(Prussian and German Military History) Helmuth Graf von Moltke -- ALS Re the Imperial Policy With Regard to the German Railway System (1800-1891) Prussian field marshal, regarded as one of the finest military minds of his generation. He was recognized for his strategic use of railroads in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. Autograph Letter Signed, 13½x8¼, in German, on Chief of General Staff stationery, Berlin, Jan. 19, 1875, to The Members of the Wurtemburg Chamber of Representatives, addressing the need for an imperial policy with regard to the German railway system. He gently addresses the "main points of your Highness' most meritfull work" with flattery, then states his own viewpoint, in part: "From my viewpoint I would like to state that the special needs and claims of the Reich and overall German interests through the elaboration of basic principles for the German Railway System cannot be fulfilled in the Imperial Constitution…an Imperial Railroad Law is undoubtedly necessary…" A way must be found, "taking into account essential interests of the Reich as well as of the member states, which will…secure for the Reich and the national community the necessary influence and will protect both against partiality and mistakes. At the time of this letter, the German Empire was only four years old and Moltke was writing the official military history of the Franco-Prussian War.
Estimated Value $400 - 600
The George Snook Collection.
General
