My War Memories, 1914-1918
VII
Vitality had to be infused into this administrative system, if it was to accomplish useful work. It must not become bureaucratic, but must adapt itself to the needs of the situation. " Precedent/' that grave-digger of independent judgment, could not apply here, thank God !
I had the services of Captains von Brockhusen and Freiherr von Gayl, of the Reserve, in the whole business of building up the administrative system. Prior to the war the former had been a Landrat, and the latter director of the East Prussian Land Company at Konigsberg. We produced a sound organization, well fitted to cope with the heavy demands made upon it.
We gave special attention to the health of the population. We triumphed over spotted fever which was rampant in many places. It involved heavy sacrifices in doctors.
To pacify the population and give material relief to the country, we made a beginning with the redemption of requisition notes issued by the troops during operations. It was a difficult and complicated matter to carry through. From now on we paid for everything in cash. I wanted in that way to help the country and increase its productivity; in my view a very important matter.
It was necessary for us to obtain control of the products of the soil, and to ensure the proper management of agriculture and full exploitation of the land. This was all the more difficult, because the population was so small. For example, the district of, Bauske only numbered four inhabitants to the square kilometre.
In our anxiety to help the home country, and indeed under pressure, we attempted too much in the way of cultivation. We interested German companies in the business, in, the hope of their being able, with the means at their disposal, to improve the cultivation of the thinly populated regions,
We took big estates under our own management. Motor-
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