Always, the tone of tribute to Foch is one of veneration for the greatness + of his soul and his preëminent ability to represent and to lead his + people. + </p> + <p> + "You are not," President Poincaré went on, "of those who let themselves be + downcast by danger; neither are you of those whom victory dazzles. You do + not believe that we are near the end of our efforts and our sacrifices. + You guard against optimism as much as against depression." + </p> + <p> + This he said to Foch, in the field, on August 23, 1918, when the fruits of + victory though in sight were not yet within grasp. + </p> + <p> + Had the presentation been three months later, President Poincaré would (I + think) have spoken not differently; better even than before, he would have + known that Foch is not "of those whom victory dazzles"; and not less + clearly than before would he have perceived that Foch does not "believe + that we are near the end of our efforts and our sacrifices." + </p> + <p> + Foch may well feel that he has done his utmost for his country and for + mankind, in the crisis for which he prepared himself and which he met with + such superb faith in the triumph of Right; but he certainly does not feel + that he has ushered in the millennium; he knows what other demands there + are and will be upon the souls of men, on their devotion to their country, + their perception of truth and honor, and their ardor and ability to serve + humanity. He knows that not France alone but every nation has need to-day + and henceforth of leaders who will do just what he did: personify the + highest ideals of their people and prepare themselves to defend those + ideals intelligently, unselfishly, devoutly. + </p> + <p> + He has established a new standard in leadership. Far from culminating an + old order, he has inaugurated a new—an order which everyone may join + who wills to serve. Its motto is: "Right is Might; believe in the power of + Right; learn to uphold it; strengthen others, as they come in contact with + you, to meet the enemies of Right and to vanquish them; never forget that + the moving power of the world is <i>soul</i>, and the laws of the soul + were made by God." + </p> + <p> + Too deep a student of history, too keen an analyst of human nature to + entertain any illusions about the enemy he has conquered but not + converted, Foch knows that if what he has been privileged to do for France + and for her allies is to have any lasting value, there must be a league of + freedom-loving peoples as strong and as united to preserve peace as they + were to win it; and that this league must be supported by a general morale + not one whit less devoted to the end in view than was the morale which won + the war. + </p> + <p> + Too wise to feel that the victory is his save as he was the leader who + re-organized millions and showed them how to make their conviction of + Right prevail, he is also too wise to wish that his were the power to + create the world anew. He knows that not only will the to-morrows of + mankind be as the multitudes of mankind make them, but that they should be + not otherwise directed; this, of all things, is what the overthrow of + autocracy means. + </p> + <p> + He helped us to shake off the Beast who sought to impose his will on all + the world. Briefly, at least, that Menace is restrained—thanks to + the indomitable will of many nations and to the genius of Ferdinand Foch. + </p> + <p> + It is for us—every one of us!—to say what shall come out of + the security that Foch and his armies have maintained for us at so great a + price; how long we shall maintain it and how honorably we shall use it. + </p> + <p> + And to us, with this sacred obligation on us, Foch would say: + </p> + <p> + "It is not enough to mean well, to desire that righteousness shall + prevail; it is not enough even to be willing to give all, should it be + required of you. You must <i>know how</i> to serve your ideals, your + principles. Victory always goes to those who deserve it by possessing the + greatest power of will and intelligence." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + ***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOCH THE MAN*** + </p> + <p> + ******* This file should be named 17511-h.txt or 17511-h.zip ******* + </p> + <p> + This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> <a + href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/5/1/17511">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/5/1/17511</a> + </p> + <p> + Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will be + renamed. + </p> + <p> + Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one + owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and + you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission + and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the + General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and + distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT + GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered + trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you + receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of + this eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook + for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, + performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given + away--you may do practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. + Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial + redistribution. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> + </body> +</html> diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-002.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-002.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..49fc375 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-002.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-003.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-003.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..da10a57 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-003.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-004.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-004.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f5c952a --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-004.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-018a.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-018a.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1bb504d --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-018a.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-018b.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-018b.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..24b72c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-018b.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-028a.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-028a.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ba799d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-028a.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-028b.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-028b.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..159d831 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-028b.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-060.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-060.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e7321e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-060.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-142.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-142.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ad96c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-142.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-148.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-148.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0989b54 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-148.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-160.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-160.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f21327f --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-160.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-174.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-174.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e1e478b --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-174.jpg diff --git a/17511-h/images/img-front.jpg b/17511-h/images/img-front.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..43911c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/17511-h/images/img-front.jpg |
