At the battle of Charleroi 50,000 German cavalry screened an unsuspected infantry force of 300,000 men and the French had to retreat; but that Maubeuge surrendered 40,000 men, without more fighting, gives rise in the French mind to suspicions of German gold.

The anathemas of the French against their commander at Maubeuge make it much safer for him to remain a prisoner in Germany.

The French caught one German wearing a French uniform but having upon his person one million francs.

Of course, they shot him as a spy, but they were more incensed by the bribes he carried than by his uniform.
Everybody in Germany is called upon to lend a hand in maintaining the supply of gold for the government.

The patriotism of the people was first appealed to.