and the hero of the Battle of the Mare. is the presiding genius. The effort, this council were not to be seen for several months, but now they are required in full measure. The council was a simultaneous allied effort, which they clearly saw could not be decided on two at its own. This follows the well-known axiom of German military strategy that the best defense is an energetic attack.

The first of these offensive defenses was subjected to a whirlwind of fire, beginning on February 21. The first week were great, as German critics foretold the collapse of the French. Two of the defenders forts, Vaux and Dournier, and important positions were taken west of the Meuse River. The first German army rallied his men in splendid fashion and sold each yard of ground to an awful cost in German blood. 