Grateful to God, Who was with us.  I thank you and your troops for
     the first victory.  Please convey to all the troops which took part
     in the fight my imperial thanks in the name of the Fatherland.

     Your chief war captain.

* * * * *

A PRAYER FOR VICTORY.

By the Kaiser’s Order to Supreme Council of the Evangelical Church—­To Be Included in the Liturgy Throughout the War.

Almighty and merciful God!  God of the armies!  We beseech Thee in humility for Thy almighty aid for our German Fatherland.  Bless the entire German war force, lead us to victory, and give us grace that we may show ourselves to be Christians toward our enemies as well.  Let us soon arrive at the peace which will everlastingly safeguard our free and independent Germany.

* * * * *

“Up and at the foes.”

Kaiser’s Farewell Speech to First Regiment of Foot Guards at Potsdam.

I draw the sword that with God’s help I have kept all these years in the scabbard.  I have drawn the sword, which without victory and without honor I cannot sheath again.  All of you will see to it that only in honor is it returned to the scabbard.  You are my guarantee that I can dictate peace to my enemies.  Up and at the foes, and down with the enemies of Brandenburg!

* * * * *

ON VICTORY NEAR METZ.

From Cabinet Order of Kaiser Wilhelm II., Published in Berlin Aug. 23.

The mobilization and concentration of the army is now complete, the German railways having carried out the enormous transport movements with unparalleled certainty and punctuality.  With a heart filled with gratitude my first thoughts turn to those who since 1870-71 have worked quietly upon the development of an organization which has emerged from its first serious test with such glorious success.  To all who have co-operated with them I wish to express my imperial thanks for their loyal devotion to duty in making possible in obedience to my call the transportation of armed masses of German troops against my enemies.  The present achievement [near Metz] convinces me that the railways of the country will be equal to the heaviest demands that might be made upon them during the course of the gigantic struggle in which we are engaged for the future of the German Nation.

* * * * *

THE SPIRIT OF THE MEN.

Kaiser’s Telegram from Dresden to the King of Saxony, Oct. 2.