The Germans left no stones unturned to influence the Dutch in their favor. They deluged the newspaper offices with free propaganda, telegraphed at great expense from Berlin, and supplied free copies of the Berlin Journals. Everything possible was to spread distrust of the English, who were constantly accused of having designs on the integrity of Holland and of desiring to take possession of the Scheldt. This was carried so far that a panic was created on March 31, 1916, by the report of landing of the Entente forces in Zeeland. The report, which was without any foundation, was circulated by the Germans and spread like wild fire around the country. _The Times History of the War._ [Illustration] _HOHENZOLLERN MADNESS_ _The storming of Dead Man's Hill_ * * * * * We figure that the attempt to rush this important position (their object was to capture Le Mort Homme, in order to render untenable the key sector of Pepper Hill and Douaumont) cost the Germans fully 30,000 men, of whom an unusually high proportion were killed, owing to their inability to succor and save the slightly wounded. Perhaps now the enemy will realize that he has reached a stalemate, for the abrupt breakdown of yesterday's attempt against Vaux and Douaumont proves once more it is impossible to advance there while we hold Le Mort Homme, and the latter must seem to be impregnable. _French Official Eyewitness. March 26, 1916._ [Illustration] _"MY SON LIES HERE, WHERE ARE YOURS?"_ [Illustration] THE OLD POILU * * * * * Soldiers of the Army of Verdun! For three weeks you have been exposed to the most formidable assaults yet attempted against us by the enemy. Germany counted upon the success of this effort, which she believed to be irresistible, and to which she has devoted her best troops and her most powerful artillery. She hoped that the capture of Verdun would revive the courage of her allies and would convince neutral countries of German superiority. She had reckoned without you. Night and day, despite a bombardment without precedent, you have resisted all attacks and maintained our positions. The struggle is not yet at an end, for the Germans require a victory. You will succeed in wresting it from them. We have munitions and reserves in abundance; but, above all, you have indomitable courage and faith in the destinies of the Republic. The eyes of the country are upon you. You will be among those of whom it will be said: they barred the road to Verdun to the Germans. GENERAL JOFFRE _to the French Army at Verdun, March, 1916._ [Illustration] _"GERMAN CHIVALRY ON THE SEA"_ * * * * *