There was still another matter in which the troops gave their countrymen cause for rejoicing.  Not one drunken man was seen during these earnest days in the city streets.  The General Staff had, moreover, wisely ordered that during the mobilization, when every one had money in his pockets, alcoholic drinks were not to be sold at the railroad stations.  Despite this, the soldiers did not lack for refreshments on their journey.  Women and girls offered their services to the Red Cross, and there was no station where coffee, tea, milk, and substantial food were not at the disposal of the soldiers.  They were not required to suffer hunger or any other discomfort.  The German anti-alcoholists are rejoicing at this earnest tribute to their principles, which were at first laughed at and then pitied, but triumphed in the days of the mobilization.

The army is increased to many times its ordinary strength by the mobilization.  It draws from everywhere millions of soldiers, workmen, horses, wagons, and other material.  The entire railway service is at its disposal.  The mobilization of the fleet goes on more quietly and less conspicuously, but not less orderly and smoothly.  Indeed, it is, even in peace times, practically mobilized as to its greatest and strongest units.  For this reason its transports are smaller than those of the army; they are concentrated in a few harbors, and, therefore, do not attract so much public attention.  The naval transports, working according to plans in connection with those of the army, have moved their quotas of men and materials with the most punctual exactitude.  The naval reserve of fully trained officers and men is practically inexhaustible.  The faithful work of our shipbuilding concerns, carried on uninterruptedly day and night under plans carefully prepared in time of peace, has wrought for our navy a strong increase in powerful warships.

As is known, the German fleet is built on the so-called “assumption-of-risk” plan.  That is, it is intended that it shall be so strong that even the strongest sea power, in a conflict with the Germans, risks forfeiting its former role as a world factor.  This “risk” idea has been hammered into the heart of every German seaman, and they are all eager to win for the fleet such glory that it can be favorably contrasted with the deeds of the old and the new armies.

Contrary to general expectation, the German fleet has taken the offensive, and the first loss of the war was on the English side and in English waters, the English cruiser Amphion running on to German mines in the mouth of the Thames.  In the Baltic and the Mediterranean also German ships have taken the offensive against the enemies’ coast, as is shown by the bombardment by the Germans of the war harbor of Libau and of fortified landing places on the Algerian coast.

Thus the fleet, confiding in the “risk” idea now proved to be true, and in its earnest and courageous spirit, may look forward with confidence to coming events.