My War Memories, 1914-1918
The fishing rights of the numerous large lakes were leased. At Libau deep-sea fishing was organized.
Everything that could be used for food was exploited to the fullest extent.
The condition of the town population was desperate, and in the winter of 1915-16 we were compelled to draw on our military stores for the alleviation of distress. Later, the conditions improved considerably. The Army received its share, and I also helped the home country. I remember that when in June or July, 1916, Herr von Batocki asked me to assist Berlin, I was in a position to do so.
In order to help the' country we permitted the activities of the existing foreign maintenance committees of the various nationalities inhabiting the occupied territory, on condition that their support should not be confined to inhabitants of their own nationality, but that they should also consider others. The Jewish Committee, who had the largest means at their disposal (derived from America), showed themselves broad-minded, and did useful work. Their activities testified to the extraordinary unity of this people and won recognition. The first Jewish national kitchen established in Kovno bore my name. The Army Rabbi Rosenack made the suggestion to me.
Men of proved capacity gave me their assistance in all agricultural and food problems. Among these names the most prominent are those of the well-known member of the Prussian Upper Chamber, Major Count Yorck of Wartenburg, Geh. Reg. Rat Captain von Riimker, and later Hofkammermt Major Heckel.
The conscription of horses naturally lay in the hands of the military. In this matter the District Commandants performed the same duties as the Prussian Lan&mt. The occupied territory had to supply a large number, if we wished to avoid making yet heavier demands on the home country. The Lithuanian horse is small and strong ; it possesses great powers of endurance, and its wants are few. It is therefore a very useful animal for military purposes.
The country was bound to suffer severely as the result of the continuous heavy demands made upon it, especially the constant
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