Anonymous

“ A Detachment of the French Aviation Corps The aeroplane is one of the factors that have revolutionized modern warfare. Its use for dropping bombs on hostile cities gives it a spectacular place in the news columns of to-day, but its real military value consists in scouting, getting the range for artillery, and preventing surprises by the enemy. ”

“ The Famous Scots Greys The Royal Scots Greys were the first regiment of dragoons raised in Great Britain (1681) . There are now half a score of dragoon guard and dragoon regiments, all mounted and equipped as medium heavy cavalry. They are armed with carbine and sabre, and wear metal helmets (except the Scots Greys) . This noted regiment has served with distinction in all parts of the world, and has already counted big in the British defense in France and Belgium. The "Grey" does not refer to the uniform, but to the horses, which all have their tails trimmed half-short. ”

“ The French army is thoroughly equipped with the swiftest monoplanes in Europe, and the French are wonderful aviators—skillful, fearless, and resourceful.
A DETACHMENT OF THE FRENCH AVIATION CORPS
PHOTO © BROWN BROS., N.Y.
One of Germany's Mammoth Zeppelins These great dirigible airships, hundreds of feet long, were invented and perfected by the aged Count Zeppelin. They are effective within a range of one thousand miles. The German Empire has unquestionably surpassed all its rivals in Europe in the thorough application of the inventions of modern science to the making of war. ”

“ Manufacturing is the leading industry. Most of the large cities are near the coal-fields in the north central part. London, Liverpool and Edinburgh are the principal ports.
England has no fear of losing India, but does not look with favor on Russia's Balkan ambitions. At the same time she is opposed to the spread of a great German empire from Holland to the Ægean Sea, which would upset the English doctrine of small independent states and the "balance of power" in Europe. ”

“ Crack Austrian Regiment from Vienna Austrian military traditions are equal to any in Europe. In the sixteenth century they turned back the tide of Turkish conquest and saved Europe. Military service is compulsory on all able-bodied males from 20 to 42, and totals twelve years—three in the line, seven in reserve, and two in the "Landwehr." The long trousers worn by these troops show that they are recruited from the Germanic part of the empire—for the Austrian army, like the empire itself, contains men speaking twenty-six different languages. ”

“ The population is mostly Slavic, and the racial sympathy is therefore with the Balkan peoples. Russia, like Austria and Germany, would like a port on the Mediterranean, as she now has access to the Atlantic only through the Baltic Sea and the Dardanelles (between the Black Sea and the Ægean) .
Sixty years ago Russia attacked Turkey, menacing Great Britain's route to her Oriental possessions. These two powers combined with France and repulsed Russia in the Crimean War. ”

“ In 1870 Victor Emmanuel, king of Sardinia, united Italy and made Rome the national capital. Austria tried to thwart this movement. England and France were friendly to Italy at that time, and Germany was neutral.
ALLIANCES The Triple Alliance was formed by Bismarck, after the Franco-Prussian War. Its object was to strengthen Germany and isolate France. A dual league was made in 1879 between Austria and Germany, which Italy joined in 1880. By this alliance the nations intended to aid each other in defense. Bismarck wanted Russia in the league, but trouble in the Balkans broke off this project. ”

“ The German people are intelligent and industrious. Since the founding of the empire their industrial and commercial development has been wonderful. Less than half the population is now engaged in agriculture, but Germany still produces the larger part of her food supply. Almost one-third as many cattle are raised as in the United States, and Germany leads the world in sugar production. ”

“ Ready for the Uhlans—Belgian Armored Motor Cars The flat lowlands of Belgium and northern France are networked with perfect roads, making possible very rapid movement of troops. Armored motor cars have been much used by all the armies, especially as escorts for aviators. The car on the left carries a machine gun; the one on the right is simply armored with sheet steel to stand heavy fire.
The Belgians employed these cars extensively in the first month of the war, in their attempt to prevent the raids of the German cavalry. ”

“ The Famous 75 Millimeter French Guns at the Marne The French guns, by many military experts, are said to be superior to any other field artillery. Their bore is only 2.95 inches, but the initial velocity and accuracy are greater than the German guns, and their lightness makes them more mobile in action. A battery has about the same effect on an advancing line as a mowing-machine on a harvest field. ”

“ The Black Watch "Faithful, constant, generous in the hour of victory, and endued with calm perseverance under trial and disaster," the Highlanders of Scotland have won conspicuous honor on England's many battlefields. ”

“ Cossacks—The Rough Riders of Russia The Cossacks of the river Don pay no taxes, but are liable to military service from eighteen to fifty, and each must furnish his own horse. They are wonderful riders, and excellent scouts or skirmishers. Their hollow circle formation is a favorite one for defense. ”

“ Most of the people live by agriculture, which is carried to a high standard. Wheat, oats, barley and corn are grown, also root-crops, fruits, tobacco, grapes and silk. There are rich mines of coal, iron and lead. In 1912 France ranked fourth in imports and exports. In manufactures of silk the French predominate, and they make fine muslins, porcelains, glass, jewelry and clocks.
GREAT BRITAIN The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, comprising England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. ”

“ The coast line measures about twenty-eight hundred miles, and the English navy is equal to any other two. "The sun never sets on her colonial possessions," and her world-trade is the largest of any nation. ”

“ Canadian Troops Off for the War The loyalty and enthusiasm of the Dominion at this critical time is very impressive. The picture shows the Ninetieth Winnipeg Rifles on the march from the training camp at Valcartier, eighteen miles north of Quebec—the largest practice encampment ever established in America. ”