The two had previously
been comrades at maneuvers. The report of their meeting is given
by a German officer. The guard presented the customary salute due
General Leman's rank. General von Emmich advanced a few steps to
meet General Leman. Both generals saluted.
"General," said Von Emmich, "you have gallantly and nobly held your
forts."
"I thank you," Leman replied. "Our troops have lived up to their
reputation. War is not like maneuvers, _mon General_," he added
with a pointed smile. "I ask you to bear witness that you found
me unconscious."
General Leman unbuckled his sword to offer it to the victor. Von
Emmich bowed.
"No, keep it," he gestured. "To have crossed swords with you has
been an honor."
Subsequently the President of the French Republic bestowed on Liege
the Cross of the Legion of Honor. To its motto in this instance
might have been added appropriately: Liege, the Savior of Paris.
The few days of its resistance to an overwhelming force enabled
the Belgium army to improve its mobilization, the British to throw
an expeditionary army into France, and the French to make a new
offensive alignment. It will forever remain a brilliant page in war
annals. In a military estimate it proved that forts constructed on
the lastest scientific principles, but unsupported by an intrenched
field army, crumple under the concentrated fire of long-range,
high-power enemy guns.
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