The Berlin _Neue Zeit_ says that since the mobilization the Doberritz
road has been strongly guarded by a Grenadier Guards regiment from
Spandau. Last week the Kaiser motored along the road, his chauffeur
continually sounding the Emperor’s special horn. Nevertheless, two
sentries stopped the car, asking for the permit.
The Kaiser said from the window of the car, “I should think my motor car
might have been known as imperial property.”
“Well, your Majesty,” replied one of the sentries, “we are commanded to
bring to a standstill and investigate all cars without exception.”
“SAY THAT I WAS UNCONSCIOUS!”
This graphic incident of the fall of Liége was told a reporter for a
Dutch paper by a German officer:
“When the first dust and fumes passed away we stormed the fort across
ground literally strewn with bodies of the defenders. All the men in the
forts were wounded. Most were unconscious. A corporal with one arm
shattered valiantly tried to drive us back by firing his rifle.
“Buried in débris and pinned beneath a massive beam was Gen. Leman. ‘Le
Général il est mort,’ said an aide-de-camp with gentleness. With care
which showed our respect for the man who had resisted us so valiantly
and stubbornly, our infantry released the General’s wounded form and
carried him away. He recovered consciousness and said:
“‘It is as it is. The men fought valiantly.’ He added:
“‘Put it in your despatches that I was unconscious.’
“We brought him to our commander, General Von Emmich, and the two
generals saluted. We tried to speak words of comfort, but he was silent.
He is known as the ‘Silent General.’ Extending his hand, our commander
said:
“‘General, you have gallantly and nobly held your forts.’ General Leman
replied:
“‘I thank you. Our troops have lived up to their reputations.’ With a
smile he added, ‘War is not like maneuvers.’
“This was a reference to the fact that General Von Emmich was recently
with General Leman during the Belgian maneuvers.
“Then, unbuckling his sword, General Leman tendered it to General Von
Emmich.
“‘No,’ replied the German commander with a bow, ‘keep your sword. To
have crossed swords with you has been an honor.’
“And the fire in Gen. Leman’s eye was dimmed by a tear.”